| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Nechako Watershed Roundtable is a new collaborative initiative underway in 2015 to protect and improve the health of the Nechako watershed for future generations. The Roundtable (NWR) includes representation from BC First Nations, the Province of BC, local governments and other agencies and organizations having responsibilities and interests in the watershed. The Nechako Watershed — a magnificent river system in north-central BC — is facing significant challenges, including impacts of the mountain pine beetle epidemic and salvage logging, climate change, and the diversion of water out of the Nechako watershed. Effective stewardship of the Nechako Watershed today is critical to all future generations. In light of the challenges, there is a need to enhance awareness and collaboration to help ensure the long-term environmental health and wealth of the Nechako watershed, while addressing today’s needs for responsible resource development and resilient communities. Different organizations have worked, and to continue to work, to improve the health of the Nechako. Most agree that activities could be better coordinated, limited resources pooled more effectively, and decision-makers and the public given more opportunities to become more aware and engaged in the health of the watershed. A dialogue began in 2012 among different bodies within the watershed, which came together informally as the Nechako Watershed Alliance. The intent was to share information and knowledge, explore common interests and brainstorm on actions needed to advance watershed health. In the spring of 2015, participants decided to form a watershed roundtable that includes representatives of government (Provincial, Local and First Nations), community groups, academic and research communities and the general public. Guided by a core leadership committee, the Nechako Watershed Roundtable intends to create a strategic plan and to undertake and advise on water stewardship activities in the Nechako River Basin. |
