Sensitive Habitat Stewardship
Program
This program provides accurate and current information on the state
of sensitive habitats in the Comox Valley eco-region in order to
effect better protection and restoration efforts.
For information
on this project, contact
or download the following Acrobat Reader file SHS overview.pdf (1.2Mb)
 Comox Valley Salmon Streams Stewardship Project Final Report
Click this link Final Report 1999-2005 to go to a page listing a series of Acrobat Reader format files (pdf) of the final report of the Comox Valley Salmon Streams Stewardship Project, which was a major project conducted as part of Project Watershed's Sensitive Habitat Stewardship Program.
Mapping and Inventory Field Work
Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping - Accurate watercourse, and wetland locations, salmon and trout presence and habitat conditions features of urban streams are mapped using standardized procedures called the SHIM methods. Project Watershed is a founding member of the Community Mapping Network, a group of like minded organizations working to create better opportunities for community stewardship of Sensitive Habitats.
Baynes Sound Foreshore Stewardship (2001-2002) - Detailed maps and inventory in Baynes Sound area will provide information to increase protection of sensitive stream, wetland, and foreshore habitats, through application of local government bylaws and landowners' voluntary stewardship commitments.
Urban Salmon Habitat Program Assessments - Fish habitats are assessed using standardized procedures and reports describing watershed problems and recommend remedial efforts. This work results in detailed biophysical descriptions of streams and wetlands that aid in land-use decision making and watershed planning.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Arcview Smart Maps - Mapping, inventory and
assessment data is compiled, digitized and used to update and expand
the Comox Valley Sensitive Habitat Atlas, first published in 1995
in conjunction with local, provincial and federal governments. It
is estimated that 20-30% of all streams in the valley are not mapped.
Of those that are mapped, many habitat records are of limited accuracy.
This project provides current, accurate maps and data to decision-makers,
citizens, government agencies and volunteer stewardship groups in
a user-friendly format. See samples on Maps and Reports page.
Community Partnerships
A network of community mapping and stewardship groups has been developed, along with a protocol for information exchange. The purpose of this activity is to increase public awareness of and involvement in watershed stewardship and to establish a process to recruit new stewards, and to organize their activities in meaningful ways. This fosters a locally coordinated effort that increases information exchange among partners and reduces conflicts and duplication.
Landholder Stewardship Projects
A follow-up to initial stream surveys that provides
information about habitat and stewardship options to landowners.
This project creates an appreciation of the significance of habitats
on private land, and wherever possible, to establish voluntary stewardship
agreements, in which the landowner agrees to protect, restore and/or
monitor the habitats found on their property.
Entrepreneurial Non-Profit Activities
Partnership projects that build on the training and practical experience that our staff have acquired in the area of watershed stewardship services. We use cost-recovery pricing where appropriate and a follow comprehensive plan to deliver services to the non-profit and private sector providing more stable employment for local watershed technicians.
|
