Sensitive Ecosystems on Cortes Island

Woodland, riparian, wetland, freshwater/lake, intertidal, herbaceous, old forest: all of these types of sensitive ecosystems are found on Cortes Island. Sensitive ecosystems are considered ecologically significant and, at one time, covered a much larger area. These ecosystems are rare, fragile, and/or at risk due to human influences on the landscape.

Sensitive ecosystems are inherently rich in biodiversity and provide habitat for both plant and animal species at risk. The larger and biodiverse an ecosystem is, the more resilient it is to stress and changes.

We are grateful to Discovery Islands Ecosystem Mapping (DIEM) project for their hard work, their research, and information on these ecosystems in the Discovery Islands! Each of these photos is of a sensitive ecosystem found on Cortes Island and each will link you to the DIEM website. There you will find out more about these ecosystems and the plants and animals they support. You will also see where else they occur in the Discovery Islands. Why not check them out! Please note not all species listed in the descriptions necessarily occur on Cortes Island.

Woodland ecosystems (e.g. Green Mountain) are dry and open mixed forest ecosystems that occur on rocky outcrops. They quickly drain and have shallow and nutrient-poor soils. Read more...

Wetland ecosystems (e.g. Hague Lake, wetland) are characterized by flooding and poor drainage. Water depth fluctuates – generally less than 2 metres. Wet soils and moisture dependent plants. Read more…

Riparian ecosystems (e.g. Basil Creek) occur along flowing freshwater, and around the still waters of lakes and ponds and wetlands. Usually narrow and linear. Read more…

Freshwater ecosystems (e.g. Gunflint Lake) are open water bodies with water depths greater than 2 metres and little to no floating vegetation. Read more…

Intertidal ecosystems (e.g. Sutil Point Reef) vary from rocky beaches to open mudflats. They are exposed as the tide ebbs; usually twice every 24 hours. Read more …

Old forest ecosystems (e.g. Kwas Park) consist of trees of all ages and stages: massive living old trees, young trees in a well-developed understory, large dead trees, etc. Read more …

Herbaceous ecosystems (e.g. Easter Bluff) are areas of coarse shallow soils and bedrock on exposed hilltops and headlands. There, you can find mossy outcrops in forest openings, etc. Read more …