Terminal Forest Products Ltd.: Mapping Applications for Inte- Grated Resource Management Planning

Terminal Forest Products Ltd.: Mapping Applications for Inte- grated Resource Management Planning

Abstract amalgamation of digital resource information and mapping, a comprehensive re- Integrated Resource Management Planning source values database is created to assist (IRMP) is an operationally based planning resource managers and stakeholders, that tool that allows the forest manager to direct allows for sustainable management of the development within a planning area. An planning area. further projects of this na- operational plan will normally “nest” ture. within a higher level strategic plan. The planning area is generally a watershed or a landscape unit, but can also be an opera- Background tional area usually ranging between 10,000 Terminal Forest Products has been granted and 100,000 hectares. An IRMP amalga- logging rights to a large area (approxi- mates all known resource values and in- mately 15,000 hectares) of the Sunshine ventory information within a planning unit. Coast peninsula ranging from Sechelt to Aerial photos and maps are used to identify Egmont. To manage their operations eco- critical resource values and topographic nomically and on a sustainable basis, Ter- constraints for road and bridge locations in minal uses a sophisticated process of long the planning unit. Once the road infra- and short range planning. Digital resource structure has been designed, a preliminary information is analyzed to develop future harvest plan can be developed for the entire harvest plans that includes timing of the planning area over time. This process re- harvest and the type of logging methods to views the entire area, not just available tim- be used, while minimizing environmental ber for harvest. Critical to the process is the impacts. inclusion of knowledgeable field staff that has a working sense of the area and on the ground expertise.

Harvest sequence, timing of operations and design pattern is based on available operational and inventory timber information. Following design, detailed field reconnais- sance is completed for the area, ground verifying critical control points and operational constraints. Once the main road systems and harvest patterns are determined, other resource values are over-laid to determine potential conflicts. Where resource conflicts exist, a detailed strategy is developed. When all known resource information has been collected, in- terpreted and strategies developed, the final Figure 1. Map illustrating area of Terminal’s plan can be created. In addition to the logging rights on the Sunshine Coast Peninsula

65 Planning Sustainable Communities

Objectives sustainability and minimize the likelihood of environmental risks and hazards (e.g. To achieve sustainable and integrated forest road failures). Loggers and field staff are management through economically viable trained in standard operating procedures forestry practices. that help to recognize and prevent potential environmental problems thus avoiding en- Process, Partners, Costs vironmental impacts. Detailed operational maps (1:5,000) and aerial photographs pro- Terminal participates as a supportive part- vide vital information necessary to com- ner in numerous projects. For example, it plete planning and assist in the identifica- has made financial contributions to the Sen- tion of potential risk or hazard areas. Every sitive Ecosystems Inventory on the Sun- logger is required to carry a copy of the shine Coast and a Marbled Murrelet Re- map and understand critical issues involved search Project currently being conducted by when working on the block. Simon Fraser University. Terminal endeav- ours to be a good corporate citizen through Strategic plans are developed to ensure its practices and participation in many proj- sustainability and that other resource values ects and stakeholder groups, including the are adequately protected for a planning sharing of resource information. unit. This type of planning utilizes 1:5,000 and 1:20,000 TRIM base maps and inventory Accessing and utilizing enhanced technolo- information including the forest cover, vis- gies like GIS has required the commitment ual quality objectives, recreation sites, ter- of financial resources by the company. rain and wildlife. However, this is considered an investment in the continued economic viability of the Utilizing base TRIM map information each company as well as being indicative of a polygon has a site index that is analyzed strong continued commitment to environ- and drives all cut levels. Digital inventory mentally sensitive and sustainable forest information is constantly being revised and management practices. updated as new information becomes available and is added to the database. Ana- Actions lyzing the various layers of information permits sustainable development in an area To achieve sustainable forestry manage- that takes into consideration numerous ment practices and environmental stan- factors including protection of fisheries ri- dards, Terminal has become third party parian zones, ecologically sensitive sites, certified under both the International Stan- old growth and other sensitive habitat site dards Organization (ISO) 14001 Environ- preservation. mental Management System and the American Forest and Paper Association’s Terminal has recently upgraded their map- (AF&PA) Sustainable Forest Initiative ping capabilities and have recently pro- (SFISM) Standard. Terminal adheres to tough duced a new series of 1:5,000 scale maps standards of practice that often exceed those using the latest information and technology. established by law and are routinely sub- This has provided much greater detail than jected to internal and external auditing. To was previously provided by any other maintain certification, Terminal has devel- source. The increased level of detail and oped environmental programs and stan- accuracy in the mapping allows for better dard operating practices to ensure

66 Case Study: Terminal Forest Products Ltd.

forward planning and decision making provides the opportunity to plan with a prior to any harvesting taking place. “big picture” and long range future in mind. As well, any polygon area can be Results analyzed in minute detail to ensure that the best possible decisions are being made and Utilizing GIS has allowed Terminal to stra- implemented. tegically plan and commit to environmentally sustainable forestry practices while Recommendations for the Com- still remaining economically viable. munity Mapping Network Through this planning process, Terminal has established good relations and commu- As per the challenges identified, an overall nication with all levels of government and “champion” for community mapping various groups and organizations. Re- would be ideal in terms of helping to stan- cently, delegations from the United King- dardize the work and ensure that the conti- dom, Russia and Germany have visited for- nuity and efficiencies are in place particu- estry sites to view the exemplary forest larly at a point in time where human and practices that Terminal engages in. financial resources are in scarce supply. Enhanced communication strategies be- Challenges tween the various user groups would help ensure economies of scale and avoid unnec- Creating a collaborative approach that sees essary duplication of projects, fieldwork, all stakeholders working together, sharing etc. information with a common goal. Stan- dardization of collection methods, reliabil- Next Steps ity and validity remain challenges for all user groups whether they represent indus- Terminal is committed to an ongoing proc- try, government or community groups. ess of enhancing forest management practices and being an open and contributing Project Outcomes partner to projects of this nature. Using GIS technology has provided Termi- Project Contacts nal with greater decision making tools that allow the company to make good “eco- Mr. Dave Marquis, R.P.F. nomical” business decisions. This same Terminal Forest Products Ltd. technology has enabled the company to en- Phone: 604-740-0603 or 604 717-1263 gage in better forestry practices that are E-mail: [email protected] sustainable and environmentally sensitive. A detailed map of the whole region with several layers of detailed information

Sunshine Coast Regional District: Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas

Abstract The Habitat Atlas will contain forty different layers or categories of information. The Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas is a Geo- Currently, thirty-six layers of information graphic Information Systems (GIS) database have been collected and processed. Four containing an inventory and mapping of layers are still being processed while two natural areas and fish habitat for the SCRD; remain unavailable. A complete listing and from Langdale to Egmont and north past status of these layers can be found at the top of Jervis Inlet. The Habitat Atlas http://www.user.dccnet.com/ctrent/. All will provide comprehensive information of these layers are stored at the SCRD office that can be used by planners, developers, in Sechelt and will be made available as an government agencies, non-government or- Internet mapping website. Seven of these ganisations, First Nations, local businesses layers will be included in the published and individual property owners. The in- Habitat Atlas mapbook. Each page of the formation will assist these groups in making mapbook will contain a map illustrating informed land use planning and steward- features that include streams, roads, trails, ship decisions that will help protect, en- land parcels, fish and wildlife habitat, parks hance and restore fish habitat. This three- and protected areas and aerial photographs. year project will conclude in April 2003. Prior to the initiation of this project, this type of information was not included in the various maps that were used to make important land use decisions. This project will provide land use decision-makers with vital information that should be taken into consideration.

