BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS) 206 - 1889 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5 Phone: 250.717.1212 Fax: 250.717.1226 Toll Free: 1.877 BC LAKES E-mail: [email protected] Visit us on the web: www.bclss.org
Volume 15, Issue 4 January 2013
Protecting BC Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species Source: Ministry of Environment News Release Dec. 20, 2012 he B.C. government has amended the Controlled Alien Species Regulation to protect our environment, with tough Tfines for those who introduce invasive species into local ecosystems.
The B.C. government has strengthened the regulation, acting on a previous commitment to ban the snakehead fish. All public comments received on the government’s policy paper supported strong action on this issue.
The main measures of the amended regulation include:
Prohibiting the possession, breeding, release or transportation of high-risk aquatic species such as the snake- head. Releasing a live snakehead into local waters could result in a fine of up to $250,000. Requiring that no invasive zebra or quagga mussel, alive or dead, be present on boats or related equipment. Failure to clean mussels off boats or equipment could result in a fine of up to $100,000.
Until now, the Controlled Alien Species Regulation has been used to control the possession, breeding, shipping and releasing of animals that are not native to B.C., such as tigers, that pose a serious risk to the health or safety of peo- ple. For example, it is a direct violation of the regulation to possess a prohibited species without a permit.
Given the threats to B.C.’s fish, wildlife and In this issue... JANUARY’S FEATURES PAGE
Protecting BC Waters From Aquatic Invasives 1 - 2 Species at Risk Act Consultation 3 BCWWA Courses 2013 4 - 5 Nominations for Excellence in Water Stewardship Award 6 Be Ice Smart 7 Natural Phenomena 8 - 9 BC Interior Stewardship Workshop 11 BCLSS BUSINESS UPDATE BCLSS Membership / Sponsorship Form 10 Snakehead fish caught in Burnaby Pond. Photo Announcements 12 credit: SFU Public Affairs and Media Relations Photo: Fish Lake from Sparkle Lake Trail continued on p. 2... 1 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013 continued from p. 1... habitat, the new rules target specific aquatic invasive species to prevent these live species from coming into contact with our waters. Many neighbouring Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions have similar restrictions on aquatic invasive spe- cies as those announced today.
Other new measures include:
Adding definitions for “accredited zoo or aquarium,” “certified educational institution” and “certified research institution” to create clarity on standards, and allow exemptions to apply for strict educational or scientific pur- poses. Clarifying which species of monitor lizard are prohibited, typically those that grow over two metres in length or that otherwise create a significant threat to public safety.
Northern Snakehead: The northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a highly invasive, predatory fish originally native to northern China and Korea that is capable of devastating local ecosystems. The fish is torpedo-shaped, light brown in colour with dark brown patches, and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. It can grow up to 1.2 m in length and weigh up to 6.8 kg. The snakehead can survive out of water in moist environments for up to 7 days and is capable of travelling short distanc- es overland. While not yet established in B.C., the fish is an ongoing ecological concern in a number of northeast U.S. states, as well as in Arkansas. In May 2012, a snakehead fish was spotted in Central Park lagoon in Burnaby. As a result, staff from both the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations launched an extensive search, and following a partial drainage of the lagoon, the snakehead was successfully captured and removed.
Zebra and Quagga mussels: Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostri- formis bugensis) were introduced to North America in the 1980s as a result of ballast water being discharged by vessels travelling from Europe. Both varie- ties of mussel pose a severe threat to B.C.’s aquatic ecosystems, salmon pop- ulations, hydro power generation stations and drinking water facilities. Live mussels that become attached to recreational vehicles, boats, boating equip- ment and fishing gear can be easily transferred from one body of water to an- SFU biology grad student other. Zebra mussels grow up to 15 mm in size and have a “D-shaped” shell. Michael Beakers is one Their colour may vary from light brown to dark brown and the shell has obvious of the researchers analyzing striping. Quagga mussels are rounder in shape and can grow up to 20 mm in the snakehead fish caught size. The shell usually features dark, concentric rings, and is paler near its in Burnaby’s Central Park hinge. In addition to the Great Lakes, zebra and quagga mussels have been pond. Photo credit: SFU Public found in Quebec and at least 24 American states as far west as California and Affairs and Media Relations Colorado. Annual costs incurred in Ontario due to mussel contamination is estimated at $75 million to $91 million, with cumulative costs on the Great Lakes estimated at well over $3 billion.
