Comox Valley Nature

BC Nature eNews Oct. 2014

Posted on October 5, 2014 by Krista

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
AGM 2015 – Salt Spring Island – May 7 – 10, 2015. Registration information in Winter BCnature issue.
Rene Savenye Scholarship applications should be in prior to May 30, 2015 – see website for application.

	FGM 2015 and AGM 2016
	BC Nature is actively looking for one of our clubs to host FGM 2015 – Late September 2015 and AGM 2016 – early May 2016. This year and in past years, two clubs have co-hosted the AGM or FGM. Please think about it! Hosting a conference for BC Nature is rewarding for both your club and BC Nature. Please email if your club has any interest and we can supply all the information you need to present to your board.

Issue 37

Date October 2014

Thank you Shuswap Naturalists

A great time was had at the Fall General Meeting and conference, attended by @ 140 members. The weather was glorious, the birds abundant and a nice day was had looking for the elusive returning Sockeye.
Full report to come in the Winter Magazine.


Stop the Radio Towers
For anyone living in the vicinity of Point Roberts, Here’s a link to Delta Councillor Jeannie Kanakos’ request that our federal government appear at the Whatcom County hearing of the application for a Conditional Use Permit for the 50,000-watt AM transmitter that’s posed to cover us, Tsawwassen, in extremely high levels of blanketing interference. It’s not lost on Councillor Kanakos and the rest of Delta Council that our Member of Parliament Kerry-Lynne Findlay and her federal cabinet colleagues James Moore of Industry Canada and John Baird of Foreign Affairs can be doing more on our behalf. Click on Item F17 “Point Roberts Radio Tower Petition”, or advance 57 minutes into the webcast: Link Here

Enbridge
Last week, approvals were given to those that had filed a suit against the Federal Government on the approval of the Enbridge Pipeline. BC Nature was one of those thirteen filers. Articles Enbridge Northern Gateway Investor Report: The Peoples Version – Link Province Newspaper – Enbridge Link

Conservation News
Newspaper and Radio articles pertaining to some of the issues being discussed. N.W.T. premier Bob McLeod promotes Arctic pipeline idea in Washington – Link Cooper: Prentice must take on climate-change activists Link Here Vaughn Palmer: No cracks in the B.C. Liberals’ stonewall on Mount Polley – Link Here North America Can Say Goodbye to Half its Birds if Rising GHG Emissions Aren’t Stopped Link Here Potential consequences of FIPA for Canada’s ecological systems – Link Here

Interesting Sites and Articles
Check out the Yukon Conservation group Newsletter – check out the article on Casino Mines New wilderness park created on eastern edge of Kelowna – link U.S. Earthcam – although the season is done for the Osprey, this is a great site to bookmark for next year – Link In just the past 40 years, the world has lost over half its wildlife population. That estimate comes from scientists at the World Wildlife Federation and the Zoological Society of London in a report today called “Living Planet Report 2014? Link Here Anne Murray: There is no Planet B – Link Here Drone captures incredible video of volcano eruption in Iceland Link Here 35,000 walrus in Alaska: Why they came ashore Link Here

About Town
Sunday, October 12th, Langley Municipal Nature Park – 10am – 12pm. Join FoSBS and the Little Campbell Watershed Society to remove invasive species at the Park as a part of Langley’s Water Weeks celebration events. Register with Lisa Dreves – Saturday, October 18th Dart’s Hill Native Plant Demonstration Garden Planting 10:00 am – 12pm. Register with Kathy Whittemore Saturday, October 25th Little Campbell Forest Trail Planting 9:00 – 12pm. Join us to plant additional native trees and shrubs along the Little Campbell Forest Trail. Register with Alison Prentice Saturday, November 1st Blackie Spit Environmentally Sensitive Area 9:30 am – 12:30pm. Join us to plant native trees and shrubs to further enhance the wildlife habitat at the Rene Savenye ESA. Register with Alison Prentice October 11th, Invasive removal on the Sam Hill tributary of the Little Campbell River south of 16th Ave. October 22nd, Invasive removal on West Twin creek just south of 16th Ave on 184th St. For further information, contact Christy Juteau,



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Guest Speaker: BC Parks History, Sun. Sept. 21, 2014

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Krista

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. Although most British Columbians take pride in and use their parks, few know their history and fewer still know the development of the policies that have guided the establishment of over 1,000 parks and reserves throughout the province. One of the few individuals who can claim to know and understand our parks is James D. Anderson.

As part of its educational mandate Comox Valley Nature will host a one-hour illustrated lecture on BC Park history and policy by James D. Anderson. He is a retired planner and member of the Council of BC Parks Elders. At a time when BC Parks are increasingly the subject of public debate and concern, as a park planner and author of two histories of BC Parks, James Anderson brings a wealth of experience in the development of BC parks and the policies that have guided their development.

James Anderson is the author of British Columbia’s Magnificent Parks: The First 100 Years (Harbour Publishing, 2011) and a more comprehensive and detailed BC Parks 1911 to 2011: A Centennial, Provincial Parks as Reflective of the Times (2010). Anyone wanting to understand the changes that BC Parks are experiencing today will find this lecture of interest.

This lecture will take place at the Florence Filberg Seniors Centre at 7pm September, Sunday 21 2014.

