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Wickaninnish Sand Dunes near Ucluelet in B.C.’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is re-opened

Author

Compiled by Debora Steel

Volume

32

Issue

2

Year

2014

The Wickaninnish Sand Dunes near Ucluelet in B.C.’s
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is re-opened after being closed in February 2012 when an unexploded mortar shell from the Second World War II was found. The Department of National Defense believes the risk of additional explosives being uncovered is low, though the site can never be declared hazard-free. DND conducted a geophysical survey of the dunes in 2013. “There were lots of bits of metal found, but no more mortar shells or hand grenades,” said Park Reserve Supt. Jim Morgan. Metro newspaper reports that all the metal was dug out. “We’re delighted to let people back in there.” Morgan, however, warned visitors not to touch anything they don’t recognize in the sand, just in case a stray shell was missed. The Park Reserve is part of the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth nations.