Quagga mussel shells were found on a power boat that was brought to Shuswap Lake from Lake Pleasant, Arizona, in June 2012. The boat was subsequently removed by provincial and federal government staff (with the co-operation of the boat owner and the operator of the marina). Following an extensive decontamination effort and investigation, it was concluded that at this time there is no evidence that the mussel has become established in the system.
To learn more about Controlled Alien Species Regulation, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlifeactreview/cas/ To learn more about the accreditation standards that have been developed by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), visit: http://www.caza.ca/en/about_caza/accreditation_program/
To learn more about the certification pro- cess developed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care, visit: http://www.ccac.ca/.
2 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the
Species at Risk Act
A Source: Barry Smith, Regional Director of the Canadian7 Wildlife Service
y 9
w nvironment Canada is seeking comments on the potential impacts of amending the List ofH Wildlife Species at Risk.E On October 5, 2012, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) submitted 55 assessments of species at risk and two of species no longer at risk to the federal Minister of the Environment. On Jan- uary 3, 2013, the Government of Canada posted the Ministerial Response Statements for these species on the Spe- cies at Risk Act (SARA) Public Registry, launching public consultations on the amendment of Schedule 1, the List of Wildlife Species at Risk under SARA. A complete set of statements is available at: www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/ default.asp?lang=En&n=387BD042-1. Twenty-eight of these species at risk (19 terrestrial and 9 aquatic) have had their current Schedule 1 status confirmed. These are not included in this consultation process, as no regulatory amendment is required.
In the Pacific and Yukon Region, Environment Canada is seeking comment on the proposed amendment of Schedule 1 resulting from assessments of the 9 terrestrial species and populations whose ranges occur in the Region. For more information, please download the document “Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act Terrestrial Species December 2012” from the SARA Public Registry website at: http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/document/default_e.cfm?documentID=2318
All comments will be considered and will inform the Minister’s recommendation to Cabinet. Please provide remarks by March 4, 2013 for species under a normal consultation process and by October 4, 2013 for species under an extend- ed consultation process (information on where to send your comments is provided below). Following the March 4, 2013 deadline there will also be an opportunity to provide comments during the 30-day public consultation period associated with pre-publication in Canada Gazette Part I. This is expected to occur in the fall of 2013.
Please email your comments to the Species at Risk Public Registry at: [email protected]
Comments may also be mailed to: Director General, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Ottawa ON, K1A 0H3
For more information on the Species at Risk Act, please visit the Species at Risk Public Registry at: www.sararegistry.gc.ca
3 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013 BCWWA Courses Available Source: David Icharia, BC Water & Waste Association he BCWWA (BC Water & Waste Water Association) offers a range of courses leading to certification for operators throughoutT BC. As technology advances and provincial needs and requirements change, their courses are adjusted and developed to meet the needs of operators. Their courses enhance on-the-job performance, and provide Continu- ing Education Units (CEUs) and networking opportunities. Education of water system operators is an essential compo- nent of BC’s source-to-tap approach to protecting drinking water and public health. Small water systems are often challenged by limited training opportunities due to small tax bases, rural locations, and lack of local training opportu- nities. To address this BCWWA has received grant funding from BC Government (Min. of Environment) of $100,000 to develop a program specific to the needs of small water systems. This program begins immediately and must be com- pleted before December 31st, 2013.
What is the education grant for? The subsidy is for 60% to 80% of registration costs associated with attending: i. a two day BCWWA Small Water Systems (SWS) course (60% subsidy) AND a one day BCWWA Source Water Pro- tection (SWP) course (80% subsidy); OR ii. only a BCWWA Source Water Protection course (80% subsidy).
BCWWA has scheduled all SWP courses to be held immediately after SWS courses in 2013 to ensure that operators can attend both without having to travel twice.