Comox Valley Nature is a non-profit society affiliated to BC Nature consisting only of unpaid volunteers. CVN fulfills its educational mandate by hosting monthly lectures, organizing free weekly guided hikes for members, and a free monthly walk open to the public. The society also undertakes a variety of environmental projects. Aside from its main activity as a non-profit, Comox Valley Nature also supports specialized groups ( Birding, Botany, Conservation, Garry Oak Restoration, Wetland Restoration, Photography and Young Naturalists Club) all of which have separate monthly activities. Membership in BC Nature and Comox Valley Nature is $30 per adult and $40 for a family.

Founded in 1966, it is one of the oldest environmental societies on the North Island. Meetings and lectures of the Comox Valley Naturalists Society are held on the third Sunday of most months at the Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay. Meetings and guided walks are open to the public, including children and youth. Lecture is free, though a $4 contribution from non-members is appreciated. New memberships are always welcomed.

Anyone interested in this lecture or participating in CVNS activities can also contact Loys Maingon (CVN President) at 250-331-0143.

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In the News: Mack Laing House Report

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Krista

Background:
The Mack Laing House Conservation Committee Team was formed in early June 2013 in response to the emergency discovery that the Town of Comox was proposing to demolish Baybrook, at the mouth of Brooklyn Creek in Comox.

Baybrook is Hamilton Mack Laing’s first house in Comox. It was built in 1922. He resided in it until 1949. Mack Laing’s scientific collecting activities for the Canadian National Museum, and his most important and prolific writing coincide with that period of his life. During this period, Mack Laing was at his creative height as a nature writer, producing some 22 scientific articles in major ornithological journals, some 1000 articles in major North American journals and magazines and 14 books, 2 of which were published. This helped Mack Laing establish a large network of colleagues and friends who became associated with Baybrook.

The importance of Baybrook to the cultural history of British Columbia and the Comox Valley gives Baybrook its particular value for Canadian heritage. The conservation of Baybrook is a truly unique opportunity to preserve Mack Laing’s legacy, as entrusted in his will with regards to Shakesides, within a contemporary context.

The Committee consists of environmental, engineering, architectural, heritage conservation, logistics and history professionals, as well as residents of Comox. The response was originally spearheaded by Project Watershed (PW) and Comox Valley Nature (CVN), who have a special stake in the natural history of the Comox Valley and the Comox Estuary. It was subsequently expanded to include a broad range of stakeholders and experts.

The final Mack Laing house report is here. (3 MB pdf file)

The 2013 Mack Laing house report is here. (4 MB pdf file)

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BC Nature eNews Sept. 2014

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Krista

Upcoming Events

BC Nature FGM (Fall General Meeting) & Conference – come join us in Beautiful Salmon Arm for great speakers, presentations and outings! Its the 4th year Cycle for the Sockeye at Adams River, a spectacle not to be missed! Information in your Summer Magazine or registration link here Hosted by Shuswap Naturalists
Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015
AGM 2015 – Salt Spring Island – May 7 – 10, 2015. Registration information in Winter BCnature issue.

	Roberts Bank Terminal 2
	Here’s your chance to make a difference! The draft terms of reference for the review panel that will be assessing the environmental impact of this proposed project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency were released to the public on August 22, 2014. These terms of reference are a very important document in the environmental assessment process. Here’s where you come in. BC Nature members and clubs (and the general public) have until September 22, 2014 to submit comments on the draft terms of reference to CEAA. The document is at link The terms of reference will establish the mandate of the review panel, its composition, as well as the process and timelines for the assessment. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is a proposed new multi-berth container shipping terminal to be constructed at the end of the Deltaport causeway, adjacent to the existing coal and container terminals. It would be large, comparable in size to both those terminals combined. Expansion of the causeway, and ancillary structures, would also be required. Roberts Bank is part of the Fraser River Estuary Important Bird Area. The proposed project could have a highly detrimental effect on the natural values of Roberts Bank and could put at risk the ongoing viability of the Pacific Flyway. And the large increase in the marine shipping from Georgia Strait though the Gulf Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca would also entail significant risks. We encourage members and clubs to submit written comments. Send your comments to: Debra Myles, Panel Manager Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency 160 Elgin Street, 22nd Floor Ottawa ON K1A 0H3 Email: Please send blind copies (bcc) to Trevor Jones () and the BCN office () Trevor is gathering members’ input to assist in producing BC Nature’s input to CEAA. Thank you. The draft terms of reference are quite comprehensive, however a couple of items pop out at us as requiring clarification, plus the astonishing omission of any consideration of the environmental risks along the marine shipping route by the review panel. See following: • It is unclear to what extent the environmental effects of the past construction and operating activities at Roberts Bank/Deltaport must be considered by the review panel, in combination with the proposed new terminal. The terms of reference should clarify that the review panel is to consider all environmental effects of the previous activities, right back to the construction of the original Roberts Bank causeway. •The terms of reference should include consideration by the review panel of the significant environmental risks along the marine shipping route due to the more than 1,000 additional annual transits of the route due to this project. The route runs from the Strait of Georgia, through the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Concerns include increased adverse impacts on the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale population; the route is within their designated critical habitat. Among other things, these animals are sensitive to acoustic disturbance. Another overall concern is the increased risk of shipping accidents with oil spills.

Issue 46

Date September 2014

FGM 2015 and AGM 2016

BC Nature is actively looking for one of our clubs to host FGM 2015 – Late September 2015 and AGM 2016 – early May 2016. Please email if your club has any interest and we can supply all the information you need to present to your board.


