| ID |
1835 |
| Citation |
Dawson, R, Hoffos, R, McGirr, M. 2015. A broad-scale cumulative impact assessment framework for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.FLNRO |
| Organization |
FLNRO |
| URL |
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/cumulative-effects/ce_assessment_for_cariboo-chilcotin_18_mar_2016.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
This report describes a decision support tool designed to assess relative environmental risks to large areas of land and water. It offers a systematic approach for assessing a cumulative view of landscape condition in support of First Nations consultation in British Columbia. The decision support framework described here is intended to provide an initial assessment that informs the selection of engagement level and assists in the determination of impacts and mitigation. This is part of the provincial obligation under the Tsilhqot’in Framework Agreement implementation plan and the Updated Procedures for Consultation with First Nations. The tool will also have broader applicability for assessment of environmental impacts of development in the Cariboo-Chilcotin in general. This project has built on the work of Guppy (2010) and Hoffos (2011) by refining their assessment models and providing a systematic and comprehensive approach to describing risk. The tool is applied to a study area consisting of seven landscape units in the West Chilcotin for this report, and results for the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin are available online. This project focused on development of sound assessment methodology and standardized descriptions of risk factors for broad-scale assessments. The risk description approach was designed to be efficiently applied to multiple areas, and to be easily understood by decision-makers and other resource professionals. The overall environmental condition within defined assessment units is described relative to identified valued ecosystem components (VECs), and will be updated as required to reflect landscape changes and new knowledge. Using this information, technical staff should be better able to assess current and future risk to wildlife species based on landscape changes. Activities and areas where risk is greatest can be identified and used to guide the development of mitigation and accommodation measures. Clients can also be advised early in their application process of the potential risks which may affect their investment choices. The application of this initial assessment tool will also provide First Nations and other users with more consistent and comprehensive information with which to categorize and respond to referrals. This could lead to greater efficiency by providing a common information base to all parties involved in consideration of development proposals, and helping to focus on the most relevant issues. |
| Information Type |
Report |
| Regional Watershed |
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| Sub-watershed if known |
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| Aquifer # |
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| Comments |
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| Project status |
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| Contact Name |
[email protected] |
| Contact Email |
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