Who is eligible for the education grant? Preference will be given to systems serving under 500 people in a 24 hour period and are not owned and operated by a local government such as a regional district or municipality.
How many people can a system send and receive the education grant? Any small system will be able to send up to 2 people and can receive a full education grant for each person.
Is there a maximum amount per person? The amounts shown on the application form for each of the courses include the subsidy. The maximum amount per person is $590 if one attends both courses.
Is there an application deadline? Operators can apply for the subsidy effective immediately. However, all applications will be evaluated on a first come first served basis and the subsidy will continue until December 31st 2013 or until the funds are expended. Please re- fer to www.bcwwa regularly for a schedule of locations and dates. Operators can apply until December 31, 2013.
How does an operator apply for the subsidy? Complete the Small Water Systems Operator Registration & Education Grant Application Form (download the form at http://www.bcwwa.org/resourcelibrary/SWP_SWSFlyer_2013Final.pdf) and send it in to BCWWA for evaluation and consideration: by fax to 604-433-9859, by email to [email protected] or by mail to 221-8678 Greenall Avenue, Burnaby V5J 3M6.
SOURCE WATER PROTECTION COURSE How secure is your water supply? Through our innovative new course offering BCWWA is helping small water systems operators throughout BC increase their knowledge and skills and improve the security of water quality and distribution for their stakeholders and com- munities. Bursaries for the Source Water Protection course are available to increase small water system operator ac- cessibility to this program. The Source Water Protection Course provides the foundation needed to develop a source water protection plan for your water supply system.
Planning is Key Focusing on a community-based approach to protecting the drinking water supply, the course is designed to provide the tools necessary for the participants to assess and evaluate their own water source and identify steps to take to develop a Source Water Protection Plan. continued on p. 5... 4 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013 continued from p. 4...
The course is primarily for small water system owners (including trustees and councillors), operators, water users and community members interested in protecting the sources of their water supply system. The course is also applicable to larger water supply system owners, operators and users.
Key Topics: Forming a community planning team Determining the source water protection area Reviewing the requirements for short and long term source water quality monitoring Finding sources of available data Identifying potential contaminants and risks to the water supply Developing a contingency plan Identifying priorities and management options Designing an implementation strategy
The course will also provide references to on-line resources and tools to assist the participants in preparing their Plan. The Source Water Protection source is eligible for 0.6 CEUs.
SMALL WATER SYSTEMS COURSE
Key Topics: Surface water sources Groundwater sources Water Treatment Water Distribution Disinfection Safety Monitoring Water System Fixtures
The Small Water Systems course has been recog- nized by The Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) as eligible for 1.2 CEUs.
Become a Small Water Systems Expert The Small Water Systems course is designed to familiarize students with the basic principles of water supply and dis- tribution for small communities. It provides a framework for compliance with Provincial legislation aimed at protecting public health by providing water customers with potable water that meets current guidelines for water quality.
Small Water Systems also outlines construction techniques, as well as operation and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, valves, pipelines, reservoirs and related fixtures. Additional course topics include the most common disin- fection methods along with safety, monitoring, and common water treatment calculations and formulas.
Designed for operators of water systems serving a population less than 500, this 2-day Small Water Systems course covers all aspects of operating a small water system. The course introduces students to existing water legislation, wa- ter sources, water treatment and distribution practices.
This course satisfies the educational requirements to write the Small Water Systems certification exam administered by the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP).
For more information on pricing, dates, locations, and to access the grant application form please visit https://www.bcwwa.org/ resourcelibrary/SWP_SWSFlyer_2013Final.pdf.
For any questions, please get in touch with David Icharia at 604 -630-0093 or toll free 1-877-433-4389 or on email at [email protected].
5 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Calling all Nominations - Excellence in Water Stewardship Award Source: http://blog.gov.bc.ca/livingwatersmart/ re you aware of an outstanding BC community, business, organization or institution that should be recognized forA its contribution to water stewardship?
The BC Ministry of Environment invites you to submit a nomination for the first annual Excellence in Water Steward- ship Award. Sponsored by the Council of the Federation, this new award recognizes outstanding achievement, inno- vative practice and excellence in water stewardship in Canada.
