Thursday, April 29, 2010

Greenways Gallop



The Greenways Gallop is Saturday May 8th at 10am.

5 KM FUN RUN / WALK
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands*
10:00 am start
$12 early registration (by May7th @ Shorerunners)
$15 day of race registration, $5 kids under 13

Sponsored by Shore Runners Campbell River
to support Greenways Land Trust

See you out there!

An Environmental Investigation of the Quinsam Watershed

Tuesday's Quinsam Watershed meeting at the Maritime Heritage Centre was well attended by members of the local and regional community. Greenways Land Trust, the Tyee Club, the Haig-Brown Institute, the Campbell River Environmental Committee, and Campbell River Estuary Protection Group sponsored the meeting to inform the public of the current and evolving environmental state of the Campbell River watershed and the proposed expansion of the Quinsam coal mine.

Dr. Cullen of the Canadian Water Network, was the the focus of the night, his study found concerning levels of anthropogenic arsenic in sediments collected from Long Lake due to acid rock drainage. He cautions corrective action may be required pending further studies. Here is the executive summary by Dr. Cullen:

An environmental investigation of the Quinsam watershed

This study was initiated to investigate whether the mine was introducing arsenic into the watershed and if so, what the effects of arsenic input were on biota in the watershed. To determine natural and anthropogenic elemental loadings in sediments in the area, sediments were collected from a number of background lakes and lakes on the mine property, including the lake of highest concern, Long Lake. These results were compared with waste material from the mine site. The uptake of arsenic was investigated by using mussels in both short and long-term monitoring studies. A short-term caged mussel experiment was designed to investigate the potential for arsenic uptake, while long-term monitoring of mussels downriver of the mine was used to investigate current and historical arsenic loading in mussels.

Anthropogenic inputs of elements, including arsenic, to the watershed were identified after collected lake sediments were analyzed. In particular, Long Lake sediments were found to be elevated in arsenic. Further speciation analysis and bioaccessibility, or solubility, testing indicated that the introduced arsenic contamination can be easily solubilized and is more soluble than arsenic in the waste rock from the mine site. These speciation and bioaccessibility tests indicate that Long Lake sediments have forms and solubilities of arsenic similar to those from surrounding lakes. Further study is required to identify which of many potential sources around Long Lake is responsible for the elevated arsenic concentrations. The lake that flows into Long Lake, No Name Lake, was previously identified as also having elevated arsenic concentrations (Nordin, 2006) and the current study obtained similar results.

Elevated arsenic concentrations in sediments were found to correlate with elevated arsenic concentrations in biota. During the short-term caged mussels experiment higher arsenic loadings were found in mussels in Long Lake than in surrounding Quinsam watershed lakes. Higher loadings were seen in mussels collected from the Quinsam River in relation to the same species of mussel monitored in a nearby watershed, Simms Creek.

Arsenic concentrations are elevated in Long Lake as a result of acid rock drainage and other chemical process associated with mine waste. The high arsenic levels are associated with high concentrations of sulphate. The arsenic is available to bivalves, and presumably other biota. Further studies to identify the points of arsenic input should be undertaken to allow for corrective action. In particular sediment cores would provide evidence of the extent of anthropogenic arsenic inputs since the mine opening.

The full study can be viewed here.

There is not as of yet any conclusive evidence that condemns the expansion of the mine due to the vague nature of the available proposal. Greenways will thus continue to monitor the project's progress and provide information both here and on our website.

Listen to the CBC On The Island interview with our President pertaining to the proposed project here.

Read the CBC article here.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Friday, April 23, 2010

Broom Bash Countdown



The annual Greenways Broom Bash is this Sunday, April 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the BMX Track on Homewood Road.

The location is especially important to preserving Nunns Creek Park's ecosystem and reclaiming a recreational resource for the community. This is a chance for residents to reduce anthropogenic impacts to our local environment through removing foreign invasive plant species in this volunteer effort for Earth Week. Scotch Broom was introduced to Vancouver Island during the 19th Century and continues to flourish due to increasing land development and other human activities. Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons will be hosting this event for the 11th year in a row, offering volunteers tools, T-shirts, Timbits and fresh coffee in return for their hard work. See you Sunday.


