WORKSHOP ON SUSTAINABLE STREAM RESTORATION, FEATURING SHELLY CREEK: “Stewardship groups have local knowledge about local water resources; and are the most invested and most connected to the land base,” states Neil Goeller, Regional Hydrologist, Province of British Columbia

Note to Reader:

At the Workshop on Sustainable Stream Restoration, held as part of the Parksville 2019 Symposium, Neil Goeller is a member of the team of three instructors who will demonstrate and provide hands-on training for stream investigation (Dave Derrick), flow measurement (Neil Goeller), and water quality sampling (Richard Boase).

Peter Law measuring flow at Shelly Creek

What Happens on the Land Matters to Streams

“Stewardship groups are collaborating with provincial government staff to undertake streamflow data collection in the creeksheds where we live. We are being trained to measure how creeks respond to rain and drought. This is important work because it would fill a knowledge gap at the local level,” states Peter Law, President of the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES).

Participation in this provincial program now provides streamkeepers with the opportunity to learn first-hand about the science behind creekshed hydrology. We will then have the training and background to speak with authority when we state that what happens on the land matters to streams. And we will be that much more effective when partnering with local governments in decision processes that revolve around the land-water relationship.”

Grass-Roots Program for Streamflow Measurement in Local Creeksheds

“Stewardship groups have local knowledge about local water resources; and are the most invested and most connected to the land base. Involving them in streamflow measurement would fill a gap at the micro-scale where flow data are sparse to non-existent,” states Neil Goeller, Regional Hydrologist, Water Protection, West Coast Region, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

“Their participation in streamflow data collection is a way to educate them about creekshed hydrology, in particular correct data collection techniques and their importance for refining the water balance and understanding what the numbers mean.

“Understanding the complex interactions of whole-system, water balance processes that lead to water availability in and on the ground, and all the values that depend on it, is critical to effective water resource allocation.

“My vision is to develop relationships and partnerships with stewardship groups, local governments, federal government and First Nations to expand our collection and understanding of data.”

TO LEARN MORE:

Download PROGRAM AND AGENDA DETAILS FOR DAVE DERRICK WORKSHOP.