| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has developed a watershed management plan for the Kettle River in British Columbia. The Kettle River Watershed Management Plan is a collaborative initiative supported by a Stakeholder Advisory Group with participation from local and provincial governments and representatives from multiple sectors and organizations from across the Boundary region. Over the last three years, the RDKB and the Advisory Group have: developed a shared understanding of watershed issues; created a vision, goals and strategies to take care of the Kettle River watershed into the future; shared information widely; and learned from a broad network of interested stakeholders. This Plan presents a vision for the Kettle River watershed that is drawn from this understanding: “We envision a healthy, resilient and sustainable Kettle River Watershed, which functions to meet the needs and values of its communities, who in turn act as stewards of the watershed.” The vision forms the foundation for nine goals affirming healthy aquatic ecosystems, safe and secure water supplies, and a reliable water system supporting a sustainable economy and local food system. A number of challenges exist to achieving these goals, including high water use and broad, interacting ‘cumulative impacts’ from resource development, urban and rural development, industry, agriculture, and recreation activities. These impacts together further affect low river flows, surface and ground water quality, and habitat for fish and aquatic ecosystems. Underlying these challenges are constraints on understanding by both the public and decision makers, conflicting priorities and gaps in regulations and policy support, and a lack of resources and capacity in resource management agencies, local governments, and stewardship organizations. This Plan answers these challenges by presenting four broad strategies containing eighteen directions for management and fifty-nine actions to be undertaken by stakeholders in collaboration over the coming years. It builds on the analysis and discussions in the Phase 1 Technical Report1 and five issuespecific papers developed and shared in 2013 and 2014.2 The first overall strategy, and the highest priority, is to increase community understanding, support and capacity for stewardship of the Kettle River watershed. This includes developing a governance and funding structure to implement the plan, growing understanding and awareness through a broad education and research strategy, and building skills and capacity to undertake the work. The second strategy is to improve the quality, reliability and security of water supplies through the sustainable management of water supply and water quality, using applied research, monitoring, policies and technologies. The third strategy is to improve the health and function of the ecosystems that support the Kettle River and its communities, through supporting shoreline and riparian restoration, conservation planning, and beneficial practices in agriculture and resource management. The fourth strategy is to enhance the recreational, cultural and amenity values of the watershed, bringing people together to celebrate the stewardship of the watershed and all of our connections to water. The key to success of a watershed plan is the dedication and ability to carry out the actions. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Directors for the Boundary Electoral Areas have committed to funding coordination and leading the next three years of implementation. The work will be governed by the Steering Committee and an Implementation Team that is drawn from the Advisory Group and representatives of key organizations. A watershed ‘Round Table’ committee will periodically review progress and provide advice on plan implementation, review, and priorities for further work. |
