Greenways Land Trust Blog

Greenways Loop underway!

2010-08-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

Trail construction has begun on the Greenways Loop Jubilee Connector! This is a project over 10 years in the making! For more information, please visit www.greenwaystrust.ca!

Interpretive Walks for Summer and Fall!

2010-08-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Greenways Land Trust is offering three interpretive walks in late August and September. All walks cost $5.00 for an individual, $10.00 for a family, and Greenways Members are FREE! Please find details of our walks below.

August 29, 2010 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Beaver Lodge Forest Lands

Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road (please do not block the gate with vehicles, as it is an access point for fire services)

Topic: How wood fits in the ecosystem.
Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.

Led by Roy Myers of the Simms Creek Stewardship Society

September 14, 2010 - 6:00 to 7:30pm

Location: Haig-Brown Heritage House / Bed and Breakfast - Gold River Highway at Quinsam River Road

Topic: Best Laid Plans of Beavers and Man

Led by Sandra Milligan, biology instructor at North Island College

September 20, 2010 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Martin Road Entrance to Willow Creek Nature Trust

Topic: Environmental Stewardship

Led by Chuck DeSorcy of the Willow Creek Watershed Society

CR 50k Challenge!

2010-08-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

	September 5th, 9:00am - 7:00pm

Snowden Demonstration Forest

The 50k Challenge is on again! This event is a 54km singletrack race for trail runners and mountain bikers. What a wonderful event to showcase our local recreational amenities and promote active lifestyles!

Greenways will once again be participating in the Campbell River 50K Challenge, and we are looking for four volunteers to help at aid stations. The 50k challenge is held on September 05, 2010 (Saturday) at the Snowden Forest.

There are two shifts (one from 9:15 to 12:00, and one from 11:45 to 4:00). If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Greenways via e-mail, or phone 250-287-3785.

For more information about the 50k Challenge, please visit http://www.cr50k.com/

Thanks!

Beaver Lodge Interpretive Walk

2010-08-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Title: Wood in the Ecosystem
Subject: How wood fits in the ecosystem of BLFL. Includes wood creation and decay, value as habitat, value in a stream.
Date: Sunday August 29, 2010
Time: 1300-1500 (1pm-3pm), between 1.5 to 2.0 hours long.

Parking and Meeting place: The first gate encountered driving south on ERT Road from Evergreen Road. "Please do not block the gate, as it is an access point for fire services."

Led by Roy Myers from the Simms Creek Stewardship Society

Admission: $5. individual, $10. family, and FREE for Greenways Land Trust members!

Contact greenways@greenwaystrust.ca for more information.

Invasive Plant Removal

2010-08-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all of the volunteers who came out on Saturday to remove invasive species! We removed a large English holly tree, some lamium, Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry from a riparian area in the Larwood Creek tributary. A huge thanks to our volunteers, and to Strategic Forest Management for clearing an access path!

Tim Hortons Community Cleanup

2010-07-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Tim Hortons Community Cleanup is this Saturday at 10am! Volunteers are meeting behind Banners Restaurant to pickup litter and bash broom. Tim Hortons is providing free Timbits, coffee, and is giving our travel mugs too! Come on down and show your community pride from 10-2!

Nunns Creek Park Video

2010-07-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/ANewsVanIsland#p/search/0/SYO8df_d55g

Thank-You Campbell River Community Foundation

2010-05-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Campbell River Community Foundation for your tremendous support of the Greenways Loop Jubilee Extension!

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/95048019.html

Greenways Land Trust AGM

2010-05-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Greenways Land Trust will be holding its annual general meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 9th. Attending the AGM is a great way to learn about green initiatives in Campbell River!
Ongoing Projects include:
- Primary stewardship roles in Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, and Haig-Brown Heritage Property
- Development of the “Greenways Loop”, including the current Jubilee extension
- Involvement in the District of Campbell River’s development permits referral process.
- Providing education programs for youth and adults
- Other recreational greenway development: trail building and maintenance
- Habitat protection and enhancement projects such as invasive plant removal (for example, the annual ‘Broom Bash’), re-vegetation work, inventory and mapping.
- Ongoing support for and partnerships with stream stewardship groups: providing technical advice, funding support, training, and organizational capacity development.
AGM Details: Date: Wednesday, June 9th Time: 7-9 pmLocation: Maritime Heritage Centre Boardroom, 621 N. Island Highway (Look for signs for directions from the parking lot to the boardroom)Only members in good standing with Greenways Land Trust for six months is eligible for election to the Board of Directors. However, the public is invited to attend to learn more about Greenways Land Trust.
If you need any additional information, please contact Erin or Patricia at 287-3785 or email: greenways@greenwaystrust.ca

Campbell River Oceans Day

2010-05-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Date: Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Maritime Heritage Centre (621 N Island Highway)

Oceans Day is a free family event with tours of Coast Guard vessels, ocean creatures, and arts and crafts. There will be information booths about ocean health, conservation, and lots of other interesting ocean-realted topics. This year there is also a free shuttle to the Campbell River museum! Oceans Day is held at the picturesque Maritime Heritage Centre, next to the famous Discovery Pier. Come on over and enjoy a fun-filled day dedicated to our oceans!

Local High School Students and their Environmental Projects

2010-05-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

City of Campbell River Earth Week Film - Addicted to Plastics, has generated a lot of positive results especially for local high school students:

The Earth Week film night at the Tidemark Theatre on April 21 made environmental waves with 150 attendees, 93 green pledges to reduce environmental footprints and $606 donated to the environmental initiatives of Timberline and Carihi schools.

Student representatives from Carihi and Timberline Secondary School participated in the community dialogue portion of the event following, Addicted to Plastic, an award-winning documentary portraying the affects of plastic on the environment.

Carihi students introduced their award-winning short film highlighting their school’s Green Team initiatives, and students from the Timberline Energy Ambassadors program discussed the role of personal responsibility, sharing a slideshow of their school’s ambitious environmental efforts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Drew Williams, the School District 71 Ecoschools coordinator.

“It’s great to see the community so supportive of our students’ environmental efforts.”

Williams says the money raised will go towards improving the compost program and installing water bottle friendly water fountains at Carihi and to installing a solar hot water system at Timberline.

“The city is very pleased to partner with local students to raise environmental awareness,” says Mayor Charlie Cornfield.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we appreciate their enthusiasm for stepping forward and participating in efforts to take care of the planet.”

“The student presentations added immensely to the Earth Week film night,” says Coun. Roy Grant, Council liaison to the City’s Environmental Advisory Commission. “Understanding how they’re turning concern into action is an important part of our collective community effort – and it’s good to reinforce that we’re all working together to make a difference.”

Click here to see photos and article.

Broom Bash Success!

2010-05-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the courier Islander news article celebrating the 11th Annual Broom Bash

http://www2.canada.com/courierislander/news/story.html?id=3719b6cb-4d86-41a2-8fa8-f29fe51f9dee

Hillsborough denies arscenic link to QCoal

2010-05-05T14:54:00.001-07:00

Response from Hillsborough on Dr Cullen's UBC study on arsenic levels in Long Lake

Greenways Gallop

2010-04-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

The Greenways Gallop is Saturday May 8th at 10am.

5 KM FUN RUN / WALK
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands*
10:00 am start
$12 early registration (by May7th @ Shorerunners)
$15 day of race registration, $5 kids under 13

Sponsored by Shore Runners Campbell River
to support Greenways Land Trust

See you out there!

