News Archive - SEAS -

News Archive

Jun 9,10 Shuswap songs and images at the Salmar on June 17th

An evening of extraordinary music and images dedicated to the Shuswap...

Shuswap Watershed Project
Media Release
June 3, 2009

Shuswap songs and images at the Salmar on June 17th

There is still a buzz in our community regarding the very successful and magical Song for the Shuswap competition concert and the amazingly great music produced for the event. On April 22nd there was nearly a full audience for the Celebrate the Shuswap evening at the Salmar Classic to enjoy the Song for the Shuswap competition and many images of the Shuswap, although the scheduled slide show had to be cancelled due to technical problems.

Shuswapians will now have another opportunity to see the amazing Shuswap Photo Arts slideshow that celebrates our magnificent watershed region, as well as to hear and watch the winning song performers and many of the contest finalists. On Thursday evening, 7 pm, June 17th at the Salmar Classic, the �Best of the Shuswap� will feature some of the Shuswap�s best songwriters along with the stunning images produced by some of the Shuswap�s best photographers.

Headlining the event will be the song contest winner Sue Kyle and her band Birchbark. Sue, who lives in Seymour Arm, has been a well loved feature on local stages including the Caravan Farm Theatre for decades. Her song, Shuswap Swing, captures the appreciative feelings of living in our local paradise.

It was no surprise that Jesse Clarke came in second with his heart-tugging song about returning to his new home and love, Shuswap Lake. Jesse�s band, Old Man�s Beard, has been thrilling audiences for just a year now and will be at this year�s Roots and Blues Festival. Their first CD, �The River,� was nominated last year for a Southern Interior Music award.

Megan Abel, a ninth grade student at SAS Jackson campus, became an instant star after she sang her winning song to a very appreciative audience. Although, she is relative newcomer having arrived from Prince George just three years ago and just started playing guitar less than a year ago, her songwriting and singing talent has already become legendary.

Singing a cappella, Ariana Vrieling and Shae-lyn James, came in second in the youth category. At the upcoming concert, they will be accompanied by Monika Wilson on piano. Monika, who will also be performing her popular song �My Town,� has taught music and piano for 15 years and plays locally with her band, �Good Company.�

Sylvain Vallee wowed the audience in April with his song, �Keep the Water Flowing,� as he included his own piano soundtrack along with some live saxophone melodies. A very talented professional musician, who plays more than a dozen different instruments, Sylvain teaches music and composes for films and television and will be opening a new studio in Scotch Creek soon.

Also performing at the June 17th event will be Sicamous songwriter Len Benty and Salmon Arm actor and musician, Peter Blacklock.

Joining the Song for the Shuswap musicians will be two special guest artists, Dave Allan and Aimie Laws. Dave, who has produced his own CD, �Crazy Side,� has delighted audiences for decades, both on stage for the Caravan and Western Canada Theatre Company and in various bands and at local coffee houses. Aimie Laws, who grew up in Salmon Arm, will be the MC for the event. She is close to releasing her band�s first CD, �Only Human� and she will also be performing at this year�s Roots & Blues Festival.

The June 17th �Best of the Shuswap� event is sponsored by the Shuswap Watershed Project, the Observer and Askews. Tickets are only $5 and will be available at Acorn Music and the Observer office.

NOTE: The Shuswap Photo Arts Club slide show � �Celebration of the Shuswap� can be viewed on their website: shuswapphotoarts.com

For more information, contact:

Jim Cooperman, Project Leader
Shuswap Watershed Project
679-3693, jcoop@ribaa.ca

Apr 15,10 Letters on the houseboat greywater extension

Houseboat companies must clean up their act...

Houseboat companies must clean up their act
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 09, 2010

We all know how connected Sicamous is to the houseboat industry and it is no wonder that they want the regional district to help subsidize these businesses. What makes sense here? Here is an industry that makes money polluting a public resource - our lake. There are close to 400 houseboats on Shuswap Lake, as well as hundreds of large boats with bathrooms. That is equivalent to over 400 motels dumping toxins in the water. This is not allowed on land so why allow it in our drinking water?

