The health of a river is only as good as the communities surrounding it and if more people care, the Coquitlam River, will be healthy and strong for generations to come.
At least that's the view being taken by the contributors to a new watershed plan for the Coquitlam River.
Craig Orr, executive director of Watershed Watch, is a strong believer in the spiritual connections people have with nature. And to that end, the ecologist is moving beyond his usual scientific positions to talk about the human values attributed to nature.
It's part of a new approach to watershed planning and setting goals to protect the river. Orr's group is one of a number of stakeholders, agencies and individuals participating in the Coquitlam River Watershed Roundtable. The project has been in the works for several months, and has recently hired a coordinator and set up a website.
Now it's about to pioneer a process to develop a unique watershed plan and is asking interested groups and individuals to take part.
"Our wellbeing is pretty hardwired to the health of the eco system. We're trying to figure out the spiritual benefits," Orr said. "One of the great enjoyments people get is just walking along it," he added.
Quantifying that relationship is the next step, which is why people are encouraged to participate in a poll through www.placespeak.com and spend about 20 minutes answering 25 questions about their relationship to the river and the importance they give to its natural values.
In addition, a workshop called Planning for our Future: Watershed Health and Challenges is being held Thursday June 6 for the public to confirm key values for the plan and help fill gaps to complete the watershed health assessment. Among the indicators being looked at are: water flow rates and quality, health of forests along the river banks, salmon health, natural areas and open spaces, livable communities, human health and safety, resource industries, stewardship, cultural and spiritual.
The final plan will guide participating agencies, such as Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam, BC Hydro, the gravel industry and other organizations that have jurisdiction over the river or benefit from its resources.
The workshop will be held at Coquitlam City Hall, and will include a light meal. There is no fee to attend but pre-registration is requested by May 30. To learn more, visit www.coquitlamriverwatershed.ca Register here.