An Environmental Investigation of the Quinsam Watershed

2010-04-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's Quinsam Watershed meeting at the Maritime Heritage Centre was well attended by members of the local and regional community. Greenways Land Trust, the Tyee Club, the Haig-Brown Institute, the Campbell River Environmental Committee, and Campbell River Estuary Protection Group sponsored the meeting to inform the public of the current and evolving environmental state of the Campbell River watershed and the proposed expansion of the Quinsam coal mine.

Dr. Cullen of the Canadian Water Network, was the the focus of the night, his study found concerning levels of anthropogenic arsenic in sediments collected from Long Lake due to acid rock drainage. He cautions corrective action may be required pending further studies. Here is the executive summary by Dr. Cullen:

An environmental investigation of the Quinsam watershed

This study was initiated to investigate whether the mine was introducing arsenic into the watershed and if so, what the effects of arsenic input were on biota in the watershed. To determine natural and anthropogenic elemental loadings in sediments in the area, sediments were collected from a number of background lakes and lakes on the mine property, including the lake of highest concern, Long Lake. These results were compared with waste material from the mine site. The uptake of arsenic was investigated by using mussels in both short and long-term monitoring studies. A short-term caged mussel experiment was designed to investigate the potential for arsenic uptake, while long-term monitoring of mussels downriver of the mine was used to investigate current and historical arsenic loading in mussels.

Anthropogenic inputs of elements, including arsenic, to the watershed were identified after collected lake sediments were analyzed. In particular, Long Lake sediments were found to be elevated in arsenic. Further speciation analysis and bioaccessibility, or solubility, testing indicated that the introduced arsenic contamination can be easily solubilized and is more soluble than arsenic in the waste rock from the mine site. These speciation and bioaccessibility tests indicate that Long Lake sediments have forms and solubilities of arsenic similar to those from surrounding lakes. Further study is required to identify which of many potential sources around Long Lake is responsible for the elevated arsenic concentrations. The lake that flows into Long Lake, No Name Lake, was previously identified as also having elevated arsenic concentrations (Nordin, 2006) and the current study obtained similar results.

Elevated arsenic concentrations in sediments were found to correlate with elevated arsenic concentrations in biota. During the short-term caged mussels experiment higher arsenic loadings were found in mussels in Long Lake than in surrounding Quinsam watershed lakes. Higher loadings were seen in mussels collected from the Quinsam River in relation to the same species of mussel monitored in a nearby watershed, Simms Creek.

Arsenic concentrations are elevated in Long Lake as a result of acid rock drainage and other chemical process associated with mine waste. The high arsenic levels are associated with high concentrations of sulphate. The arsenic is available to bivalves, and presumably other biota. Further studies to identify the points of arsenic input should be undertaken to allow for corrective action. In particular sediment cores would provide evidence of the extent of anthropogenic arsenic inputs since the mine opening.

The full study can be viewed here.

There is not as of yet any conclusive evidence that condemns the expansion of the mine due to the vague nature of the available proposal. Greenways will thus continue to monitor the project's progress and provide information both here and on our website.

Listen to the CBC On The Island interview with our President pertaining to the proposed project here.

Read the CBC article here.

Thank You to Everyone for Coming Out for the Broom Bash!

2010-04-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Click images for detail

Before

After

Broom Bash Countdown

2010-04-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

The annual Greenways Broom Bash is this Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the BMX Track on Homewood Road.

The location is especially important to preserving Nunns Creek Park's ecosystem and reclaiming a recreational resource for the community. This is a chance for residents to reduce anthropogenic impacts to our local environment through removing foreign invasive plant species in this volunteer effort for Earth Week. Scotch Broom was introduced to Vancouver Island during the 19th Century and continues to flourish due to increasing land development and other human activities. Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons will be hosting this event for the 11th year in a row, offering volunteers tools, T-shirts, Timbits and fresh coffee in return for their hard work. See you Sunday.

Thanks to the Courier Islander for the article.

Greenways Volunteer Honoured

2010-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

Mike Pickford, who volunteers with Greenways Land Trust, was honoured with Youth Volunteer of the year at the Campbell River Volunteer of the Year Awards this year.

“Mike is enthusiastic, dedicated and a fine example of how youth can be involved as volunteers,” said Sievwright.

Read the full article here.

HAPPY EARTH DAY

2010-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day by walking to work and enjoying the outdoors. Plant a tree or go to an organic farmer's market. Commit to as many acts of green as possible and let us know about your achievements!

Get some ideas and record your act here.
More ideas.

10KGiveAway

2010-04-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

10KGiveAway

2010-04-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

The CARIHI Green Team has won $1,500 BC Green Games contest.
Congratulations!

Read the full article here.

Volunteer for the Broom Bash

2010-04-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons invites you to join them April 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the BMX track on Homewood Road in an effort to reduce Scotch Broom before it consumes adjacent parks and properties.

Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a foreign Western European shrub that was introduced to Vancouver Island in 1850. Now, subsequently thriving on many parts of the island and mainland, this plant costs the farming and forestry industries millions of dollars every year.

It alters ecosystems in such a way as to prohibit other plants from taking to land post-disruption, in return reducing biodiversity and dominating the landscape. Greenways Land Trust, an environmental non-profit organization, has been battling this fast growing, noxious weed throughout the Campbell River area for 10 years through their annual Broom Bash.

Now in their 11th year, the volunteer event will be held at the BMX track adjacent to Nunns Creek Park on Homewood Road as part of Earth Week.

Tim Hortons has partnered in this project, providing assistance to Greenways, plus tools, T-shirts, and Timbits to volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in the ripping and clipping of Broom on April 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the track.

Earth Week is a chance to celebrate our planet and raise awareness of issues concerning its fragile nature. Greenways and Tim Hortons are happy to host this event but stress the need for volunteers in order to make it a success.

Thanks to the Courier Islander for the article!

View it here

VOTE FOR GREENWAYS PROJECT

2010-04-19T12:40:00.001-07:00

Please go to this site and vote for Greenways Land Trust to receive 10K from First Credit & Insurance!! This will go towards our greenway project on Jubilee Parkway!

VOTE

For more information on this project see the above poster or call our office: 250.287.3785

The Greenways Loop is a 25km pedestrian trail around the City of Campbell River that connects residents and visitors providing increased mobility, social interaction and recreational resources. At the southern end of this pedestrian network will be the Jubilee Connector, the missing 3km of trail that will link the Rotary Seawalk to the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands along Jubilee Parkway and Highway 19A. The project will employ displaced forestry workers, enhance the visual landscape, reduce invasive species, and rehabilitate Willow Creek. As Project Manager, Greenways Land Trust will lead this greenway to completion, incorporating the needs of various stakeholders, City design guidelines and enforcing environmental protectionism.

The Jubilee Connector will be a soft surface urban trail with suburban connector links to allow for neighbouring communities to easily access the greenway. Its design priorities are connectivity, universal accessibility, maintenance ease, safety and aesthetic appeal. Bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs will be welcome on large portions of the trail. The vegetation plan for the Jubilee Connector incorporates the need for invasive species removal, native species retention, biodiversity augmentation, aesthetic appeal, safety precautions and maintenance concerns. Hearty native shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and trees have been selected for replanting. This will allow the parkland to return to a more natural state.