Calling all Shutterbugs
HCTF is currently running a photo contest that I thought might be of interest to your members. We are looking for photos of BC wildlife, fish, habitats and people enjoying these resources: you can visit for full contest details.Check out this amazing montage of photographs – Link

Kinder Morgan
Trans Mountain (Kinder Morgan) Burnaby tells Kinder Morgan conservation area is off limits Brian Morton/Vancouver Sun. The City of Burnaby has told Kinder Morgan to stop doing work in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area after staff discovered the transmission company’s crews with chainsaws and other tree-cutting equipment Tuesday. However, Kinder Morgan spokeswoman Lizette Parsons Bell said in an interview that they are legally within their rights after being granted a permit under Section 73 of the National Energy Board (NEB) Act to conduct engineering and environmental studies for the proposed pipeline route in Burnaby. Burnaby, which opposes the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion proposal, said the trees were being marked by survey crews for removal for the pipeline the company wants to construct between the Alberta oilsands and Burnaby. Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan said the city does not believe Kinder Morgan has a legal right to cut trees in the area. “We think that (NEB) section does n’t overrule city bylaws. Our staff will be back there (Wednesday) too.” Corrigan said “We were prepared to allow them to access this conservation land for non-invasive work that could be repaired over time, but absolutely not to do what they arrived this morning to do — to cut down trees to create helicopter landing pads and sites for drilling bore holes on this protected land.” Burnaby’s legal counsel Greg McDade said in a statement that Burnaby will seek a court order ruling. “Kinder Morgan has not only damaged the Conservation Area in contravention of the law, they have also attempted to interfere with traffic on public roads and to obstruct park staff in their duties. The actions of the company are unprecedented, and they appear to believe they can act as if the rule of law doesn’t apply to them.” Parsons Bell denied that a helicopter pad was being built. “At no time will a helicopter land in the Burnaby conservation area.”Keystone Redux Haunts Trans Mountain as Fight Shifts to Climate Jeremy van Loon and Rebecca Penty/Bloomberg News, Calgary Herald. Kinder Morgan’s expansion of the Trans Mountain conduit linking the oil sands to the Pacific is facing the same kind of backlash that turned TransCanada’s proposed line to the Gulf Coast into a proxy battle against climate change. As with Keystone, Trans Mountain’s opponents argue it would boost development of the oil sands, Canada’s fastest-growing source of carbon emissions. The mounting opposition threatens Kinder Morgan’s largest project, which represents 30 percent of its investment plan. While an existing pipe offers a right of way along most of the expansion, that’s no guarantee the project will get off the ground. “The environmental movement has realized that one front in the climate change battle is trying to delay or deny pipelines,” said Jason Stevens, a Chicago-based analyst at Morningstar Inc. who rates the stock a hold. “If it gets s tymied out for a long, long time, it’s a big chunk of cash flow five years out that won’t materialize.” Bolstered by a recent Supreme Court ruling that native groups can be granted legal title to traditional lands no matter how intensively they use them, Burnaby’s Tsleil-Waututh argue the National Energy Board doesn’t have the right to review the project without their input, and that it poses risks including oil spills. “We are still at the beginning of a long fight, but we are deeply committed to defending our territory,” Chief Maureen Thomas of the Tsleil-Waututh people said in July after a court agreed to hear the group’s challenge of the Trans Mountain review.

Enbridge
Financial Post Article – PetroChina bids to help build Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline Link

Conservation News
Been to Hell – Alexandra Morton – link to Mt. Polley Disaster. Swapping red tape with caution Tape – Mt. Polley – Link Apache Corp., under investor pressure, exiting Kitimat LNG project Vancouver Sun, Lauren Krugel/Canadian Press. A liquefied natural gas project planned for Kitimat, B.C., faces an uncertain future after one of its U.S. partners announced plans to get out of the LNG business. Apache Corp. said Thursday it plans to ditch the Kitimat LNG project, which it was developing alongside Chevron Corp. Apache and Chevron’s Canadian divisions declined to provide further comment on the project’s future. The Kitimat LNG project is furthest along in the development process of any of the proposed natural gas export facilities planned for Canada’s West Coast. [Note: This missed news story from July 31 is known as the Pacific Trails Project. It has relevance to the Northern Gateway as major portions of its pipeline route was expected to be shared with Pacific Trails’. This setback for Pacific Trails was celebrated by the Unistoten at their recently constructed bunkhouse and camp, which is loca ted at a crucial junction on the pipeline route.]

Interesting Sites and Articles
Humpback whale’s hour-long visit with B.C. boat caught on camera Link ROM’s new Passenger Pigeon Exhibition Examines De-extinction and Conservation Issues Link BC IBA – Says good bye to Krista and Hello to James – Link Heavy metal songs: Contaminated songbirds sing the wrong tunes Link If We Really Want to Save Elephants, We Need to Shut Down Every Ivory Market – Link What A Wonderful Life – This will lighten up your day Link Canadian Nature Survey Link

Now on Twitter and Facebook
Twitter Follow @BCNature – for latest conservation and environmental news updatesFacebook We have updated our BC Nature Facebook page. “Like” and “Share” our news, events, and photos to spread awareness. We are actively looking to promote all of our clubs via Facebook. If any clubs have events, activities, news, or photos they would like posted to BC Nature Facebook page please contact to both of our accounts can be found on the top right corner of our Home page Robert Bateman Centre Link Westcoast Environmental Law Facebook – Link