Background

The SCRD determined that there was a need to have more comprehensive and accurate environmental information to make land use and planning decisions. This data could be used to inform and educate the community about natural resource assets, revise and develop new Official Commu- nity Plans, develop new Local Resource Management Plans, revise or develop new Watershed Management Plans and imple- ment the Streamside Protection Regulations.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (F&OC) Figure 1. Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas study area Habitat Conservation & Stewardship Pro- gram (HCSP) provided examples of how and where other Habitat Atlases were ful-

69 Planning Sustainable Communities filling similar data requirements. The ing include Fisheries Renewal BC, Sunshine SCRD determined to proceed with the Sun- Coast Regional District and the Urban shine Coast Habitat Atlas project. A part- Salmon Habitat Program. The SCRD also nership was formed through the F&OC provides office space, various supplies and Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Pro- significant in-kind staff time. The Ministry gram. Funding was secured and a qualified of Water, Land and Air Protection also pro- consultant was hired to lead the project and vides in-kind staff time and has donated a liaise with all interested groups. significant amount of data to the project.

The project is now into its third year and the Many community partners provided a first draft of the Habitat Atlas was circu- source of support, expert knowledge, in- lated in March 2002 for review. The final formation, tools and funding. See Ac- Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas will be com- knowledgement section for details. plete and available by March 31, 2003. Actions Objectives The first step taken was to create a detailed The project was funded to achieve the fol- work plan for the project, which was and lowing objectives: approved by the SCRD and F&OC. Soon after, a Technical Steering Committee of 17 · Produce and publish the Sunshine Coast individuals was formed to enhance com- Habitat Atlas with current and accurate munication between key parties. The com- maps and an inventory of aquatic and mittee continues to meet three or four times terrestrial habitat and fish species. per year. · Develop, strengthen and maintain partnerships with government organiza- Next, an exhaustive and extensive search tions, land developers, First Nations, was done to compile the existing informa- community organizations and local tion that was available for the Sunshine businesses. coast. With much of the data located at · Compile existing data, identify gaps in numerous sites under the jurisdiction of the information and collect new data to many levels of government, this process fill these gaps. was time consuming. Accessing the infor- · Engage in public outreach efforts to so- mation was challenging due to licensing licit input from interested parties, to issues, prohibitive costs and confidentiality generate project support from the com- clauses. munity and to foster data sharing. · Provide a knowledge resource to assist During the process of data compilation, with the enforcement of local govern- missing information has been documented ment regulations to protect and main- and prioritized for future data collection. tain fish and wildlife habitat. Funding proposals were submitted to sev- Process, Partners, Costs eral funding agencies that secured approximately $60,000: Funding for this project was made available through Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Pro- gram. Other agencies that provided fund-

70 Case Study: Sunshine Coast Regional District Habitat Atlas

Fisheries Renewal BC $25,000 · To increase public awareness, Urban Salmon Habitat Program $20,000 · To solicit input from the community, F&OC Sunshine Coast $10,000 · To generate project support, and · To ensure information is up-to-date. These funds were used for colleting new data to fill the gaps identified during the A Habitat Atlas website has been developed data compilation phase. A two-person field and is kept up-to-date and an article has crew was hired to map streams with a GPS been published in a local conservation receiver in selected areas. A Trimble Path- newsletter. finder GPS capable of centimeter accuracy was rented from Terra-Pro GPS Survey Ltd., who provided commendable service and Results support. This fieldwork was completed The Sunshine Coast will soon have access to using provincial Resource Inventory Com- the Habitat Atlas. A draft format has re- mittee (RIC) GPS data standards and fol- cently been circulated for review. April lowed the Sensitive Habitat Inventory and 2003 is the target completion date for the Mapping (SHIM) guidelines. This mapping final hard copy 200-page Sunshine Coast is still ongoing but funding cuts will make it Habitat Atlas. Copies will be available for difficult to continue. viewing/use at the SCRD, government offices, and the libraries.

As a large “warehouse” containing forty layers of information, the SCRD and various community groups are already using the data. A new website is under development to provide easy access to all of this data. The maps can be created and printed from a home computer. Numerous applications present themselves such as tourism oriented maps that accurately detail trails, bike paths, areas of interest, etc.

Figure 2. SHIM stream mapping in Anderson Creek Challenges

A significant amount of “outreach” has Some of the challenges faced include: been done over the past two years. Presen- · Obtaining existing digital data through tations have been made to local government data sharing agreements planning committees, schools and numer- · ous community groups in an effort to en- Negotiating “free” access to maps and sure the Atlas meets the needs of these data. Negotiating various exchanges for groups. data.

The objectives of these outreach efforts are: · Investigating funding sources and writing grant proposals and obtaining · To foster data sharing between organi- the funding. Three of seven proposals zations, written were successful. Each grant application proposal was unique and re- · To avoid duplication of effort, quested a complex array of information

71 Planning Sustainable Communities

that made this a time consuming proc- ning, zoning etc. and identify “green” tour- ess. Funding criteria varied making it ism opportunities. impossible to simply develop a grant application template that could be used. The quality maps can form the basis for promotional materials to be used by tour- Project Outcomes ism umbrella organizations as well as individual business operators. The information The project resulted in many positive out- may serve to make planning more cost- comes. The consultative process resulted in effective by preventing costly development enhanced information sharing and less du- errors, e.g. where NOT to locate buildings, plication of effort by those involved in roads etc. similar efforts. Meetings served to enhance the awareness between numerous commu- Recommendations for the Com- nity groups who work on similar projects in munity Mapping Network distinct areas. The project is proving to be a “priceless” The SCRD is utilizing this enhanced infor- endeavor providing information that all lo- mation to make more informed land use cal communities need. This type of infor- planning decisions. Questions about vari- mation should be readily available at local ous land parcels can be answered with repositories in addition to government of- more confidence and in more detail. The fices since so much of the land use planning map information serves as a benchmark to decisions occur at the local government help in the review of applications for level. building permits, development permits, and bylaw amendments. A long term source of funding to assist with these initiatives would provide the re- The project has assisted in the identification sources required to map sensitive habitat of areas that have been restored and need areas before irreversible damage may be preservation and those that will need re- done as might be the case when land use storative action and protection in the future. decisions are made in the absence of vital The overall map provides an opportunity to environmental information. assess what is happening in the entire area whereas previously, only one segment Next Steps could be viewed at a time. This is useful when assessing land use proposals provid- · Completion of the Habitat Atlas by ing an opportunity to see what the impacts April 2003 would be on adjacent lands. · Completion of a mapping web-site for the Habitat Atlas Stream data information can be used to find · Initiate further “outreach” including efficient and expedient solutions to various presentations to various communities water problems, environmental disasters and groups on the coast to inform them and other potential emergency situations. about the Atlas, the information it contains and how it can be used. From an economic development perspec- · Host an open house training session in tive, the Habitat Atlas provides prospective the winter of 2002-03. buyers with detailed information that can be utilized for development permits, plan-

