BC Nature enews March 2011

Posted on March 30, 2011 by web_admin
Upcoming Events
  • April 4, 2011 Deadline – Rene Savenye Scholarship – go to website
  • April 8 – Early Bird registration for AGM – Williams Lake. Register early! Registration available after April 8 but reduced pricing not in effect.
  • April 28 to May 1 – Canyon Camp Details below
  • May 6-8, 2011 – Skagit Bird Blitz – details available in Spring Magazine
  • May 12-15 – 2011 – AGM 2011 – Williams Lake – Registration now available on our website
  • June 3-5, 2011 – Mt. Robson Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • June 17-19, 2011 – Manning Bird Blitz – Info available in Spring Magazine
  • July 15 – 19th – Strathcona Park Camp – details now on BC Nature Website
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 – F.G.M. – “Nature on the move – Fall Migration through Delta” – hosted by Delta Naturalists in Tsawassen BC – Details available in Spring Magazine.
  Science Fair 2011  
  There is still time for you to get involved with your local community in Science Fair 2011. BC Nature is proud to sponsor prizes for BC Nature Award (Federation of BC Naturalists)• $50. To be awarded at each British Columbia Regional Science Fair to the best natural history project done by a student(s) in Grades 7 to 12. This includes studies of any aspect of natural history, conservation of natural habitats, or the conservation of natural species. Science Fair Website
Issue 13
Date March 2011
Downy Woodpecker
 
Communications Director needed!
BC Nature needs your help in assisting us with the revamping of our website – magazine editor etc. Please contact John Neville through the office
 
 
Big Day For The Brant – 2011 Birding Competition
For the 18th year a Big Day competition will be held to crown the teams that can see the most species of birds in one day. • WHERE: Parksville/Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC. • WHEN: Saturday April 9, 2011 from 4:30am to 3:00pm. • WHO: Teams of 3 to 5 in both Green and Motorized Categories. Novice, Intermediate, Experienced & young birders all welcomed. • PRIZES: Awards Presentations immediately following at Deez Bar & Grill, Qualicum Beach. • COST: $10 cash per person at the door. • HOW: TO REGISTER, contact RHYS HARRISON or (250) 248-5305 with team names, email addresses, category & experience level.
 
Interesting Sites and articles
Rob Butler (Guest Speaker at Scout Island Center – Williams Lake Nats.) has a blog that has lots of diverse interesting items to view – Rob Butler Blog Map – use your “ctrl” key and the + button to enlarge this interesting map.site to read.site Metro Vancouver Invasive Plant Council Site Watershed Watch

Where have all of our animals gone since 1850? visit this site

Endangered Rivers Nominations – the date has passed for 2011 — however — interesting

Water for Life Benefit concert April 7/11 – details can be found on

Interpretation Workshop – put on my Metro Vancouver – information found for the April 9th & 10th workshop at the

Find out what Alien Plant species are invading your neighbourhood

Interesting website –
 
Sustainability and Change: Studies in BC’s Past, Present & Future Communities
“Sustainability and Change: Studies in B.C.’s Past, Present, and Future Communities” is the theme for the B.C. Studies Conference, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna, B.C. May 5-7, 2011. We invite scholars in all disciplines to explore this theme as the conference will offer multiple perspectives on where we regard cultural and environmental sustainability and change amongst various stakeholders in our society. We welcome panels, sessions and individual papers in the traditional areas of BC Studies as well as symposia and presentations on a range of subjects: the arts and sciences, First Nations, fine arts, professional and community associations, and government agencies and representatives. We especially encourage colleagues in fields as diverse as water quality, agriculture, forestry, tourism, ecology, immigration, and land use to submit proposals related to community sustainability ! issues in B.C. Other colleagues may consider examining directions in BC’s social, health, industrial, and environmental policies. Studies from and about First Nations’ communities are particularly encouraged. Finally, proposals that place British Columbia within transnational or comparative contexts are welcome. Studying the past, understanding the present, and preparing for the future make these discussions even more relevant today. We must continue to assert the importance and appreciation for diverse and relevant modes of cultural and environmental interaction within society and the environment. This conference is one place where the exchange of ideas better prepares us, our students, and our work to serve our communities, however they are defined. For further information please go to: BC Studies – Okanagan or contact us at:
 