BC Hydro’s Community Champions Program
Will you be this year’s Community Champion? Your non-profit could win $10,000 toward you conservation initiative. Is your not-for-profit group engaging your community and helping make British Columbia more sustainable? BC Hydro is looking for non-profits focused on sustainability and the environment. By showing British Columbians how you’re making a difference, your group could earn a $10,000 conservation award. Non-profit submissions are open from August 15 to September 30, 2014. Voting is open to the public and participating schools. #BCHCommunityChampions Winners announced December 8, 2014. Get all the information you need to answer questions and get started. See past Community Champion winners. For more information visit Link

Around Town
Celebrate Tree Day and Grandparents’ Day with a Forest Adventure Date: Sept 20, 2014 Time: 12:45-3 pm Location: BC Parks Heritage Centre 1620 Mt. Seymour Road, North Vancouver This family program is suitable for parents, grandparents, guardians along with children ages 5-12 * note children must be accompanied by an adult Cost: free but pre-registration required, Please pre-register here by September 14, first come first served. Did you know that the bark of a Douglas fir can be home to many different types of animals? Come out with your family and learn about the trees in our coastal rainforest! Join nature interpreter Lauren Krakau under the canopy of evergreens and learn why these giants are so important to our ecosystems. We will be using the “Meet Your Coastal Rainforest Friends”flipcard deck during the program and each family will get their own copy to keep! For more information please contact Cammidge House will be 100 years old in 2014 The Boundary Bay Park Association/Cambridge House Committee and Metro Vancouver Parks are planning an anniversary celebration to be held September 21st from 11:00 to 4:00. Your Delta Naturalists Society, along with several other local organizations, will have a display at this event. As the theme of the day is the history of Cammidge House and, more broadly, the Boundary Bay area, we would like the Delta Nats display to tie in with some aspect of the Bay’s history. Birding would seem a logical choice. One of the ideas proposed is to include a display of old birding equipment, e.g. binoculars, cameras, scopes etc. If any Delta Nats members have old equipment they would be willing to lend for the day, could they please contact me at or Terry Carr at .Artists express nature’s complexity in forms from the microscopic to the spectacular Surrey Art Gallery presents: Flora and Fauna: 400 Years of Artists Inspired by Nature Cascadia: A Juried Exhibition of West Coast Flora and Fauna Open Sound 2014: Sonorous Kingdom Opening Reception: September 20, 7:30-9:30pm Tour of Flora and Fauna exhibition: September 20, 6:30pm You’ll find more about the exhibitions at Surrey Art Gallery Exhibitions. Over the course of the exhibitions, events are enjoyable and engaging opportunities to connect with the artworks and the ideas behind them – see Surrey Art Gallery – Events List.



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BC Nature eNews August 2014

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Krista

Upcoming Events

BC Nature FGM (Fall General Meeting) & Conference – come join us in Beautiful Salmon Arm for great speakers, presentations and outings! Its the 4th year Cycle for the Sockeye at Adams River, a spectacle not to be missed! Information in your Summer Magazine or registration link here Hosted by Shuswap Naturalists
Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015

	Wells Gray Camp – 4 Spots Available
	We have had a few cancellations – if you are still interested in attending, please contact Jean Crowe or Margaret Graham 250-554-1285. Up to 4 spots available.

Issue 45

Date August 2014

FGM 2015 and AGM 2016


BC Nature in the News
Vancouver Sun Huffington Post Vancouver Observer Metro News

Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan Project Delayed

Enbridge
Supernatural or Supertankers Haisla, Gitxaala, Haida, Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xaixais, Nadleh Whut’en and Nak’azdli peoples launch lawsuit Doctors Speak Out Against Enbridge NGP a Zombie Project Grounded Tanker in Prince Rupert

Conservation News
BC Green Party MLA Report on Mine Spill Tailings Pond Breach Polley Mine, Likely BC Small Town Stops Fracking Saving Wild Salmon Fracking Threatens Ecosystem Vancouver Aquariums New Breeding Regulations Aboriginal Land Titles Lack of Insects Signing Honey Bees and Pesticides

Interesting Sites and Articles
Peter Marler, Graphic Decoder of Birdsongs Ocean Plastic Cochrane Alberta, A Fractured Landscape CPAWS BC Parks Report Do you have a young naturalists in the family? If so click here for great birthday or Christmas gift ideas Interview with New Bird Studies Canada President Canadians Connecting with Nature

National Trail Coalition Grants
For any clubs interested in applying for a grant to enhance or build a new trail system please follow the link below. National Trails Coalition Grant Guidelines General Requirements Please note the following in particular: • Eligibility requires membership in an organization represented directly or indirectly in the National Trails Coalition. Non-motorized organizations in BC must be direct members of ORC to be eligible for funding. • Grants can be applied to the following project categories: o New trail construction o Trail upgrade / improvement o Bridge and water crossing installation and upgrade o Trail signage installation o Trail surveying and tracking and o Trail rehabilitation. • A letter of support is required from ORC for non-motorized trail projects. • Any grant applied for must be matched equally with other funds which cannot be provided by other federal government sources. • In virtually all cases it will be necessary to have approval from the land use managers concerned with the location of your project, whether Recreation Sites and Trails BC for Crown Land, BC Parks for Provincial Park trails, etc. • Applications must be received by the NTC’s National Coordinator by e-mail no later than August 15. • Projects must be completed by December 31, 2015. Any questions or to submit grant please contact Jeremy McCall at

Nature Canada Photo Contest
July 1 – August 31 2014 There is still time to submit all your great nature photos into the Nature Canada photo contest For submission details

