Thank-You Campbell River Community Foundation

Many thanks to the Campbell River Community Foundation for your tremendous support of the Greenways Loop Jubilee Extension!

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/campbellrivermirror/news/95048019.html

Local High School Students and their Environmental Projects

City of Campbell River Earth Week Film - Addicted to Plastics, has generated a lot of positive results especially for local high school students:

The Earth Week film night at the Tidemark Theatre on April 21 made environmental waves with 150 attendees, 93 green pledges to reduce environmental footprints and $606 donated to the environmental initiatives of Timberline and Carihi schools.

Student representatives from Carihi and Timberline Secondary School participated in the community dialogue portion of the event following, Addicted to Plastic, an award-winning documentary portraying the affects of plastic on the environment.

Carihi students introduced their award-winning short film highlighting their school’s Green Team initiatives, and students from the Timberline Energy Ambassadors program discussed the role of personal responsibility, sharing a slideshow of their school’s ambitious environmental efforts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout,” said Drew Williams, the School District 71 Ecoschools coordinator.

“It’s great to see the community so supportive of our students’ environmental efforts.”

Williams says the money raised will go towards improving the compost program and installing water bottle friendly water fountains at Carihi and to installing a solar hot water system at Timberline.

“The city is very pleased to partner with local students to raise environmental awareness,” says Mayor Charlie Cornfield.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, and we appreciate their enthusiasm for stepping forward and participating in efforts to take care of the planet.”

“The student presentations added immensely to the Earth Week film night,” says Coun. Roy Grant, Council liaison to the City’s Environmental Advisory Commission. “Understanding how they’re turning concern into action is an important part of our collective community effort – and it’s good to reinforce that we’re all working together to make a difference.”

Click here to see photos and article.

Broom Bash Success!

Check out the courier Islander news article celebrating the 11th Annual Broom Bash

http://www2.canada.com/courierislander/news/story.html?id=3719b6cb-4d86-41a2-8fa8-f29fe51f9dee

Hillsborough denies arscenic link to QCoal

Response from Hillsborough on Dr Cullen's UBC study on arsenic levels in Long Lake

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.

Thank You to Everyone for Coming Out for the Broom Bash!

Click images for detail

Before

After

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

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.

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.

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

CR: Cutting Costs and Working with Partners for External Funding

City staff have been directed to cut costs by $500,000 this year. With less tax revenue, Campbell River is focused on prudent economic management and diversification. This has led to more community partnerships such as that with Greenways Land Trust. These types of projects and partnerships optimize outside funding while incorporating community support and interaction.

Projects include the following, as compiled by the Courier:

- Hosting the 2010 B.C. Seniors Games, anticipated to boost the local economy through sports tourism

- Continuing with the construction of the Greenways Loop in partnership with the Greenways Land Trust, which employs local resource workers, with no impact on local taxation thanks to senior government funding

- Undertaking the Highway 19A upgrade project from Hilchey Road to just south of Rockland Road, with two-thirds funding from federal and provincial governments plus existing dedicated City reserve funds

- Undertaking the Campbell River Airport runway extension project with two-thirds funding from federal and provincial governments and grant funding worth almost one-third from the Island Coastal Economic Trust

- Improving communications internally and externally by engaging our community

- Building a new community vision by renewing the Official Community Plan

- Exploring environmental sustainability initiatives and alternative energy production (ie. tidal power study)

- Enhancing parks throughout the city, plus assisting local sport groups building a new lacrosse box and upgrading tennis courts

- Supporting downtown revitalization with improved street lighting, public amenities, marketing, arts and culture activities and Spirit Square event coordination

- Expanding the City's National Communities in Bloom participation

The City is trying to find a new balance amidst difficult financial times. The full financial plan is available here.

For more see the Courier article here.

Vote for Local Schools

Carihi Secondary, Penfield Elementary and Timberline Secondary have entered to win $500 towards green projects from the BC Green Games. This is a province wide competition to motivate eco-action and reward green efforts in the classroom. The goal is to create an innovative resource for community ideas and greener futures.

Check out the various projects at bcgreengames.ca

Vote for the local schools HERE.

Full Courier Article

Nephie Now Measuring Campbell River's Air Pollution

A mobile nephelometer has been monitoring and mapping Campbell River's air quality for the past few weeks. The contraption, from UVIC, will guide the city on how to structure possible policies regarding air quality in the future. For now citizens can attend a "Burn it Smart" workshop tonight from 6:30-8:00pm at Willow Point Fire Hall to discover ways to reduce wood stove pollution.

For more information call Martin at 250-286-5711

The full article from the Mirror can be found here.

City of Campbell River OCP Update

Campbell River is preparing to undertake a comprehensive update to its Official Community Plan with a focus on sustainability. Their goal is to establish a clear vision for the City's future through community discussions.

The City is inviting members of the public to apply to participate in a Steering Committee for the process.

Application forms are available here or at City Hall, upon request.

For additional information contact Rob Buchan
(250) 286-5748
or
rob.buchan@campbellriver.ca

Campbell River Timber

The City is working towards adopting a wood-first policy in an effort to bolster local business and the forestry industry.

"This Policy shows Council's commitment to our local forest industry and the importance of forest products to the people of Campbell River," Mayor Charlie Cornfield said at the convention. "We need to refocus our energies on revitalizing the forest industry in our community."

The rest of the article from the Courier.

Wikipedia simplifies subsidies.


On a brighter note:

When Olympic speed skating teams receive their medals later this month, they’ll be standing on a podium made out of Campbell River wood.

Mirror article

Energy Doldrums

As one local wind turbine project is rejected another power project is delayed.

A City of Campbell River and Science World partnership project to install a wind turbine large enough to supply 9 homes with electricity has been denied funding by the Federal government. As part of a multi community initiative to produce enough power to satisfy an energy credit for the Vancouver based science centre, Campbell River merely had to supply a site to host the turbine in order to participate. Although neither side are giving up on the idea as other funding opportunities are being considered, the project is indefinitely on hold and requires further development prior to proceeding.

Mirror for more

Plutonic Power's plans for Bute Inlet's 17 run-of-the-river energy plants have been postponed due to a lack of environmental data to support their project. An EIS (environmental impact statement) will take longer than expected for the corporation to produce, pushing back the project until 2011. Plutonic is hoping for a nod from the government and some guidance to continue collecting data. Other project proposals by Plutonic under BC Hydro's new clean power initiative are still under consideration with results expected soon.

Courier for more

At this rate will the province be able to meet its goal of 90% clean power and complete electric self sufficiency by 2016?