72 Case Study: Sunshine Coast Regional District Habitat Atlas

Project Contacts Mason, B. and R. Knight, 2001 Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping. Fisheries & Cheryl Trent Oceans Canada. Vancouver, BC. Habitat Steward Sunshine Coast Regional District Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks 5477 Wharf Road, Box 800 and Geographic Data BC. 2001 British Co- Sechelt, B.C. Canada VON 3AO lumbia Standards, Specifications and Guidelines 5477 Wharf Road, Box 800 for Resource Surveys Using Global Positioning Phone: 604-885-2261 System (GPS) Technology. Release 3.0. Fax: 604-885-88 March, 2001. Email: [email protected] Acknowledgements References The Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas initiative Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Minis- is made possible through the key financial try of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1992. and in-kind support of the following or- Land Development Guidelines for the Protection ganizations: of Aquatic Habitat. · F&OC Habitat Conservation and Stew- Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the Ministry of ardship Program Environment, Lands and Parks, and the · Sunshine Coast Regional District Ministry of Municipal Affairs. 1994. Stream · Ministry of Water, Land and Air Pro- Stewardship: A Guide for Planners and Devel- tection. opers. · Urban Salmon Habitat Program · Fisheries Renewal BC

Figure 3. Sample page from the Habitat Atlas

Gambier Island Conservancy : Streamkeepers and Watershed Mapping Projects

Abstract Plan (OCP) with detailed and accurate environmental information that now serves as a The Gambier Island Conservancy (the Con- basis for land use decisions. Prior to the servancy) was formed by a group of local Conservancy’s projects, OCP maps con- citizens who wanted to ensure that land use tained no environmental information and planning decisions were made based on ac- development applications were approved curate environmental information. Gov- without consideration of the potential dam- ernment maps that were being used did not age to sensitive ecosystems. include any detailed information with respect to streams, wetlands, trails, old growth ecosystems or other ecologically Objectives significant areas. Grant applications were The Conservancy is dedicated to enhancing submitted to secure funds for local resource and sharing knowledge of Gambier Island’s mapping projects that would provide accu- ecosystems and to developing appropriate rate information and maps with which to management strategies to preserve and re- make objective, environmentally sensitive store its biological diversity. land use decisions. A number of projects have been successfully completed and To accomplish these objectives it was recog- many local residents are adopting a com- nised that current and accurate environ- munity stewardship attitude towards future mental information is necessary to inform development. those making land use decisions. Such environmental data will provide key informa- This case study is an excellent example of tion necessary for restoration, preservation how a group of concerned residents can and future land use planning for the Gam- work together to access the funding and bier Island community. technical expertise to create a comprehensive and sophisticated environmental data- Actions base for use in official community land use planning. The Conservancy has initiated and overseen the following projects:

Background Streamkeepers Project: This project began The Conservancy was formed in 1995 by a with the detailed description and mapping group of residents concerned about the in- of fish habitat in six known fish-bearing creasing human pressures on the natural streams and included other biophysical in- habitats on Gambier Island and who be- ventories such as water quality, spawner lieved that increased environmental knowl- surveys and species presence. Desmond edge and public awareness are the founda- Paine transcribed the field notes and meas- tions of sustainable land use. A number of urements into maps and attribute tables. different projects have been completed re- There was significant local volunteer efforts sulting in maps being included in the newly and several residents were sponsored to do revised Gambier Island Official Community their Streamkeeper’s training. More de-

75 Planning Sustainable Communities

tailed mapping (overview maps) and fish Streamkeepers grant. Maria Van Dyk was habitat assessments (FHAPs) were com- the GIS Project Coordinator. pleted later on all stream reaches that were candidates for rehabilitation or habitat en- Trails Project: Existing roads and trails are hancement work. Significant effort was being marked, upgraded and sometimes re- given to increase local volunteer participa- routed to protect sensitive areas, and then tion through public information and aware- included in the GIS database. The focus is ness activities. Because of the demograph- upon public properties given that 60% of ics of Gambier Island, however, there was Gambier’s landmass is Crown Lands. The an increasing reliance on grant-funded Conservancy is hopeful that eventually a stream technicians and biologists to do this network of environmentally sensitive trails work. To date, detailed fish habitat assess- will provide walking access throughout ments and stream mapping, as well as Gambier. This network will not only pro- habitat enhancement and stream rehabilita- vide land links between isolated communi- tion work have been done for seven streams ties on different parts of the Island, it will be on Gambier. The project Coordinator is a strong physical example of the commu- Lois Kennedy. nity’s recreational and ecological preserva- tionist values. Accurate and detailed trail maps help keep people on proper trails rather than getting lost, keep the public from venturing onto private property or into hazardous areas, and assist Search and Rescue groups to more easily access remote areas. Wolf Weideman is the Trails Project Coordinator.

As a result of this information and further community planning, CANFOR, who have been given logging rights to Gambier’s Crown Lands, have agreed to respect the local community’s conservation and recreation values. For example, in bays where Figure 1. Stream restoration on Manion Creek, Gam- kayakers and campers use the beach areas, bier Island or where cutblocks are in close proximity to trails, CANFOR will leave buffers and ade- Geographic Information Systems quate green spaces. (GIS)Computer Mapping Project: All existing environmental information for Gam- In addition, when developers are submit- bier Island was collected and digitized into ting subdivision applications, public access the computer. These maps included TRIM, trails and parks will be dedicated, which terrain hazards, forest cover, cadastral, and will connect into the trail network. These a 1998 color orthophoto created from aerial strategies are viewed by some developers as photographs. Updated information can be adding value to their subdivision proposals added to this baseline data in layers to show since many people appreciate the recrea- various ecological and environmental data. tional value of trails and parks as a desired This project was funded with the USHP lifestyle component. Developers are also required to ensure that there are green