Thanks to the Courier Islander for the article.

Greenways Volunteer Honoured

Mike Pickford, who volunteers with Greenways Land Trust, was honoured with Youth Volunteer of the year at the Campbell River Volunteer of the Year Awards this year.

“Mike is enthusiastic, dedicated and a fine example of how youth can be involved as volunteers,” said Sievwright.

Read the full article here.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

HAPPY EARTH DAY



Celebrate Earth Day by walking to work and enjoying the outdoors. Plant a tree or go to an organic farmer's market. Commit to as many acts of green as possible and let us know about your achievements!

Get some ideas and record your act here.
More ideas.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

10KGiveAway

10KGiveAway

The CARIHI Green Team has won $1,500 BC Green Games contest.
Congratulations!

Read the full article here.

Volunteer for the Broom Bash

Greenways Land Trust and Tim Hortons invites you to join them April 25, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the BMX track on Homewood Road in an effort to reduce Scotch Broom before it consumes adjacent parks and properties.


Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a foreign Western European shrub that was introduced to Vancouver Island in 1850. Now, subsequently thriving on many parts of the island and mainland, this plant costs the farming and forestry industries millions of dollars every year.


It alters ecosystems in such a way as to prohibit other plants from taking to land post-disruption, in return reducing biodiversity and dominating the landscape. Greenways Land Trust, an environmental non-profit organization, has been battling this fast growing, noxious weed throughout the Campbell River area for 10 years through their annual Broom Bash.

Now in their 11th year, the volunteer event will be held at the BMX track adjacent to Nunns Creek Park on Homewood Road as part of Earth Week.


Tim Hortons has partnered in this project, providing assistance to Greenways, plus tools, T-shirts, and Timbits to volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in the ripping and clipping of Broom on April 25th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the track.


Earth Week is a chance to celebrate our planet and raise awareness of issues concerning its fragile nature. Greenways and Tim Hortons are happy to host this event but stress the need for volunteers in order to make it a success.


Thanks to the Courier Islander for the article!

View it here

Monday, April 19, 2010

VOTE FOR GREENWAYS PROJECT


Please go to this site and vote for Greenways Land Trust to receive 10K from First Credit & Insurance!! This will go towards our greenway project on Jubilee Parkway!

VOTE

For more information on this project see the above poster or call our office: 250.287.3785

The Greenways Loop is a 25km pedestrian trail around the City of Campbell River that connects residents and visitors providing increased mobility, social interaction and recreational resources. At the southern end of this pedestrian network will be the Jubilee Connector, the missing 3km of trail that will link the Rotary Seawalk to the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands along Jubilee Parkway and Highway 19A. The project will employ displaced forestry workers, enhance the visual landscape, reduce invasive species, and rehabilitate Willow Creek. As Project Manager, Greenways Land Trust will lead this greenway to completion, incorporating the needs of various stakeholders, City design guidelines and enforcing environmental protectionism.

The Jubilee Connector will be a soft surface urban trail with suburban connector links to allow for neighbouring communities to easily access the greenway. Its design priorities are connectivity, universal accessibility, maintenance ease, safety and aesthetic appeal. Bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs will be welcome on large portions of the trail. The vegetation plan for the Jubilee Connector incorporates the need for invasive species removal, native species retention, biodiversity augmentation, aesthetic appeal, safety precautions and maintenance concerns. Hearty native shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and trees have been selected for replanting. This will allow the parkland to return to a more natural state.

Pending additional financial support the trail will receive upgrades such as a resting point at Highway 19A and Jubilee Parkway. This will offer users a chance to relax and regroup at the entrance to Campbell River, an otherwise unused plot of land. A combination of benches, tables, and bike racks could be located within this project through the support of this giveaway. Completion of this project would incorporate smart growth principles, making Campbell River a more livable, inclusive and energy efficient city.

