| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Some LWSS volunteers have been trained in water sampling by the BC Lakes Stewardship Society. MoE, assisted by LWSS, have conducted an incredibly extensive analysis of Lakelse water since July 2002, repeating the 10 lake sites used by McKean in 1986 and adding 16 creek sites in 2003. These analyses cover nutrients, bacteria and 26 chemical elements. We now know everthing from our arsenic to our uranium levels. These results can be found in the Lakelse Lake Management Plan (LLMP). The Lakelse Watershed Stewards Society is a volunteer, non-profit organization which was formed in 2002. The Society collaboratively works on issues affecting the Lake and its surrounding watershed with partners such as BC Ministry of Environment, BC Parks, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and others. These issues include water quality and sustainability of this resource, impacts and finding a balance between industry such as logging with the eco-systems, a drastic decline in the Sockeye salmon populations, agricultural, recreational and residential development and sedimentation. Work began in 2003 with initial input and assistance from BC Ministry of Environment. A draft management plan and strategy was developed as a baseline. Since then, Lakelse Watershed Stewards Society has been actively involved with other agencies working on projects pertaining to water quality and quantity, sedimentation, mapping, habitat restoration projects and community education and awareness to raise the focus on stewardship. In 2009, the Society was successful in forming further funding partnerships and the establishment of a Coordinator position for Watershed Management. The primary purpose of this position is to facilitate and enable collaborative partnering where agencies and interest groups move forward to make joint decisions on future development, planning and management of the watershed. This results in sharing of knowledge, resources (financial and personnel) and general cooperation. The Society has directors from the Lakelse Community Association, DL6263, Snowy Owl Bay, Catt Bay Residents Association, and Southwest Property Owners and is the environmental resource voice for the community and its watershed. |
