Bulkley Valley Research Centre

March 24, 2010

Monitoring land use and human activities and assessing their potential effects on grizzly bears in the Babine Watershed Monitoring Trust study area

Debbie Wellwood, RPBio, Raven Ecological Services and Johanna Pfalz, B.Sc., Eclipse GIS

Phase 1 – Preliminary analysis of road development and access and proposed framework for monitoring.

The Babine River watershed has an extensive history of land use planning that includes the establishment of numerous objectives, and strategies specific to the goal of maintaining grizzly bears. As a species of special concern, grizzly bears were given focused consideration in the development of the land use plans. In this study, we initiate monitoring for the implementation and effectiveness of land use plan strategies for grizzly bears that were specific to road development and access. This presentation provides the preliminary results and discussion for our GIS-based analyses of road development and access in the Babine Landscape Unit Plan, Nilkitkwa Landscape Unit Plan and West Babine Sustainable Resource Management Plan areas. We identify gaps in knowledge and study limitations and provide recommendations for next steps. We also propose a theoretical framework and preliminary study design to better support monitoring and assessment of the effects of land use and human activities on grizzly bears in this area.

March 10, 2010

Air Quality Monitoring in the Bulkley Valley:  Rationale and Results

Ben Weinstein, Air Quality Meteorologist, Ministry of Environment

Air quality monitoring is conducted for a variety of reasons across the province. Ben Weinstein, Air Quality Meteorologist for the B.C. Ministry of Environment will review these rationale in the context of the Bulkley Valley, along with results of some of the various air quality monitoring programs conducted over the past few years and their potential implications.

February 24, 2010

Ecosystem Based Management: One Forester’s Approach to Implementing EBM concepts

Fred Philpot, Consulting Forester

There are numerous definitions and descriptions of Ecosystem Based Management. Generally, these definitions have similarities; human well-being, ecosystem health and function, and adaptive management. However, in terms of implementation of EBM on the ground, there are significant differences of opinion as to what, how, and how much is required. There is NOT a single correct answer, with all other approaches being wrong. This presentation is intended to outline the perspective and approach of one Professional Forester who has had considerable experience in implementing EBM in the Kalum and Kispiox Forest Districts. The presentation will discuss concepts, primary considerations for planning, and illustrate how these are implemented using landscape level plans and cut block plans as examples.

Abstract

February 10, 2010

A New Climate for Conservation

Jim Pojar, Semi-retired Forest Ecologist

Last year Jim wrote a report about climate change, biodiversity and conservation in B.C. The report, A New Climate for Conservation: Nature, Carbon and Climate Change in British Columbia, was recently released by a group of environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs). The 99-page report and a synopsis are available on ENGO websites (e.g., http://www.forestethics.ca/new-climate-for-conservation-report). See the report for information about impacts of climate change on B.C. biodiversity, and an exploration of the role of nature conservation in both adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. Jim will present some of the report's main conclusions and recommendations, which can then be discussed. He may also examine some myths and misinformation about carbon dynamics.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

January 27, 2010

Developing Capacity for Rainforest Conservation in the Amazon Headwaters of Peru: Possible Reflections for the Bulkley Valley

Gail Hochachka, MA, Program Director, Drishti-Centre for Integral Action, Consultant, One Sky - Canadian Institute for Sustainable Living

In sustainable development—whether enacted locally or globally—we attempt to address many interpenetrating challenges—such as, poverty, lack of good governance, and environmental degradation. None of these can be solved on their own—pull on one thread, suddenly the whole ball of yarn tumbles into your hands. We do this work using an array of methods and interventions, of which capacity building is one of the most important. Why? To echo Albert Einstein, “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” To achieve sustainable living globally, we all have to get creative, think outside the box, and act in ways that can break through the status quo. Through a focus on developing capacity, we foster new skills, perspectives, values, and policies to take solutions to the next level. Since 2007, One Sky has been developing capacity with Peruvian partner organization ACCA (Asociacion para la Conservacion de la Cuenca Amazonica) to enhance effectiveness of conservation efforts and sustainable livelihoods in the headwaters of the Amazon rainforest near Cusco, Peru. This three-year project helped ACCA to develop capacity for community-based conservation resulting in unprecedented results in the region. It also enabled One Sky to practice using an integral approach to capacity development, including both the ‘hardware’ of social change such as new technologies, institutions, and practices, as well as the ‘software’ such as the awareness, worldviews, and thinking that give rise to solutions that stick. Emphasis will be placed on the possible reflections that might be relevant in the Bulkley Valley.