The commercial houseboat firms are breaking the law and putting their clients and the public's health at risk rather than arranging for a pump-out facility. They do not appear to be concerned about our lake, the environment, or our residents, and do not deserve any community or government support.
This industry already takes advantage of our tax-payer- funded Shuswap Lake marine parks by filling up every allowable site with houseboats every summer. Now they expect local taxpayers to fund the construction of pump-out stations so they can continue to rake in money. By not enforcing the law against discharge of all types of greywater by all boats, the government is failing to respect its own laws and is failing to protect public health, water quality, the environment, and our communities.

What will it take to force these companies to be good corporate citizens and stop polluting the lake? I would suspect that when the word gets out to potential houseboat customers about this pollution, many will choose to spend their vacation dollars elsewhere. Only then, will houseboat companies act responsibly and clean up their act.

Jim Cooperman, president, Shuswap Environmental Action Society

More rational approach needed on greywater
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 16, 2010
Re: Letter, Houseboat companies must clean up their act, published in March 10 EVN.

I would hope that most people who read Mr. Cooperman's letter and understand it for what it is. This is a letter that is long on emotion and short on facts.
While the issue of greywater on houseboats is indeed something which should, and is being addressed, it is an infinitesimal part of the overall health of the lake system.

The amount of attention being paid to this aspect seems totally out of proportion relative to the effect it has. Perhaps Mr. Cooperman might want to take a look at the septic systems of his neighbours and supporters, before he makes such broad-stroke accusations against houseboat companies.

It is my understanding that houseboat companies make their money from guests who pay to come to our region and enjoy Shuswap Lake. It would be very hard to understand that it would be in their interest to see the main attraction for these paying guests polluted. The houseboat companies pay for their guests to use the marine parks, and these are tourists who come to the area and bring all the benefits that such a large group of visitors has on the region.

Mr. Cooperman certainly comes across as being an elitist, and out of touch, as he appears to suggest that these paying tourists do not have the right to stay at the public facilities set up exactly for this reason. While Mr. Cooperman may have special interests to fund him, or be independently wealthy, many in the region do rely upon tourism for their livelihood.

The Ministry of Environment has recently replied to the charges of the like made by Mr. Cooperman with an approach that is very rational and based upon science. They are representing the interests of all British Columbians, and are in agreement that the houseboat companies have worked very closely with them and that great progress has been made on the greywater issue. It is my understanding that houseboat companies have put considerable resources and efforts into reducing greywater discharge and that those efforts continue.

Apparently Mr. Cooperman feels that there is an endless supply of money that the houseboat companies have to build huge and expensive infrastructure around the lake. Much of this infrastructure is required for others as well (both land- and marine-based), but apparently it is the houseboat industry alone that must support this.

While user pay is great, would it not be more feasible to get the facilities done and then have them paid for by those who use them - all of those who use them? While everyone can agree that the lake needs protection, Mr. Cooperman's approach seems quite emotional, inflammatory, and indeed lacking in factual information.

Robin Campbell

Apr 15,10 Response letter to houseboat advocate

Polluter's tactic is to "Attack the messenger"...

Re: More rational approach needed on greywater
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 23, 2010

It is predictable for proponents of polluting industries to attack the messenger and deny their complicity instead of dealing with the content of the message. The impact of houseboat greywater is hardly �infinitesimal� otherwise it would not be illegal. The photo shows the soapy wake from just a few houseboats leaving Bughouse Bay near Seymour Arm, so just imagine the amount of soapy water that contains bacteria, e-coli and nasty chemicals entering the lake where there are up to 50 houseboats beached for a weekend in some of the marine parks. And the impact of greywater is hardly �infinitesimal� for those lakeshore property owners that take their drinking water from the lake, including the residents of Sicamous whose drinking water inlet is close to houseboats and the thousands of people in Blind Bay where there are a number of private houseboats.

