The Political Ecology class, run by Dr. John Reid-Hresko, took a block trip to Tofino, BC for 8 days to study human-environment interactions and the politics and power that shape those interactions.

While in Tofino they spent the week meeting with diverse stakeholders – tourism companies, the mayor of Tofino, First Nations people, residents, biologists, environmental non-profit managers, and fish farming companies.

One of the highlights of the course was with Parks Canada, where they discussed the parks system of conservation and restoration, and helped the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve with restoration work by removing invasive species of grass on the sand dunes.

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Although 30 of 37 of the most significant dune sites on the coast are under some sort of protection, they have greatly declined over the last 100 years. Less than 1% of British Columbia is covered by these dunes. This rare ecosystem has shrunk by 56% across coastal BC. Sand dunes are fragile environments and Parks Canada is working hard to ensure their long-term survival.

Sand dunes are home to unique plant species tough enough to survive in very harsh conditions. Dune plants get blasted by sand that scours off branches and needles from spruce trees, yet they survive and thrive.

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Some have roots that reach metres into the sand for moisture, while others have waxy leaves to prevent water loss and can survive regular burial by sand movement. Despite their hardiness, these plants do not have the capacity to compete with the invasive beachgrass species and subsequent encroachment of forest land.

By removing invasive beachgrass species, Parks Canada is protecting sensitive plants that rely on the sand dune ecosystem. With the help of committed staff, scientists and volunteers, Parks Canada is working to restore the open, dynamic sand dune ecosystem so that it can support a variety of indigenous plants and animals.

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(Photo Credit: Photo: Devon Francis)

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