Local governments, community groups, businesses and other organizations are eligible to receive the award. The award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in water stewardship in Canada. Award recipients will be announced during Canada Water Week on World Water Day, March 22, 2013.
Awards will be granted to one recipient in each of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. Winners will be an- nounced on March 22, 2013, which is World Water Day and also falls within Canada Water Week.
More information on the award and the BC nomination process can be found at http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/ wateraward/.
The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2013. For more information, please visit http://blog.gov.bc.ca/ livingwatersmart/.
For more information on the Council of the Federation, please visit: http:// www.councilofthefederation.ca/.
For more information on World Water Day, please visit: http:// www.unwater.org/ watercooperation2013/index.html.
For more information on Canada Water Week, please visit: http:// canadawaterweek.com/.
To download a nomination package, please visit http:// www.livingwatersmart.ca/wateraward/ docs/nomination_package_bc.pdf. Image source: http://www.livingwatersmart.ca/wateraward/
6 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Be Ice Smart! Source: Tie Lake Tribune, Tie Lake Property Owners’ Association Ice Smart Safety Tips
Measure ice thickness at several locations on a regular basis to ensure that it is thick enough for the designat- ed recreational use. Local conditions such as currents, underwater springs and water depths can affect ice thickness. Ice under the snow will be thinner and weaker as the snow acts as an insulation blanket. Ice along the shoreline is thinner and weaker because of the thermal influence of the adjacent land mass. Use the buddy system and wear lifejackets when testing ice thickness for the first time. As ice melts in the spring it undergoes a process known as candling which weakens the ice along vertical chan- nels. Never go onto ice alone, a buddy may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty. Before venturing onto the ice, tell someone where you are going and your expected time of return.
Recommended Minimum Ice Thickness
3” (7cm.) or less Stay Off 4” (10cm.) ice fishing, cross-country ski- ing and walking 5” (12 cm.) one snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle 8”-12” (20-30 cm.) one car or small pickup truck 12”-15” (30-38 cm.) one medium truck or SUV
The above recommendations are for new clear hard ice. White ice has air or snow within it and should be considered suspect for recrea- tional use. Ice is rarely uniform in thickness; it can be 12 inches thick in one place and three inches thick just 10 feet away. Extended mod- erately cold temperatures do not necessarily mean safe ice; an extreme cold snap can quickly cause large cracks.
Rescue Techniques In the Event of an Ice- Related Incident
Slowly lie down on the ice if you find yourself on or near weak ice. Crawl or roll away from the broken ice. Tell the victim to kick and slowly ease their way out of the water. Use a long-reaching assist, such as: rope, ladder or garden tool. Make sure you are far enough away from the weak ice before you begin the res- cue operation. Help the victim into dry clothes and/or into a heated building and treat for hypo- thermia.
7 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Natural Phenomena Sources: Auckland Regional Council “Pollution Facts” pamphlet and http://www.nrc.govt.nz/Resource-Library-Summary/ Publications/Water/Natural-phenomena--Marine-and-freshwater/Marine-and-freshwater/
any natural phenomena can appear to be pollution at first glance. These natural phenomena are often very Mconspicuous and can come in many colours and smells, but generally do not cause any adverse environmental ef- fects.
Iron Oxide Bacteria
The bacterial breakdown of iron in water produces an iron oxide deposit: a bright orange, fuzzy or slimy looking growth. The iron oxide deposits are non toxic and not neces- sarily associated with pollution. Iron oxide bacteria are found in iron-rich water, from groundwater seepage and during low water flows. Iron oxide bacteria use iron present in water, earth or steel pipes in their metabolic processes. A rainbow or blue oily sheen is associated with this growth and is often mistaken for oil. Iron oxide in water Rotting vegetation Photo credit Steve Allen: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steveallen/2779863013/ Rotting vegetation often produces a rainbow-like sheen that can be mistaken for an oil slick. This can be relatively easily identified by breaking up the sheen with a stick or some- thing similar – while an oil sheen will swirl, elongate and reform, the organic sheen tends to break into irregular rafts with a mirror-like appearance.
