Presidents Message – Fall 2024 Newsletter

To Friends of Princess Louisa Inlet:

This summer at the Inlet again brought many thousands of visitors from all over the world, to experience this unique wonder of nature, with its stunning beauty and tranquility. Its founder, Mac Mcdonald would be proud to know that the inlet is still protected from development and continues to amaze new and returning visitors.

Many boaters from Washington, Vancouver and Victoria stopped by as they were going north and returning southbound for the summer. Lots of young families visited for the first time, creating memories for children to cherish for the rest of their lives. The visitor count was down slightly from last season, but it was still an active season of visitors by boat and aircraft. Many visitors came on tour boats with Malibu visits included.

The inlet again experienced a rough winter season with damage sustained to the main dock and park trails, while buildings were damaged by winter snow and falling trees. Tree and debris removal are a constant task for the park ranger. The loop trail was hit hard, and the clean-up has taken place with a few more yet to be removed.

Safety and emergency help capability has been improved with the installation of Starlink communications. In the past when there has been a medical emergency, your Park Ranger need to jump in her skiff and run over to Malibu Camp to place an emergency call.  This improvement provides a measure of comfort so that help can be summoned quickly if needed.

Our BC Park Ranger, Ming Neil, has been on the job each season for 24 years, providing a comforting presence to all visitors, and help when needed. She has announced her retirement, and we are sad to see her go. She has been an inspiration to all that she has met, with a welcoming smile and handshake. There is no-one that knows the Inlet better than Ming, and we will continue to call on her experience, knowledge and wisdom.

In her own words: “I have been blessed with being the caretaker, guardian, educator and protector of this amazing place. It is entrenched very deeply in my soul.”

Tom Captain, President, Princess Louisa International Society