Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy

About This Conservancy

Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy protects all of Fin Island, along with its surrounding islets, rocks, bays and foreshore. Located within the Hecate Lowland and North Coast Fjords Ecosection, this rocky island protects high archaeological, cultural, and bio-diversity values.

The Island has three sheltered bays (Brant, Curlew, Hawk) which are used by recreational boaters and saltwater anglers for sheltered anchorage and shore visits for picnics.

Established Date: July 13, 2006

Conservancy Size:  1,902 ha

Special Notes:

• Boaters should not dump their sewage or wastes into Hawk Bay, as it would cause harmful impacts to the water quality and shellfish aquaculture project there.
• There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
• There are no facilities in the conservancy.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Location Map

Lakelse Douglas Channel area map [PDF 1.86MB]

Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy is only accessible by boat and located about 17 km southwest of Hartley Bay and 100 km southwest of Kitimat. Fin Island is located at the north end of Squally Channel, between Farrant Island and Gil Island.

• Reference: Marine Chart #3742 (Otter Passage to McKay Reach).
• Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Maps #103 H/3 (Gil Island) and #103 H/6 (Hartley Bay).

Kitimat Visitor Information Centre:
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada   V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
Email: info@tourismkitimat.ca
Phone: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy map [PDF]

Nature and Culture

• History:
  Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on July 14, 2006 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan. The Gitga’at First Nation is currently trying to grow Japanese Scallops in Hawk Bay.
• Cultural Heritage:
  The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territories of the Gitga’at and Gitxaala First Nations. The conservancy contains one known archaeological site (pre-contact shell middens) and continues to be used by local First Nations for the harvest of clams and other foods. There is one Indian Reserve (IR #6; “Lachkul”) on the island, which is located west of Howard Islet. Use the below links for more information or to contact these First Nations.
• Gitga'at First Nation
  445 Hayimiisaxaa Way
  Hartley Bay, BC V0V 1A0
  Phone: 250-841-2602
  Fax: 250-841-2541
• Gitxaala First Nation
  PO Box 149
  Kitkatla, BC   V0V 1C0
  Phone: 250-848-2214
  Fax: 250-848-2238
• Conservation:
  The conservancy protects a whole coastal island containing undisturbed old-growth forests of cedar and hemlock, small lakes, ponds and wetlands, coastal wildlife habitat, including the marine foreshore and intertidal areas.
• Wildlife:
  Wolves and deer can be seen on Fin Island. Humpback whales, killer whales, Dall’s porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins and harbour seals can also be seen in the waters near Fin Island.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

The management plan for Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy was amended in January 2016.

•  Lax Kwil Dziidz/Fin Conservancy Management Plan [PDF 1.41MB]

Activities Available at this Conservancy

Canoeing

Hunting

Scuba Diving

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

Facilities Available at this Conservancy

Campfires

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Winter Camping