76 Case Study: Gambier Island Conservancy

space corridors providing connectivity for Year Four: This phase is “in the works”, wildlife. with the objective being the beginning of a sensitive plant species inventory. Environmentally Sensitive Areas Project: Capilano College Environmental Sciences Watershed Mapping Project: This project Students have joined with the Conservancy involved the mapping of streams, tributar- in a unique partnership to complete a num- ies and wetlands in fourteen watersheds ber of valuable projects which have been and included the documentation of existing funded by the Real Estate Foundation. human impacts. Ground-truthing was done Capilano College Faculty member Victoria by GPS (global positioning system) and in- Troupe, who initiated these partnerships tegrated with the digitized TRIM and or- has since passed away, but these joint proj- thophoto maps. All watersheds, sub-basins, ects are being continued in her memory. A streams and tributaries on Gambier have total of four sets of students have worked now been delineated and enumerated ac- with the Conservancy on a variety of proj- cording to provincial code. All environ- ects. All phases of the project have pro- mental information in the existing vided information vital in the consideration GIS/computer mapping system was reor- of any land use proposals that may impact ganized on a watershed basis and previous sensitive ecological systems. The students’ Streamkeepers’spatial and attribute data enthusiasm and expertise has been a great was included. inspiration for the Conservancy. A number of projects coordinated by Maria Van Dyk Gambier Island Watersheds and Watercourses R

EL A and Wolf Weideman, have been completed N M HAN C I L N L I E W E S during the past four years: Plow d en B ay S

H UG RO Douglas C Year One: Students conducted a broad- Bay H A N N eek e Cr E g L brush study of Gambier Island to locate and a Damsoon Lake Gamb ier s s Lake a ier mb P Ga a survey the various types of ecosystems n o t a ) ek re L c ot fo in (L Lost Lake k e Andys Bay re C n through ground-truthing, inventories and oo s m a D R Lily Pad Lake A

B M riga k de e Bay e C the use of aerial photos. r re I ek C L Muskeg Lake L e r k t I

e n re e E

C C ay k B e Brigade S s e dy r

n C Andys A k Bay n e h e o r

L C Bay t o n

d n g l i B a a a y n S Cr o e e d k c a C

v M

k y

e re C H C r e e yl e Year Two: Students completed a detailed k k o A ee W C Cr h i s p L e r i k n Broo g cett

analysis of the riparian zones of five lakes. Faw

o n ) y

n a i

n B

g g

C h n a y

r o e m a L

e (

This included the identification of plant k C B

r e s io n e e

n k a v a M e r r

t G Farrow Creek y n a e B C t r t o s species, heavily used/impacted areas, and e P W D a M i is tc y h H e a k B ll C lk e r o e e t r Stray Brook o t

k B C a n East y

o C t s r e g Bay e n k i recommendations for protective buffer K k e re k C e n e o r n C n

e m

r o H G c

F Halkett G Masset Creek zones and re-routing of trails. Thornbrough Bay

Bay U H ow e O C re ek R Legend B Burgess ek re C N Cove ay Watercourses Watershed Boundaries B on al R Av Land Parcels O Gambier Harbour Year Three: Students identified, inventoried H Avalon Lakes & Wetlands T Bay Spring Estuary

Groundwater and located the remaining intact old growth Openwater Wetland H Linear Corridors OWVehicEle Roads HOWE ecosystems on Gambier. Coring samples Trails y a Old Road B

SOUND ta n Historical Road a Columbine h c n Land Parcels Bay E EL identified trees up to 1400 years old. These N Smugglers N P Cove Safe 1000 0 1000 2000 Meters students subsequently continued on for two Cate years to work with the Streamkeepers on the Watershed Mapping Project. Figure 3. Gambier Island watersheds Watershed reports have been produced which document this information for eight

77 Planning Sustainable Communities major streams. This project has made it habitat and environmentally sensitive areas possible to analyze existing and potential on Gambier Island. human impacts on a watershed basis. The Project Coordinator is Lois Kennedy. Challenges

Data Sharing Project: The various project Vigilance: Remaining forever alert in the reports can be obtained from the Project face of on-going human pressures for de- Coordinators in hard copy. The digital data velopment on Gambier. is available upon signing a limited use con- tract with the Conservancy. Islands Trust Funding: Support for future and on-going and SCRD have already used this database projects is a major challenge and requires for the production of new maps for the significant time and effort by Conservancy Gambier Island OCP and Habitat Atlas for members. the Sunshine Coast. Hard copies of the watershed reports will be distributed to all Patience, Endurance and Faith: At several government agencies involved in land de- times the Conservancy activities have been velopment issues such as provincial Minis- met with hostility and suspicion by some tries of Transportation, Water, Land and Air members of the community. To help de- Protection, Federal Fisheries and Oceans, fuse the misinformation, misunderstand- and to private individuals and corporations ings and resolve conflicting points of view as requested. issues, the Conservancy has hosted open houses to display and discuss projects, posts Results all meeting agendas and minutes and writes frequent articles in the Gambier Island When the Conservancy was formed there newsletter. The benefits of the work are be- was no accurate environmental information coming increasingly clear to everyone with available for making environmentally sen- the publication of the new OCP and the sitive land use decisions. The Conservancy consultations with CANFOR regarding the members all share a great love of the out- impending logging on Gambier’s Crown doors and treasure the natural beauty of Lands. Gambier Island. The resulting maps and data have helped create a benchmark of in- The Streamkeepers have been surprised and formation to help preserve and protect the dismayed by F&OC’s reluctance to enforce environment for future generations. the Federal Fisheries Act in spite of detailed documentation and evidence of severe and Conservancy members remain active and deliberate destruction of fish habitat. vigilant as members of the local Advisory Planning Commissions (APC) for the Island Project Outcomes Trust, the SCRD Recreation and Parks Committee, West Howe Sound Gambier Island now has one of the most Stakeholders Association, Sunshine Coast sophisticated and comprehensive tools pos- Watershed Stewardship Society, the Sun- sible for environmentally-sensitive land use shine Coast Salmon Enhancement Partner planning and an informed and vigilant Group and Sunshine Coast Conservation community to make good use of it. The Association to ensure that any land use Conservancy is increasingly being recog- planning and decisions respect the natural nized and respected for its contribution to the community and to the Island. People

78 Case Study: Gambier Island Conservancy

now recognize the incredible value of the son, a F&OC stream technician, the Stream- work that has been completed. The map- keeper’s Coordinator, a local excavator op- ping work has made it easier for various erator, a contractor and a private property government departments, forestry compa- owner. They engaged in a consultative pro- nies, land developers and local residents to cess to resolve how to repair the road while work together to make informed decisions. protecting and even enhancing the stream. The data facilitates informed and objective This type of consultation would have been land use planning based on the shared and politically impossible until now. It is an integrated values of wildlife and habitat extremely gratifying example of building conservation, aesthetics, eco- healthy communities and healthy water- nomic/industrial activity, recreation, and sheds through public awareness. settlement. Recommendations for the Com- Companies like CANFOR are utilizing the information in their planning. The Official munity Mapping Network Community Plan has a very strong envi- The Conservancy hopes that their projects ronmental policy statement and detailed and other similar projects maintain their supporting maps. Through sharing of in- momentum to continue the work. Funding formation and resources, strong networks of for these worthwhile stewardship projects is people have been created throughout B.C. vital. Connections to the technical expertise to assist other similar projects achieve their of the various resource management indi- success. viduals are also a vital component of success. They are the “glue” that helps hold On a qualitative basis, the Streamkeepers these projects together and their input is can already see the results of their efforts to gratefully acknowledged. enhance fish habitat and rehabilitate streams. New log shelters and other fish Next Steps habitat features have resulted in the return of fish to these areas. They are observing Now that the information has been collected the fish now using these areas and how the there is a need to facilitate the ongoing local streams are starting to “heal themselves”. stewardship, expand the volunteer base and Once streams were mapped, people came to help the local communities take ownership realize that streams had “legal rights”. As of the land around them. The information another example of progress, the Fircom must now be managed. Knowledge is a camp had been running people through a source of empowerment, influence, and of nearby stream in an obstacle race. With the community pride in “taking ownership”. encouragement from the Streamkeepers they are now looking at using the stream as The Conservancy hopes that their work will an educational project. help to identify, preserve and protect the delicate environmental balances that are The Conservancy has faced many chal- present on Gambier. lenges and has worked hard at community building. It is gaining widespread recogni- tion as a model of community stewardship. For example, a recent bank slide into a small roadside stream brought together the Min- istry of Transportation’s maintenance per-