Now on Twitter and Facebook
Twitter Follow @BCNature – for latest conservation and environmental news updatesFacebook We have updated our BC Nature Facebook page. “Like” and “Share” our news, events, and photos to spread awareness. We are actively looking to promote all of our clubs via Facebook. If any clubs have events, activities, news, or photos they would like posted to BC Nature Facebook page please contact Links to both of our accounts can be found on the top right corner of our Home page

About Town
Richmond Raptor Festival – Sunday August 17 11-4pm at Terra Nova Rural Park, Richmond – Nature Vancouver and Delta Field Naturalists will be attendance. For festival details click here Delta Farmland Trust “Day at the Farm” Sept 6, 2014 Westham Island Herb Farm 10-4pm The Tree Planning Committee – Saturday, September 13th 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Riverview Hospital Grounds located at 2601 Lougheed Highway in Coquitlam. If interested in participating please contact World River Day Events – Saturday September 27 2014 Click on these links for details: City of New Westminster OR Fraser River Discovery

Volunteers Needed
After a successful AGM in Victoria (Hosted by Rocky Point Bird Observatory and Victoria Natural History Society) – we are left with a couple of vacancies on our Executive. We are actively looking to have a volunteer member of any of our clubs step up to the Vice President position and we will soon be without a secretary. No experience necessary! Please contact with any queries or expressions of interest!

Notice of Bylaw Change
At the FGM in Salmon Arm a Bylaw change will be presented to the members present. Complete details are available at this link and the detailed changes will be sent to your individuals clubs BC Nature Director. This will be voted on September 27, 2014 @ FGM – Salmon Arm



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Wood Mountain Hike

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Krista

On Saturday July 26, an outing is scheduled inviting hikers from Strathcona Wilderness Institute, heading into the southwest corner of the Forbidden Plateau area of Strathcona Park from Wood Mountain. The flowers & birds of this area are quite different from the main area of SWI’s activities at Paradise Meadows.

Meet at 9 a.m. at the Old Church Theatre on Harmston Ave in downtown Courtenay. Carpooling to Wood Mountain will be arranged from the meeting spot. The hike up Wood Mountain will gain about 300-400 m of elevation, along a more moderate route than the usual hike straight up the old ski hill. Plan for a 2-4 hr outing – participants can retrace their steps for a shorter outing, or go up for longer. Bring water, snacks & a lunch if intending to do a longer hike.

For all activities: dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, bring lunch or snacks, plenty of water, bug spray and sun protection. No pets please. CVN outings are free but participants may wish to support SWI by making a donation to that organization.

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BC Nature eNews July 2014

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Krista

Upcoming Events

BC Nature FGM (Fall General Meeting) & Conference – come join us in Beautiful Salmon Arm for great speakers, presentations and outings! Its the 4th year Cycle for the Sockeye at Adams River, a spectacle not to be missed! Information in your Summer Magazine or registration link here Hosted by Shuswap Naturalists
BC Parks Day – July 19th 2014
Check with your local clubs, rec centers, Provincial and National Parks, and community boards for events in your area. Go enjoy all our Province has to offer.
Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015

	Wells Gray Camp – 4 Spots Available
	We have had a few cancellations – if you are still interested in attending, please contact Jean Crowe or Margaret Graham 250-554-1285. Up to 4 spots available.

Issue 44

Date July 2014

FGM 2015 and AGM 2016


BC Nature in the News
Global News The Star Pheniox CBC DeSmog BC Nature – Press Release Challenges Cabinet’s Approval of the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline BC Nature in the News from July 14, 2014 Press Release Desmog Business in Vancouver Uvic Environmental Law Center

Kinder Morgan
Burnaby Mayor Speaks Up Kinder Morgan Reaches Chinese Community BC Government Demands Oil Spill Answers

Enbridge
Harper Set Rules, but Pipline won’t be Built 5 ways Canadians were misled about NGP First Nations Battle Northern Gateway Paths to Stop Northern Gateway Enbridge Creates a Different Climate NGP Redraws Borders

Conservation News
Let BC Vote Make your voice countKitimat Air Quality #SAVEtheBEES Take to Twitter to ban neonic pesticides “Bee Friendly” Plants Contain Bee Killing Pesticides Lessons for Climate Change DFO Plan to Proctect Endangered Salmon Stock Grizzly Habitat Threatened

About Town
CANADA PARKS DAY Saturday July 19 2014 Check with your National and Provincial Parks and Naturalists Clubs for a list of events around the Province. Visit BC Nature website For a List of Events Helpful packing advice for camping Share your pictures with BC Nature and your fellow Naturalists on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram #GreatCanadianCampout Shore Clean Up Click Here for dates and events in your area Fall Migration Field Camp Bamfield Marine Science Center September 2 – 6, 2014 – Visit sea lion colonies, tour the Broken Group Islands,and observe migrating marine animals. Explore marine wildlife through guided nature walks, interactive labs and boat trips. If interested contact 250-728-3301 ext 226

Volunteers Needed
The Western Painted Turtle Project Team is looking for volunteers to assist with raising babies turtles and looking after the adult turtles. We are looking for someone who could commit to 1 – 3 days a week to help feed the turtles and clean the tanks in North Vancouver. Time commitment should be less than 2 hours/day depending on how many turtles we have in. Please send an email if you are interested in helping out.After a successful AGM in Victoria (Hosted by Rocky Point Bird Observatory and Victoria Natural History Society) – we are left with a couple of vacancies on our Executive. We are actively looking to have a volunteer member of any of our clubs step up to the Vice President position and we will soon be without a secretary. No experience necessary! Please contact with any queries or expressions of interest!

