K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy
What are your views? A management plan for this conservancy is currently under development; you are invited to participate through the management planning web page for this conservancy. Click here to provide your comments.
This site is under construction; more information on this conservancy will be added when it becomes available.
About This Conservancy
The K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands area has a long history of use by First Nations. The conservancy is associated with Lax Kw’alaams and Metlakatla First Nations (collectively Coast Tsimshian). This conservancy comprises Stephens Islands as well as a large number of associated smaller islands.
K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy was identified for conservancy status during negotiations between the provincial government and First Nations governments following the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP). This conservancy was legally designated in Spring 2008. See News Release for more information.
Location and Maps
K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy is comprised of 9,446 hectares of upland and 4,572 hectares of foreshore, for a total of 14,018. It is located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Prince Rupert.
Nature and Culture
This area is an important First Nations traditional use area and has substantial cultural and social significance. The area has a long history of use by First Nations groups. K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy is within the asserted traditional territories of the Coast Tsimshian First Nations. The islands contain several campsites, some of historical importance, and many still in use by Coast Tsimshian members for seasonal harvesting of marine and land resources.
The large sheltered marine inlets of this conservancy are important wetland habitat for shorebird and waterfowl, including many redlisted and blue-listed species. Recreation opportunities in this conservancy include camping, kayaking, fishing and diving.
Management Planning
There is an active management planning project underway for this conservancy.
What are your views? Visit the K’sgaxl/Stephens Islands Conservancy management planning page to provide your input on the management plan for this conservancy.
