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The City of Courtenay is developing a long-term vision for Bill Moore Park and Dogwood Park to guide future improvements. To help guide these decisions, three initial concepts have been developed, and there is an opportunity for you to offer your input.The latest survey on the City website engagecomoxvalley.ca/bill-moore-and-dogwood-park asks for feedback on three concept plans and specifically which concept you prefer. The three concepts present a range of recreation possibilities and there is room on the survey for your comments.Dogwood Park is a 2.32‑hectare nature park featuring mature forested areas, natural habitat and a small wetland. Only Concept A will maintain the intact forest areas in Dogwood Park. Concepts B and C propose increased recreation in the park including an off leash dog park, disc golf course, pump track (a purpose built track for children’s cycling) and nature play areas. While the planners may say that no trees or few trees will be taken down to accommodate this, the under-story will not survive this level of trampling and fragmentation. The trees as well as all the wildlife who now call that area home will disappear over time. For those of us who value this forest, Concept A is the only option that makes sense.Dogwood Park is one of the few islands of green for many, many blocks. It provides habitat for wildlife, shade, retains water and acts as a carbon sink. On the architect's base plan of current conditions it is now characterized as an "underutilized space". The City has heard from sports enthusiasts but not nature lovers. Let them know why you value an intact forest and your connection to it. The survey is open until Sept 15.
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) wants the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and create a national database identifying invasive plants and their risks in different regions. "Even if we don't prohibit them, we need to let the public know when there is potential harm," said CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. "We do this on other products, and we should do it on plants too. It's just common sense."In July, Nanaimo council passed a motion to pursue a bylaw amendment restricting the sale of plants on a list maintained by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. A week later, Surrey moved to ban sales by businesses including nurseries, large retail chains and florists. Kavassalis said a problem that could be addressed at higher levels of government is being pushed down to municipalities."These are all patchwork solutions that, in some ways, just waste a lot of resources," she said. The CCIPR says a national database could give provinces, territories, retailers and gardeners a shared source of information about which plants pose risks in different regions. Kavassalis also wants invasive plants removed from shelves or clearly labelled.For more on this story visit www.cbc.ca/news/science/invasive-plants-sale-federal-regulation-9.7312362 or see our link in bio
The Canadian Coalition for Invasive Plant Regulation (CCIPR) wants the federal government to establish a regulatory body for the horticultural industry and create a national database identifying invasive plants and their risks in different regions. "Even if we don't prohibit them, we need to let the public know when there is potential harm," said CCIPR co-founder Cathy Kavassalis. "We do this on other products, and we should do it on plants too. It's just common sense."In July, Nanaimo council passed a motion to pursue a bylaw amendment restricting the sale of plants on a list maintained by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. A week later, Surrey moved to ban sales by businesses including nurseries, large retail chains and florists. Kavassalis said a problem that could be addressed at higher levels of government is being pushed down to municipalities. "These are all patchwork solutions that, in some ways, just waste a lot of resources," she said. The CCIPR says a national database could give provinces, territories, retailers and gardeners a shared source of information about which plants pose risks in different regions. Kavassalis also wants invasive plants removed from shelves or clearly labelled.For more on this story visit www.cbc.ca/news/science/invasive-plants-sale-federal-regulation-9.7312362
The following letter is from Save Our Forests Team - Comox Valley, on the subject of Bear James Park
Author Archives: Krista
Bird Outing Report: Oyster Bay, Jan. 22, 2015
Thursday Jan. 22nd brought grey skies and drizzle. Twelve birders went to Oyster Bay and the Oyster River Estuary where we saw the following 29 species: Oyster Bay 26 species: Eurasian Wigeon American Wigeon Mallard Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Surf … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Parksville/Qualicum, Jan. 14, 2015
Nine birders enjoyed an overcast, calm, and rain free day of birding yesterday at the Englishman River Estuary, Parksville Community Park, and the mouth of the Little Qualicum River. The day brought a Total of 61 species – 41 at … Continue reading
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Guest Speaker: Information for Conserving Natural Diversity, Sun. Jan. 18, 2015
As 2015 begins with growing concerns over climate change, it is important to be acquainted with both the work done by the province and the tools open to the public to help manage species and ecosystems at risk. As part … Continue reading
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RBA Multiple Sightings
The Thursday Walk turned up several interesting birds at the Courtenay Airpark this morning. 1. Orange-crowned Warbler. This was visiting feeders in the townhouse complex just south of the former Old House buildings along the river. Viewing is from the … Continue reading
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Guest Speaker: Conservation Tourism, Sun. Nov. 16, 2014
Throughout the world conservation tourism has been a driver in rural economic re-vitalization. The State of Oregon recently made it a central part of its tourism strategy. Unconventional and a sign of changing times and changing view of the new … Continue reading
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Trumpeter Swan Counts 2014/2015
Although Trumpeter Swan numbers in the Comox Valley appear low this year, the population overall is healthy. Numbers have increased south on Vancouver Island & in Washington, so the population here may have reached a balance given the capacity of … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews Nov. 2014
Upcoming Events Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015. See Website for grant application criteria Deadline for Resolutions to be presented at the AGM – 2015 is February 28, 2015. Please view details and … Continue reading
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Guest Speaker:Nature Pre-School Education, Sun. Oct. 19, 2014
Imagine our children playing outside in our public parks and not glued to televisions and computers! This may sound revolutionary or even threatening to some people. In reality it is just natural, it is a “nature pre-school,” hopefully coming to … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews Oct. 2014
Upcoming Events Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015 Deadline for Resolutions to be presented at the AGM – 2015 is February 28, 2015 Deadline for BC Nature Award Nominations – February 28, 2015 … Continue reading
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Guest Speaker: BC Parks History, Sun. Sept. 21, 2014
With recent mining accidents affecting BC’s wilderness and nature reserves, and Kinder Morgan proposing to re-set the boundaries of four provincial parks in order to expand its pipeline system BC Parks are increasingly the subject of public interest and scrutiny. … Continue reading
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