Nature Canada Photo Contest
July 1 – August 31 2014 Nature photo contest For submission details

Interesting Sites and articles
Coastal Wildlife Live Streaming Video

Now on Twitter and Facebook
Twitter Follow @BCNature – for latest conservation and environmental news updatesFacebook We have updated our BC Nature Facebook page. “Like” and “Share” our news, events, and photos to spread awareness. We are actively looking to promote all of our clubs via Facebook. If any clubs have events, activities, news, or photos they would like posted to BC Nature Facebook page please contact Links to both of our accounts can be found on the top right corner of our Home page

Notice of Bylaw Change
At the FGM in Salmon Arm a Bylaw change will be presented to the members present. Complete details are available at this link and the detailed changes will be sent to your individuals clubs BC Nature Director. This will be voted on September 27, 2014 @ FGM – Salmon Arm

Errata
There was an error in the date of our June Enbridge BC Nature Press Release. It was dated June 13, 2014 when it should have been June 17, 2014. We quickly changed the date and updated our website within a few minutes of publishing, but thanks to a few keen members who pointed it out.



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BC Nature eNews June 2014

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Krista

Upcoming Events

BC Nature FGM (Fall General Meeting) & Conference – come join us in Beautiful Salmon Arm for great speakers, presentations and outings! Its the 4th year Cycle for the Sockeye at Adams River, a spectacle not to be missed! Information in your Summer Magazine or registration link here Hosted by Shuswap Naturalists
Manning Park Bird Blitz – June 20-22, 2014 Information Here
Deadline for Club Applications for “Club Support” Grants – January 31, 2015

	BC Nature to Challenge Cabinet Decision Approving Northern Gateway
	PRESS RELEASE June 13, 2014 (North Vancouver, BC) — The Federation of BC Naturalists (BC Nature) today announced it will file a lawsuit challenging the decision by the federal Cabinet to approve the Northern Gateway project. The planned lawsuit will ask the Federal Court of Appeal to set aside this Cabinet decision on a variety of grounds. These include serious deficiencies and flaws in the December 19, 2013 Joint Review Panel report upon which the Cabinet decision is based. Legal counsel for BC Nature is the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) at the University of Victoria. “Filing this lawsuit will ensure that the Federal Court of Appeal is able to hear and consider arguments relating to all of the various flaws and deficiencies associated with Northern Gateway approval process,” says Chris Tollefson, ELC Executive Director and BC Nature’s lawyer. For Complete Press release Please Link Here

Issue 43

Date June 2014

FGM 2015 and AGM 2016


Notice of Bylaw Change
At the FGM in Salmon Arm a Bylaw change will be presented to the members present. Complete details are available at this link and the detailed changes will be sent to your individuals clubs BC Nature Director. This will be voted on September 27, 2014 @ FGM – Salmon Arm

Kinder Morgan
Possible to drill through Burnaby Mountain? Link HereBurnaby Mayor not budging Link Here Oil pipeline route may shift Link Here

Conservation News
Citizens vote to kill pipeline project Story Here Mercury levels around oil sands Link Here Mounting evidence for climate change Link Here Development companies in charge of BC parks Link Here World Ocean Day was June 8th 2014 Link Here BC Nature mentioned in an Globe & Mail article Link Here

Interesting Sites and articles
Chickadee Viewing Cam at Richmond Nature Park Sign up Here Research indicates B.C.’s Island wolves prefer their mellow habitat – Link Here Recovery plan for endangered Canada lynx could take until 2018 Link Here Recover plan for Cariboo Link Here Recovery plan for Pacific Water Shrew open comment June 9th and August 8th Comment Here

About Town
July 19 2014 – BC Parks Day June 21 2014 – Earth Wind and Fire Fundraising Event for The Nature Trust of BC Celebrate the summer solstice with local chefs and members of Culinary Team Canada who will pair excellent local food with exceptional local wine and other beverages. Details Here

Volunteers Needed
The Western Painted Turtle Project Team is looking for volunteers to assist with raising babies turtles and looking after the adult turtles. We are looking for someone who could commit to 1 – 3 days a week to help feed the turtles and clean the tanks in North Vancouver. Time commitment should be less than 2 hours/day depending on how many turtles we have in. Please send an email if you are interested in helping out.June 13th-20th Volunteers Needed – Ancient Murrelet Chick Collection, Laskeek Bay – email or by phone 250-559-2345

Nature Canada Photo Contest
July 1 – August 31 2014 Nature photo contest. For submission details

RiverBlue – The Story about Fashion Destroying the Rivers of the World
Mark Angelo, a passionate storyteller and river advocate, has possibly paddled more rivers in his lifetime than anyone else on this planet. Having paddled globally for over 40 years, he has sadly watched the decline of the rivers he loves. Journeying through some of the most pristine to most devastated rivers, Mark discovers and unveils the source of much destruction of these waters; Jeans manufacturing.Through harsh chemical manufacturing processes and the irresponsible disposal of toxic chemical waste, one of our favorite iconic products has destroyed the rivers and changed the lives of people who count on these waterways for their survival. This single industry will serve as the worst case scenario, showing how mankind has, at times, shown little regard for what nature has given us. RiverBlue will not only bring awareness to the destruction of a some of the world’s vital rivers through the manufacturing of Jeans, but will also act as a rally cry to demand significant change in the textile industry from the top fashion brands that can make a difference. Help propel positive change and keep our world’s rivers clean. For a complete backgrounder follow this link

When is a Twitter not a Bird Sound
BC Nature is now in a “Twitter” – if you have a twitter account, please follow us @BCNature. We will be “Tweeting” as news becomes available on events that are occurring and news that we need to get to you. We have updated our Facebook account as well. “Like” us and “Share” our news on Facebook by looking up BC Nature.

