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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: Cumberland Marsh, June 16,2016
Thursday June 16th, birds were active and singing at Cumberland Marsh. Six birders enjoyed a pleasant, sunny morning and found 36 species. Highlights included great looks at Black-headed Grosbeak (pair), Black-throated Gray Warbler (pair), and Band-tailed Pigeon. Mallard Turkey Vulture … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: One-Spot Trail, June 9,2016
Thursday June 9th, the showers held off and four birders enjoyed a pleasant morning on the One Spot Trail. The birds were quite active and we found 30 species, but no particular highlights. Ruffed Grouse Bald Eagle Red-breasted Sapsucker Northern … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Wildwood Marsh & Forest, June 2,2016
Seven birders went to Wildwood Swamp and Wildwood Forest this morning. Highlights were several Wood Ducks, one Pied-billed Grebe, a heard-only MacGillivray’s Warbler and a seen-singing Willow Flycatcher. 28 species were noted: Wood Duck Mallard Hooded Merganser Pied-billed Grebe Turkey … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: CVEX Grounds, May 26,2016
This Thursday 8 birders were treated to a morning full of bird song at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. Other highlights were close looks at 3 Brown Creepers and hearing as well as seeing several Swainson’s Thrush. Our total number … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews, June 2016
Upcoming Events One Month to go – Rene Savenye Scholarship deadline – June 3, 2016. Application Link FGM 2016 – Prince George, September 22-26, 2016 – Schedule and Registration will be posted May 9 (Subject to change) Bird Blitzs – … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Courtenay Airpark, May 19, 2016
Today the showers held off and 7 birders spent a pleasant morning at Courtenay Airpark and Walkway. We found 31 species. Highlights included distant Whimbrels and good looks at Long-billed Dowitchers. Canada Goose Mallard Green-winged Teal Common Merganser Great Blue … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Bear Creek Park, May 5,2016
Today 11 birders spent a pleasant morning at Bear Creek Park and we found 23 species of birds – but no bears 🙂 Highlights included good looks at a pair of Common Mergansers and a singing Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and hearing … Continue reading
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Botany Outing Report: Maple Lake, Apr.25,2016
On Monday April 25th a dozen of the Botany Group accompanied Helen on her preliminary foray to Maple Lake to compile a plant list for the area. We walked along the east side of the Lake in glorious sunshine with … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Quadra Island, Apr.28,2016
Thursday 8 birders spent a pleasant day on Quadra Island, hosted by Vibeke Pedersen and Lyn Paterson. We visited Village Bay Marsh and Vibeke’s yard. Highlights included a Red-breasted Sapsucker at a nest, a Ruffed Grouse and, seen from the … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Lazo Marsh, Apr.21,2016
Today 11 birders spent a pleasant morning at Lazo Marsh. The rain had cleared by the time we started and we found 31 species. Highlights included good looks at Red-breasted Sapsucker and Brown Creeper. We saw two Bushtit nests but, … Continue reading
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