Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Deakin, M. No Date. Little Qualicum River watershed plan; A feasibility study. Prepared for Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers. |
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| Organization | Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers |
| URL | http://www.rdn.bc.ca/dms/documents/dwwp-reports/little-qualicum-water-region/little_qualicum_river_watershed_management_feasibility_study.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | When the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers initiated conversations with stakeholders two years ago regarding a watershed plan for the Little Qualicum River, they were supportive of a feasibility study in order to determine the interest and support for a plan by the public, but also other government or industrial stakeholders. Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers have conducted the feasibility study with the Real Estate Foundation of B.C. The concept of the feasibility study was to identify issues to be covered by a watershed plan, identify a level of support in the community for this work to continue, and make recommendations on how a planning process should be facilitated. All stakeholders were contacted and asked three questions. They were: first “What issues do you think a watershed plan for the Little Qualicum River should address?”, and second “Are there any solutions to any issue that you would like to recommend?”. The third question was regarding a vision for the watershed 50 years from now. Based on these consultations, issues were identified and a draft vision for the watershed was created. This study has created interest in the community and the general consensus is that such a plan is late – community members want to see the results tomorrow! Suggestions were strong to get some action happening immediately and not wait 1-2 years for a plan to be produced. To preserve the important values of the Little Qualicum River watershed, the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers are proposing that a community-based watershed management plan be created. A community-based watershed plan gives all stakeholders a broad understanding of their natural systems in the region, and permits a tracking of changes to that system. It will encourage the collection of scientific, and community-based information for informed decision-making, information sharing, education and best practices. A community coordinated plan also provides a venue for stakeholders to work out solutions to competing interests without having to worry about a certain agency’s priorities. A community-based watershed plan ensures that systems that are valued or needed by the community are not compromised, but maintained or protected. The value of natural systems is significant and by identifying them the community and the residents benefit socially and economically. This can include the increase in property values, or the value of natural services provided (e.g. estuaries naturally provide approximately $23,000 of services per hectare per year, based on a study by The Land Trust of B.C.). |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Vancouver Island South |
| Sub-watershed if known | Little Qualicum River |
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| Project status | complete |
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