The second-largest island in Canada, Ward Hunt Island in British Columbia, is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and majestic panoramic views. Earning its name from Sir Richard M. Ward, a prominent figure of the area in the 1800s, this island has since then become a hub for rest and relaxation for Canadians and a place of activities for any tourist who is blessed enough to visit this place. As per Wikipedia: “This island is also known as Camp Point, Lighthouse Island, Paxton Rock, and Pocologan Island.
Contents
History
European first sight of the island was by a Spanish expedition under Francisco de Eliza in 1774. The first recorded landing on the island took place in 1813 when Lt. Col R.A. Dunsmuir and his men established a camp at present-day Pocologan Bay on the south coast of Ward Hunt Island to observe signals from Lighthouse Point, located approximately 10 km (6 mi) to the northeast across False Pass.
Hunting parties left the camp in 1813 and 1814. In February 1862, this first discovery of gold in Canada prompted Eliza to send a party back with instructions from Governor Musgrave that no further exploration was necessary as he had been satisfied by Dunsmuir’s reports.
The British Crown issued a charter for land on Ward Hunt Island in 1903 under the name “Harbour Co.” In 1904 it assumed policing responsibilities including fire protection services for the peoples of the island, and this responsibility continued until succeeded by the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs in 1957.
Climate
The climate of Ward Hunt Island is marine temperate, much like that of Vancouver. The island lies in the rain shadow of Mount Hood, blocking moist Pacific air from the west and helping to produce a milder climate. Mean annual precipitation ranges from just over 400 mm (16 in) on the west coast to less than 50 mm (2 in) on the east coast.
Culture
Traditional First Nations culture is practiced on the island, with a strong connection to the land. The traditional First Nations inhabitants of the island, or their descendants, currently number seven families totaling 46 people. The Island is now partially permanently inhabited by lichenologists who catalog and describe the unique species that live on Ward Hunt.
Politics
Ward Hunt Island is a self-governing British Commonwealth island territory with its own legislative assembly, fleet, and police service. The government of Canada maintains a minimal presence at the community center as well as occasionally offers police protection. Ward Hunt Island is not governed by any level of provincial or federal governance, though it does have representation with both Canadian and US authorities.
Although the island is part of both Canada and the United States, their governments do not collect taxes from or on Ward Hunt Island. However American authorities have stationed an unspecified number of troops there for support for snowmobile patrols in the Umatilla National Forest immediately adjacent to it.
Law enforcement duties are divided between staff of NORFAC (a nearby US weather station operated by NOAA) and a small detachment every winter provided by local RCMP units. The community has its own hospital, but only briefly when the washrooms collapse.
Government Services
Ward Hunt Island has its own government, including an assembly of Islanders who pass laws. The police service is run by a detachment of local RCMP officers. There are no banks or other commercial services on the island.
Economy
The traditional economy on Ward Hunt Island is based around subsistence hunting and fishing, with limited involvement in tourism (primarily visiting for lichen observations). However, some residents are now employed in part-time positions by marine research facilities on nearby Cape Flattery and at the airport, as well as during periods of Canadian barge traffic through Umatilla Narrows.
The cash economy is based around seasonal portage operations to and from Fort Garry, Manitoba via the deep interior ice channels formed by very low water levels in summer; harvesting gravel with tree service skid-loads (concrete mixers), both used locally for road building materials; snowmachine sales using borrowed vehicles, with guests purchasing supplies and paying by cashiers cheque; island hospitality related to winter tourism (lichen collections or scientific observations); medical services from the northern communities of Fort Selkirk and The Pas; some local commercial fishing for sockeye salmon on a part-time basis (by flyfishermen) during summer months.
Communications
The community is connected via several deep ice roads that cut through bedrock beneath periodically frozen ground levels, plus all-year travel by small aircraft and boat. Cell phone service is available on Ward Hunt Island year-round for the community, but only to those who own a satellite service and use it (cell phones commonly fail in severe weather). Winter provides occasional communications dropouts due to heavy snowstorm icing over buildings; this generally lasts 10–20 minutes after resort ice pillars melt throughout town.