Pending additional financial support the trail will receive upgrades such as a resting point at Highway 19A and Jubilee Parkway. This will offer users a chance to relax and regroup at the entrance to Campbell River, an otherwise unused plot of land. A combination of benches, tables, and bike racks could be located within this project through the support of this giveaway. Completion of this project would incorporate smart growth principles, making Campbell River a more livable, inclusive and energy efficient city.

With these additions the greenway will be more inviting, increasing usage and in turn the ultimate goal of our organization. Greenways Land Trust is a non-profit organization that is devoted to enhancing and maintaining the natural environment and greenway networks of Campbell River. The completion of the Greenways Loop is a priority project that we feel would benefit greatly from your added support.

Please vote here!

Broom Bash in the Mirror

2010-04-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a Western European shrub that was introduced to Vancouver Island in 1850.

Now, subsequently thriving on many parts of the Island and mainland, this plant costs the farming and forestry industries millions of dollars every year.

It alters ecosystems by prohibiting other plants from taking to disrupted land, in return reducing biodiversity and dominating the landscape.

Often found on roadsides or in open meadows, a single plant can produce 3,500 pods, within which there are 5-12 seeds, easily forming dense thickets of yellow that obstruct mobility and increase wildfire intensity. Greenways Land Trust, an environmental non-profit organization, has been battling this fast growing, noxious weed throughout the Campbell River area for 10 years through their annual Broom Bash. Now in their 11th year, the volunteer event will be held at the BMX track adjacent to Nunns Creek Park on Homewood Road as part of Earth Week. Tim Hortons has partnered in this project, providing assistance to Greenways, plus tools, t-shirts, and Timbits to volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in the ripping and clipping of Broom on April 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the track.

Thank you to the Mirror for publishing this article

The Courier Islander article here.

Concerns Over Mine Expansion

2010-04-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Greenways Land Trust, Campbell River Environmental Committee, Haig-Brown Institute and Campbell River Estuary Protection Group are hosting a public information meeting in the Maritime Heritage Centre on April 27th at 7 p.m. to discuss Quinsam Coal's proposed expansion.

Quinsam Coal is looking to construct an underground mine in the 7 South area that could negatively impact the Campbell River's watershed. Chief among the concerns is the potential for arsenic contamination, that if commenced, is near impossible to halt due to bacteria mobilization.

The Courier for more.

click for detail

2010-04-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Earth Week is Approaching

2010-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events Include:

April 17th - Community Clean-up in Campbellton
From 10am to 2pm. Meet at the Volunteer Tent between Acklands and the Quinsam Hotel.

April 18 - 'Eco Fair'
Sponsored by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management and the Compost Education Centre, this fair will provide free information on how to compost correctly and live greener. 10am-2pm at the Compost Education Centre, 228 S. Dogwood St.

April 21st - Come watch Addicted to Plastics, an award winning documentary film about one of the largest pollutants: plastics. Chat with city representatives about the move towards sustainability and Green City initiatives. Greenways Land Trust will on hand with an information booth. Admission by donation - all proceeds go towards Carihi and Timberline environmental efforts. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the film begins at 7:30.

Watch the movie trailer here.

April 25th - Greenways BROOM BASH 2010
Tim Horton's and Greenways Land Trust are partnering up to rid the BMX track of Scotch Broom. This attractive invasive plant is threatening to invade Nunns Creek Park and we need your help! Swing by Tim Hortons for a Greenways Donut throughout the week and we will see you out at the BMX track on Homewood Rd- across from the Salvation Army and adjacent to the recycling depot from 10 am - 2 pm on Sunday.

Tools, goodies and refreshments provided
For more information call GLT at 250-287-3785

Earth Hour in Campbell River

2010-04-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

Electricity demand went down 2% this year in CR during Earth Hour. Is a continuation of this level of energy consumption possible? A question all residents should ask themselves.

More from the Mirror

Robson Bight Pollution Trial Verdict

2010-04-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ted Leroy Trucking has been convicted of six counts of pollution for the Robson Bight spill of 2007. Logging equipment and 20,000 litres of oil and fuel were dumped into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait due to an unseaworthy badge with a compromised scow.

The company has since gone bankrupt thus the clean-up, totalling $2.5 million, will be paid by the government. This draws attention to the need for mandatory badge inspections and tie-downs regulations.

More from the Courier Islander

Research Abroad Condemns Fish Farming

2010-03-29T17:34:00.000-07:00

“It has been a sobering experience researching the evidence surrounding the interaction between salmon fish farming and wild fish stocks. The evidence is clear that aquaculture can have a significantly negative impact, in some areas, on wild salmon, sea trout and their environment. We must learn from the scientific evidence available, enforce the precautionary principle and take action before it's too late.”

-Janina Gray, S&TA's Head of Science

The Salmon & Trout Association of the United Kingdom, which promotes the proper management of aquatic resources, has condemned current fish farming practices due to a history of malpractice and three principle problems. Sea lice, escapes and sea floor pollution in fish farms have had a devasting effect on wild stocks and according to this agency, which is backed by Prince Charles, cautionary steps must be taken.

Globe and Mail for more.

Update: Quadra Scallop Farm

2010-03-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

The We Wai Kai Nation is set to challenge the board decision by the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) not to allow rezoning for scallop farming near Drew Harbour. Instead the band will take their application to the provincial and federal government for approval, stating:

“We’ve brought the matter to the attention of the province and the federal government. They can override the (regional) district and we’ll continue, business as usual. If the response isn’t favourable, we will still be moving ahead.”
-Cape Mudge Band Chief Ralph Dick

Tensions grow. Local news for more:

Mirror:
Director hopes to avoid racial division over rejection of scallop farm proposal

Courier:
We Wai Kai Nation to ignore SRD decision

9 Largest Problems Facing Our Oceans

2010-03-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Huffington Post Identifies the 9 largest issues facing our oceans as part of their Green Project:

Overfishing
Irresponsible Fish Farming
Ghost Fishing
Garbage
Acidification
Dead Zones
Mercury Pollution
Offshore Drilling
Shark Finning/Whaling

Tell them which matter most to you here.

Our Oceans by the Huffington Post for more.

Earth Hour in BC

2010-03-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

British Columbia saw a 1.04% decrease in energy use this year during Earth Hour, saving 64.6 megawatts hours of electricity on Saturday night. Although still beneficial, this is less than 2008's 1.1% and 2007's 2% reductions.

This was a trend seen across Canada, as the symbolic gesture saw less participation than ever before.

CBC for more.

The Spring 2010 Newsletter is now available

2010-03-24T13:43:00.001-07:00

See our website for the download!

www.greenwaystrust.ca

glt

Aquaculture Farming Denied

2010-03-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

The We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge) Nation's scallop farm proposal has been turned down by the Strathcona Regional District because it would create "perpetual conflict" with neighbouring residences and park spaces.

Courier for more.

The rezoning of Grieg Seafoods' Gunner Point fish farm site has been denied due to inadequate information and regulations. The Strathcona Regional District hopes they will return with a closed containment proposal.

Courier for more.

2010 Broom Bash

2010-03-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons are hosting the annual Broom Bash volunteer event to remove invasive species in Campbell River on April 25th.

This year's location is the BMX track on Homewood Road, across from the salvation army and next to the bottle depot. Please come help us remove foreign and fast spreading Scotch Broom with our sponsor Tim Hortons. Timbits and coffe will be supplied to volunteers along with all require equipment.

