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BC CLEAR Projects 2011-2012 (funding start dates) > Biomonitoring Air Quality with Lichen in the Prince George Area

Biomonitoring Air Quality with Lichen in the Prince George Area

posted on 7:02 PM, July 6, 2016

Project Leader: Darwyn Coxson

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Lichenologist Curtis Bjork assesses changes in lichen community composition at a Prince George site that experiences high levels of air pollution. This research project is developing a biomonitoring protocol using lichens to monitor air quality.

The research project will develop a biomonitoring protocol using lichens to monitor air quality in the Prince George area. The goals of the research project are to: 1) synthesize the body of knowledge on lichens as biomonitors for air pollution (particularly sulphur dioxide) and adapt monitoring protocols for application in BC; 2) set up a program that will monitor changes in air quality over time in Prince George and surrounding area, assessing the effects of emission reductions from the Canfor Northwood Pulp Mill; and 3) develop a plan for engaging a public audience (high school students) in this process and facilitate public understanding of: a) the effectiveness of technology for improving air quality, b) the effectiveness of using bioindicators to track environmental changes, and c) the quality of urban habitats for people and other organisms.

Read the final report.

About the Fraser Basin Council

The Fraser Basin Council (FBC) is a charitable non-profit organization that brings people together to advance sustainability in British Columbia.

Where We Work

We are grateful to live and work on the unceded ancestral territories of the Indigenous Nations of British Columbia.

Our Vision

Social well-being supported by a vibrant economy and sustained by a healthy environment.

Strategic Priorities

At the Fraser Basin Council, our strategic priorities are to take action on climate change, support healthy watersheds and water resources, and build sustainable and resilient communities.

With our partners, we work on a range of collaborative, multi-sector initiatives, such as those focused on flood management, community wildfire planning, air quality improvement, energy-efficient buildings, green transportation (including the uptake of electric vehicles and expansion of charging infrastructure), watershed planning and youth-driven climate action projects.

FBC Program Sites

Plug in BC:
www.pluginbc.ca

Emotive:
www.emotivebc.ca

ReTooling for Climate Change:
www.retooling.ca

FBC Youth:
fbcyouthprogram.ca

Climate Action Toolkit:
www.toolkit.bc.ca 

Salmon-Safe BC
www.salmonsafe.ca

Realizing UNDRIP Initiative
www.realizingundrip.ca

Contact Us

FBC staff work from our Vancouver, Kamloops, Williams Lake and Prince George offices, and from several other locations.

To reach us, see FBC Offices and FBC Staff or contact our administration office:

Fraser Basin Council
1st Floor, 470 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5

T: 604 488-5350

E: