Less than 5% of the rare Garry Oak ecosystems exist in their natural form on Vancouver Island. Despite their rarity, they perform valuable ecological, cultural and economic functions in our urban areas. Protecting and managing Garry Oak ecosystems in these urban areas is a challenge, for many reasons. Examples of successful management will be discussed from urban areas in Victoria and Saanich. These examples could be beneficial if applied to the mid-Island range of Garry Oak ecosystems in the Nanaimo area.
Thomas Munson holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree from University of Waterloo, and a Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma and Masters of Science degree from the University of Victoria. He has worked with First Nations in the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, and Colombia, South America for much of the past 20 years. Thomas worked as Environmental Technician for City of Victoria Parks, in restoration, and management of Garry oak ecosystems. Now, as Senior Environmental Planner for District of Saanich, he works to protect these same ecosystems from development activities.