Jim Smith: A True Valley Guardian
Jim Smith is a true guardian of our valley’s forests and watersheds. Jim’s commitment to protecting the delicate balance of our natural world has inspired so many of us. His deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our environment, from the trees in our forests to the waters that sustain us, has been an invaluable resource. Jim’s efforts of educating and guiding others ensures that the importance of sustainable stewardship is passed down to future generations.
His work reminds us all that our forests and watersheds are more than just landscapes—they are life sources, home to a wealth of biodiversity and essential to our own survival.
Jim’s wisdom and efforts to safeguard the Creston valley shows us that the health of our environment is not just an issue to be addressed—it’s a responsibility that each of us must carry forward, guided by your example. The information on this webpage has been gathered through Jim’s dedicated efforts to educate and inform us. Let’s honour Jim’s work by following in his footsteps towards good stewardship.
Key Recommendations for Watershed Security and Governance in BC:
1. Shift Focus from Exploitation to Stewardship:
- Move away from exploiting watersheds for timber to managing them for water conservation and health.
This shift needs to happen immediately to protect communities’ health and well-being.
2. End Favouritism towards Industry:
- The BC government has historically prioritized industry interests over community needs. This must stop.
3. Strengthen Governance:
- Enhance roles, responsibilities, and accountability of watershed governance across different levels of government.
- Ensure that local Indigenous Nations and their knowledge systems are integral to decision-making processes.
Prioritize Indigenous-led water initiatives and provide dedicated funding for these projects.
4. Empower Local Communities:
- Build capacity in local communities to understand, monitor, and advocate for their watersheds.
- Immediate release of funds to support local governance and management of watersheds by Indigenous Nations, local governments, and rural communities.
- Ensure ongoing and adequate funding for planning, monitoring, and restoration projects.
5. Enhance Land Management Regulations:
- Strengthen land management regulations to account for cumulative impacts on watersheds.
- Local communities must be enabled and supported to provide input into land management and watershed governance.
6. Prioritize Water Quality and Sustainability:
- When the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is reorganized, prioritize watershed planning with water quality, seasonal quantity, and consistency as primary objectives.
7. Creston Valley Water Sustainability:
Advocate for a comprehensive water sustainability plan for the Creston Valley to ensure healthy habitat, residential use, agriculture, industry, and recreation are supported.
8. Cumulative Impact Management:
- New tools and regulations must address cumulative impacts on watersheds with clear accountability and enforceable regulations, especially in light of climate change and industrial development.
9. Improve Reporting and Monitoring:
- Improve watershed monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Local communities and Indigenous Nations should lead this effort to ensure data is used effectively in management decisions.
10. Forestry Management and Legislation:
- Revise forestry management policies to better protect watersheds.
- Apply the precautionary principle when making forestry decisions, particularly in the face of climate uncertainty.
- Honour old-growth forest deferrals and recruitment areas to protect vital ecosystems.
Measurable Water Objectives:
1. Water Quality:
Turbidity: Measure the concentration of suspended particles in water. Set a target for acceptable levels of turbidity, ensuring that they stay within thresholds that support aquatic life.
Water Chemistry: Regularly monitor parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) to prevent eutrophication.
Disease and Pathogens: Implement routine water testing for harmful microorganisms (e.g., E. coli) that could affect human health and aquatic species.
2. Water Quantity:
Flow Volume: Establish a baseline for normal high and low flow periods in the watershed. Aim to maintain these flows within a range that supports ecosystems, agriculture, and human use.
Peak Flow Management: Develop flood control mechanisms that prevent excessive peak flows during storm events, reducing erosion and habitat destruction.
Base Flow Monitoring: Ensure that base flows are sufficient to sustain aquatic ecosystems during dry periods.
3. Timing of Flow:
Spring Flow Reduction: Implement strategies like dams or storage systems to regulate excessive spring runoff and reduce flood risk.
Summer and Fall Flow Enhancement: Use flow management practices like controlled releases to increase water availability during drier months when aquatic life needs it most.
4. Water Temperature:
Thermal Regulation: Set temperature thresholds to maintain a healthy aquatic environment. Monitor water temperature to ensure it stays within limits that support local fish species, particularly during spawning seasons.
Watershed Management Objectives Are Critical.
Measurable Water Objectives:
Ensure we have clear and identified measurable criteria.
- Water quality (ie turbidity, chemistry, disease, etc.)
- Water quantity (ie high and low flows)
- Timing of flow (ie minimize spring flow and increase flow during summer and fall)
- Water temperature (ie healthy environment for fish)
Measurable Forest objectives:
Define present and future conditions of the watershed forest to prioritize water as the dominant value.
- Percentage of watershed in a fully forested condition.
- Promote biodiversity (i.e. mix of species, density, and ages)
- Soil and vegetation objectives to minimize disturbances
- Limit the maximum road and stream crosses
- Protect cultural heritage sites and values
Urgency:
The call for action is immediate, as the ecosystems are in crisis due to industrial activities, development, and climate change. Protecting the watersheds through thoughtful and informed governance, with input from local communities and Indigenous Nations, is critical for BC’s future.
Where can you express your concerns?
Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship:Honourable Randene Neill WLRS.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Local MLA Brittny Anderson brittny.anderson.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Minister of Forests FOR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
