A letter from Saanich Parks, as shared with the CBRA:
Dear Cadboro Bay Residents’ Association,
A lot has happened in Haro Woods since Saanich Parks concluded public consultation and finalized its Management Plan in 2018 (you can view the plan, and a record of all meetings and public input, at saanich.ca/parks). Passive activities such as walking, nature appreciation, dog walking, and recreational cycling on designated trails are welcome, and the Parks Division has been working to support these activities while protecting the park’s environment.
Our Natural Areas crews have been restoring soil and vegetation impacted by past off-trail biking, and closing unplanned trails that fragment habitat and diminish the ecological health of the woods. School and volunteer groups are also working hard to remove invasive plants, and to help re-establish the native plants that our local wildlife has evolved to depend on.
Finnerty Creek has been restored with organic debris and native plants to maximize the wildlife habitat it provides. The trail system now has 2 small footbridges to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the seasonal creek without damaging it.
Way-finding maps and trail-marking posts have been installed, as well as three interpretive signs about the woods’ environment and wildlife – and how to protect them – and a bench overlooking Finnerty Creek ravine.
We invite you to visit the park and see first-hand all we’ve accomplished.
Regards,
Becky Goodall, BLA
Park Planner + Designer, Parks Division
District of Saanich
Parks Division
770 Vernon Avenue
Victoria BC V8X 2W7
Additional information about the Haro Woods updates, including photos, can be found here.