The houseboat companies build boats with greywater containment built-in for sale in the U.S., where the Environmental Protection Agency has banned greywater discharges into all waterways. While in Sicamous, the companies spend extra dollars on hot tubs and internet access instead of investing in the infrastructure needed to protect lake water quality. Most direct greywater discharge into the lake comes from the commercial houseboats, yet the companies insist that local governments pay for the infrastructure because there are a few private boats that need it as well. The government�s own literature admits that greywater is almost as toxic as blackwater. Even small amounts of Greywater create a health risk for lake users, and yet the B.C. government cancelled their enforcement to protect the houseboat industry instead of public health. Even treated water dischargers, such as Salmon Arm, are not allowed to have any e-coli in their discharge.

Some people may remember how the local houseboat industry fought against blackwater containment a few decades ago, but were finally forced to comply by the government due to growing public outrage. Hopefully public outrage will once again work to protect Shuswap water quality. The U.S. greywater ban was not a result of emotional arguments, but scientific ones and the same reasoning should apply in Canada. And why should anyone be called an elitist for wanting to protect water

Jim Cooperman

Apr 14,10 Celebrate the Shuswap with Style

A week of events dedicated to the Shuswap Watershed...

Celebrate the Shuswap with Style
A week of events dedicated to the Shuswap Watershed

Celebrate the Shuswap Week is gearing up to be an exciting series of events, all focused on helping to improve understanding, appreciation and protection of the Shuswap watershed. The publication of the watershed poster was the first step in this collaborative effort by government agencies, local businesses and conservation organizations to raise awareness of watershed issues.

Many events are scheduled that will help connect people to the watershed through outdoor activities, educational initiatives and entertainment devoted to the Shuswap. During the week, there will be guided hikes throughout the region, tours of the city's water and sewage treatment plants on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, stewardship projects undertaken by students of all ages, and fabulous, original art and entertainment.

On Wednesday, April 21st there are three public events beginning at 9:30 with a guided nature hike along the Salmon Arm Bay trails. At noon, music lovers can bring their chairs and lunches to Ross Creek Plaza and enjoy the great Shuswap inspired music of Sasha Lewis and Jesse Clarke. Then at 2 pm, there will be a tour of Salmon Arm's sewage treatment plant that despite its advanced technology may still be contributing too many nutrients to our now algae bloom prone lake.

The Celebration Week involves nearly every sector of the community, including Shuswap photographers, artists and musicians. With 33 songs entered, the 'Song for the Shuswap'songwriting contest attracted interest from all types of musicians. The final judging takes place on Earthday evening, Thursday, April 22nd at the Salmar Classic Theatre, when these songwriters will share the stage with a video by Fred Bird and slide shows on the big screen produced by the Shuswap Photo Arts Club and other photographers.

The Shuswap Watershed Project recognizes that the key to improving understanding and respect for the watershed should involve young people, and one way to involve students has been through the essay, art-poster and song writing contests. A team of experts are now hard at work, judging the many entries. The winners will be announced on the 22nd and will receive substantial cash prizes.

The key event of the week, the Shuswap Watershed Conference, will involve students, teachers, and the public as well as government agencies and is being held at Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan Campus on the afternoon of Friday, April 23rd. Speakers include Chief Judy Wilson, Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma, Kim Fulton, Phil McIntyre-Paul and Jim Cooperman.

This keynote speech is by Craig Orr, Executive Director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society on 'Water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change.' Following the talks, a panel of experts will tackle the topic, 'What needs to be done to best protect, preserve and restore the watershed?'

After the conference there will be a low-cost, Shuswap Foods dinner prepared by Cookshack Creations. The conference ends with a concert and family dance to Old Man's Beard sponsored by Askews. Tickets for all events are available at Acorn Music and the Salmon Arm Observer. Conference registration is free with forms available at the Observer, Wickett Business Services and Bookingham Palace. For more information, visit www.shuswapwatershed.ca or phone 833-6100.

For more information, contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, 'Celebrate the Shuswap' Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Apr 14,10 Shuswap Watershed Conference to Explore Solutions

April 23 conference details and agenda...

