“The BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Education Program (WEP) helps build the capacity of British Columbian citizens to determine their backyard wetland assets, and increase their community’s environmental health using this knowledge. WEP has brought together a team of well-known experts to share their knowledge and experience. ,” reports Diane Kiss.
“There’s no question that land development has an impact on our local ecology. One of the most visible and loved ecological features of a community is its water – its streams and rivers, lakes and wetlands. In working with the conservation sector, we decided to focus on these ecosystems to highlight their value and show how they are changing as our community grows over time,” said Nancy Hofer.
According to Elke WInd, amphibians are particularly vulnerable due to their semi-permeable skin and both aquatic and terrestrial habitat requirements – making them good indicators of wetland health.
Pamela Zevit, Coordinator for the South Coast Conservation Program, presented an overview of regional tools to protect species and communities at risk. Her mission is to bring local government representatives together to overcome barriers and challenges.
“Context for the Wetland Workshop was provided by the vision for a Metro Vancouver Regional Green Infrastructure Network. Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. We are challenging local government by posing this question: Is your municipality doing enough to prevent downstream impacts from rainwater runoff while maintaining healthy aquatic habitat?,” stated Neil Fletcher.
“We must continue to invest in protecting and restoring our nation’s streams and rivers as they are vital sources of our drinking water, provide many recreational opportunities, and play a critical role in the economy,” stated Nancy Stoner.
“Salmon are able to return to Spanish Banks Creek for the first time in over fifty years thanks to a community-inspired project that brought citizens and government agencies together,” stated Zo Ann Morten of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation.
“We can actually restore fish habitat and riparian areas, build refuge habitat, stabilize banks, stabilize sub-straits, and end up with a system that's going to be self-sustaining,” stated Jack Minard, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Land Trust.
“Sooke is proud of its natural environment. And as the first community in British Columbia to integrate both rainwater and sanitary in a liquid waste management plan, we now have the tools to protect the watersheds and the Sooke Harbour and Basin for future generations,” stated Mayor Janet Evans.
Tom Holz (Washington State):
The implications of this study regarding standards for development are truly sobering. Our touch must be as light as those builders who used to prepare land with hand tools.