To differentiate an oil sheen from a sheen produced from naturally occurring phenomena. Break the sheen up with a stick. An oil sheen will swirl, elongate and reform. The organic sheen from iron-oxide or rotting vegetation tends to break into irregular platelets which do not reform, and have a mirror-like appearance.
Dead fish
Many naturally-occurring phenomena can cause oxygen levels in streams and rivers – which may also be influenced by estuaries – to decrease significantly. This decrease can drop to a level where the stream can no longer support
Mary Lake
Pollen on water Photo credit: Procsilas http://www.flickr.com/photos/procsilas/ continued on p. 9... 8 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
...continued from p. 8 life. This will cause fish to suffocate and eventually die.
Pollen (pictured on p. 8)
Pollen appears annually in late winter or early spring when pollen is produced by plants. It resembles powdered sulphur or a yellow paint spill if in large amounts. Easily identified by its lack of odour and typically has a greasy feeling when rubbed between fingers.
Natural scum
Natural scum is an oily, brown film that accumulates in streams, normally behind stream obstructions – like logs and other debris. This scum is mostly organic and normally representative of generally poor stormwater quality. The scum has a sprinkling of bubbles and normally builds up in concentric rings and contains general debris.
Algal and Plankton Blooms
Blooms are caused by sudden, massive growths of naturally occurring, microscopic plant and animal life – both algae and plankton. This often causes discolouration of both fresh and salt water. They can be mistaken for oil slicks, sew- age overflows or paint spills and they can occur extensively over the summer period and come in many colours, from bright red and orange to browns and greens.
Blue green algae bloom. Marine plankton bloom in the Baltic Sea Photo credit: Lake Improvement Association Image: http://www.esa.int/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/ Photo credit: Richard Petry http://www.flickr.com/ lakeimprovement/4752522265/ photos/themapaddict/6143963001/
Lakeshore Environmental Ltd. Don Holmes, MSc., RPBio., QEP 2008 Paul Lake Rd. Kamloops, BC V2H 1N8 Phone: 250.573.2928 Cell: 250.371.1472
9 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Thank you to our generous funders... BC Ministry of the Environment BC Gaming Commission
Become a BCLSS Member or Sponsor
Sponsorship Information Benefits of Becoming a Member:
Corporate sponsorship of the BCLSS has many benefits! Donations will be gratefully acknowledged with either a tax- Quarterly newsletters deductible receipt or a non-tax-deductible receipt with the Monthly e-newsletter, the Loonie News following benefits: Lake report tailored for your lake Training and support Platinum ‐ $1000 Assistance from Director in local region Advertisement (1/2 page) in quarterly newsletter Monitoring insurance for BCLSMP volunteers Logo, link, company description on BCLSS website, Annual conference and workshops and 4 full memberships (if desired) Part of an extensive network of lake stewards Exhibition space and 2 full BCLSS Conference reg- Access to extensive limnological library istrations Listing at events attended by BCLSS Don’t delay—sign up today! Framed certificate
Gold ‐ $500
Advertisement (1/3 page) in quarterly newsletter To become a BCLSS member or sponsor, fill out this form Logo, link, company description on BCLSS website and return it to BCLSS with a cheque or money order, and 3 full memberships (if desired) payable to BC Lake Stewardship Society: $10 student, Exhibition space and 1 full BCLSS Conference reg- $20 individual, $40 group or your sponsorship amount. istration Listing at events attended by BCLSS Name: Certificate suitable for framing Mailing Address: Silver ‐ $250 Phone: Advertisement (1/6 page) in quarterly newsletter Logo, link on BCLSS website, 2 full memberships Fax:
Exhibition space at BCLSS Conference Email: Listing at events attended by BCLSS Other information: Bronze ‐ $100
Listing, link on BCLSS website, 1 full membership Listing (business card size) in quarterly newsletter
10 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013 9th Annual BC Interior Stewardship Workshop Source: Mike Simpson, Fraser Basin Council
lanning has begun for the 9th annual BC Interior Stewardship Workshop, here is some information on what is Pbeing planned.
