Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP)


Year 2011
Leader BC Cattlemen's Association
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $50,000
Total project cost $250,000
ID number FSWP11-LR55-H

Location: entire Fraser Basin

Project Summary

SUMMARY

During 2010/2011 FRISP will deliver technical information, advice, training, project prescriptions, 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/quantity will also be addressed as identified. FRISP will provide mediation services for agriculture practice related issues that arise between landowners and regulatory agencies respecting riparian damage.

DESCRIPTION

The FRISP program has assisted ranchers and farmers in riparian restoration and management through direct project implementation, and through conflict resolution between landowners, regulatory agencies, other vested interest groups, and even neighbours. The 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 operations, fisheries, 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, ranching, fish and wildlife.

      The situation will 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
And take responsibility for ‘Habitat Stewardship’ on private lands.

OBJECTIVES

  • To foster long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability for the agriculture community by restoring, enhancing, and managing farmland as related to general watershed health
  • To resolve conflict that may arise between landowners and agencies, vested interest groups and/or neighbors
  • To promote cooperative planning of riparian habitat restoration and farmland activities between landowners, resource management agencies, and community groups

METHODS

General Methodology for FRISP:

* Promote Environmental Stewardship:  FRISP participates in important communication opportunities such as preparing articles, information brochures, attending producer group meetings and public forums Providing ranchers with information and solutions versus conflict and problems brings about understanding and willingness to make positive changes today to land management approaches.

Example:

FRISP along with Silver Hills Ranch will host the 4th annual biodiversity tour in June 2011. This free tour and social provides individuals from all backgrounds the opportunity to better understand how the ranching community can provide critical protection and enhancement of their land base.

FRISP is scheduled to provide a field day showcasing the Joel Rich project with the Central Okanagan Regional District in May 2011.

* Resolve Conflict:  FRISP provides remediation services on issues arising between landowners and agencies, interest groups, neighhbors etc. Appropriate solutions and/or plans are developed and implemented to resolve conflicts.

Example:
FRISP is working with Environmental Farm Plan to deliver the first Watershed Management
Plan for a small watershed on the Quesnel River in 2011. The plan will resolve conflict between three landowners who were engaged in litigation for 6 years.  FRISP delivered some common sense
to the situation that had been held hostage by egos and lawyers.

* Cooperative Planning:  FRISP has a close working relationship with landowners, 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.

Example:
FRISP is providing technical input into the creation of the Shuswap Water Management Plan, and is engaged with the Wilsey Dam Fish passage technical committee on the Shuswap River. FRISP sits with other technical and stewardship groups as well representing the ranching sectors perspective. 

* Increased Awareness:  FRISP interacts with producers and producer groups, and the general public. Printed information, meetings, and one-on-one consultations.

Example:
FRISP has provided input to the Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program’s version of “Salmon Safe”.

Methodology And Activities On A Project-By-Project Basis:

1. The problem is identified with the landowner under the assistance of a FRISP advisor .
2. Communication is generated with agencies and any vested interest groups, including First Nations.
3. A’buy-in’ solution to the problem is recommended.
4. Potential project partners are identified.
5. Assist with project prescriptions, cost estimates, and any required permits.
6. The project is implemented.

Educational materials that have been produced and are distributed by FRISP include:

1. A FRISP brochure describing what the program offers to landowners.
2. A brochure entitled Can I Restore An Unhealthy Riparian Corridor. This publication was produced by FRISP for BCMAL and is used extensively by FRISP.
3. Handouts: 
Understanding Farmers and Ranchers
Livestock and Drinking Water

BENEFITS

The majority of projects under the FRISP program are designed to improve salmon resources by the physical enhancement and restoration of riparian habitat. The key though is having landowners understand that it makes good business sense to protect the biodiversity their land base and in particular their riparian corridors provide. During 2010/2011funding period, FRISP estimates that 40km of riparian corridors will be restored, enhanced, and/or placed under improved management through FRISP involvement providing technical support. Sustainability of the stewardship produced is directly related to the successful ‘“Common Ground” approach promoted by FRISP. Coupled with education, landowners are empowered and adopt long-term ‘Best Management Practices’ to manage and maintain riparian areas in a healthy state.