BC Hydro is Listening?
In June 2010, the BC Government passed the Clean Energy Act. This instructed BC Hydro to prepare a 20 year Integrated Resource Plan to address , amongst other things, the use of renewable power potential to achieve the provincial government’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. On March 9, I attended BC Hydro’s Open House in Victoria. They presented a number of scenarios for the coming years. They also projected a production shortfall of ~5,000GWh by 2031. A combination of additional electrical generation with wind power, run-of-river , Site C and Gas-fired generation is proposed. Wind power and run-of-river resources are presented as the most expensive option. While a combination of windpower, run-of-river, Site C and Gas-Fired Generation would be the cheapest. I was introduced to a new subject called “Electrification”. This encompasses more use of electrical transportation and other services. How far do you want them to go? BC Hydro really wants your feedback! This is an opportunity for naturalists ,as individuals, to voice their opinion. Go to: BC Hydro on line feedback form In the spotlight on right of the page and give them your ideas on energy production and the future of our province. I will certainly be giving them mine. John Neville President
 
Environmental Assessment of the proposed Kitsault Mine
Please follow the link below (i.e. View Article) for a Notice giving details of the on feedback and comments by April 9th for the proposed Kitsault Mine project which would be located at the head of Alice Arm about 50 km south east of Stewart. Article on Kitsault Mine
 
Great Backyard Bird Count Results
Are your toes and fingers thawed out yet? Ever wondered what happened to those hours of counts you submitted? — Check out this site for all of the updated information from all the participating areas.
 
Cumulative Effects: From Assessment Towards Management
Cumulative Effects – interesting report The Forest Practices Board has had growing concerns about the cumulative effects of resource use on the British Columbia (BC) land base for a number of years. In the Board’s work examining forest and range practices, it was often apparent that other activities were impacting the land and water; activities that were not regulated under the Forest and Range Practices Act. Read more If that link doesn’t work then go to www.fpb.gov.bc.ca and under What’s New and Latest Releases, click on the title:Cumulative Effects: From Assessment Towards Management
 
Take the Water conservation Pledge
Canada has some of the world’s most extensive water resources. But we also consume far more per person than in other countries. Each of us uses about 57 gallons (260 litres) of water each day – about 10 times the global average. Join Nature Canada in signing on to save water – the statistics are amazing! Water Pledge Site
 
Nature Conservancy of Canada needs your help
BC region of the Nature Conservancy of Canada who will be holding an event at the estuary of the Campbell River on April 9, 2011. Here are the event details: Re-decorating the Nursery
Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Closest town: Campbell River, BC
Meeting time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Key Partner: Greenways Land Trust
NCC needs your help with the biggest and most exciting ecosystem restoration project on the BC Coast! The estuary of the Campbell River is essential to the world famous “Tyee” or Chinook salmon that helped earn Campbell River the title of “salmon capital of the world”. The estuary is also a central character in the writings of Roderick Haig-Brown, a celebrated Canadian nature writer who lived a short distance up stream. NCC has been purchasing degraded industrial sites in the estuary and restoring them back to their original inter-tidal, salt marsh habitats. These habitats are critical “nursery” habitats for out-migrating Chinook smolts each spring. Come help NCC re-plant restored areas with marsh plants that have been harvested from an adjacent natural “donor” marsh. Please make sure you eat a solid breakfast, and pack a lunch to bring with you for the day of the event. Snacks and beverages will be provided by NCC to keep you energized and hydrated. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Erin at Greenways Trust
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