Where? This year’s workshop will be held in Vanderhoof, locally hosted by the Nechako Environ- ment and Water Stewardship Society (NEWSS)
When? The workshop will be held in the spring, rather than late winter, due to the popularity of the field tour component and the difficulties of con- ducting a winter field tour in Vanderhoof. The 1.5 day workshop will be held during the week of May 6 - 10 (first choice) or April 29 - May 3, depending on the availability of speakers, a venue, etc. The Fra- ser Basin Council will confirm the exact date as soon as possible.
Planned workshop content includes the following:
watershed stewardship and the agriculture sector agroforestry/silvopasture watersheds and connection to human health Northern river restoration Sturgeon recovery efforts
To enable the many stewardship groups from the Southern Interior to participate, we are exploring the option of arranging a bus or van(s) departing from Kamloops to travel to Vanderhoof and back, Nechako River, Vanderhoof, BC with pick-up locations along the way. This would be Photo by Robert Ciavarro no charge for stewards to ride the bus/van; with http://www.flickr.com/photos/bishopsgreen/2479651738/ this option, you get to chat with fellow stewards on the bus trip and develop relation- ships. Please email Mike Simpson at [email protected] if this is an option you would be interested in. A.G. Appel Enterprises Ltd. The Fraser Basin Council will be releas- A business that supports and ing more information later this winter, promotes lake stewardship including exact dates, registration links, and a call for nominations for the BC Interior Stewardship Award for Ecosys- 1145 Gordon Drive tem Excellence. Kelowna, BC 250.860.1211
11 Volume 15, Issue 4 BC Lake Stewardship Society January 2013
Share Your Regional BCLSS Contacts
Information With Us!! Cariboo Bonnie Winter, 108 Mile Ranch 250.791.9240 Norm Zirnhelt, Williams Lake 250.392.7995 ne of the primary objectives of the BC Lake Steward- shipO Society is to provide a public forum to discuss infor- Kootenays mation on specific lakes and watersheds, lake conserva- Brian Nickurak, Invermere 250.341.3738 tion issues/concepts and educational programs relevant Susanne Ashmore, Wasa Lake 250.422.3547 to British Columbia’s freshwater resources.
The BC Lake Stewardship Society Board of Directors wel- Lower Mainland Irene Calbick, Burnaby 604.522.0024 comes written submissions, whether short articles, adver- tisements, or photos/figures relevant to British Columbia’s Okanagan lakes from both BCLSS members and the community at Darryl Arsenault, Kelowna 250.860.8424 large. If you have information on BC’s lakes, please for- ward it to us for publication in our quarterly newsletter. The Smithers/North Coast BC Lake Stewardship Society Editor will be pleased to as- Lisa Torunski 250.847.1484
Please send arƟcles and lake informaƟon to: Thompson-Nicola
Marge Sidney, Kamloops 250.371.6346 206 - 1889 Springfield Rd.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5 Vancouver Island Phone: 250.717.1212 Dr. Rick Nordin, Victoria 250.656.7191 Eric Bonham, Victoria 250.474.5252 Toll Free: 1.877 BC LAKES Kevin Rieberger, Victoria 250.387.1188 Fax: 250.717.1226 Deborah Epps, Nanaimo 250.751.3146
Email: [email protected]
Announcements
Please Submit Your Lake Sampling Data If you haven’t submitted your 2012 sam- pling data to the BCLSS office, please do Don’t so at your earliest convenience! forget!
Ice-On/Ice-Off Observations
Tracking ice‐on/ice‐off dates are im‐ portant in determining the long‐term effects of climate change! We track ice‐ on/ice‐off in the BCLSS office, as well as Welcome New Members submit it to Environment Canada’s Ice‐ Watch database. Please visit the BCLSS Please join us in welcoming new BCLSS members: the website at h p://www.bclss.org/ Paska Lake Protection Association, Cowichan Valley Re- newsevents/news/149‐recording‐ice‐ gional District, Friends of Kootenay Lake, Elise Galuska, on‐data.html for a copy of the data sheet. Doug Elliott, Dave Cummings and Tammy Hibberson.
12