79 Planning Sustainable Communities

Project Contacts In addition, Grant McBain, the Community Advisor for the Fisheries and Oceans Can- Lois Kennedy ada (F&OC) provided the necessary techni- Gambier Island Conservancy cal support, equipment and some crew for Phone: 604-886-4987 the stream rehabilitation projects. E-mail: [email protected] Cheryl Trent, the Habitat Steward for the SCRD regularly provides maps that are Acknowledgements needed for land-use planning. The Islands Trust generated the official maps for the Generous funding has been received from new Gambier Island OCP. Several local the Urban Salmon Habitat Program (USHP) businessmen including Ken Sneddon of and from Fisheries Renewal B.C. (FsRBC) in Sechelt Creek Contracting, John Cosoluch of support of the Streamkeepers, GIS (com- Rivtow and Barry Proknow have provided puter) Mapping and Watershed Mapping much appreciated on-site support for the projects. The Real Estate Foundation pro- stream projects. Dr. Bob Newbury provided funds in support of the Capilano vided valuable advice at the beginning of College/Conservancy Environmentally the Watershed Mapping Project. Most Sensitive Areas project. The Sunshine Coast property owners of large and small tracts of Regional District (SCRD) has contributed to land have been generous in permitting ac- the Trails Mapping and Marking Project. cess. ESRI donated the ArcView computer soft- ware and BC Hydro’s Corporate Donations The Conservancy also extends its thanks Department donated a much-needed com- and appreciation to Rob Knight (USHP), puter to the Streamkeepers to facilitate the Marion Towne and Angus McKay (FsRBC), data organization for the Watershed Map- Victoria Troupe (Capilano College) and ping project. The funds secured were Margaret Lamarche (CFDC) for their sup- used primarily to hire biologists, technicians port of this work. and other qualified individuals to complete the technical work. The Conservancy Proj- ect Coordinators became a sort of “com- mand central” for the various projects.

80 Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory of the Georgia Lowland and Is- lands in the Northern Strait of Georgia

Abstract verified using selective field checks (ground-truthing). The information is being April 2002 marks the commencement of the captured using Arc/Info GIS (Geographical fourth year of the Sunshine Coast Sensitive Information System). The maps will be Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) which will available in both hard copy (1:20,000) and identify and map rare and fragile terrestrial digital formats by March 2003. ecosystems. The SEI study area is approximately 1,800 square kilometres and com- This project has led to the identification of prises the mainland portion of Georgia Ba- numerous unique and sensitive ecosystems. sin Lowland, between Desolation Sound Unlike the Vancouver Island study where and Howe Sound, and includes adjacent only 7.9% of the entire landscape contained islands within the Strait of Georgia Ecosec- rare and fragile ecosystems, preliminary tion, such as Texada, Harwood, Hernando, findings suggest that the percentage is Savary, Cortes and the southern part of higher on the Sunshine Coast thus provid- Quadra Island. Biogeoclimatic Units in- ing an opportunity to maintain and pre- cluded in the study area are Coastal Doug- serve these sites for future generations. las-fir Moist Maritime (CDFmm), Coastal Western Hemlock Very Dry (CWHxm1) Background and Coastal Western Hemlock Dry Mari- time (CWHdm). The mild climate and long growing season of the Sunshine Coast supports many rare plants, animals and plant communities – including several “at risk” species. Rapid development along the coast is resulting in the fragmentation and degradation of terrestrial ecosystems. The Sensitive Ecosys- tems Inventory is a “flagging” tool that identifies these systems and provides scientific information and support to local governments and others who are trying to maintain biodiversity.

The Sunshine Coast project builds on the success of the East Vancouver Island SEI. Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands mapping was completed in 1997 and a variety of support materials and services were devel- Figure 1. Sunshine Coast SEI study area boundary oped over the following few years, including one-on-one user support, a 300-page The inventory data was derived from aerial Conservation Manual, pamphlets and photography (photo-interpretation) at workshops. Local governments on east scales between 1:10,000 and 1:16,000 and Vancouver Island and adjacent Gulf Islands

81 Planning Sustainable Communities are now using the SEI data in regional gional District and Terminal Forest Prod- growth strategies, official community plans ucts Ltd. The project is jointly managed by and greenways/parks plans. The informa- Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife tion also assists in making site-specific deci- Service) and the B.C. Ministry of Sustain- sions on land use planning issues. The Van- able Resource Management, with assistance couver Island SEI can be seen at from a multi-agency steering committee http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/sei or at that includes federal and provincial agen- www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/sei. cies, local governments, First Nations and industry. A total of $400,071 was secured Objectives over the first four years of the project with approximately 875 days of “in-kind” labor Through the completion of a systematic, contributions. scientific inventory of the remaining sensitive (rare and fragile) terrestrial1 ecosystems A “Memorandum of Understanding” the project will identify, classify, evaluate (MOU) is in the process of being signed by and map remnant native wildlife habitats various partners involved in the use of the including those supporting species at risk. Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of the The SEI will help increase the understand- Georgia Lowland and adjacent islands. The ing of and respect for the ecological values MOU is between Environment Canada and of these sensitive ecosystems and encourage the following parties to the agreement: BC land use decisions that will conserve the Ministries of Sustainable Resource Man- sensitive ecosystems. The SEI information agement and Water, Land and Air Protec- will provide mapped data for use by local tion, Sechelt Indian Band, Sunshine Coast government, environmental and other Regional District, Powell River Regional community and economic groups with an District, Regional District of Comox- interest in land use, conservation and pres- Strathcona, Terminal Forest Products Ltd., ervation. Once completed the maps and and the BC Conservation Foundation. The information will be available for use and MOU is a demonstration of interest and of presented in “Community Outreach” edu- intention to co-operate on matters related to cational programs that would assist others the use of the data. It is an acknowledge- in using the data and communicate the ment by all parties of the value of the in- value and uses of this information by the formation for land use planning. community. Actions Process, Partners, Costs Year 1(1999-2000): Startup and Air Photo Major funding for the SEI is provided by the Interpretation - A Steering committee was Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative (GBEI), created with joint partners to oversee the with contributions from the Habitat Con- direction of the project and ensure good servation Trust Fund, the Sunshine Coast communication. The classification criteria Regional District, Comox-Strathcona Re- and inventory methodologies were developed. Air photo interpretation was conducted for most of the study area. 1 Wetlands (bog, fen, marsh, swamp, shallow water, wet meadow), Riparian ecosystems, Year 2 (2000-2001): Air photo interpretation Woodlands, Older coastal forests (structural stages 6 & 7), Herbaceous ecosystems, Cliffs and was completed, identifying 5,511 sites. Seasonally flooded agricultural fields. Groundtruthing field visits, with high qual-

