Category Archives: news

Area D: Rural Grand Forks

On September 6, 2022 Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC), Vanessa McMaster, and RDKB staff met in Grand Forks to present the Rural Grand Forks floodplain maps at a Public Engagement Session. We are grateful to all those that came to hear about this project, provide comments and help us finetuning the work. The maps are in their final stages now, and hope to be available to the public this spring.

A recording of NHC’s presentation can be viewed at the link below. Please direct any questions to the Kristina Anderson, [email protected].

September 6, 2022: Rural Grand Forks Public Engagement

Come join us on Tuesday Sept 6th to find out more about the floodplain maps being updated for rural Grand Forks (east of the City). Questions: [email protected]

Approximate mapping area

Grant Opportunity!

The BIWS grant opportunity has just been posted for 2022

Check out to see if you qualify for one of the $10,000 grants being offered to support the implementation of the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan and/or the Christina Lake Watershed Management Plan. Grant application deadline is May 24, 2022.

More information and for the application form go to the RDKB Watershed Planning page:

https://rdkb.com/Environment/Watershed-Planning

Do you have questions – send Kristina Anderson an email: [email protected]

Watershed Strategy Security and Fund

We need your voice to be heard!

Deadline for comments: Friday, MARCH 18, 2022

https://engage.gov.bc.ca/watershedsecurity/

The Province is looking to hear what matters most about watershed and water management for those living throughout BC. How are the pressures different in different BC regions? What does each region need from the Province to succeed in effective watershed management? Learn about their focus and what is being considered through their Discussion Paper.

This is a great way to show the Province that responsible watershed management is a priority for the Boundary Region. That long-term funding is needed to do this important work. To tell them what has to be considered when making a decision that could impact our watersheds. They need to hear from you! If all goes well, we should know the outcome of this strategy by 2023.

Op – Protect our Most Precious Resource, Or We Are Dead in the Water

Oliver M. Brandes and Rosie Simms from the Polis Water Sustainability Project co-authored an opinion that was published in the Vancouver Sun on August 25, 2016. They touch on the failed Fraser River Salmon run and discuss the decline of river water quality globally and the need to protect our waters.  Click on the following link to read more: http://vancouversun.com/opinion/opinon-protect-water-our-economy-communities-and-quality-of-life-depend-on-it

Sustaining the Headwaters Forum – April 19, 2016

On April 19 in Westbridge BC, the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary will be hosting a special forum on protecting the headwaters of the Kettle River watershed and other regional watersheds.

Spring run-off, Mt. Cochrane (Stacy Metcalf)
Spring run-off, Mt. Cochrane (Stacy Metcalf)

Spearheaded by the ONA Natural Resources Committee and the Implementation Advisory Group of the Kettle River Plan, this forum will enable Syilx water leaders and community members from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the RDKB, and many other organizations to come together to share knowledge and explore solutions to challenges in headwater management.

We are looking for a broad cross section of the community with an interest in watershed health and protection, including government, industry, agriculture, recreation and stewardship groups to participate in this collaborative and proactive event.

The morning sessions will include presentations from Syilx leadership, traditional knowledge keepers and ONA staff on Okanagan worldviews, use and stewardship of the lands and waters, drawing on both the Syilx Water Declaration and ONA’s siwlkw Water Strategy.

There will also be a presentation on the implementation of the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan (KRWMP) and the SIBAC-funded Kettle River Watershed Riparian Threat Assessment.

The afternoon sessions will include exploratory dialogue between participants on headwaters issues.

These facilitated sessions will identify collaborative solutions for key challenges and opportunities for resource development, source-water protection, water storage, and recreation and amenity development.

These discussions will lead to development of an action plan to be shared with participants and the public.

Real sustainable development depends on empowered networks of community members building a shared understanding the health and function of the ecosystems we depend on.

Undertaking this fundamental challenge will ultimately lead to more resilient communities that provide economic opportunities and quality of life over the long term.

We look forward to having your participation at the event!

WHEN: Tuesday, 19 April 2016 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (PDT) – Add to Calendar

WHERE: Westbridge Community Hall – Westbridge Hall Road, Westbridge, BC V0H 2B0, Canada –View Map

To respond, please register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sustaining-our-headwaters-forum-tickets-22468418645

Thank you,

Graham Watt