Here’s an update on the position of BCMT on Flower Island.
Several years ago the Namgis had requested that the site not be displayed on our map because of overuse/degradation. It is in a Prov Park, so BCMT’s process is to also consult the land manger, BC Parks, then to make a decision on the map display. For reasons that are not clear, this consultation did not happen until recently. BC Parks appear to have little interest in the site and seem uncertain if the island was included in the Park. Many Parks now come under co-management. Decades ago, Parks were all too often created without much consultation with local FNs.
BCMT decided to display the site as ‘Closed’ on their map. I doubt there will be any further action taken by either Namgis or Parks to enforce an overnight stay site closure, although this is unknown. So the ‘closure’ will likely discourage some paddlers who otherwise might have planned to camp here, but maybe won’t actually reduce usage, although that remains to be seen. I would have preferred a different outcome.