82 Case Study: Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory

ity assurance strategies in place, were con- Challenges ducted for selected sites identified during air photo interpretation. Field data was Most challenges were financially related. entered into attribute files. Lack of full Due to funding shortages the amount of funding prevented the completion of groundtruthing for Texada Island was re- groundtruthing this year. duced. Ensuring good communication between the various agencies and partners Year 3 (2001-2002): Groundtruthing was was time consuming but there was good completed, although due to a lack of fund- support and cooperation. ing, only a limited number of field visits were conducted on Texada Island. Map and Coordinating with other studies and database development: Digitizing of 5,511 sources of data presented some challenges. polygons was completed, but database For example, the SEI information will be linking, plotting and quality control was included as a single layer of the Habitat postponed until Year 4. Atlas mapbook, causing some users to think that SEI information is limited to what is Year 4 CURRENT (2002-2003): Map and presented in the Habitat Atlas. Users need database development: Digitized polygons to be made aware of the depth of additional will be linked to an attribute file and draft SEI information available to them, including maps will be produced. All maps and da- secondary and tertiary ecosystem compo- tabases will be subject to thorough quality nents, and detailed ecosystem information assurance. on plant communities, stand structure, and site condition. Our experience has shown Map production and distribution: digital that many users think they “have it all” and hardcopy maps will be published and once they have looked at the atlas maps. distributed to all local governments and re- For the Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas, this source agencies. will be explained in the report accompany- ing the mapbook. Extension Materials: A report will be pre- pared and published describing inventory Another challenge faced is that terrestrial methods, ecological characteristics, and inventories require specialized scientific ex- summarizing/analyzing inventory results. pertise to identify in the field. The SEI data The report will also present management records plant communities and this ecologi- guidelines and conservation tools. Further cal data is incorporated into the Conserva- outreach products such as pamphlets, dis- tion Data Center databases where it con- play materials and workshops will be de- tributes to the development of the “red” pendent on the availability of funding. and “blue” conservation lists for plant communities. Results Project Outcomes Not all of the data is ready yet for analysis or publication. When the data is processed, Once completed, this information will serve it will be possible to tell what percentage of to alert local governments, resource agen- Sunshine Coast land is considered to be cies, First Nations, landowners and other ecologically sensitive. They have accumu- citizens as to the existence and importance lated significant scientific data that supports of these remnant ecosystems. It will en- an accurate interpretation. courage land use decisions that will help

83 Planning Sustainable Communities conserve these systems. This project is con- oping an interactive mapping site that will sidered to be an essential component of the include the SEI data layer. Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative that is fully supported by both Provincial and Fed- A final report is being written which will eral governments in their efforts to assist detail the findings of the inventory, describe local governments and communities in pre- the values of the plant communities in de- serving and improving the quality of the tail and will provide management guide- environment. lines. A “conservation tools” section will provide details with various models or Due to increasing development pressures sample clauses that could be used in Official throughout the Sunshine Coast and adja- Community Plans and Development Permit cent islands, as in most areas of the Georgia Area Guidelines. While the information is of Basin lowlands, there has been a loss and significance to all levels of government it is fragmentation of the natural ecosystems at the local government levels that many of upon which many species and communities the land use decisions are taking place, so depend. Further habitat loss is expected these guidelines will be of extreme impor- unless Official Community Plans, Growth tance to these user groups. The target date Management Strategies and various day-to- for completion of this manual is April 2003. day land–use decisions can direct growth and development away from these sensitive Recommendations for the Com- areas. munity Mapping Network

The combination of a broad ecosystem ap- There is a need to ensure that all data can be proach and plant community identification overlaid on top of one another on the vari- used by the SEI is new to most land use de- ous maps. Compatibility of data from one cision-makers. As a result, an outreach map to another is important to allow for educational strategy is a vital component of comparisons and other analysis of data. the project that will help to ensure wise use of the inventory data. Mapped information should be readily available to anyone. The maps are rela- The SEI website contains some descriptive tively inexpensive and the digital informa- material about the Sunshine Coast SEI, but tion can be accessed by those with GIS ca- it primarily describes the Vancouver Island pability. SEI project, presents ecological information on the ecosystems of concern, and provides It is important that groups who are consid- access to its publications. Once the Sun- ering mapping projects assess what has al- shine Coast SEI is completed, more com- ready been done and adhere to standard prehensive information will be posted on and approved methodology as opposed to that site. “seat of the pants” mapping. Some data generated simply cannot be used since there Currently, the SEI maps for Vancouver Is- is no scientific level of confidence in the land and Gulf Islands can only be accessed methodology and protocols as dictated by through the Internet on the Community the province. Mapping Network (CMN) website at http://www.shim.bc.ca/sei/seimain.html. However, the B.C. Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management is currently devel-

84 Case Study: Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory

Next Steps References

See year four of “Actions” section. Once the Contact project contacts (Carmen Cadrin) maps are produced a report will be pre- for further details. pared and the various community outreach projects will be initiated, pending funding. Acknowledgements The target audience for these workshops will be the local government staff and poli- The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory for the ticians, community groups, resource agen- Sunshine Coast has the support of the fol- cies and other entities including private lowing partners: business groups like logging companies, · Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative land developers etc. · Habitat Conservation Trust Fund · Sunshine Coast Regional District Project Contacts · Comox-Strathcona Regional District Carmen Cadrin · Terminal Forest Products Ltd. Conservation Data Centre, Ministry of Re- · Environment Canada (Canadian Wild- source Management life Service) Phone: 250-387-2730 · Ministry of Water, Land and Air Pro- E-mail: [email protected] tection, · Sechelt Indian Band, Jan Kirkby · Powell-River Regional District, Conservation Data Centre, Ministry of Re- · Ministry of Sustainable Resource Man- source Management agement. Phone: 250-387-0732 E-mail: [email protected]

Peggy Ward Habitat Conservation Planner, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada Phone: 250-752-9611 E-mail: [email protected]

85 Planning Sustainable Communities

86 Sechelt Indian Band Mapping: Vancouver River Spawning and Rearing Channel Development

Abstract sockeye in 1985. The cause was readily identified. Logging and ancillary develop- The Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) successfully ment had led to the destruction of most of undertook a three year project to increase the off-channels of the river that are such a the number of fish spawning and rearing in necessary component of healthy fish habi- the off-channels of the Vancouver River lo- tat. cated in Jervis Inlet on the Sunshine Coast. A total of eight channels consisting of ap- The water level in the Vancouver River proximately 7,000 meters, were excavated. fluctuates severely. Without off-channels, Water flow was connected through the the fish stock had no refuge from the torrent channels and fish habitat features were waters that result during periods of high added. Fish returned almost immediately to rainfall and thaws and there were no sites to these sites. Using a Leica GS50 GPS back- give young fry a place to develop. pack unit, the channels were mapped and are now available as a resource to ensure SIB determined that drastic measures were that any subsequent logging or develop- needed to rehabilitate the Vancouver River ment does not destroy the rehabilitated fish to bring back the fish stocks. habitat. The site is now an excellent place to study fish biology.

