Deadline for Resolutions for the AGM February 28, 2014 – See Winter 2013 Magazine on “How to write a resolution”. Lost your copy? download Here
Camp – Wells Grey Sign up – March 16, 2014 – 9:00 am Sharp! Teresa Corboy – Kamloops Naturalists – Telephone: 250 320 0889. Please note which portion of the trip you are sign up for. Either Alpine Trek or Wells Grey Camp.
Deadline to apply for Rene Savenye Scholarship by May 30, 2013
Trans Mountain Expansion (i.e. Kinder Morgan pipeline) Project – National Energy Board Application
BC Nature, in partnership with Nature Canada, will be submitting an application to become an Intervenor during the review of this project by the National Energy Board. To do this, we must provide, in our application, an outline of the reasons why we wish to be an Intervenor. All our reasons must fall within the list of twelve issues that will be considered by the Board (listed on web BC Nature – current issues) . Please follow this link to see the complete request for our filing.We are allowed to submit up a description of up to 500 words for each issue. This process was announced last week on January 15 (see http://www.neb-one.gc.ca).
There is also a webinar being hosted by Westcoast Environmental Law for those of you or your clubs that would like to submit their own comments – Link for webinar information Here
Issue 38
Date January 2014
CAMPS 2014
Wells Gray Camp –August 14th -17th
Date for Registration –March 16, 2014 – 9:00 am Teresa Corboy, Kamloops Naturalists – Telephone: 250-320-0889 Wells Gray Alpine Trek – Hut to Hut HikeAugust 12th -17th March 16, 2014 – 9:00 am Teresa Corboy, Kamloops Naturalists – Telephone: 250-320-0889 Tofino Marine Exploration – April 27 – May 1 – Registration January 15, 2014 – Sold out with Waiting list – Nicola Ranch – May 29-June 1, 2014 – Registration – January 12, 2014 – Sold Out with Waiting List Details on all the camps in the BCnature Winter Magazine andwww.bcnature.ca or upcoming Spring 2014 Magazine
Fish Farming Updates
1) Article – Vancouver Sun – By Peter O’Neil – Ottawa opens door to Fish Farm expansion… Article Link here2) Article – Vancouver Sun – By Derrick Penner – B.C. fish farmers see opportunity as DFO lifts licence freeze, Article Link here.3) Past Article – March 2013 – By Randy Shore – World’s first land-based-farm sockeye salmon ready for harvest in B.C. Article Link here.
If you borrowed any books from these science libraries you do not have to return them.
Secret Memo Casts Doubt on Feds’ Claims for Science Library Closures – Article – The Tyee Article here
How about some good News?
Panama Bay saved from destruction – Link Our Neighbours to the South support safety measures for migrating birds Article Here
Interesting Sites and articles
GREEN SCENE: Time to speak up on Kinder Morgan – if that’s allowed. Article Link Keep the Peace – Stop the Site C Dam – view video Apply for Funding from – Brink-McLean Fund through the Nature Trust
Enbridge Update
Naturalists’ group wants Northern Gateway decision delayed Complete Article Caribou, Humpbacks May Legally Stand in Way of Northern Gateway Pipeline, According to B.C. Nature Lawsuit Complete Article B.C. Nature Files Federal Lawsuit Claiming JRP Report “Invalid” Complete Article
Your Executive and Conservation Committee Hard at Work
The following letters and submissions prepared by your BC Nature Conservation Committee were recently sent. Copies of these letters can be read on BC Nature website at: Link Harrison-Chehalis proposed Wildlife Management Area: letter of support to Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, sent December 10 Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project: Submission to Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project ; our submission highlights the oversight of not including potential impacts of marine shipping route, nor cumulative impacts, sent December 6Cohen Commission Recommendations: letter to Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans requesting a status report on the degree to which each of the 75 recommendations of the Justice Cohen Commission have been implemented (deadline for implementation was March 2013) and letter to Premier Christie Clark requesting an update on BC’s actions on the twelve recommendations specific to the province, sent November 29Letter Received: South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Reserve proposal: Letter received from Minister of Environment, Mary Polak, stating that BC would not re-engage in the process to establish this park, letter received December 9.
Dates of Note
Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), February 14-17, 2014 – link April 30 deadline – It is time to start getting our teen birders excited about the Long Point Bird Observatory’s 2014 Doug Tarry Young Ornithologist Workshop. A brochure and application form can be downloaded from our website –www.birdscanada.org/lpbo . Thank you for your help in bringing this unique opportunity to the attention of your membership.Complete details Here
Environmental Damages Fund Call for Proposals
Funding Available
1. WEST AND NORTH •Location: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Funds Available: $30,000.00, Use Restrictions: For projects focusing on restoration and environmental quality improvement as it relates to protecting and conserving migratory birds or the environment. Education and awareness projects will also be considered.•Location: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Funds Available: $73,500.00, Use Restrictions: For projects focused on environmental quality improvement or education and awareness as it relates to protecting, conserving or restoring the environment. Priority will be given to salt water/marine projects.•Location: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Funds Available: $80,000.00, Use Restrictions: For projects focused on environmental quality improvement or education and awareness as it relates to protecting, conserving or restoring the environment. Priority will be given to projects focusing on Polar Bears or Narwhals.3. BRITISH COLUMBIA •Location: Pennask Creek Watershed, Funds Available: $402.00, Use Restrictions: For the purpose of fish habitat improvement projects within or around the Pennask Creek watershed. Please note awards in West and North may be combined with this award.
