Hwsalu-utsum Park

Hwsalu-utsum Park is a 143-hectare Class A provincial park established in 2021 near the Koksilah River in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, approximately 15 kilometers from Duncan and 30 kilometers from Nanaimo. The park is located in an area known as Eagle Heights, within the southern-most portion of a broader ridge area called Hwsalu-utsum in the Hul'q'umi'num' language, pronounced whSALA-utsum. The park name was identified by the Cowichan Tribes, honoring Indigenous connections to this area that has been used by Cowichan people since time immemorial. The province purchased the land in 2018 for $7.15 million, with support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation ($400,000) and the Cowichan Community Land Trust ($225,000). The park protects pockets of old-growth Douglas fir forest, a sensitive grassland ecosystem, rare species of vascular plants, and limestone geological features, while providing important habitat for vulnerable and threatened wildlife species including Roosevelt elk, western screech owl, and northern goshawk.

The park provides critical habitat for Roosevelt elk, a subspecies of elk found only in coastal Pacific Northwest regions, with the population in the Cowichan Valley representing an important conservation priority for British Columbia. Western screech owls, listed as threatened in Canada due to habitat loss and competition with introduced barred owls, utilize the park's old-growth Douglas fir forests which provide essential nesting cavities and hunting grounds. Northern goshawks, another species of conservation concern, hunt through the forest utilizing their exceptional maneuverability to pursue prey including grouse, squirrels, and smaller birds. Black-tailed deer are abundant throughout the park, along with black bears that forage for berries, insects, and vegetation across diverse habitats. The park supports diverse bird communities including pileated woodpeckers, varied thrushes, Pacific wrens, and numerous warbler species during breeding season. Small mammals including Douglas squirrels, Townsend's chipmunks, and various rodent species are important prey for raptors and medium-sized predators. The proximity to the Koksilah River influences wildlife use, with riparian corridors providing connectivity for animal movement across the broader landscape.

The park protects valuable old-growth Douglas fir forest, a ecosystem type that has been extensively logged throughout Vancouver Island with only scattered remnants remaining in protected status. These ancient forests feature massive Douglas fir trees several hundred years old, creating structural complexity with multi-layered canopies, abundant snags, and large downed logs essential for countless species. The understory of old-growth stands includes western red cedar, western hemlock, and grand fir regeneration, along with shrub species such as salal, Oregon grape, and huckleberry. Sensitive grassland ecosystems within the park represent rare habitat types on Vancouver Island, supporting specialized plant communities adapted to shallow soils and dry summer conditions. The park harbors rare vascular plant species that are increasingly threatened by development and habitat conversion across the Cowichan Valley. Limestone geology influences local vegetation, with certain plant species specifically associated with calcium-rich soils derived from weathered limestone bedrock. Riparian areas near the Koksilah River support black cottonwood, red alder, and various willow species that stabilize streambanks and provide important wildlife habitat and connectivity.

The park's limestone geological features are significant on Vancouver Island where this rock type is relatively uncommon, with limestone formations representing ancient marine environments from millions of years ago when these rocks were deposited in shallow tropical seas. The limestone bedrock influences soil chemistry, creating locally alkaline conditions that contrast with the typically acidic soils developed on volcanic and metamorphic rocks that dominate much of Vancouver Island. Karst features may be present where limestone has been dissolved by slightly acidic groundwater, potentially creating caves, sinkholes, or unusual surface topography, though specific karst features have not been extensively documented in available information. The ridge topography reflects broader landscape patterns on Vancouver Island, with complex terrain created by tectonic uplift, faulting, and extensive erosion over millions of years. Glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch modified the landscape, though the area's relatively high elevation meant that ice coverage was less extensive than in valley bottoms, allowing some old-growth forest to persist or re-establish relatively early after deglaciation. The limestone geology makes the area geologically distinctive and contributes to habitat diversity by creating unique soil conditions supporting specialized plant communities.

The park experiences a maritime climate typical of coastal Vancouver Island, with mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers moderated by proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Winter temperatures rarely drop below -5°C in valley areas, though higher elevations can be cooler, with most precipitation falling as rain though occasional snow occurs between December and February. Annual precipitation likely ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 millimeters depending on elevation, with the wettest period from October through March and a pronounced dry season from July through September. Summer temperatures are generally pleasant, with daytime highs typically 20-25°C, though the Cowichan Valley can experience higher temperatures during heat waves when inland valleys warm more than immediate coastal areas. The park's elevation and topographic position create microclimates, with south-facing slopes warmer and drier than north-facing slopes, influencing vegetation patterns including the distribution of sensitive grasslands. Fog is common during summer mornings when cool marine air meets warmer land surfaces, typically burning off by midday to reveal sunny conditions.