BCnature Magazine – Summer
The BCnature magazine has been printed and should be winging its way into your mailboxes. If you are a member of one of our 51 Clubs or a Direct Member, you will be receiving your magazine very soon. If you do not see it by the end of next week, please feel free to drop us a line and we will investigate why you have not received it! BCnature Magazine is part of your membership entitlement with the dues you pay to your club. If you are not interested in receiving the “paper copy”, we are now able to send you the link of when its posted to our website. Remember that the number on your label, along with the way your name is spelt on the mailing label,that this is your access to the “Members Only” area of our website.

Request from BC Nature
After a successful AGM in Victoria (Hosted by Rocky Point Bird Observatory and Victoria Natural History Society) – we are left with a couple of vacancies on our Executive. We are actively looking to have a volunteer member of any of our clubs step up to the Vice President position and we will soon be without a secretary. No experience necessary! Please contact with any queries or expressions of interest!



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Scotch Broom

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Wetland Restoration Project

Media Release

Scotch broom

With sunny May weather comes the blooming of Scotch broom in the Comox Valley. It also means that community groups like the Broombusters and Comox Valley Nature will be out cutting it down. If you have the time and energy please free to contact these groups and learn how you can help rid our community of this invasive plant. However if you wish to start at home let me offer a few suggestions for better results in removing this pernicious weed.

Scotch broom

As in most endeavours timing is all important. This is summed up in the slogan “cut broom in bloom”. Most plants store their energy in the winter dormant season. With spring this energy is transferred upward to produce the growing shoots and flowers. By cutting it down now you are removing most of the energy from the plant and leaving a weakened root stalk. As a bonus you do not give the plant a chance to seed and spread.

In cutting the broom plant is important to cut as close to the ground and the root stalk as possible. Be ruthless in cutting it down as low as you can get. Leaving a branch or two near the ground allows the plant to survive and thrive in years to come. The importance of cutting the entire plant down to the root stalk can not be over emphasized. The broom plant can not regenerate from its root tissues, it needs a green branch. Cut it low and success is assured.

A common myth about broom is that the seeds it produces can live for up to 80 years in the soils. This made removing broom seem like an almost impossible endeavour. However this is in fact not the case and was based on a out-dated study where broom seeds were stored in a glass jar in a laboratory. This of course is nothing like the real life conditions where a seed is exposed to winter wet and summer drought. In fact in our climate 7 to 13 years will diminish all the seed stored in the ground. It still means one must be diligent for many years, however it is not mission impossible. A local example is the Courtenay River Airpark, which 20 years ago was a sea of yellow flowering broom. It is now very much controlled on that site.

Most of us know the story that broom was brought to South Vancouver Island in 1850 by Captain Grant who brought it here to remind him of his home in Scotland. However Scotch broom is not Scottish. It was introduced there as it was introduced here. It in fact originates in the Iberian peninsula of Europe.

A single broom plant can produce over 35,000 seeds in a season.

Comox Valley Nature fights broom and other invasive plants such as purple loosestrife and knotweed through our Wetland Restoration Project. This year we have received funding from Ducks Unlimited Canada, Comox Valley Regional District, City of Courtenay and the BC Nature Foundation.

Frank Hovenden

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BC Nature eNews May 2014

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Krista

Upcoming Events

Robson Bird Blitz – June 6-8. Please contact Gail Ross – for further information or to sign on.
Deadline to apply for Rene Savenye Scholarship by May 30, 2014
Manning Park Bird Blitz – June 20 – 22, 2014 – please visit Hope Mountain Centre for further information
FGM 2014 – Hosted by the Shuswap Naturalists – September 25 – 28, 2014. Salmon & Shorebirds – Incredible Journey Registration will be in the Summer Magazine
Club Grant Applications and BC Nature Awards by Jan 31, 2015
Tofino Camp – May 3-6, 2015 (Check out is May 7)Details to follow in Fall Magazine
AGM Resolutions deadline February 28, 2015
AGM 2015 Salt Spring Island May 7-10, 2015 – Details to follow in Fall Magazine

	Shuswap Naturalists Host FGM 2014
	Registration for the FGM 2014 now available in BCnature Summer Magazine. Also available on Shuswap Naturalists website and BC Nature

Issue 42

Date May 2014

Spring is Coming

CAMPS 2014

Updates Tofino Camp was a great success, such so, another one is planned for May 2015! Nicola Valley Camp is full with a waiting list. Wells Gray Park – The Alpine Trek is Full (Thank you!) but there is still space available for the Wells Gray Camp – 2 spots remain. Please contact Kamloops Naturalists – to reserve your spot.