For additional information, please go to our website
About Town
Sat. February 1, 2014, 9am – 12 pm -Celebrate World Wetlands Day Enjoy a short presentation about wetlands, ephemeral streams and the creatures like frogs and insects that inhabit them. Afterwards we’ll go on a guided walk along the Little Campbell Forest Trail then drive (in own vehicles) to the A Rocha Field Centre to be guided to their wetland and learn about the once extirpated Salish sucker. Wear walking shoes or boots and be prepared for cold or wet weather. Event will be held regardless of weather. Bring water and a camera and binoculars if you like. Refreshments provided. Host: Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society, Little Campbell Watershed Society & Hatchery and the A Rocha Field Centre Meet: 9:00 am at the Little Campbell Hatchery 1284 184th St, Surrey, drive across the bridge up to the Clubhouse and park. Info: Families welcome, forest trail at the hatchery is special needs accessible; the pond at the A Rocha Field Centre requires mobility to climb a steep trail. Register with Marg email: Sunday March 16 – 9:45 -1pm, Shoreline clean-up and invasive plant removal at Blackie Spit
Join us as we clean up the shoreline and remove invasive broom plants in this important bird habitat. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear (gumboots an asset). Bring your binoculars if you have them. Gloves, tools and refreshments provided. Hosts: Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society and Lower Mainland Green Team Meet at the kiosk at the entrance to the spit, Blackie Spit Park, 3136 McBride Ave, Crescent Beach. Info and Reg: Register with Alison at.
Help Wanted
‘Young Naturalists’ Club seeks: Adult with a big heart, a love of the outdoors and sharing with children! Happy New Year from the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society. We look forward to seeing you at events and volunteer opportunities in the coming year and hope this New year finds you well! A Request for support From the Young Naturalist Club: The Young Naturalist Club of BC (YNC) is recruiting for an additional volunteer family club co-leader for its Nicomekl Club (Surrey and surrounding areas).
You don’t need any special qualifications for this role, other than a willingness to help organize field trips called ‘Explorer Days’ to help children have fun, learn about, and connect with nature. Explorer Day field trips are usually held monthly, outdoors as much as possible for children and their families ages 5-12 years.
If you are interested in this fun and rewarding volunteer position contact Tammy Keetch, Nature Club Coordinator at: and visit our website atwww.ync.ca. References required. ‘
To remove your name from our mailing list, please contact the BC Nature Office email us here All email addresses are protected from misuse by BC Nature by way of Blind CarbonCopying these notices. Questions or comments? Contact us via E-mail us at BC Nature
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.REGISTRATION required on our events page cvnature.ca/events An easy 1 km walk on a wheelchair accessible paved path. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle Sorry, no dogs. This event is free, but donations are welcome.For more information, add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation email: . ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary Comox Valley Nature is offering this opportunity to get together with knowledgeable birders to share skills and learn more about birding in the Comox Valley.This outing is designed for beginners, but birders of all levels are welcome. Experienced birders will help with identifying species, equipment, useful apps, and field guides. Both CVN members and the public are welcome on this walk at the Courtenay Airpark which will be on a wide smooth pathway for about 2km round trip. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. Warm clothing necessary – it’s often windy there! Please leave pets at home.Register through our events page at This event is free. Donations welcome.#birding#comoxvalley#iba#courtenay airpark ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we offer this opportunity to learn more about Garry oaks in the Comox Valley.Vanier Nature Park is home to a small grove of Garry oak trees which is being stewarded by Comox Valley Nature. These oaks are at the northern extent of their range, and are a remnant of a culturally modified ecosystem that once covered 160 square kilometres in the Comox ValleyThis walk will be lead by Geologist Bob Hauser and Forester Terry Lewis. They have spent many hours in the park removing invasive holly. Terry and Bob will look at the work in progress in the grove and share their unique perspective on this forest, with a focus on soil science and tree species.The Vanier Nature Park project is being co-managed by Comox Valley Nature and the City of Courtenay with funding from the City of Courtenay, BC Nature and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Registration required through The walk is partially on level ground with some gentle to moderate uphill walking on a forest trail that has some uneven footing. No dogs please.For more information, to add your name to a wait list or to cancel your reservation, email: Details of the meeting place will be sent to registrants. Please be at the meeting spot at least 10 minutes before the walk starts to sign in. ... See MoreSee Less
To celebrate our 60th anniversary we invite you to come for a guided stroll on the Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk with a member of Comox Valley Nature on April 24, 10 am -noon. Learn about the history of this area, including how the former sewage lagoon has become one of the most popular walking spots in the Comox Valley. Check out the restoration work that has replaced invasive plant species and added more native plants, shrubs and trees that is being done by Comox Valley Nature in partnership with the City of Courtenay. Hear why invasive plant species are so damaging to the ecosystems. Enjoy the view from the "lookout" over the estuary and be reminded how important the estuary is to the web of life.