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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
Guest Speaker: Chanchal Cabrera, ‘Botanical Gardens’, Sun. Mar. 20, 2016
Comox Valley Nature is pleased to welcome Chanchal Cabrera, owner of Innisfree Farm, a 7-acre botanic garden specializing in food and medicine plants, and providing educational internships in organic gardening and herbal medicine. Cabrera’s presentation will focus on how botanic … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Deep Bay, Feb. 25,2016
It was a beautiful morning at Deep Bay despite a chilly start. The highlight was a couple of dozen Long-tailed Ducks looking very stunning in the sunshine. 9 birders saw the following 39 species: American Wigeon Greater Scaup Harlequin Duck … Continue reading
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BC Nature eNews February 2016
Issue 48 Date February 2016 When will Spring be back? BCnature Spring 2016 Magazine is now available The BCnature Spring Magazine is now available for download in the “members only” area. If you do not have your password or access … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Ships Point, Feb.18,2016
Six birders went to Ship’s Point this morning where we saw 22 species. We were greeted with wind and rough sea at the Park which made it a challenge for finding birds bobbing in the waves to say the least. … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Gartley Point, Feb. 11,2016
The fog lifted for us this morning, the ocean was calm, and the rain held off until we were ready to head home. 12 birders went to Gartley Point and Marine Drive in Royston where we saw 38 species of … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Kye Bay, Feb. 4, 2016
After a few days of wind and rain, 9 birders enjoyed a break at Kye Bay and Little River Ferry where we found 38 species. Highlights were the large numbers of waterbirds and eagles – perhaps anticipating the herring spawn. … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Union Bay, Jan. 28,2016
After a night of heavy rain, 13 birders enjoyed a sunny morning at the Union Bay coal hills where we found 32 species. Highlights included a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneye in nice light, several Red-throated Loons, and nine Killdeer on … Continue reading
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Bird Outing Report: Puntledge River, Jan. 14, 2016
For our first bird walk of 2016, January 14th, 16 birders enjoyed a pleasant walk along the Puntledge River where we found 27 species. The highlight was a pair of Dippers foraging along a shallow side-stream. Mallard Common Goldeneye Hooded … Continue reading
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Little River Ferry Bird Count, Wed. Dec. 30,2015
16 birders , including half a dozen experts from Nanaimo, participated in the Ferry Christmas Bird Count from Little River to Powell River & return. 23 species were observed (not counting hybrids )- about average. Past years’ numbers have ranged … Continue reading
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Comox Christmas Bird Count, Sun. Dec.20, 2015
More than 50 birders participated in the Comox Christmas Bird Count on Sunday Dec. 20. The weather was sunny, calm and mild. 109 species were tallied. Notable sightings included Mute Swan, Canvasback, Spotted Sandpiper, Western Meadowlark and Townsend’s Warbler.