Construction of a town site and access roads had destroyed or cut off many of the channels from the river system. As a result, most of the channels were dry and void of fish habitat. The three-phase project undertaken in this area is likely one of the largest rehabilitative projects done in B.C. It has helped establish a track record of success and protocol for further projects of this nature.

Background Figure 1. Vancouver River The Vancouver River watershed had at one time sustained large populations of fish. Objectives Fish stock monitoring done over the past ten years at the Vancouver River site indi- The objective of the project was to increase cated drastically falling numbers of fish. In the fish populations in the Vancouver River recent years, Vancouver Bay fish popula- Watershed. Achieving the objective would tions were almost extinct, down from ap- result in increased fish stocks for commu- proximately 8,000 chums in 1973, 13,000 nity enjoyment, harvesting and to correct pinks in 1987, 5,000 coho in 1979 and 24

87 Planning Sustainable Communities

for the past physical decimation of the wa- structed. A large excavation cut through tershed. the logging road and provided a feed to Jitco Creek. The river had previously Process, Partners, Costs shifted and cut off the water supply to Jitco Creek which was nearly void of water. The SIB Resource Management Department in conjunction with the Community Fisher- Phase III (2000): Two parallel channels were ies Development Center and Fisheries & excavated on either side of the main logging Oceans Canada (F&OC) applied for funds road near the Vancouver Bay Lodge. A cul- for this extensive project. Funding was se- vert was added to connect the two channels cured through the F&OC Habitat Restora- that fed another 1000 meters of channels tion and Salmon Enhancement Program that eventually drain back into the main (HRSEP), Fisheries Renewal BC, and Inter- Vancouver River. national Forest Products (Interfor). In addition, “in-kind” contributions were made During Phase III mapping was completed. by SIB in the form of providing labour, Using a backpack GPS unit the channels boats, trucks, office and administrative were walked and mapped. This was con- support. This project was a joint venture verted into digital format on 1:20,000 scale between SIB and F&OC HRSEP. TRIM maps. Maps now show all the recon- structed and rehabilitated channels along the Vancouver River area. Actions

The project work was conducted in three The work for all three phases included the phases, as funding became available. use of excavators and backhoes with fill being provided by dump trucks. Some mi- Phase I (1998): Previous channels of the nor access roads were created. Native Vancouver River that had been cut off from vegetation re-planting was done. Through- the river and had either been filled in or had out the construction the process was de- dried up, were re-excavated. The channels signed to minimize siltation and further were connected with the main river through damage to the areas. flow pipes that had control valves. A total of eight channels representing some 7,000 Results meters of new stream were dug deep enough for ground water feed and river The project is considered to be a great suc- water to flow into them. Once dug, the cess. “If you build it, they will come.” water flow was reconnected and small Adult fish have returned to all the channels. logs/wood was put in place to provide Juvenile salmon came in faster than the shade and shelter for returning fish. This channels could be constructed, apparently phase took approximately five weeks and just waiting for the off-channels to be fin- provided employment opportunities for ished to provide shelter and a place to hide. eight people. Numbers of fish have been recorded through foot surveys, trapping programs Phase II (1999): A berm was constructed and the assessment of smolt migration pat- that allowed for water to be piped through ters. it so it did not interfere with the main river The area now provides an excellent outdoor flow yet kept the river from eventually eat- laboratory to study fish biology, water ing into the channels that had been recon- chemistry, logging impacts and soil analy-

88 Case Study: Sechelt Indian Band Mapping

sis. It is a controlled environment that al- summer that restricted work on the project lows for the mimicking of the natural proc- to mostly late August and September. esses in a watershed. There are facilities on- site that make it easier for crews to study Equipment: The GPS unit back pack (Leica and monitor the river system as well as do GS 50) was found to be superior in mapping repairs and maintenance. capability especially when under tree can- opy cover. Interfor is actively logging in the valley and contributed to the funding for the project. Natural Destruction: Ongoing problems They have been very supportive of the proj- included some siltation, pools and channels ect and are sensitive to maintaining the re- filling in from natural run-off or collapsing habilitated area. banks.

Ongoing resources to provide monitoring and maintenance remains a challenge.

Project Outcomes

The Vancouver River and the off-channels have now been mapped. The information has been layered onto existing SIB maps. Developers are required to consult with SIB, Resource Management Department, before proceeding with any development in an effort to help ensure there will be no negative

Figure 2. Coastal Cutthroat Trout in intake pool. environmental impacts in the area. Prior to the updated mapping, there was no official Challenges record of where the various channels ex- isted and development of logging roads and Funding securing ongoing funding was the actual logging practices were done with biggest challenge. The project was run on a minimal regard for the ultimate damage to phased basis since there were no guarantees the surrounding eco-systems. that funding would be provided from one phase to the next. The application process Reports are being written to identify the was time consuming and cumbersome. various project results and will be submitted to the funding agencies. SIB may even- Remote Location: To access the site requires tually publish the project details in appro- approximately 30 nautical miles of travel (or priate publications or on a web-site. approximately 25 minutes from Egmont) by water. However, SIB owns the Vancouver SIB keeps the newly mapped stream data Bay Lodge located at the mouth of the Van- available in digital format and F&OC also couver River that provides overnight ac- has this as part of its HRSEP program. commodation and shelter during foul weather. Most importantly, fish are back to the Van- Weather/seasons: The ideal time for chan- couver River site and off –channels in in- neling was during the “low flow” months of creasing numbers. The site is now a place to study and provides a legacy for future

89 Planning Sustainable Communities

generations. The experience gained by the steps” can be taken. Ideally SIB would like project workers and supervisors can be to “turn the clock back” on a number of used to expedite and complete future proj- watershed areas with a process similar to ects of this nature in other watershed areas that used on the Vancouver River area. that are in need of rehabilitation. There are five major watershed areas in the region; all of which have sustained various Recommendations for the Com- degrees of damage as a result of previous logging practices. munity Mapping Network

The updated maps provide some form of Project Contacts insurance that any development in the area Mr. Rick August will not damage the restored fish habitat Fisheries Coordinator, Resource Manage- areas. Mapping has provided a historical ment Department & Band Councilor, benchmark that can be used to track river Sechelt Indian Band system changes in the decades to follow. Box 740, Sechelt, BC. VON 3AO Any development in the area will now have Phone: 604-885-2273 access to the information to ensure that Fax: 604-885-3490 plans are developed in accordance with E-mail: [email protected] preservation standards.