With these additions the greenway will be more inviting, increasing usage and in turn the ultimate goal of our organization. Greenways Land Trust is a non-profit organization that is devoted to enhancing and maintaining the natural environment and greenway networks of Campbell River. The completion of the Greenways Loop is a priority project that we feel would benefit greatly from your added support.

Please vote here!

Broom Bash in the Mirror



Scotch Broom, Cytisus scoparius, is a Western European shrub that was introduced to Vancouver Island in 1850.


Now, subsequently thriving on many parts of the Island and mainland, this plant costs the farming and forestry industries millions of dollars every year.


It alters ecosystems by prohibiting other plants from taking to disrupted land, in return reducing biodiversity and dominating the landscape.


Often found on roadsides or in open meadows, a single plant can produce 3,500 pods, within which there are 5-12 seeds, easily forming dense thickets of yellow that obstruct mobility and increase wildfire intensity. Greenways Land Trust, an environmental non-profit organization, has been battling this fast growing, noxious weed throughout the Campbell River area for 10 years through their annual Broom Bash. Now in their 11th year, the volunteer event will be held at the BMX track adjacent to Nunns Creek Park on Homewood Road as part of Earth Week. Tim Hortons has partnered in this project, providing assistance to Greenways, plus tools, t-shirts, and Timbits to volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join in the ripping and clipping of Broom on April 25 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the track.


Earth Week is a chance to celebrate our planet and raise awareness of issues concerning its fragile nature. Greenways and Tim Hortons are happy to host this event but stress the need for volunteers in order to make it a success.


Thank you to the Mirror for publishing this article

The Courier Islander article here.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Concerns Over Mine Expansion

Greenways Land Trust, Campbell River Environmental Committee, Haig-Brown Institute and Campbell River Estuary Protection Group are hosting a public information meeting in the Maritime Heritage Centre on April 27th at 7 p.m. to discuss Quinsam Coal's proposed expansion.

Quinsam Coal is looking to construct an underground mine in the 7 South area that could negatively impact the Campbell River's watershed. Chief among the concerns is the potential for arsenic contamination, that if commenced, is near impossible to halt due to bacteria mobilization.

The Courier for more.

click for detail

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Earth Week is Approaching




Upcoming Events Include:

April 17th - Community Clean-up in Campbellton
From 10am to 2pm. Meet at the Volunteer Tent between Acklands and the Quinsam Hotel.

April 18 - 'Eco Fair'
Sponsored by the Comox Strathcona Waste Management and the Compost Education Centre, this fair will provide free information on how to compost correctly and live greener. 10am-2pm at the Compost Education Centre, 228 S. Dogwood St.

April 21st - Come watch Addicted to Plastics, an award winning documentary film about one of the largest pollutants: plastics. Chat with city representatives about the move towards sustainability and Green City initiatives. Greenways Land Trust will on hand with an information booth. Admission by donation - all proceeds go towards Carihi and Timberline environmental efforts. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the film begins at 7:30.

Watch the movie trailer here.

April 25th - Greenways BROOM BASH 2010
Tim Horton's and Greenways Land Trust are partnering up to rid the BMX track of Scotch Broom. This attractive invasive plant is threatening to invade Nunns Creek Park and we need your help! Swing by Tim Hortons for a Greenways Donut throughout the week and we will see you out at the BMX track on Homewood Rd- across from the Salvation Army and adjacent to the recycling depot from 10 am - 2 pm on Sunday.

Tools, goodies and refreshments provided
For more information call GLT at 250-287-3785

Earth Hour in Campbell River

Electricity demand went down 2% this year in CR during Earth Hour. Is a continuation of this level of energy consumption possible? A question all residents should ask themselves.

More from the Mirror

Robson Bight Pollution Trial Verdict

Ted Leroy Trucking has been convicted of six counts of pollution for the Robson Bight spill of 2007. Logging equipment and 20,000 litres of oil and fuel were dumped into the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait due to an unseaworthy badge with a compromised scow.

The company has since gone bankrupt thus the clean-up, totalling $2.5 million, will be paid by the government. This draws attention to the need for mandatory badge inspections and tie-downs regulations.

More from the Courier Islander