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.
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable (NWR) was established in October 2015, which means that 2020 is a 5-year milestone. To mark this, the Nechako Watershed Roundtable is initiating a planning process to map out its future direction.
This planning process will take place from January to June 2021.
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable is engaging youth to participate in the production of a video that will 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. The first youth workshop for this project was held on October 17, 2020. Due to Covid-19, the project has been extended and will be unfolding over the course of 2021.
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 5th 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!
Come join us there to stay current & make connections!
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:
