For more information on programs in this region, contact:
Associate Regional Manager: Jillian Merrick
Telephone: 250-612-0252
Email: jmerrick@fraserbasin.bc.ca
BC Rivers Day
The FBC worked with community volunteers and staff from various government agencies to organize the Prince George Rivers Day Music Festival, held in Fort George Park in late September 2002 to celebrate the annual BC Rivers Day. The event featured BC performers Gary Fjellgaard, Barney Bentall and Marcel Gagnon as well as educational displays and children's activities. The organizers estimated that well over 1000 residents attended the event.
Building Sustainable Economies – Upper Fraser Regional Forum
In April 2002, the FBC's Upper Fraser Region hosted a forum in Prince George – "Toward a Sustainable Economy for the Upper Fraser Region." The event provided an opportunity for local business and community leaders to explore how the principle of sustainability might be applied to the region's economy and businesses. Featured speaker, Rob Macintosh of the Pembina Institute for Appropriate Development and Green Planet Communications, outlined steps to sustainable economies and businesses. Panelists described their experiences as business owners and/or consultants applying sustainability principles to their operations on a daily basis.
Contact Regional Coordinator Joan Chess for copies of reference materials from the event.
Chilako Watershed Council (CWC)
The FBC has continued to support the efforts of rural residents and agency staff to improve the riparian area of the Chilako River and help address residents' concerns about flooding and erosion. Work undertaken by the CWC is intended to benefit fish habitat and populations, as well as farming operations. Since 2000, ten projects have been completed including riparian planting, fencing for alternate grazing strategies, off-stream livestock watering sites and stream bank restoration. As of March 31, 2003, the Chilako River Stewardship Project officially ended. However, the group will carry on under the Fraser/Nechako Riparian and Water Quality Program that is patterned on the Chilako experience, but encompasses the entire Prince George Agricultural District. The successful efforts of the CWC were recognized in January 2003 when the group won the FBC's Caring for Ecosystems Award.
Nechako Watershed Council (NWC)
For the past 50 years, concerns about the development of the Nechako River to generate hydroelectricity for Alcan's smelter in Kitimat have generated tremendous controversy over the management of the Nechako, a major tributary of the Fraser. The situation resulted in decades of entrenched positions and strained relationships amongst those involved. In recent years, however, a different approach and changed attitudes have led to a collaborative effort.
In June 1998, the FBC helped establish the Nechako Watershed Council (NWC), a multi-interest group with First Nations, business, community and government representation. The NWC has accomplished much towards its goal of developing new water management strategies that incorporate solutions to the longstanding conflicts in the watershed.
During 2002/2003, the FBC continued to work with the NWC as it prepared a Cold Water Release Facility Workplan in cooperation with its provincial and corporate partners. As a result of these efforts, the provincial government and Alcan BC have each committed to providing $100,000 per year for the next three years to implement Phase 1 of the CWRF Work Plan. With assistance from FBC, NWC members are also working on new flow regimes that would be possible to implement after the proposed CWRF has been constructed. Staff from the BC Water Management Branch and Alcan have provided data, analyses, and computer modeling to link reservoir levels, releases to Kemano and releases to the Nechako River. The ultimate goal is a range of flow regimes that accommodate a variety of ecological, social and economic needs.
The (Nechako/CWRF) Project has (potential for) incredible environmental enhancement, but also can provide some long-term economic stability in the valley and upstream in the Cheslatta area.- Mike Robertson, Senior Policy Advisor, Cheslatta Indian Band
Regional Fisheries Management Workshop
The Regional Coordinator attended the Regional Fisheries Management Workshop hosted by Lheidli T'enneh Nation and the provincial and federal governments in October 2002. The objective was to explore the possibility of a cooperative fisheries management arrangement at the regional level. Panelists representing First Nations, provincial and federal governments described the existing management programs for the Fraser River. Other speakers described regional fisheries management in the Yukon and Inuvialuit that involve several orders of government and communities. Participants also formed small groups to discuss questions such as who should be involved, and what geographic area and which fish species should be included. Many of the concepts explored complement the FBC's fish and fisheries initiative. Although numerous ideas were discussed and questions left unanswered, by the end of the workshop participants generally supported pursuing further development of the idea for the Upper Fraser area.
Strengthening Communities
Upper Fraser Directors have selected a project called Robson Valley Vision. The FBC will bring together representatives from diverse communites to identify and build a common vision for the area.
- Henry Klassen, Chair, Nechako Watershed Council
Regional and Community Support
The FBC supports and provides direction and services for many ongoing community, regional district and other activities and programs to advance sustainability in the Fraser Basin. Over the past year, the Upper Fraser Regional Coordinator has:
- Liaised with the Omineca Peace Interagency Management Committee and attends the IAMC's quarterly meetings.
- Attended the annual meeting of the McGregor Model Forest Association's community advisory group.
- Given a presentation on the FBC's approach to sustainability and its work in the Nechako Watershed at the 2002 Annual Conference of the Alberta Association of the Canadian Institute of Planners.