Volunteers Needed
Barn Swallows Study Greg Ferguson, a biologist and member of Nature Vancouver, is undertaking a project to inventory and monitor the status of Barn Swallows in BC this summer, with a particular focus on the Lower Mainland region. If you are interested in knowing more about this project or volunteering please visit this website Link or contact Greg at As part of this project he will be having a day of training on Saturday, May 31st in South Langley near Campbell Valley Regional Park. For more information on this training and how to participate, please visit: Link Here

Interesting Sites and articles
The Effects of Radiation on Flora & Fauna – Link Sweeping study aims to find why salmon stocks collapsed MARK HUME, VANCOUVER — The Globe and Mail, Monday, May. 19 2014 . Link Here Saving Wild Salmon Link Here Ocean Planning Link Here

National Conservation Plan
The federal government launched on May 15th the National Conservation Plan which aims to provide a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across Canada with an emphasis on enabling Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters in and around their communities, and making it easier for citizens living in cities to connect with nature. Building on the conservation measures announced in Budget 2014, the National Conservation Plan includes funding of $252 million, primarily over a five-year period (2014 to 2019) for a variety of conservation initiatives: • $100 million over five years to the Nature Conservancy of Canada to secure ecologically sensitive lands • $37 million over five years to strengthen marine and coastal conservation • $3.2 million over five years to support the development of a complete national inventory of Canadian conservation areas • $50 million over five years to restore wetlands • $50 million over five years to support voluntary actions to restore and conserve species and their habitats • $9.2 million over five years to connect urban Canadians to nature • $3 million over three years to Earth Rangers to expand family-oriented conservation programming. Read more at Link Here

About Town
Ongoing Event:Every Wednesday, Tending the Garry Oak Preserve Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve, Duncan, 9 am – 12 p.m. Link Here Thursday July 24 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Restoring the Sand Spit: Removing invasives from James Island James Island, Sidney Link Here Saturday May 31, 2014 & Wednesday July 9, 2014, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Weed & Wildflower Walk in Victorias Inner Harbour, Matson Lands Conservation Area, Esquimalt Link Here Saturday June 7, 2014, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Planting Garry Oaks: A day of transplanting these charismatic oak trees Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve, Duncan Link Here Monday June 9, 2014, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Butterflies of Beautiful British Columbia Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve Closest Place: Duncan, Vancouver Island Link Here Wednesday June 25, Wednesday July 16 & Sunday July 27, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Searching for Seeds: Native seed collection in Garry oak woodlands Chase Woods Conservation Area, Duncan Link Here

WildResearch Butterfly Monitoring Workshop 2014
Registration is open for WildResearch’s third annual Butterfly Monitoring Workshop, once again taking place at the beautiful UBC Botanical Garden The workshop will consist of an indoor classroom session, and an outdoor field techniques session. Participants will learn how to catch, handle, identify, and monitor butterflies, how to follow protocols for and contribute to the BC Butterfly Atlas a citizen-science project, and how to garden to attract butterflies. When: Saturday, June 7, 2014 Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Where: UBC Botanical Garden Registration is FREE, and gets you free admission to the UBC Botanical Garden. E-mail with the Subject “Register for Workshop” in order to reserve a spot.

Nanaimo bird expert killed in crash
By Chris Bush – Nanaimo News Bulletin posted May 21, 2014 at 8:00 AM A motor vehicle accident has claimed the life of a man well-known in Nanaimo’s bird watching community. Ryan Cathers, 21, organizer of the annual Nanaimo Christmas Bird Count, died in a collision near Westlock, Alta., on the weekend. Police said Cathers died Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. when the northbound vehicle in which he was collided head-on with a southbound semi tractor-trailer rig on Highway 44 about one kilometre south of Westlock. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Westlock RCMP. His cousin, Chris Cathers, said Ryan Cathers had recently graduated from Vancouver Island University and had taken a job with a wild bird research organization in Alberta. Chris Cathers described his cousin as caring, compassionate and the go-to person for birding in Nanaimo. “The world needed more people like him,” Chris Cathers said. Colin Bartlett, owner of the Nanaimo Backyard Wildbird and Nature Store, said Ryan Cathers worked at the store for three years prior to leaving for Alberta and described his death as tragic. “He was just up there, what, two weeks,” Bartlett said. “It was his first time away from home and it was all new to him. He was a little homesick, but he was having fun.”

Enbridge – Kinder Morgan Updates
Enbridge Northern Gateway is Causing More Rumours than Lady Gaga By Nikki Skuce, Senior Energy Campaigner, ForestEthics Advocacy Link Here Cullen hits trail for coasts Steve Kidd/Penticton Western News Link Here Pipeline politics fault of Ottawa inaction Stephen Ewart/Calgary Herald Link Here

News from Canadian Parks and Wilderness (CPAWS)
Changes to the B.C. Park Act threaten integrity of protected areas Earlier this week, the B.C. government passed a bill into law that puts the province’s entire parks system in jeopardy. Bill 4, the Park Amendment Act, introduces changes that allow the province to issue research permits for industry looking to build pipelines, logging roads, and other industrial infrastructure in provincial parks. CPAWS is calling on the B.C. government to reverse Bill 4 immediately, and maintain the integrity of our parks. Stand up against these changes to the B.C. Park Act! Take action TODAY to keep our parks protected, as they should be. Link Here Connecting to nature in our national and provincial parks* The Canadian Parks Council recently published a report called “”Connecting Canadians with Nature: An investment in the well-being of our citizens”” which highlights the importance of our national, provincial and territorial parks in getting us back outside and connecting with the natural world. Canada’s parks have a vital role to play in connecting us with nature*, and are among the best places for us to fully experience all of the benefits derived from spending more time outdoors. Check out the report here Link Here and read our latest blog Link Here on collaborating for a more nature-connected Canada.



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Comox Valley Nature

BC Nature eNews Oct. 2014

Guest Speaker: BC Parks History, Sun. Sept. 21, 2014

In the News: Mack Laing House Report

BC Nature eNews Sept. 2014

BC Nature eNews August 2014

Wood Mountain Hike

BC Nature eNews July 2014

BC Nature eNews June 2014

Scotch Broom

BC Nature eNews May 2014

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