Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP)

Year 2010
Proponent British Columbia Cattlemen's Association (BCCA)
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $60,000.00
Total project value $305,000.00
ID number FSWP10-LR116-H

Location: Thompson, Thompson

Project Summary

SUMMARY

During 2010/2011 FRISP will deliver technical information, advice, training, project prescriptions and cost estimates, and support for Riparian/Salmon Habitat enhancement and/or restoration projects to the agriculture community and various resource stewardship groups. Waste management issues and solutions relevant to riparian areas and water quality and quantity will also be addressed as identified. FRISP will provide mediation services for issues that arise between landowners and regulatory agencies respecting riparian damage thought to be agriculture practices related.

OVERVIEW

The FRISP program ranchers and farmers (160+ to date) in riparian restoration and management through direct project implementation, and through conflict resolution between landowners, regulatory agencies, other vested interest groups, and even neighbours. FRISP advisors, in addition to providing technical information and project prescriptions etc., also assist with project partnerships, support, and management for riparian enhancement and waste management issues. FRISP endeavours to facilitate joint participation between landowners, resource management agencies and others in the planning of riparian habitat restoration and agriculture land use activities. Proper land management requires that landowners understand riparian function and the negative impact that riparian mismanagement can have on an agricultural operation, a fishery, and general watershed health.

The historical practice of farming and/or grazing livestock to the edge of streambanks created a serious potential for streambank degradation and destruction of riparian areas. Past solutions to this problem (e.g. rip rapping, dyking etc.) occasionally halted streambank erosion but did not correct or enhance the damaged or non-functional riparian corridor. As a result many riparian areas were destroyed with the associated loss of critical habitat for wildlife and fish. The problem continues to exist but to a lesser degree due to awareness, education, and project assistance efforts provided by initiatives such as FRISP. The agriculture community has become more enlightened and aware of the value of riparian areas to the sustainability of farming and ranching, and fish and wildlife.

The situation will only continue to improve if landowners:
* Become more aware of the problem,
* Understand the consequences of ignoring the issue,
* Are fully aware that a degraded riparian area can be restored,
* Have assistance in dealing with agencies, legislation, regulations, and policies,
* Understand provincial standards of performance,
* Can establish project funding partners such as the Environmental Farm Plan Program,
* Are willing to ‘buy-in’ to address the problem
*  Take responsibility for ‘Habitat Stewardship’ on private lands

The BCCA through the FRISP program assists the agriculture sector in identifying riparian/fish habitat health issues on private lands through awareness and education; with on-site assessments, development of restoration plans, and the implementation of such plans. It is critical that FRISP maintains continuity and does not loose momentum, as there is an increasing demand for services, thus funding for the 2010/2011 fiscal year is extremely important.

OBJECTIVES

Objective #1 To foster long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability for the agriculture community by restoring, enhancing, and managing farmland as related to general watershed health.
Objective #2 To resolve conflict that may arise between landowners and agencies, vested interest groups and/or neighbours.
Objective #3 To promote cooperative planning of riparian habitat restoration and farmland activities between landowners, resource management agencies, and community groups.
Objective #4 To increase awareness of the interactions between land use activities and riparian/salmon habitat values.


METHODS

General Methodology Of The FRISP Program:
* Promote Environmental Stewardship:  FRISP prepares articles, and information brochures, attends producer group meetings and public forums, which are important communication opportunities.
* Resolve Conflict:  FRISP provides remediation services on issues arising between landowners and agencies, interest groups, neighhbours etc. Develop and implement appropriate solutions and/or plans. Resolve the conflict.
* Cooperative Planning:  FRISP has a close working relationship with landowners, both federal and provincial agencies, and other interest groups such as ‘Streamkeepers’. This is significant as it establishes trust, understanding, and a working relationship between resource users for a common goal.
* Increased Awareness:  FRISP interacts with producers and producer groups, and the general public. Printed information, meetings, and one-on-one etc.*

Methodology And Activities On A Project-By-Project Basis:
* Under the assistance of a FRISP advisor the problem is identified with the landowner.
* Communication with agencies and any vested interest groups including First Nations.
* Recommend a ‘buy-in’ solution to the problem.
* Identify potential project partners.
* Assist with project prescriptions, cost estimates, and any required permits.
* Implement the project.
* Monitor and report.

Educational materials that have been and are being produced include:
* A FRISP brochure describing what the program offers to landowners.
* A brochure entitled ‘Can I Restore An Unhealthy Riparian Corridor’. This publication was produced by FRISP for BCMAL and is used extensively by FRISP.
FRISP is currently in the process of producing an important brochure for landowners and others entitled ‘Livestock, Drinking Water, and Fish’. This publication discusses the impact of pollution on general water quality.

BENEFITS

Cooperative projects implemented and managed by FRISP improve salmon resources by improving riparian/salmon habitat management on ranches and farms within the Fraser Basin and other important watersheds. By addressing riparian degradation FRISP contributes to the recovery and sustainability of ecosystems, ‘Proper Functioning Condition’ of watersheds, and advances the objective of the Wild Salmon Policy: “Maintain habitat and Ecosystem Integrity”.

Engage First Nations, government agencies and community groups/NGOs

First Nations are contacted and frequently participate on individual projects, or when they identify a potential issue important to their historical or current needs. Government agencies are involved in all projects: BCMOE for section 9 permits and advice; DFO for guidelines under the Fisheries act and advice for planning and project implementation; BCMF&R for issues involving Crown Land; and BCMAL for support and landowner awareness and education. Municipalities and community groups (e.g. Streamkeepers) are involved in project development, and the sharing of information and techniques in order to encourage and enhance management for ecosystem integrity.

Complement or implement local and / or regional plans (e.g., recovery plans, watershed plans)

FRISP projects often complement local or regional plans such as the involvement with the City of Kelowna on the riparian restoration and enhancement of Joe Rich Creek which is a major water supply for the city. FRISP has been and still is active with three projects on the Slocan River, which is part of a local restoration initiative.

Value-added aspects

FRISP is involved in value-added approaches, particularly with respect to mentoring and leadership. FRISP mentors landowners and provides leadership for individual projects. The relationship that FRISP has developed with regulatory agencies, foundations (e.g. FSWP), other interest groups, First Nations, and the agriculture sector has improved the understanding and knowledge of issues by all concerned. These relationships are strengthening annually and result in a positive approach to watershed management and health.



Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Comment:

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Comments

At 6:37 am on 1/17/12, www.itunes.com said:

I do believe all the ideas you’ve introduced on your post. They are very convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for novices. May just you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post. itunes.com

Flag as inappropriate?