Date: April 25th
Time: 10am until 2pm
Location: BMX track on Homewood Road, Campbell River
Who: Everyone is welcome

This is an outdoor event, please come prepared.

Spring time in Campbell River

2010-03-17T15:34:00.001-07:00

Photo: Fransen

Bute Plans Pulled. Toba Scaled Down.

2010-03-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

Plutonic Power's proposal for a run-of-the-river project in the Bute Inlet is now on hold until further data on the area can be collected. This will also include consultations with the Campbell River based Homalco First Nations. The Bute project is three times the size of the Toba Valley project where testing will begin on March 20th. This smaller project of two run-of-the-river hydroelectric facilities is expected to come online this summer after the three to fours of testing is complete.

Further reading:

Plutonic pulls Bute Inlet project from Clean Call

Testing to Begin at Toba Power Project

Plutonic Plans Postponed

An Open Letter to Protect Wild Salmon Migration

2010-03-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Courier-Islander has published an open letter to Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, to better protect migrating wild salmon in 2010 and beyond. The letter states that finfish aquaculture regulations, as they currently exist in BC, are inadequate to protect wild salmon, as they do not address the impacts that open net cage salmon farms have on the wild salmon stocks. They are urging for the following three interim emergency steps to be implemented immediately:

1. Emergency Migration Corridor to Protect Fraser River Salmon.

2. Wild Fish Monitoring Program for Discovery Islands.

3. Sea Lice Monitoring

The group that prepared this letter (Alexandra Morton, David Suzuki Foundation, Georgia Straight Alliance, Living Oceans Society, Outdoor Recreation Council of BC, Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Ritchie Foundation, Save Our Salmon Marine Conservation Foundation, T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, Wilderness Tourism Association) believe these minimal precautions must be taken in order to ensure the health and survival of wild salmon, and the people and economies that depend on them.

Find the full letter here.

Pitch-In Week 2010

2010-03-08T12:18:00.000-08:00

To register for Pitch-In Week this April you must register here before March 15th.

CR: Cutting Costs and Working with Partners for External Funding

2010-03-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

City staff have been directed to cut costs by $500,000 this year. With less tax revenue, Campbell River is focused on prudent economic management and diversification. This has led to more community partnerships such as that with Greenways Land Trust. These types of projects and partnerships optimize outside funding while incorporating community support and interaction.

Projects include the following, as compiled by the Courier:

- Hosting the 2010 B.C. Seniors Games, anticipated to boost the local economy through sports tourism

- Continuing with the construction of the Greenways Loop in partnership with the Greenways Land Trust, which employs local resource workers, with no impact on local taxation thanks to senior government funding

- Undertaking the Highway 19A upgrade project from Hilchey Road to just south of Rockland Road, with two-thirds funding from federal and provincial governments plus existing dedicated City reserve funds

- Undertaking the Campbell River Airport runway extension project with two-thirds funding from federal and provincial governments and grant funding worth almost one-third from the Island Coastal Economic Trust

- Improving communications internally and externally by engaging our community

- Building a new community vision by renewing the Official Community Plan

- Exploring environmental sustainability initiatives and alternative energy production (ie. tidal power study)

- Enhancing parks throughout the city, plus assisting local sport groups building a new lacrosse box and upgrading tennis courts

- Supporting downtown revitalization with improved street lighting, public amenities, marketing, arts and culture activities and Spirit Square event coordination

- Expanding the City's National Communities in Bloom participation

The City is trying to find a new balance amidst difficult financial times. The full financial plan is available here.

For more see the Courier article here.

Vote for Local Schools

2010-03-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

Carihi Secondary, Penfield Elementary and Timberline Secondary have entered to win $500 towards green projects from the BC Green Games. This is a province wide competition to motivate eco-action and reward green efforts in the classroom. The goal is to create an innovative resource for community ideas and greener futures.

Check out the various projects at bcgreengames.ca

Vote for the local schools HERE.

Full Courier Article

Only 18% of Canadians are Doing Their Best for the Environment

2010-03-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

A World Wildlife Fund survey has found Canadians are not putting enough effort into the environment. Only one fifth of Canadians gave themselves an A for effort, saying they are doing their very best for the environment, however 80% want to do more.

The survey was released to draw attention to the WWF's Earth Hour on March 27th at 8:30pm. Canadians are clearly motivated to do more. Learn how to do so here Earth Hour.

Toronto Sun for more

Rezoning Application at Rebecca Spit

2010-03-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

There will be a public hearing Wednesday, March 17^th, at 7:00pm at the Quadra Community Centre pertaining to a rezoning application for Rebecca Spit. This hearing will be the community’s only opportunity to make its wishes known to the Strathcona Regional District. The application before the community is to rezone 211 acres of the waters just south of Rebecca Spit to aquaculture zone 2a, suitable for shellfish farming. Currently, there are no zones permitted for aquaculture or other industrial uses in that area. These zones were intended to protect the upland uses of the area, providing for recreational and tourism uses.

If you are unable to attend the meeting:

Letters can be mailed to: Regional Directors
Strathcona Regional District
# 301 - 990 Cedar St.
Campbell River,BC, V9W7Z8
Or letters can be faxed to : 250-830-6710
Or letters can be emailed to: planning@strathconard.ca

Nephie Now Measuring Campbell River's Air Pollution

2010-02-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

A mobile nephelometer has been monitoring and mapping Campbell River's air quality for the past few weeks. The contraption, from UVIC, will guide the city on how to structure possible policies regarding air quality in the future. For now citizens can attend a "Burn it Smart" workshop tonight from 6:30-8:00pm at Willow Point Fire Hall to discover ways to reduce wood stove pollution.

For more information call Martin at 250-286-5711

The full article from the Mirror can be found here.

City of Campbell River OCP Update

2010-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Campbell River is preparing to undertake a comprehensive update to its Official Community Plan with a focus on sustainability. Their goal is to establish a clear vision for the City's future through community discussions.

The City is inviting members of the public to apply to participate in a Steering Committee for the process.

Application forms are available here or at City Hall, upon request.

For additional information contact Rob Buchan
(250) 286-5748
or
rob.buchan@campbellriver.ca

Fish Farming Moratorium

2010-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

The B.C. Supreme Court has placed a moratorium on the expansion of fish farming in the province. New applications will not be considered until the federal government is transfered administration and regulatory control which shouldn't occur until Dec. 18, 2010.

This is an extension from the original transfer date of Feb 9, 2010. "The purpose of this moratorium is to both meet the spirit of the recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling while ensuring a smooth transition of aquaculture regulation to the federal government," Agriculture and Lands Minister Steve Thomson said in a media release.

The Mirror for more

Campbell River Timber

2010-02-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

The City is working towards adopting a wood-first policy in an effort to bolster local business and the forestry industry.

"This Policy shows Council's commitment to our local forest industry and the importance of forest products to the people of Campbell River," Mayor Charlie Cornfield said at the convention. "We need to refocus our energies on revitalizing the forest industry in our community."

The rest of the article from the Courier.

Wikipedia simplifies subsidies.

On a brighter note:

When Olympic speed skating teams receive their medals later this month, they’ll be standing on a podium made out of Campbell River wood.