Abstract

January 13, 2010

Niche partitioning and habitat use of Rock and White-tailed Ptarmigan in southwest Yukon

Mark Wong, MSc., University of Alberta

Climate change can affect habitat availability and species interactions at several spatial and temporal scales. I explored niche partitioning and spatial variation in sympatric populations of Rock and White-tailed Ptarmigan in southwest Yukon. First, I examined habitat selection of foraging areas and patches within foraging areas and niche partitioning was observed at both spatial scales. At the larger foraging area scale, Rock Ptarmigan used areas of intermediate moisture with a greater proportion of open and closed shrub habitats, while White-tailed Ptarmigan selected areas at higher elevations with intermediate slope angles and less open shrub habitat. At the smaller patch scale, both species selected patches with greater rock cover, but Rock Ptarmigan used patches closer to shrubs with less dwarf willows and White-tailed Ptarmigan used patches closer to snow/water with greater forbs. Second, I examined spatial variation in abundance of both ptarmigan species between the Ruby and Kluane Ranges using pellet counts and transect surveys. Relative abundance was lower in the Kluane Range based on pellet counts, but transect surveys were an inadequate measure of population density. The Kluane Range had fewer degree days (0ºC), a greater mean standard deviation of NDVI, and was composed of finer textured colluvium, compared to the Ruby Range, which could influence relative abundance of ptarmigan.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

Abstract

December 16, 2009

Results of the 2005 Financial Security Review at the Equity Silver Mine (South of Houston)

Bill Price, Research Scientist, Mine Closure and Rehabilitation Section of Mining and Mineral Sciences Lab, Natural Resources Canada

The Equity Silver Mine located 35 km southeast of Houston operated between 1980 and 1994, producing silver, gold, and copper from three open pits and a small underground operation. Current and future liability are important at the Equity Silver mine site due to the long term drainage collection and treatment of the high strength acid rock drainage (ARD) produced by waste rock. Additional environmental concerns include the performance of the engineered soil covers and the long term water quality in the tailings impoundment, the backfilled Southern Tail Pit and the Main Zone Pit. As a condition of the Mines Act permit, British Columbia requires the provision of a financial security (funds) that is sufficient to provide interest payments equal to the predicted future annual operating, monitoring and maintenance costs. A review of the financial security at the Equity Silver Mine has been held every five years since 1991. This paper outlines the conclusions of the 2005 Equity Mine Financial Security Technical Advisory Group (EMFSTAG).

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

Abstract

December 02, 2009

No Scheduled Speaker

November 18, 2009

Wild Epiphany: Turning Youth Care Inside Out

Chris Gee, Social Justice Advocate

Using phenomenology as a framework for analysis, and drawing on Abraham Maslow’s concept of peak experience, this thesis reveals the unique power of a moment in the wilderness. Within this paper are emotionally charged recollections of epiphany as experienced by individuals who, as youth, were mandated to attend a wilderness based residential attendance program. These recollected experiences are compared and contrasted to observations, of similar moments, made by counselors who have facilitated extended excursions into the wilderness. This qualitative study has been conducted in collaboration with graduates of Caribou Action Training Society’s Camp Trapping and past and present wilderness counselors. The commentaries of the participants resonate with implications for therapeutic intervention. Characterizations of wilderness, conceptualizations of dependency and masculinity, and suggestions of improved mental well-being figure prominently in the recollections of the participants.

Chris is currently employed by Northern Health as a Youth Counsellor and he also works with the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

Abstract

November 04, 2009

BEC in a Changing World:  Applying Complex Systems Theory to Ecosystem Classification

Sybille Haeussler, Ecosystem Science and Management Program, UNBC

Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) has served as the underpinning for forest ecosystem management and conservation planning in British Columbia since the early 1970s. BEC has served BC well for over 30 years as expectations for the use and management of the public land base have changed, but the system is critically challenged by accelerating changes in climate and other environmental drivers because it is founded on the notion of climax ecosystems in equilibrium with climate. The continuing relevance of BEC is also challenged by the retirement of the first generation of BEC champions in government, academia and the private sector. The younger generation of ecologists tends to view a system based on Clementsian ideas of forest succession and European phytosociology as hopelessly outdated.

In this updated version of a talk I gave to the BC Ministry of Forests and Range ecology program scientists in Spring 2009, I outline how the BEC system is very compatible with complex systems theory. I describe how it needs to adapt from equilibrium to non-equilibrium concepts (i.e., think of it as a complex adaptive system rather than a stagnant, outdated system!) in order to guide forest and range ecosystem management during very difficult times, and to continue challenging and enlightening a new generation of scientists and citizens.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)

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Abstract

October 21, 2009

The Wetzin’kwa Community Forest: Our community, our forest, our future…

Colin Macleod: Vice-Chair and Director "at large" of Wetzin'kwa Community Forest Corporation.

A discussion of the Wetzin'kwa Community Forest Corporation; where we came from, our vision and mission, what we've been up to these past few years and some thoughts of future potential. Come to hear how the Wetzin'kwa Community Forest contributes to our region's sustainable future and to learn how you can contribute your ideas to help guide our community forest.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF)