Community-based stream conservation initiatives in British Columbia, Canada

• DOI: 10.2166/wst.2002.0392
• Publication Date: 2018-05-18T13:13:28Z
• Authors: N. Wilson
• Keywords: Stewardship; Local Community; Natural heritage

British Columbia is a diverse province, with ecosystems ranging from semi-arid deserts to valley glaciers and vast ice fields. By world standards, BC has an abundance of fresh water in its lakes rivers. However, rivers have been exploited for social industrial purposes, often the detriment natural values. Community groups non-government organizations active rehabilitating restoring waterways. The Outdoor Recreation Council provincial organization that instrumental river conservation issues BC. Three key initiatives established by since formation 1975. Rivers Day grown into largest celebration kind North America, there move establish national Canada based on model Second annual Endangered List compiled released each spring. third initiative River Recovery Project which dams impoundment structures were evaluated against set criteria. A short list candidates was generated project will be further studied determine what actions should taken alter management restore ecological values streams they are built. three described rely local community support. provides coordination, promotion, publicity as well some resource materials while communities take stewardship roles their streams. This may useful other jurisdictions.