Mirror article

Canada Sets Emissions Goal

2010-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Environment Minister Jim Prentice has filed Canada's greenhouse gas target with the UN, in accordance with the Copenhagen Accord deadline, to reduce emissions 17% by 2020, based on 2005 levels. This is a reactionary target based on an identical goal the US released 2 days earlier, which the Minister acknowledged and stated as an effort to align the continent.

The target is less ambitious than the initial goal set forth by the Harper government in 2007 to cut emissions by 20% from 2005 levels. Although Canada does not contribute as much CO2 on a whole, our emissions per capita are close to the highest in the world making this target less than adequate for a wealthy nation. Still worse is that this goal is no where near the reduction required to avoid a climate tipping point, nor is it binding.

The EU has set its target at a cut of 20% off of 1990 levels by 2020. China is reducing its emissions intensity per GDP unit by 40% relative to 2005 and Brazil by 36-39% from business as usual levels at 2020. Each has its reasons but the inability of nations to set targets based on a comparative baseline is discouraging as these numbers can be misleading and confusing.

Truly, 1990 produced higher emissions than recent years in the EU, making this goal more attainable. China's GDP will continue to grow, as will its emissions and business as usual levels are astronomically high - making Brazil's baseline less impressive. So, although these goals sound like solid progress they are still not enough to halt runaway climate change.

Guardian and ABC News articles for more comparative analysis.

View the entire list of EPI indicators here.

More on Canada's targets from the Vancouver Sun.

Why is Nature Important to You?

2010-01-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Canadians aged 9-35 are invited to participate in the Nature Matters! essay and video contest as part of the International Year of Biodiversity through Environment Canada.

Environment Canada is celebrating 2010 International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) with a national contest on why nature matters to Canadians. IYB 2010 is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. To help raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity, we would love to hear from Canadians between the ages of 9 and 35.

We encourage you to take part in these exciting celebrations by telling us why nature is important to you! Entries can be EITHER video essay OR written essay.

Submissions must be made through this webpage between January 28, 2010 and February 28, 2010 at 11:59PM EST. Winners will be notified the week of April 19, 2010 and announced on International Biodiversity Day, May 22, 2010.

Environment Canada for more

Canada's Emissions are an Issue

2010-01-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

Of 163 countries measured, Canada's greenhouse gas emissions per capita ranked 151st on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI).

The index, which factors in an assortment of environmental indicators, placed Canada 46th overall in its 2010 report. A poor showing for such a wealthy nation that does in fact consider itself somewhat of an environmental steward. Worse is that Canada, in years past, has done quite well in this study. In 2008, Canada ranked 12th on this index. So what happened?

Emissions are a serous issue in our nation, as are fisheries, where Canada ranks near the bottom in both.

Although the EPI is not perfect it is often referred to when altering environmental policies and practices on a global scale. At this point Canada can't expect to be well received on the world stage in Mexico this year.

Globe and Mail for more

Energy Doldrums

2010-01-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

As one local wind turbine project is rejected another power project is delayed.

A City of Campbell River and Science World partnership project to install a wind turbine large enough to supply 9 homes with electricity has been denied funding by the Federal government. As part of a multi community initiative to produce enough power to satisfy an energy credit for the Vancouver based science centre, Campbell River merely had to supply a site to host the turbine in order to participate. Although neither side are giving up on the idea as other funding opportunities are being considered, the project is indefinitely on hold and requires further development prior to proceeding.

Mirror for more

Plutonic Power's plans for Bute Inlet's 17 run-of-the-river energy plants have been postponed due to a lack of environmental data to support their project. An EIS (environmental impact statement) will take longer than expected for the corporation to produce, pushing back the project until 2011. Plutonic is hoping for a nod from the government and some guidance to continue collecting data. Other project proposals by Plutonic under BC Hydro's new clean power initiative are still under consideration with results expected soon.

Courier for more

At this rate will the province be able to meet its goal of 90% clean power and complete electric self sufficiency by 2016?

Roosevelt Elk Habitat

2010-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

A lack of coastal elk habitat knowledge lead to a field study in Strathcona Park that recently produced results. With approximately 94% of BC's Roosevelt Elk residing on Vancouver Island this study focused on enhancing habitat in the Elk River and Thelwood Creek watersheds.

Seeding was positive however the thinning of trees to increase sunlight to the forest bed provided mixed results as less than optimal plants flourished rather than those preferred by this specie of elk. Winter range feeding remains a concern during heavy snow fall. Read more from the Mirror.

TOMORROW - A Word for Nature

2010-01-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Museum at Campbell River is pleased to offer an afternoon with the 2010 Haig-Brown Writer-in-Residence, Harry Thurston. Thurston will give a talk entitled "A Word for Nature: The Evolution of a Nature Writer" on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 1-3 p.m.

Courier article

The environmental journalist will be reading from his works and speaking his evolution from a boy in Nova Scotia to Haig-Brown Writer-In-Residence. It's $6, call the Museum for further details 287-3103

Fraser Sockeye labelled sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council

2010-01-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a group that sets standards for sustainable seafood practices, has judged BC Sockeye fishing as sustainable.

If certified this would include Fraser Sockeye, a fish stock that has never seen lower returns - some even deeming the market as completely collapsed.

The fisheries assessment has yet to be certified by MSC, there is a 15 day period to file complaints with the review panel concerning the report found here.

Already the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, David Suzuki Foundation, Skeena Wild Conservation Trust and the Headwaters Initiative have opposed the certification.

For more from the Globe and Mail

Still more on the fragile nature between Sockeye fishing and capital inflow can be seen in the movie Red Gold, a documentary on Bristol Bay's mining/fishing conflict.

3rd Spill into Buttle Lake

2010-01-20T11:41:00.000-08:00

NVI Mining has confirmed a third spill of partially treated water from the Myra Falls mine into Buttle Lake, but company officials say they're taking steps to prevent a repeat.

Courier for more.

Still no word on the extent of contamination.

Who will lead Canada in the green energy market?

2010-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Ontario and British Columbia are going toe-to-toe for green energy investments.

With the decline of the automobile industry in Ontario the province has pushed hard for reinvestment within its other sectors, specifically the green energy sector and legislation has supported this new revenue direction. Ontario's new energy policy offers [a] tailwind. While consumers grumble about higher electricity prices, investors are taking notice of Premier Dalton McGuinty's new Green Energy Act. "Ontario has the most attractive subsidy for power generation for these sectors," Mr. Willemse said. The thriving green energy market is like any other monetary sector - it needs a profitable return on investment and at the moment that is found in Ontario.

BC's Energy Minister says a new green energy policy review is ready and will be released soon by our province. In the meantime BC is working hard to streamline approval for clean energy projects.

The competing provinces are fighting the good fight and we hope to see a profitable outcome for both as long as this includes solid judgment rather than hasty financial decisions.

Globe and Mail for more

Mine Tailings Overflow into Campbell River's Drinking Water

2010-01-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Myra Falls mine tailings have overflown into Buttle Lake due to heavy rain fall. The extent of the damage is still unknown however it is expected to be minimal due to the shear size of the watershed.

More from the Times Colonist:

But neither mine owner Breakwater Resources nor the Environment Ministry could say what volume of effluent might have spilled into the lake which supplies drinking water to Campbell River.

An Environment Ministry spokesperson said the mine reported two spill events from the effluent treatment system into Myra Creek, which drains into Buttle Lake. The first was early Monday morning "and there was a similar event late on January 11th going into early January 12."

the Mirror:

However, there’s probably nothing to worry about from the incident that happened during a storm earlier this week , says Ron Neufeld, the city’s general manager of operations.

