BACKGROUNDER SERIES ON SUSTAINABLE WATERSHED SYSTEMS: “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management” – Local stream stewardship volunteers may yet be the difference-maker (released in February 2017)

Note to Reader:

In the article, which has the tag-line Local stream stewardship volunteers may yet be the difference-maker, a flashback to the 1990s salmon crisis sets the scene for introductions to three noteworthy stewardship sector initiatives, representing three regions within the Georgia Basin: Nanaimo, Comox Valley and Metro Vancouver. All are motivated by a higher purpose.

As articulated by the Partnership for Water Sustainability, an educational goal in British Columbia is that everyone involved in land use and drainage would understand how to achieve Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management.

Informed decision-making is founded on a “sharing & learning” process that focusses on working towards a desired and desirable outcome

Informed decision-making is founded on a “sharing & learning” process that focusses on working towards a desired and desirable outcome

Influence of volunteers is expanding beyond the creek channel

A ‘whole-system, water balance’ approach to watershed protection and restoration recognizes the value of streams in their natural state. The approach is a call for balanced action: maintain the ecological values of nature’s assets, while allowing a stream to be used for drainage.

In a perfect world, within the built environment and with the foregoing premise as a starting point for land use and conservation decisions, communities would simply refocus business processes to properly manage watershed systems.

In practice, however, “getting it right” takes perseverance and time. Past BC history shows that local stream stewardship volunteers could play a defining role to make the community’s case for whole-system, water balance practices.

To Learn More:

Download “Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management”  Local stream stewardship volunteers may yet be the difference-maker.

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