Why we Support SIERP
GOAL
The goal of the Sidney Island Restoration Project (SIERP) is to restore the endangered and rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem on Sidney Island by removing the main threat of invasive fallow deer (Dama dama) through a complete eradication program, while supporting Indigenous rights and developing a plan for long-term ecological management.
Background
In addition to deer eradication and invasive plant removal, the project aims to implement a long-term management plan for replanting native species and biodiversity monitoring to ensure sustained recovery.
European fallow deer introduced to Sidney Island many decades ago have degraded the island's endangered Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem by over-browsing native plants.
Past efforts to control the fallow deer population through recreational hunting and culls have failed to allow ecological recovery, resulting in a continuous cycle of killing deer.
The complete eradication of the fallow deer population is necessary to achieve long-term sustained ecological recovery and reduce animal suffering in the long run.
The one-time eradication by professionals is considered the most humane approach compared to the perpetual cycle of hunting and culls that has occurred for decades.
Eradication is scientifically sound, supports reconciliation, will be conducted humanely and ethically, and will ultimately reduce animal suffering.
Key Points
Restoring and sustaining the fragile Douglas-fir ecosystem is the goal
The ecosystem has been dangerously degraded by fallow deer over-browsing native plants
Fallow deer are not native to BC
Bird life has diminished, and risk of fire has increased
Eradication is the only option to achieve long-term recovery of the native plants and trees, hunting and culls having failed for more than 40 years to control the population
Eradication is supported by majority of owners, Islands Trust Conservancy, BC Government, First Nations, Parks Canada and scientists at UBC
BC SPCA is not opposed to the eradication program
Replanting of native species is underway and will increase following eradication and invasive plant removal (Broom, English Hawthorne)
Ecosystem health will be monitored to ensure a permanent recovery