“One of the benefits of our watershed is that it’s very, very large,” he told council Tuesday night. “There’s a very large diluting factor, and there is time on our side.”

the Courier Islander:

"Our experiences in the past have been that these types of events have not had any impact at all on our drinking water, however, we are working with VIHA staff, with NVI mining staff as well as our own water department to ensure that we're actively monitoring the quality of our drinking water."

Updates to follow.

DFO Management Debate

2010-01-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

DFO's management plan a conflict of interest

Courier-Islander

Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I recently attended the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) meeting to discuss new aquaculture regulations. A five-year plan was presented that speaks of expansion, markets and profits. The DFO should be a regulatory and enforcement body. Concern with industry markets, promotion and economic growth is a conflict of interest.

The plan discusses eco-certificates to meet market demand, but open net fish farms use Slice, transfer sea lice to smolts, have disease and impact depleted wild stocks such as herring through what is termed by-catch. How are they "eco" anything?

Read the rest here.

An uncertain fisheries future

Jeremy Maynard, Courier-Islander

Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010

With the start of the second decade of the 21st century one thing is abundantly clear when considering fisheries management along the coast of BC - the only certainty is uncertainty. Perhaps it was always so to some degree but the past two decades have seen the relative constants from the past in this field of endeavor diminish to the point where they frequently bear little resemblance to past benchmarks upon which future actions could be planned around.

During this state of flux the management of the recreational fishery continues to be a perpetual challenge, all the more so because of one of the characterizations of it in comparison with other fisheries - "The recreational fishery is always open unless otherwise closed and commercial fisheries are always closed unless otherwise opened".

Read the rest here.

Museum at Campbell River Climate Talks

2010-01-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 16, 1-3:00pm - Understanding Climate Change

UVIC Professor Jeremy Fyke will be giving an informative presentation on 'Natural Climate Change vs. Human-Induced Climate Change'. This talk is part of a month long excursion into the world of climate change reflected by the Museum's current travelling exhibit 'Earth's Climate in the Balance' and is made possible through the University of Victoria’s Speaker Bureau, and is supported through a generous donation from BC Hydro. The cost is $6.00. Please call the Museum at 287-3103 to reserve a seat.

CRMuseum

Toronto Condo LEEDing the Way

2010-01-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Minto Midtown, a condominium at Yonge and Ellington in Toronto, has achieved LEED gold status making it the largest development of its kind in North America.

For more see the National Post article and learn more about LEED buildings from the Canadian Green Building Council here.

What Greenways Land Trust is all About

2010-01-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Courier-Islander has published a generous article on Greenways Land Trust:

It's a small organization with a big influence on the natural landscape of Campbell River; Greenways Land Trust (GLT) has had a substantial, but often uncredited, effect on much of what we enjoy about our area.

If you've explored the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, visited Haig-Brown House or walked through Baikie Island's trails, then you've been privy to some of the numerous places where Greenways' volunteers have worked. You may have joined the Greenways Gallop or taken one of the GLT guided walks and hikes along the creek-side trails. Encouraging people to get out into their surroundings is one of the group's prime objectives.

The Greenways Land Trust - as its name implies - works to enhance the community's greenways: the trails, corridors and paths reserved for recreational use or environmental preservation. Though greenways are thought of as being for people because they make enjoying the outdoors easy for us, they are often used by wildlife as well. Birds, deer and butterflies use them for habitat and travel...

Read the rest of the article here.

Run of the River Public Meeting

2010-01-05T11:39:00.000-08:00

A meeting with DFO Habitat Biologist Dale Desrochers has been scheduled on January 14th , 6:30 pm at the Marine Heritage Centre.

Here they will discuss the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' involvement in run of river projects in the region, especially Toba and Bute.

Send your questions to Rupert Gale prior to the meeting:
ruperta@telus.net

Copenhagen Results are not Pretty

2009-12-29T11:45:00.000-08:00

The talks are over for now and most are calling the meeting a "near utter failure."

The conference got off to a rough start due to 'climategate', a series of emails leaked from the University of East Anglia that tried to add doubt to the climate change equation. The school's Climate Research Unit was hacked by an anonymous source for e-mails that might denote the theory of CO2 induced climate change. Although these e-mails show questionable office practices, the theory of climate change remains intact with little, if any, damage. The event did however raise some questions as to the transparency of climate science and need for us to continually reexamine hypotheses and utilize the scientific process. Get the full story on the mail storm from the Economist.

The conference hosted world leaders, acclaimed scientists and flashy concerts, however, the outcome is much less thrilling. There is no binding treaty. The global recession and domestic issues in both China and the U.S. have taken precedent over forming an agreement. Others believe the UN should step out of the climate business altogether because the conference seemed more like a theatre exercise than anything else. Of course the COP15 wasn't a complete loss, here are the positives from the BBC:

• An establishment of the tipping point: A near-global acknowledgement that global warming should be limited to less than 2C (3.6F), the degree of warming generally accepted as being "dangerous". Arguably, this was one of the top "successes" from Copenhagen

• "Have" countries must register their goals by next month: Rich countries must register the emissions cuts they will make by 2020 by the end of January 2010. However, there is no guarantee that this will limit warming in the future as what countries announce they will cut is up to them

• Climate coping fund established for the "have not" countries: New and additional money "approaching $30bn" will be channelled to poorer nations over the period 2010-12, and the goal of providing an annual sum of $100bn by 2020. But there remain real questions about whether a special Copenhagen Green Climate Fund will reach the target of $100bn, which many say is, at best, half of what is needed

Absolutely everyone is pointing fingers and Canada is not without criticism. Canada was charged as "fossil of the year," a title that reflects our status as an inefficient energy producing country. The term 'Hopenhagen' is now seen as a mocking, misplaced epithet, and some are even calling the meeting 'Nopenhagen' or worse, 'No-Hopenhagen', yikes.

Watch the closing press briefing from Copenhagen here. There is still a lot of work to be done. As various country agendas roll out we will continue to watch.

Will the Mexico conference be any different?

City Tips for a Green Holiday

2009-12-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Campbell River Mirror has written an article with help from the City on how to be green this season. Read More

Greenways Loop: The Jubilee Connector

2009-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

ENDORSED.

This week Council endorsed the southern portion of the Greenways Loop, The Jubilee Connector, to be implemented and managed by Greenways Land Trust. This 2.5km trail will link the Rotary Seawalk with the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands along Jubilee Parkway creating a 25km greenway around Campbell River.

Construction will start early in the New Year.

This project will employ displaced forestry workers, offer recreation and alternative forms of transportation to residents, as well as reduce invasive plants and increase tourism offerings.