If funding had been available it would have Acknowledgements been ideal to map the river and channels prior to the reconstruction work. This The Sechelt Indian Band would like to would have provided information that thank the funders and supporters of the would have made it easier to do a cost- Vancouver River spawning and rearing analysis and to plan the project in more de- channel development initiative: tail in advance. This may have resulted in more cost-effective procedures. In the ab- · Fisheries & Oceans Canada Habitat sence of maps the work proceeded using an Restoration and Salmon Enhancement “eye ball” method to determine what Program should be done. · Fisheries Renewal BC · International Forest Products · Community Fisheries Development Next Steps Center

Phase III reports are being completed. Ac- cess to funding will determine what “next

90 Capilano College, Sechelt Campus: Training, Data Collection and Interaction with Community Mapping Projects

Abstract

For fourteen years Capilano College has been training students through a variety of programs on Fisheries and Community Stewardship like the Streamkeepers program. As part of the training, students have conducted a wide range of streamkeeping mapping and restorative projects in local watershed areas. Streamkeepers students have provided a “volunteer” labour force to map many of the local streams and tributaries and participate in restorative activities. The data collected has been shared Figure 1. Capilano College, Sechelt Campus with relevant agencies and has formed the basis of many further studies and projects. Background The College (Dave Bates) continues to serve Capilano College located on the Sunshine on a number of advisory committees in the Coast in Sechelt, B.C., through the Depart- community and as a consultant to various ment of Applied Fisheries and Forestry Sci- projects including significant involvement ence offers a Watershed Restoration Techni- in the various Sechelt Indian Band Resource cian Certificate Program and Stewardship Management Department projects. Gradu- Training (Streamkeepers) programs. Stu- ates from the program are now working dents registered in these programs have with a number of different agencies, pro- participated in numerous local initiatives viding technical and academic skills in the that involve stream mapping, restoration, field of fish habitat stream enhancement, enhancement, and collection of fish data. restoration and conservation. This case The projects and data collected have been study is an excellent example of academic shared with relevant agencies and have institutions working with community part- been used in other projects, such as the Sun- ners on projects that enhance the overall shine Coast Habitat Atlas. Many skilled preservation and conservation of fish habi- technicians who have graduated from the tat. various programs are now working in the field. Those working in the Resource Man- Dr. Bates developed the delivery model and agement offices of the Sechelt Indian Band parts of the content of the Streamkeepers program that is now used throughout BC and is be- have received their training through the ing adapted for use in other countries. College and continue to work together closely on various watershed projects.

Watersheds of the Sunshine Coast offer world class "real life" laboratories that provide practical excellent "hands-on" training options for the program participants. Since

91 Planning Sustainable Communities the College coordinates its projects with · Developing field programs, field work various community groups, the projects into student exercises; undertaken by the students and the pro- · RIC approved watershed restoration gram in general provide valuable data and surveys; work that assists these other agencies. The · Watershed or stream assessments to high standards and quality of work ensures identify, rehabilitate and restore fish that the project data is “useable” in the sci- habitat; entific community and meets high stan- · Establish goals and project design for dards and quality assurance measures. various projects ; · Adult and juvenile salmon and trout Objectives assessments – annually enumerate and survey Chum salmon returns in Ander- The objectives of the program are to provide son Creek and Pender Harbour (Infor- skilled technical people who can collect reli- mation forward to F&OC); able and reproducible information. The · Mapping projects is a large part of the data collection process and methodology Streamkeepers Program that involves used will help ensure the conservation and students using tapes, compasses and protection of local salmonid populations other assessment programs to map vari- and resources. ous streams, channels and tributaries; · Completion of small demonstrative Process, Partners, Costs restoration projects. E.g. Ouellett Creek; · Assisting with the writing of funding The College has developed a close working proposals; relationship with the Sechelt Indian Band. · Assisting with the writing of Technical They have partnered on numerous projects reports; and, where the College students have provided · Finding employment opportunities for the labour and technical expertise while SIB trained Applied Fisheries graduates. has provided access, equipment and other associated project costs. The College also maintains an excellent working relationship Results with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Significant data and mapping information has been compiled and shared with local Actions government, the SIB, and resource management organizations. The “real life” During the course of the various programs training exercises have helped train world offered by the College, students have taken class technicians, many of whom are work- on a number of field projects under the su- ing with various projects and agencies. The pervision of Dave Bates. Some of the proj- projects completed have provided much ects that have been undertaken include: needed data that have been used for the planning and initiation of a variety of wa- · Stream assessments: fish population tershed restoration projects. surveys, students or graduates have surveyed almost every Anadromous stream on SIB lands; · Two students (graduates) completed the early SHIM surveys and trained SHIM crews in Powell River;

92 Case Study: Capilano College, Sechelt Campus

Challenges Efforts to diffuse quality control controver- sies by assisting with the standardization of Challenges for the program include secur- techniques and methodology would be wel- ing sufficient students and funding. Al- come. There have not been a lot of stan- though the local outdoor classroom settings dards developed for foreshores and up- provide an excellent learning environment, slope terrain. potential students may not want to tempo- rarily relocate to the Sunshine Coast. Find- Next Steps ing local year round employment opportunities has been frustrating to program The program is somewhat at risk due to graduates forcing many to relocate for funding uncertainties and enrolment issues. work. Cooperation between the College The College hopes to continue the program and local groups has been excellent and has to supply the technically qualified person- proven to be a long lasting mutually benefi- nel who can then form the basis of a reliable cial arrangement. labour pool to work on projects in BC, Can- ada, and internationally. Without well- Project Outcomes qualified individuals, many community mapping and stewardship programs would The College’s Streamkeepers Workshop has be at risk. formed the basis of the model being used by numerous training institutes. The work of Project Contacts the College and its students has led to numerous publications and distribution of in- Dr. Dave Bates formation that is relevant and important to Capilano College, Sechelt Campus the protection of local watershed resources. Box 1609, Sechelt, B.C. Canada VON 3AO Dave Bates has taught and delivered many Phone: 604-885-9310 Fax: 604-885-9350 workshops in Canada and internationally. E-mail: [email protected] In the spring of 2002 he will be traveling to Malaysia where they want to adapt the Acknowledgements Streamkeepers model to meet their local environmental needs. The College acknowledges the ongoing support of F&OC (Grant McBain and his Recommendations for the Com- technician, Jim Wilson), the Sechelt Indian munity Mapping Network Band Resource Management Department, and the excellent cooperation and commu- Groups or organizations engaged in Com- nication between the various local govern- munity Mapping projects should consider ment agencies. the possibility of partnering with College’s and other educational institutes. The col- laboration can be mutually beneficial and rewarding. Communication amongst these various groups can lead to new ideas, projects and possible collaborative efforts.