Conservation in the Gulf Islands

Easy does it on the islands

Spectacular views are not uncommon in the Gulf Islands, such as this one from Mount Erskine on Salt Spring Island.

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FIRE HAZARD

Unusually dry summers in the past few years have brought the threat of forest fires to life for Gulf Islands residents. In 2006, Galiano Island faced a major wildland fire that resulted in evacuation of residents and the need for an all-out emergency response from the islands and province of B.C.

Visitors are urged to use extreme caution when it comes to smoking outdoors, and to heed burning and campfire bans and fire regulations. All populated islands have fire halls and fire hazard notices.

DEER ALERT

Caution should always be exercised on the narrow, winding roads of the Gulf Islands - and visitors should be on the lookout for one of the islands' most cute, yet dangerous, inhabitants.

Local deer have a habit of strolling onto roadways just as a vehicle approaches, especially in the evening when visibility is at its lowest point. On the other hand, they make charming photo subjects when you see them during the day.