Shuswap Watershed Project
Press Release
April 2, 2010

Shuswap Watershed Conference to Explore Solutions

The Shuswap Watershed Project has lined up an impressive list of speakers for its upcoming Watershed Conference to be held on April 23rd from 1 to 11 pm. at the Sullivan Campus of Salmon Arm Secondary School. Conference participants will have an opportunity to listen to and question speakers representing conservation organizations and all levels of government. The objective for this event will be to examine how best to conserve, protect and restore the Shuswap watershed.

The conference begins with a poster session, where participants have an opportunity to view the posters and displays set up by government agencies, conservation groups, and students, as well as meet with representatives from these groups. After the opening welcoming addresses by a local First Nation leader and Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma, students will read their winning essays about what they can do to help protect the watershed. Mayor Bootsma will also be speaking about the work of the Fraser Basin Council, which works to promote environmental and economic sustainability throughout the region.

The conference keynote speaker is Watershed Watch Salmon Society executive director, Dr. Craig Orr, who will speak about water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change. 'Interior watersheds like the Shuswap are the bedrooms for wild salmon,' explained Craig Orr, 'and at the conference I will be explaining the need for maintaining watershed resilience to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.' Joining him will be Michelle Walsh, with the Secwepemc Fisheries Commission, who will talk about their work regarding the connections between groundwater and salmon.

Shuswap Trail Alliance Executive Director Phil McIntyre-Paul will also be speaking on the importance of experiencing the watershed first hand, either by hiking, biking, canoeing or kayaking.

Conference participants will then have an opportunity to pose questions to a panel comprised of staff from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Ministries of Environment and Forests, the CSRD and King Campbell with Ducks Unlimited Canada, who will provide their perspectives on what actions are needed to protect the watershed. The conference will end with a summary talk by Dr. Warren Bell about what was learned from the presentations and what needs to be done in the future.

A low cost dinner comprised mostly of food sourced locally from Shuswap farmers and prepared by Cookshack Creations will be served to conference participants after the talks. The event will finish with a concert that begins with the Song for the Shuswap songwriting contest winners followed by an all-ages dance to Old Man's Beard sponsored by Askews.

The conference will be free thanks to the sponsorship of the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union, but early pre-registration is recommended as seating will be limited. Registration forms are available at Wickett Business Services and Bookingham Palace and participants can also register online at www.shuswapwatershed.ca.

For more information, contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, 'Celebrate the Shuswap' Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Shuswap Watershed Conference
April 23, 2010, 1pm to 11pm
Salmon Arm Secondary ' Sullivan Campus

This conference is free thanks to the sponsorship of the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union and Shuswap-North Okanagan School District #83

AGENDA

1:00-2:30 pm - Poster Session

2:30 pm - Welcoming address by a Chief Judy Wilson, followed by a welcome from Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma

2:40 - 2:45 - Brief talk by Jim Cooperman about the Shuswap Watershed Project

2:45 - 3:15 - Essay contest winners read their essays, hosted by Kim Fulton, Shuswap Watershed Project Education Coordinator

3:15 - 3:20 - Mayor Marty Bootsma will talk about the work of the Fraser Basin Council

3:20 - 3:50 - Keynote speech by Craig Orr, Exec Director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, titled 'Water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change' followed by Michelle Walsh, with the Secwepemc Fisheries Commission, who will talk about their work on the connection between groundwater and salmon.

3:50 - 4:00 - A song by Old Man's Beard guitarist Jesse Cooke and short break

4:00 - 4:05 - Hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking the Shuswap to experience the watershed first hand by Shuswap Trail Alliance Executive Director Phil McIntyre-Paul

4:05 - 5:30 - Panel discussion "What needs to be done to best protect, preserve and restore the watershed?" Five minute talk by each panelist, followed by a question period (using written questions submitted by conference participants and allowing for discussion between panelists)

Panelists:

Carol Danyluk, Environmental Protection Officer, Ministry of Environment
Bruce Runciman, Habitat Management Biologist, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Jan Thingsted, Planner, Columbia-Shuswap Regional District
Kimm Magill-Hofmann, Tenures Forester, Ministry of Forests and Range
King Campbell, Agricultural Program Head, Ducks Unlimited Canada

5:30 - 5:40 Warren Bell, Conference summary by Dr. Warren Bell and "Where do we go from here?"

