Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy


Year 2006
Proponent Fraser Valley Regional Watersheds Coalition
Project type Governance
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $50,000
Total project value $114,600
ID number 2006 LR G 22

Location: Fraser Valley, Chilliwack

Project Summary

The Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy is a proactive multi-jurisdictional planning process involving community, local, provincial and federal governments, First Nations, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations. The purpose of the Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy is to provide a common understanding of watershed values, based on sound science and local knowledge, to assist in decision making that will promote a healthy watershed.

The Project Team has developed a website, gathered existing information and local knowledge relevant to the watershed, and conducted a public process to identify issues threatening the balance of social, economic, and environmental values for the watershed.  The Project Team recognizes that sustaining salmon requires a healthy watershed and a healthy watershed depends on sustainable resource extraction, development, recreation, fish and wildlife management, and hazard mitigation practices.  As a result, the project seeks to identify strategic actions that can be undertaken within the existing regulatory and jurisdictional framework to promote a sustainable balance of values. The final Watershed Strategy will identify goals for the Chilliwack River and develop long-term priorities and strategies for addressing watershed issues.


See also:

http://www.chilliwackwatershedstrategy.ca/

Final Results

The results of this planning process so far include: improved information on the watershed through the creation of a watershed atlas, a library of relevant literature, and the preparation of a background document for the watershed; improved communication and information sharing through the use of a CRWS website and regular Project Team meetings; greater and improved relationships between various government agencies, First Nations, industry, and non-government organizations within the watershed; identification of community and agency concerns and common goals for the Chilliwack River Watershed; and, analysis and recommendations for addressing each issue.  While a number of these recommendations are already being pursued, in 2008 we will be working with relevant agencies and the community to further implement CRWS recommendations.