HOME
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Acknowledge
ments
Report Contributors
SECTION
1. SUMMARY
SECTION
2.
PROJECT
AND WATERSHED DESCRIPTION
SECTION
3.
VOLUNTEERS
AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
SECTION
4. MEDIA AND PUBLIC EVENTS
SECTION 5.
ACID MINE DRAINAGE
SECTION 6.
WATER MONITORING
SECTION
7. FISH HABITAT MAPPING PROGRAMS
SECTION 8.
REFUGE POND STUDIES
SECTION
9. RESTORATION PROJECTS
SECTION
10. FLOWS AND STORAGE REPORT
SECTION 11.
ENHANCEMENT
CONTACT US
|
SECTION 3
Volunteers
and
Community Involvement
INTRODUCTION
Community support is essential to the TRTF’s efforts to restore the health
and productivity of the watershed. The Streamkeeper Coordinator works
with volunteers to assist them in preserving habitat, and communicates
their concerns to TRTF work groups and other regulatory agencies.
In their roles as custodians of the river, Streamkeepers provide continuous
informal monitoring of changes occurring in the Tsolum River and its tributaries.
These changes may be the result of the highway construction, timber harvesting,
previous mining activities in the upper watershed, or the loss of riparian
vegetation due to development on private land. Their local knowledge is
invaluable to planners, conservation officers, and habitat technicians
who must evaluate referrals and enforce fish habitat regulations.
The Role of the Streamkeeper Coordinator
The Streamkeeper Coordinator is employed by the TRTF on a part time basis
for one day per week. Though employed part time, the coordinator works
a flexible schedule, returning calls in the evening and attending weekend
events. The coordinator needs a wide variety of skills encompassing
technical expertise and good communication and interpersonal skills.
Streamkeeper Coordinators act as facilitators and guides, providing technical
expertise and working alongside volunteers in the field (Appendix
A).
Streamkeeper Coordinators train volunteers to complete surveys and
gather data necessary for planning restoration projects. By providing
project support for Streamkeepers, the TRTF supports community efforts,
and benefits from community participation in restoring the river.
The TRTF also provides equipment and training when requested by volunteers.
Streamkeeper Activities sponsored by the Tsolum River Task Force
The TRTF Coordinator meets quarterly with Streamkeepers to set priorities
and develop plans for volunteer activities. After the initial meeting,
training sessions are organized and fieldwork commences. During 1998
and 1999 the Streamkeepers participated in the following events:
Mapping and fish habitat assessments
In cooperation with Project Watershed, the Task Force presented a workshop
for volunteers on Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping.
Volunteer appreciation day
In conjunction with Project Watershed and Citizens for Action on Recycling
and the Environment (CARE), a volunteer appreciation day was held.
Streamkeepers attended workshops on willow wattling for stabilization of
streambanks and riparian area planting skills; water quality testing; septic
social (getting to know your septic system); and maps & mapping techniques.
Fry identification workshop
In cooperation with the Puntledge Hatchery, the TRTF trained volunteers
to recognize different species of salmon fry.
Community events
Volunteers worked with the Task Force to provide information at Rivers
Day, the Fish and Game Club Annual Outdoor Show, EarthFest, and the Comox
Valley Fall Fair.
Watershed clean up
Over 990 lbs. of trash was collected from areas adjacent to streams in
October 1998.
Adult assessment surveys
Streamkeepers provided information on the number and location of spawning
adult salmon returning to the watershed.
Siltwatch
In response to concerns about a decline in water quality due to logging
and road construction, the TRTF trained Streamkeepers in water sampling
techniques, and initiated a community Siltwatch program.
Raising Community Awareness
To raise community awareness about the decline in fisheries resources in
the Tsolum River watershed, the TRTF encouraged volunteer involvement in
the following events.
-
A watershed model was constructed by the TRTF and displayed at community
events to demonstrate problems existing in the Tsolum Watershed.
This model and the accompanying photoboard display provided a graphic representation
that was viewed by hundreds of people attending these events.
-
Press releases announced meetings and the discussed the need for volunteer
labour. Articles such as “Salmon Spotters needed on the Tsolum River”,
published in the local newspapers, invited public participation in TRTF
projects.
-
In November 1998, a photography contest called “Seasons of the Tsolum River”
was held. This contest drew attention to the Tsolum River, its beauty,
the people of the Tsolum area, and the status of the Tsolum River as an
endangered river. Local merchants donated prizes that were awarded
to the winners in four categories.
The Value of the Community Connection
By providing funding for the Streamkeeper Coordinator, the community and
the TRTF benefit from volunteer energy and experience. This valuable
program also supports DFO field personnel in their efforts to protect the
river, and encourages neighbour-to-neighbour contact. This network
results in habitat protection and care for the resource at the community
level.
SECTION 3. APPENDIX A
Streamkeepers Wall of Fame
and
Streamkeepers at Work
|
|
