| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Slocan Lake Stewardship Society (SLSS) is developing an Ecosystem-based Conservation Action Framework in order to guide priorities for stewardship, conservation and education efforts in the Slocan Lake ecosystem over the next five years (2016-2021). The purpose of this Resource Analysis (step 1) is to ask scientists currently working in the watershed to identify valuable ecosystem assets, and to suggest priorities and directions for a Science Forum (step 2), planned for early summer 2016. This Resource Analysis relied upon expert opinion and interpretation of the Slocan Lake Watershed. The author designed a 16-question interview (Appendix A) and from September 30 through to October 29, 2015, interviewed 11 science professionals from a broad range of scientific disciplines who are familiar with the Slocan Lake region. All of the science experts agreed that taking a watershed approach to defining the Slocan Lake Ecosystem is an appropriate way of organizing and talking about the landscape; however, some advised going beyond the watershed boundaries to include the full home range of wide-ranging wildlife species where necessary. The experts identified important ecological attributes of this ecosystem summarized under the following five themes: relatively intact; biologically rich; big enough to sustain healthy populations and ecological functions; low productivity; and fragmented. The latter two themes do not necessarily contradict the others. In this large landscape contrary forces coexist. The range of descriptions provided by the experts further defines the qualities and values of this diverse ecosystem. The scientists described their research in the Slocan Lake Ecosystem as addressing over-arching themes of: 1) monitoring population trends (for example, of bats, bull trout, western toads and wolverine); 2) conserving habitat (for example, fish spawning areas, wetlands and old growth forests); 3) protecting native biodiversity (for example, by preventing introductions of new invasive species, and containing already established ones); and 4) preparing for climate change impacts (for example, by developing predictions and potential future scenarios to help manage for risks). The experts identified four significant threats to the Slocan Lake Ecosystem: 1) invasive species, 2) direct loss of habitat, 3) recreational pressure, and 4) uncertainty of climate change impacts. According to these experts, there are five main areas where SLSS and its partners can focus their activities to make a significant, positive difference in the Slocan Lake Ecosystem. _ Prevent & Control Invasive Species _ Protect Existing Habitat _ Enhance Connectivity & Corridors _ Reduce Recreational Pressure _ Advance Climate Resilience through Mitigation & Adaption. All of the experts agreed the Slocan Lake Stewardship Society has an important role to play in protecting this ecosystem. The experts highlighted many examples of effective strategies, practices and initiatives in order to inform SLSS’s approach to addressing environmental issues. Seven key themes emerged to help organize their recommendations for SLSS’s activities: 1. Lead with science 2. Volunteer organizing 3. Education 4. Advocacy 5. Conservation, enhancement & restoration 6. Relationship & partnership development 7. Regional conservation capacity-building. The next step following this Resource Analysis is a day-long Science Forum in early summer 2016. The Science Forum is intended to get science experts and land and water stewards around the same table to think systematically about the future of the Slocan Lake Ecosystem. The Forum will include presentations, small group strategy sessions, and full-group discussion and priority-setting that will result in The State of the Slocan Lake Watershed report. This report will form the basis for SLSS’s Ecosystem-based Conservation Action Framework for 2016-2021. |
