B.C. Wildlife Federation

Last week, our Watershed Team took part in a beaver coexistence workshop in the Skeena/Kispiox area of B.C. as part of the 10,000 Wetlands initiative. At the site, the team shared tips and techniques for building like beavers. The site has a large active beaver dam with a hydraulic drop of over 5 feet. The main goal was to lower the level of the pond, and enable fish migration upstream, while still maintaining a happy beaver population on site. Our team guided the crew in building a beaver dam analogue (BDA), and we saw immediate results—raised water levels. The purpose of this BDA was to pool water and lower the hydraulic drop at the main beaver dam. The pool created by this BDA will also help fish jump and pass the natural beaver dam. Next, with guidance from @silvercreekwildlife, the group installed a pond leveler to regulate water flow, followed by a modular fish ladder to help salmon move upstream. These ladders unlock kilometers of spawning habitat while preserving crucial rearing areas for juvenile salmon. Thanks to our partners Gitksan Watershed Authority, Silver Creek Wildlife, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada!

🌿 We’re excited to announce the start of Phase Two of the Ginty’s Pond (nʔaʕx̌ʷt) restoration in Cawston, within the territory of the Smelqmix people of the Sylix Nation! During Phase One (2022), we restored 2 hectares of wetland habitat, revitalized 0.8 hectares of riparian habitat, planted 1,700 trees and shrubs, and enhanced the habitat with turtle nesting sites and coarse woody debris. Phase Two will focus on creating 2 more hectares of open-water habitat and 0.5 hectares of upland riparian habitat. Guided by community input, our efforts will emphasize water storage, wildlife conservation, and recreational opportunities. Phase Two of this project is made possible with support from the Southern Interior Land Trust, Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, and Rewilding Water and Earth. Read more about the upcoming project at https://lnkd.in/gdrrgmdB. #wetlandrestoration #ginty’spond #bcwf #conservation #habitatrestoration

We're hiring! 🌱 BCWF is looking for two passionate Educators for the 2024 autumn season to lead our Gently Down the Seymour (GDS) program. Gentle Down the Seymour is a partnership with the Seymour Salmonid Society and BCWF’s Education and Volunteer Engagement (EVE) department. As an Educator, you'll be responsible for implementing the GDS programming at the Seymour Hatchery/Learning Centre in North Vancouver. The program runs 15 sessions from October 4th to October 28th (Monday to Friday). If you're ready to inspire the next generation of conservationists, apply today and join our team! Access to a reliable vehicle is an asset. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/d5EEz_i6.

Photos from our recent Spius Creek Tributary Beaver Dam Analogue (BDA) build near Merritt, BC! This project was done alongside the Nooaitch Indian Band. We were also joined by folks from Fisheries and Oceans Canada / Pêches et Océans Canada, Interior Wildlife, & Ducks Unlimited Canada. 🦫 BDAs are human-made structures that mimic natural beaver dams. We built these structures using locally sourced vegetation, creating a ‘lasagna’ with layers of vegetation and sediment similar to how beavers build in the wild. As you will see in our before and after shots, the upstream face is packed with sediment and cobbles, while branches on the downstream side stabilize the structure and protect it from erosion. This site has steep and eroding banks that disconnect the stream from its floodplain. Our goal is to speed up the recovery process of this stream by installing BDAs to slow the flow, spread out the water, and build up the streambed so the stream can eventually be reconnected to its floodplain. These BDA structures are also enhancing habitat complexity for the benefit of many species including rainbow trout. Over time, once more suitable vegetation has established, we hope to entice beavers to colonize the site and take over dam-building and maintenance. We also built a Post-Assisted Log Structure (PALS) at this site to mimic a large woody debris jam! Both BDAs and PALS were reinforced using untreated wooden posts to ensure the structures can withstand high flow conditions. Swipe to see our team of hard-working crew (aka beavers-in-training) implementing these techniques! #wetlandrestoration #beaverdamanalogue #bda #bcwf #spiuscreek #restorationwork #habitatrestoration #beaverbasedrestoration

The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is seeking proposals to design, develop, and deliver an online Conservation Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) course. Review our Request for Proposal, learn more about the project, the scope of the work, program requirements, and more at https://lnkd.in/guAET9zf

Attention Delta and surrounding communities! Join our 2-day workshop on September 21 & 22 for hands-on experience in riparian planting, flexi baffles, and building rock weirs in the creek. Learn about fish habitat, identification, and local stream restoration through interpretive walks, expert talks, and engaging activities. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3MdMoie

Neil Fletcher, Director Conservation Stewardship, on working at the B.C. Wildlife Federation.

Ready to make a difference in your community? Check out our latest blog post, "5 Tips for Your Next Clean-up Event," from the Fraser River Tidal Marsh Clean-up Crew! Discover how you can kickstart your own shoreline clean-up, protect vital habitats, and bring your community together. Want to be in the loop about BCWF volunteer opportunities? Become a BCWF volunteer and contribute to conservation efforts across the province! Whether it’s supporting outreach, youth programs, or hands-on restoration projects, your involvement can make a difference. Read more, get inspired, and join us! https://lnkd.in/gccdvppS #conservation #cleanupevent #bcwildlife #fraserriver #volunteerwithbcwf #communityaction

On Monday, September 2nd, 2024, the BCWF office will be closed for Labour Day. Can you recognize the BC wildlife that is making the announcement? (Hint: have a look at its tail!)

Attention Delta and surrounding communities! Join our 2-day workshop on September 21 & 22 for hands-on experience in riparian planting, flexi baffles, and building rock weirs in the creek. Learn about fish habitat, identification, and local stream restoration through interpretive walks, expert talks, and engaging activities. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3MdMoie