To read more from the Campbell River Mirror

Green Holiday Ideas

2009-12-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

Reduce your consumption this holiday season. Here are a few tips:
-If you buy a real tree use the needles for garden mulch
-Buy a potted tree, plant after use
-Switch to LED holiday lights
-Send ecards rather than paper mail, but if you do stick to snail mail create your own cards from recycled materials
-Carefully read the labels of girts marketed as 'green'
-Cook up a low carbon meal (see previous post below)
-Give consumables to those who live in small spaces, chances are clutter will be tossed
-Give services such as massages or gym memberships to reduce material consumption
-Buy ethical products: fair trade, organic, low carbon
-Buy vintage holiday attire and gift classic items or second hand books
-Instead of gift baskets give friends gift cards so they may select what they like and throw out less
-Save your Christmas cards and reuse the unmarked fronts next year as gift tags
-Bake gifts and present them in reusable containers like tins and mason jars that you have laying around the house anyway
-Read holiday stories to the family rather than watching TV
-Dim the lights, save energy and flatter your guests
-Serve slowly, rather than gorging your guests roll out the food slowly so their tummy's have a chance to recognize how much they've consumed
-Be active during the holidays, go skating or for a walk in the snow
-Buy gifts of hope from Plan Canada, a non-partisan organization with no religious affiliations
-Keep the holidays light, this isn't the time to debate global warming

To consider:
How to select a real or fake tree
12 ways to green Christmas

Carbon Economies of Scale?

2009-12-10T12:30:00.001-08:00

The National Post has written a 5-part series on unexpected methods to improve sustainability called Rethinking Green. One is called The 100 Mile Delusion, which asks consumers to look closer at the carbon countering of their food choices. Some locally grown products may be inefficiently grown but nonetheless disguised as a sustainable diet material.

"A 2008 study published in the academic journal, Environmental Science and Technology by a pair of environmental engineers at Carnegie Mellon University found that just 11% of greenhouse gas emissions related to food come from transportation. Final delivery to the retailer accounted for just 4%. On the other hand, 83% of emissions involved in your lunch today are directly attributable to the food's production."

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2320323#ixzz0ZK86jrO9
The National Post is now on Facebook. Join our fan community today.

This basically means large producers may create less carbon during their production of certain food supplies or that specific locales may be more sustainable places for production. Therefore we shouldn't just count 'food miles' because some locally grown foods can be far more energy intensive. Instead 'locavores' should consider adopting a 'carbon diet'.

It is important not to fall victim to things that falsely label themselves as 'green' for financial purposes however buying local can be a very responsible choice if done correctly.

Things to consider when shopping:
-Eat Seasonally. Don't buy foods that are out of season, such as asparagus in the winter
-Reduce your meat intake, beef is an especially large GHG emitter
-Buy from producers who use green energy to produce foodstuffs
-Select foods in eco-friendly packaging, and properly recycle what you can
-Do not over consume and as a result create excessive food waste
-Avoid tomatoes produced using ethylene gas, usually hot house variety
-Minimize your consumption of easily perishable items that are air freighted in
-Purchase native berries and root plants in BC
-Select foods that are high in energy such as whole wheat or oatmeal products, blueberries, apples, yogurt, nuts and seeds
-Choose less processed foods

Check out more from Green Living Online and Circle of Responsibility

Closed Containment in Campbell River?

2009-12-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

A Campbell River based closed containment salmon project needs research and development funding from the government. Both the federal and provincial governments say they haven't been asked. Read the full story from the Courier Islander.

With risk comes rewards but during this economics climate will the province come through? More talks are needed.

Learn more about closed containment fishing:
Global Assessment of Closed System Aquaculture bythe David Suzuki Foundation, Georgia Straight Alliance and Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform
Marine Harvest Canada Study by the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands of BC
Aquaculture Engineering by the Food and Aquaculture Organization of the UN
Aquaculture Developments site.

Photo from the CAAR report

CO2 Cube

2009-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

'The CO2 cube' in the water of St Jorgens Lake, Copenhagen, December 7, 2009. The cube visually reflects one metric ton of carbon dioxide at standard atmospheric temperature - the amount an average industrialized citizen produces in one month.

More from the Los Angeles Times
Photo: REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski

Ontario to Lead the Energy Revolution in North America?

2009-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

Ontario is making progress and headlines.

The province has introduced cap and trade and is keeping up with its GHG emission reduction plan. The Green Energy Act is moving forward and could become an example to North America of how to reduce climate change and produce jobs.

This is a crucial point in climate change decision making. Next week the Copenhagen Conference (COP15) will bring together world leaders to discuss and set climate change efforts. The goal is to create a framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012 that all participating nations can accept and follow. This is a highly anticipated conference that many want concrete results from.
FAQ Copenhagen Conference 2009
United Nations COP15 site
Live updates at OneClimate

Cartoon: MATT WUERKER/NEWSART

Walking Program Extended

2009-12-02T09:50:00.001-08:00

As mentioned earlier, Campbell River received a walking program grant from WalkBC to implement a free eight-week guided walk every Tuesday from noon until 1pm starting at Robron Centre. Now the program has been extended, so get out for an energizing walk and enter a chance to win an Active Living prize pack. Depending on abilities, some walkers take a regular tour of the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands.

More info - Kris at 250-286-1161.

Willow Creek Clean-up Results

2009-12-02T09:28:00.000-08:00

Paintballers and volunteers from the Willow Creek Watershed Society have repaired damage done to Willow Creek last month along Jubilee Parkway. The riparian area was being used as a paintballer combat site; unauthorized users had dug holes and cut down numerous trees. Community action has remedied the problem by coming together and dismantling the site and rehabilitating the soil.

Read more here:
Groups Join in to Repair Paintballers' Damage

Calculate your Carbon Footprint

2009-11-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

Find out how many Earths would be needed to serve the world's population according to your lifestyle.

There are lots of similar calculators out there however this one from the Centre for Sustainable Economy and Redefining Progress, is exceptional:

My Ecological Footprint

It's very precise, so get out a pen and paper and start counting up your kilometres!

The result is usually a little alarming. Read the suggestions for reduction closely.

100 Mile Diet in Campbell River

2009-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Will Council facilitate locally grown diets?

Two requests have put pressure on Council to adopt a bylaw that will allow for hens to be kept on residentially zoned backyards. Progress on the issue has been halted in part due to a lack of staff time to finalize a decision.

Some see this idea as a means to reduce one's carbon footprint but others are not sure it fits with the City's established sustainability goals.

Read more:
Council chickens out on urban hen request
Learn more about the 100 Mile Diet.
Council broods over fowl bylaw

"I'm Freeeeee" (times 40,000)

2009-11-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

The outfall from a fish farm escape continues. On October 21st, Marine Harvest's Port Elizabeth farm lost an estimated 40,000 Atlantic salmon to the wild. This was followed by government support and scientific uproar.

Now confusion grows on the recovery effort. Special licenses were recently issued to help reduce the impact of this escape, however, a DFO licensing policy may have hindered these efforts.

Read more from Canada.com:
Confusion over special licence and the 40,000 fish question

And the CR Mirror:
Portion of Atlantics Recovered

Learn about IPPs

2009-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

Independent Power Projects, what do they mean to Campbell River's environment and BC Hydro's Clean Power Call?

Run-of-river projects at Mohun Creek and Adam River have made the initial cut within the BC Hydro Clean Power Call. The Bute Inlet Plutonic Power Coroporation project, even with intense scrutiny, has also been pushed forward. Are these viable solutions or a simple displacement of GHGs?

Final cuts will commence in December.

