Envisioning a watershed that is healthy for generations to come
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable is a collaborative initiative to protect and improve the health of the Nechako watershed for future generations. The NWR includes representation from BC First Nations, the Province of BC, local governments and other agencies and organizations having responsibilities and interests in the watershed.
On August 7 the Youth Engagement Working Group of the NWR coordinated a canoe trip with youth on the Nechako River. Thanks to all who took part and made this trip possible!
The trip took youth from the Braeside boat launch down to Riverside Park in Vanderhoof, making stops along the way to learn about salmon, sturgeon, and other aspects of the watershed. This trip served as a pilot canoe trip that we hope will continue to take place each summer and will serve as an entry point for youth to become involved in local watershed organizations, and the NWR’s new emerging initiative, the NWR Youth Committee.
The Youth River Trip was been planned as a partnership between many groups, including the NWR’s Youth Engagement Working Group, the Rivershed Society of B.C., the Nechako Water and Environment Stewardships Society (NEWSS), and School District 91. These project partners see youth as important players who are critical to the ensuring the long-term health of our communities and watershed. Huge thanks to the many volunteers who made this trip possible.
Strategic Planning Process - Thanks for your help!
Thanks to everyone who has supported the NWR in our mission to protect and improve the health of the Nechako watershed for future generations.
Special thanks to those who participated in a recent survey to inform our next strategic plan. Watch for the draft plan this fall!
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable has engaged youth to participate in the production of a video to depict the many narratives of the Nechako watershed. The film will highlight the NWR, the Nechako watershed and the communities of the Nechako watershed through the voices of youth participants. A youth workshop for the project was held in 2020, and filming took place in three communities around the watershed in March 2021. Watch for updates!
To learn more about the project or to get involved, please email .
July 2020
First Nations Representatives Needed for Core Committee
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable Core Committee has two seats open for First Nations representatives.
First Nations government candidates are nominated by their respective organizations. Candidates subsequently submit to the Nechako Watershed Roundtable an application (available from the Secretariat) and a formal letter of appointment from their organization. Current Core Committee members will decide on the approval of incoming members.
For more about the NWR Core Committee structure, function and member recruitment, see:
Annual Meeting Theme: Water is Land is Water: Connecting water and land-use planning
The fifth Annual Meeting of the Nechako Watershed Roundtable took place February 24 (having been rescheduled from October due to the provincial election). Included was an update on NWR activities, overview of a resource management planning initiative underway, a youth engagement session and formal launch of a strategic planning process. Thanks to all who took part!
Join us on the NWR social media to stay current & make connections!
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Now on Instagram!
IN THE WATERSHED
What's new in the Nechako? The video "Stream Monitoring for Change" for one thing! Grade 12 students at Nechako Valley Secondary School led the video production to showcase a stream monitoring program of School District 91 in Vanderhoof. Take a look to see how ecosystems and community health in the watershed are connected and to hear insights from students, teachers and community members.
The video was created in collaboration with a team member from UNBC's Integrated Watershed Research Group and is possible thanks to funding from the Rivershed Society of British Columbia.
On October 19, 2018 the NWR Core Committee issued a statement to express concern for the health of the Nechako watershed following a decade of unprecedented wildfire and other changes in the watershed. Read the statement.
Watershed Strategy
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable with the support of the Fraser Basin Council have completed the first version of the Nechako Watershed Strategy. An early priority of the Roundtable, the Strategy aims to identify priority issues and actions needed to advance watershed health; highlight activities and initiatives already underway; support enhanced coordination of current activities; and propose further actions to address the issues and concerns raised by community stakeholders. A summary report on the Nechako Watershed Strategy and the full Strategy are available for download:
