STATUS OF THE COASTAL WOOD FERN, DRYOPTERIS-ARGUTA (DRYOPTERIDACEAE) IN CANADA

In Canada, Dryopteris arguta is restricted to southeastern Vancouver I sland and several adjacent small islands. Fifteen of the 16 extant sit es are on Gulf Islands; all have been either reconfirmed or discovered during the present study. Existing populations represent the northern range limits of D. arguta. Only at the Dorcas Point site (north of Na naimo on Vancouver Island) does direct habitat destruction appear to p ose a threat to a D. arguta population. Dryopteris arguta populations on private property are vulnerable to zoning changes, but fortunately all but one are subject to the bylaws of the Islands Trust, which are conservationist in intent.