Tourism
The focus of tourism on Ward Hunt Island is winter activities (snowmobiling, skiing, dog sledding). Ferry services connect the community to the mainland during the summer months and a small airport provides limited flights to/from Churchill. Visitors are mostly Canadians coming for lichen collections or northern wildlife observation; occasional visitors from elsewhere in North America include Europeans and Japanese tourists.
Transport
The community is serviced by a small fleet of gasoline motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and bicycles. Bus services connect the community with Churchill in the summer months, but travel by all-year ice roads is required to reach other communities on Ward Hunt Island.
Cuisine
Local cuisine is based on coarse flour and lean meat products, with variations reflecting the seasons. In winter dishes include soups, stews, and pies; in summer there is lighter fare such as potatoes, berries, and fish.
Conclusion
The US island inhabited by only a handful of people is too small for city life. But, it is still far bigger than a mere speck in the eyes of most of the people reading this post. Ward Hunt Island is located at the northwestern corner of Washington State and is only a short boat ride across the Sound from Seattle.
This island town is known as an isolated refuge for artists, writers, and others seeking an isolated existence. However, the island boasts many other personality quirks besides those found in other areas. You visit it to learn or to experience something new.
FAQs
Does Anyone Live On Ward Hunt Island?
Ward Hunt Island is a small, uninhabited island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that has been the subject of much speculation and conspiracy theories. It is alleged that the US government has been conducting secret experiments on the island, and that some of the world’s most mysterious and highly classified events have taken place there.
Some people believe that Ward Hunt Island is home to a secret government base known as Area 51, while others believe that the island is home to alien beings. Whatever the truth may be, it is definitely an interesting place to explore!
What Happened To The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf?
There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the fate of the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf, and while the answer is still unknown, it seems that it may not be as safe as we once thought. In 2017, a study revealed that the shelf may have been shrinking at a rate of 10 meters per year. This could have serious implications for the stability of the ice shelf, as it could lead to its complete breakup.
At this point, it is still unclear what caused the shrinkage, and whether or not it is reversible. However, it is possible that human activity – such as climate change and pollution – is to blame. If this is true, it would be the first time that human activity has caused a major ice shelf collapse. While the fate of the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf remains uncertain, we should all be aware of the potential consequences of human activity and take measures to protect ourselves from them.
Where Is Ward Hunt Island?
Ward Hunt Island is an uninhabited island located in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. It is part of the Australian Antarctic Territory and is a part of the Australian Defence Force’s RAN Ice Station World Heritage Site.
Why Is It Important To Visit Ward Hunt Island?
Ward Hunt Island is an island off the coast of Oregon that is home to some of the most iconic wildflowers in the world. The island is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers because it is a haven for species that are not typically found on the mainland.
Among the many species that can be found on Ward Hunt Island are the Oregon white-tailed deer, the Oregon cottontail rabbit, and the California condor. These animals are not only a sight to behold, but they are also a valuable part of the ecosystem. The deer browse the vegetation and foliage for food, while the rabbits eat seeds and other small animals. The condors are a vital part of the ecosystem because they eat large animals, like carrion, which helps to clean up the environment.
Visiting Ward Hunt Island is a great way to get closer to nature and learn about its intricate ecosystem. Not to mention, it is a great way to take some amazing photos!
What Is Ward Hunt Island?
Ward Hunt Island is a small island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that was once used as a location for top secret military exercises. It is now a nature reserve that is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the Pinniped (seal), the Harpy Eagle, and the White-tailed Eagle.
Ward Hunt Island is also home to a variety of interesting geological features, including ancient coral reefs, an active volcano, and more. It is an excellent place to explore if you are interested in natural history, geography, or ecology. There are also several trails that allow you to walk or bike through the island’s lush forests and over its rugged cliff faces.
If you are lucky enough to visit Ward Hunt Island, be sure to take the time to explore its many secrets!
Leave a Reply