The area has been utilized by the Cowichan people and their ancestors for thousands of years, with the name Hwsalu-utsum reflecting deep cultural and linguistic connections to the landscape. Traditional uses likely included hunting for deer and elk, gathering plant materials for food and medicine, and utilizing forest resources for shelter and tool construction. The Cowichan people developed sophisticated knowledge of seasonal patterns, plant phenology, and wildlife behavior, passing this traditional ecological knowledge through generations. European colonization beginning in the mid-19th century brought dramatic changes to land tenure and resource use, with much of the Cowichan Valley cleared for agriculture and logged for timber that fueled early economic development. The area that became the park likely escaped intensive logging due to challenging access or other factors, allowing old-growth forest to persist while surrounding lands were transformed. Recognition of the area's ecological values led to its identification for conservation, with the Cowichan Tribes playing a central role in advocating for protection and ensuring that the park name honored Indigenous heritage.

The land that became Hwsalu-utsum Park was purchased by the provincial government in 2018 for $7.15 million, with financial contributions from conservation partners recognizing the area's exceptional values. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation provided $400,000 toward the purchase, while the Cowichan Community Land Trust contributed $225,000, demonstrating broad community support for conservation. The park was formally established in 2021 through the Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, receiving Class A designation which ensures lands are dedicated for preservation of their natural environment and for public use and enjoyment. The park name Hwsalu-utsum was identified by the Cowichan Tribes, continuing British Columbia's commitment to incorporating Indigenous place names in park designations as part of reconciliation efforts. According to Kelly Greene, parliamentary secretary for environment, acknowledging Indigenous place names at provincial parks provides deeper connection to the land's history and culture while supporting ongoing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The park establishment strengthens protection of sensitive lands and ecosystems in the rapidly developing Cowichan Valley, where population growth and resource extraction have put increasing pressure on remaining natural areas.

The park offers opportunities for hiking through old-growth Douglas fir forest, allowing visitors to experience the majesty of ancient trees and the ecological complexity of mature forest ecosystems increasingly rare on Vancouver Island. Trail development likely focuses on providing access while minimizing impact on sensitive habitats and wildlife, with routes potentially leading to viewpoints offering vistas over the Cowichan Valley. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for patient observers, particularly for Roosevelt elk which may be encountered in forest clearings or transitional areas, though maintaining safe distances from these large animals is essential. Birdwatching can be rewarding, with possibilities to observe or hear western screech owls during evening hours, along with diverse songbirds and woodpeckers active during daylight. The park's limestone features may offer geological interest for those knowledgeable about rocks and landforms. Nature photography opportunities abound, from massive old-growth trees to seasonal wildflower displays in grassland areas. The park's relatively close proximity to Duncan and Nanaimo makes it accessible for day trips, offering convenient access to nature experiences for local residents and visitors to Vancouver Island.

The park is located near Duncan on Vancouver Island, accessible via local roads from Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) which runs through the Cowichan Valley. As a newly established park created in 2021, infrastructure development is likely still evolving, with facilities potentially ranging from basic trail access to more developed amenities depending on management plans and available funding. Visitors should check BC Parks resources for current information on trails, parking, and any regulations before visiting. The park likely does not have camping facilities, focusing instead on day-use recreation and ecosystem conservation. The nearest communities, Duncan and Nanaimo, provide all services including accommodations, food, and supplies for those visiting the area. Cell phone coverage in the park may be variable depending on specific locations and topography. Visitors should be prepared for typical Vancouver Island conditions including rain gear year-round, sturdy footwear for potentially muddy trails, and layered clothing to adapt to changing weather. The park is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may make some trails muddy or slippery, while summer offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities.

The park protects critically important old-growth Douglas fir forest, an ecosystem type that has been reduced to less than 3 percent of its original extent on Vancouver Island due to extensive logging over the past century and a half. These ancient forests provide irreplaceable habitat for species dependent on structural complexity including cavity-nesting birds, arboreal mammals, and countless invertebrates that rely on snags and downed logs. The protection of Roosevelt elk habitat is particularly significant, as this subspecies has experienced population declines and habitat loss across its range, making every protected area important for long-term conservation. Western screech owl and northern goshawk populations have declined substantially across British Columbia, making habitat protection essential for preventing further losses of these threatened species. The park's sensitive grasslands represent rare habitats on Vancouver Island that support specialized plant and invertebrate communities increasingly threatened by development and invasive species. Climate change poses emerging challenges including altered precipitation patterns affecting soil moisture and plant communities, increased frequency of drought stress during summer months, and potential changes to wildfire regimes. Invasive species including Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry, and various introduced grasses threaten native plant communities, requiring ongoing monitoring and control. The park contributes to regional conservation by providing connectivity between protected areas and private lands with conservation values, allowing wildlife movement across the broader landscape. The establishment of this park demonstrates successful collaboration among provincial government, conservation organizations, and Indigenous communities in protecting natural heritage for future generations.