Environmental Education Proposal
Introduction
The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake have a vision for the land which is being promoted for development and destruction by Land and Water BC and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Our vision would entail an environmentally friendly educational project in which all the the values inherent in the region would be both utilized and preserved, while valuable educational and tourist opportunities would be enhanced. We believe that the optimum use for this land would see a multi-level partnership between the community, the forest industry, educational institutions, faithbased groups, and conservation organizations.
The Project
The Lac des Roches Education Project would entail the development of a network of narrow, environmentally sensitive trails which would wind through the various ecosystems, taking visitors to the many sensitive and interesting areas where they would be introduced to the various aspects of forestry, geology, wildlife habitat, riparian zones, and so forth. At each site, educational displays would explain the habitat and relate how the natural world relates to human needs and economic values. The only major disturbance to the environment would be the small parking area, only large enough for a school bus to turn, pick up, and discharge passengers.
We would expect to have two “streams” of informative displays and activities: the first would be tours of local students and (perhaps) others who would like to be guided around the sites with interpretive discussions taking place. The second, and most common approach would be of the self-guided type, where interested individuals would be able to access the site at any time to become more aware of how the various ecosystems interact, and how humans can both utilize and care for their environment.
The Partnerships
Forest Companies: Local companies would be encouraged to contribute to displays which would outline both the commercial aspects of the forest industry in our area and the practical skills involved in such things as tree identification, end-use options, and the value of the industry to the local and provincial economy.
School Districts: Both local school districts would be invited to participate not only by bringing their students to the project, but also by involving students in the development of the project. For example, students at the secondary school could design and - in their technology classes - create the parts necessary for cavitynesting bird boxes or bat boxes; in turn, local elementary school students could assemble the boxes, and both groups could install the finished products in selected areas. Students would also be involved in creating the displays for the various “viewpoints.”
Fish and Wildlife: Because of the great interest in these resources around the region, these will be key players in our project. We would expect wildlife experts to help with our interpretive displays, and also to ensure that we do not impact on the sensitive habitats - especially the winter ranges for ruminants. We also intend to enhance trout spawning areas in conjunction with fisheries, which may lead to sustaining fish levels without the need for annual restocking. This includes partnering with Lac des Roches resort in their new spawning channel project.
Conservation Groups: In order to ensure that we do not impact the sensitive environments any more than necessary, we would encourage environmental groups to monitor and assist with all aspects of our project. We would also utilize these groups to help in the planning and development of displays and the construction of any viewing platforms necessary. Wildlife values would also be enhanced, and specific bird-watching sites and winter wildlife ranges would be respected.
Faith-based Groups: Local religious groups would be encouraged to participate not only by visiting the finished projects, but also by assisting in the development of displays which would emphasize the spiritual values to be gained by protecting and preserving the values of creation which they all appreciate.
First Nations: In order to preserve and involve First Nations groups, we would ask that they help in both the development and the process of creating appropriate displays relative to their interests. We envision the display and explanation of locally found artifacts, the descriptions of local usage by our First Nations groups, and some historical background related to how they are currently dealing with local issues.
Historical Groups: Our project would like to include information regarding the previous uses of this area; the location and use of the Brigade Trail, the early settlements, and developments since then would be highlighted in various ways.
The Process
Once we have received the rights to the use of the property under discussion we would commence the stages of planning and development. Interested and skilled advisors would select the various sites where displays, viewing platforms, and so forth would be located. Naturalists and foresters would help in the location of the network of trails, ensuring that the minimum of disturbance would ensue, and the location of the bus “turn-around” would be determined. Volunteers organized by the “Friends” would develop the working plans and would also provide the labour required for this project.
Why Here?
- Lac des Roches and Birch Lake are sensitive lakes as described by the CRD; our project would have very little impact on these lakes, yet would enable people from all communities to both use and learn from them.
- There are at least twenty-eight other “development lakes” (as designated by the TNRD) which may be more suitable as locations for developments of this scale.
- Our project would be totally sustainable, have minimum impact, and would preserve the environmental integrity of this pristine area, unlike the LWBC/TNRD proposal which would essentially destroy it.
- Our project fits with the desires of the local community.
- Many recreational activities would be able to exist alongside the educational aspects of this project.
- Our project would allow greater public access without destroying riparian zones, wildlife habitat, or fishing opportunities.
- Our project fits with the goals and objectives as outlined both in the TNRD's Lakeshore Development Guidelines and The Handbook for Waterfront Living: On the Living Edge, (Kipp and Callaway, 2002).
Conclusion
The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake believe that the area scheduled for development and destruction by the TNRD and LWBC is one of the areas which is being described when our provincial government runs ads claiming that BC it “the best place to live.” We believe that in order to keep our province “the best,” we must preserve at least some of the environment which has allowed us to reach this distinction. We do not believe that destroying ecosystems and placing developments in sensitive and valuable natural environments are the way in which to maintain our status as destinations for tourists and locals alike. We believe that our vision for this particular area provides all stake-holders with optimum values, and that in the long term, our project creates a more realistic and sustainable future for this beautiful area.