There are pros and cons to these projects. Check out the dabate:

Courier Islander

GreenMuze

Plutonic Power

There is also a CRSFAC meeting in 2 weeks that could provide you with yet more information:
Dec.10, starting at 7:30pm at the Marine Heritage Centre, Alasdir Beattie and Dale Desrochers will be making presentations about the DFO's involvement in large scale Run of River projects.

image by plutonic.ca

Beaver Lodge Forest Lands Update

2009-11-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Beaver Lodge Forest Lands have undergone restoration efforts for the past six months and will continue to see more work in the coming year. After securing funding through the Community Development Trust (JOP) six months ago, Mallinson Scaling and Consulting Ltd. commenced clearing trails, falling dangerous trees and constructing bridges to facilitate a safe trail network. This will lessen user impacts and increase overall forest health.

Read the Canada.com article here.

FALL NEWSLETTER

2009-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Read the fall newsletter by downloading the pdf here.

Thanks to JessIe Stones

Tidal Power?

2009-11-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

Campbell River has entered phase one of a power feasibility study at the Discovery Pier. Through a tidal turbine generator under the pier the city hopes to generate enough renewable energy to provide electricity to the pier's lights, concession and adjacent Maritime Heritage Centre.

Read the Mirror article.
Learn more about Tidal Energy.

Picture: Kervin Photography's flickr

BC Community Showcase: Campbell River

2009-11-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

YVR Airport is showcasing Campbell River. After commissioning $10,000 to a Campbell River selected film maker, the YVR Airport Authority is now showing a beautiful short film that celebrates our community. This film along with 14 other community videos will be played on select video screens in the YVR Airport from now until the end of the Paralympic Olympic Games in March. Although this has little to do with greenways it does showcase the beauty of our community and why the environment is worth our time and consideration.

Watch the video.

Or check out the full details from YVR here.

Creek Clean-up

2009-11-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Volunteers needed for a creek clean-up next Saturday, November 14th.

The Willow Creek Watershed Society will be repairing riparian habitat damage done by paintballers adjacent to Willow Creek on Saturday, November 14th from 10am-12noon. Park on Jubilee Parkway, north-east of the bridge where Jubilee Parkway crosses Willow Creek (just south of Dogwood towards Highway 19A). Damage includes cutting down small alders, which have been stacked and nailed to trees to create barricades, and digging deep trenches that have exposed the roots of numerous trees. Work involves pulling down the barricades and filling holes with the trees and available fill soil. Some responsible paintballers will also be helping out too. For more information, please call Sandra at #204-2040.

Another reason to get involved -this is a portion of the proposed Greenways Loop project.

Photo from the adorable Our Big Earth Comox Valley site

Upcoming volunteer opportunity:

2009-11-03T15:14:00.001-08:00

Help us to build and maintain bike trails in the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands. This is a call for volunteers. We need individuals who are willing to lend a hand once a week for 2-3 hours. This is a flexible month long project so please email us at stewardship@greenwaystrust.ca to express your willingness to participate. Include your availability and we will reply with specific times for you get involved.

Get Inspired to Reuse

2009-11-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to do with something around the house? Considering throwing it away? Check out Superuse.org first! Their innovative design ideas make me wish I lived in a junkyard. Type what you have laying around the house in the search engine and see what comes up.

Campbell River Community Walking Program

2009-10-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Campbell River has received a $5,000 walking program grant from WalkBC with help from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon and the BC Recreation & Parks Association. A portion of this funding has gone towards a free eight-week guided walk every Tuesday from noon until 1pm starting at Robron Centre. The program is well underway with just two sessions left. The last day to drop-in is November 10th.

Find out more:
-WalkBC site
-Walking Program Resources through the BC Recreation and Parks Association
-Campbell River Mirror article

Have a Green Halloween

2009-10-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

Decorations, candy wrappers, costumes...
Holidays are hard on the environment. This year try to keep it green by taking some tips from Green Halloween. A couple of their ideas are a little far-fetched, such as shouting “Happy Hallo-green!!!" at trick-or-treaters but the rest are very sensible.

Tips to get you started:
-Buy a locally grown pumpkin and use the entire thing. Bake a pie or cook the seeds.
-Make your costume from things around the house. Mine is made entirely of used paper bags.
-The Toronto Sun has more.

Happy Halloween!

Quatchi, Sumi and Miga in Town Saturday

2009-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

picture: Times Colonist

oh hai! Cutesy characters Quatchi, Sumi and Miga will be at the CR Community Centre this Saturday from 12 noon until 4 pm. This brings to mind Spirit Square which is expected to be done on time and the new CCR Strategic Plan 2009-2011. Do you see the connection? Planning, community space...

The new plan ranks Council's top five priorities. Much to our delight 'Living Green' and 'Planning for a Livable Community' are ranked second and forth respectively. An outline of the plan can be found here in pdf format.

Follow the CR Torch Relay here

It's Waste Reduction Week

2009-10-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Oct 19-25 is waste reduction week in Canada.

Rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle! Our planet is too good to waste.

Here are some tips on how to reduce your waste from the Campbell River Mirror. Check out the snazzy official site for more information and cute clips of Oscar the Grouch in public service announcements.

Greening the City

2009-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

First launched as Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in '95, Living Architecture Monitor (LAM) has their recent digital issue up in a convenient flip through format. This issue recognizes excellence in green roof design and features buildings in Victoria and Vancouver. My favorites are the Gary Comer Youth Center in Chicago and the Macallen condominiums in Boston. Of course our own green roof at City Hall is a wonderful accomplishment too.

Read the full issue here.

The Macallen building
Photo John Horner Photography

Campbell River Communities are in Bloom

2009-10-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Campbell River has received a 5-Bloom rating from Communities in Bloom (CIB) for communities of 20,001-55,000 residents and a criteria award for community involvement. We also collected a special mention for volunteer effort in conservation and community culture.

See the CIB results for 2009 here.
Read a full article from the Campbell River Mirror here.

Central Valley Greenway Vancouver

2009-10-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Central Valley Greenway is growing, adding greenspace throughout the lower mainland. TransLink has created the buzzer blog to showcase the project and what riding the path is like. There is also a short clip to explain it's further expansion here.

Translink Cycling

Map by Translink

Courtenay Links Trails

2009-10-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Last month, our neighbor the City of Courtenay brought together two greenway paths for cyclists and pedestrians. The Hawk Greenway and the Idiens Greenway extension connect East Courtenay creating an unrestricted 3.5 km trail. Great work!

More information can be found at the Comox Valley Record

The Funding is Here

2009-10-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

With funding from the federal and provincial government the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands will receive $415,069 worth of trail improvements. The Campbell River Mirror has the full story here.

We are excited to see the results. Updates to follow.

Enter Academia

2009-10-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Academic Earth is a fantastic education tool that allows anyone to take a seat in classrooms at world-class universities. The site has helped to remove some of the barriers associated with post-secondary education by supplying free video lectures from MIT, Harvard, Yale, and more. There is an entire course on Climate Change: Law and Policy from William Collins at Berkeley that I found particularly interesting. A compelling topic considering the Summit on Climate Change at the United Nations last month and the approaching Climate Conference in Copenhagen this December.

Happy learning!

Designing greenways: sustainable landscapes for nature and people

2009-10-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

An interesting book that blends ecology, conservation, design and recreation with greenway creation. A good source of best practices for those interested in building sustainable trails for both nature and people.

Check it out at Island Press

Miracle Beach Fall Fun Run

2009-10-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Annual Miracle Beach Walk or Run this Sunday, October 18th.
5K or 10K and 1K for Kids.
Walkers at 10:30
Runners at 11:00
Kids follow at 12:00 noon

Register at Shore Runners ($15)

More information can be found on their site.