5:40 - 6:15 Networking time (tables set up for dinner)

6:15 - 7:15 Shuswap Foods dinner by Cookshack Creations

7:15 - 7:30 Networking time (tables down and chairs set up)

7:30 - 8:30 Concert beginning with 'A Song for the Shuswap' winners

8:30 - 8:45 Break (chairs moved to make room for dancing)

9 - 11 Dance to Old Man's Beard

Mar 4,10 Watershed Mapped

Great media coverage of the Shuswap Watershed Project from the Salmon Arm Observer....

Watershed Mapped

By Barb Brouwer, Salmon Arm Observer, March 3, 2010

Shuswap: Project to become community resource.

It was accolades all round last Thursday at the official launch of a project to raise awareness and improve understanding of the Shuswap watershed.

'What began as a map of the watershed has become much more,' said Ted Bacigalupo, Columbia Shuswap Regional District director, at a Feb. 25 press conference. 'The Shuswap Watershed Project is long overdue and sets the sensitive ecosystem into perspective.'

The large, colourful poster has a wealth of information on it. It is the result of time, talent, co-operation and support provided by some 30 government and non-government agencies and businesses.

Three thousand copies of the poster have been printed for free distribution to area schools and, in time, will be supported by a resource guide to provide teachers and students with ideas and more information.

Kim Fulton, retired teacher and educational coordinator on the Shuswap Watershed Project, said one of the most important aspects of the poster and guide is the opportunity it will give students to take part in protecting the watershed. He said the guide will include information from the Living By Water project, a national program created by Gardom Lake environmentalists Sarah Weaver and Clive Calloway.

'I hope students will take on projects they feel passionate about,' said Calloway. 'It will give kids the feeling they can have some control in their lives if they can take on small projects.'

School District #83 superintendent Doug Pearson agreed, saying water will be the number one issue in the future.

'If you want change and sustainability, you have to do it through the children.'

Shuswap Trail Alliance coordinator Phil McIntyre Paul said it is clear that we are a people defined by the watershed - from the values, culture, language and civilization of the First Nations to today's residents.

'The health of the watershed will decide the health of our communities,' he said. 'They (natives) have been trying to teach us this for years.'

While the praise was passed around the CSRD conference table in good measure, much of it was directed toward Jim Cooperman, president of the Shuswap Environmental Action Society.

Seen as the chief proponent and catalyst in getting the project recommended in the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP) report, Cooperman said he first got the idea when he saw a similar poster of the Okanagan area.

Cooperman described the support he received in the two years it took for the map-turned poster to come to life.

'I have to acknowledge the group (partners), not fighting but working collaboratively, 'he said, noting the support from such agencies and businesses as The Integrated Land Management Bureau, Silvatech and the federal Department of Fisheries.

'Silvatech had an amazing role in advancing the GIS (geographical information systems) platform,' he said, noting the company made available an important learning opportunity. 'It was their idea to then go to the Grade 10 and 11 GIS class.'

Explaining how printed matter is often quickly out-of-date, Cooperman noted that Mascon has offered to host the project's website, www.shuswapwatershed.ca for free, and the site is being designed by another local company, Mediability.

DFO's Jeremy Heighton told the group how impressed he has been with the lack of politics and in-fighting in the process.

'Advocacy is often seen by government as a challenge,' he said. 'But advocacy can work and it is important to give Cooperman accolades for pulling all the partners together.'

Feb 26,10 Groundbreaking Shuswap Watershed Project Launched

Finally Shuswap citizens can see and understand the full extent of their watershed ...

The Shuswap Watershed Project
MEDIA RELEASE
February 25, 2010

Groundbreaking Shuswap Watershed Project Launched

A groundbreaking project to raise awareness and improve understanding of the Shuswap watershed was launched today in Salmon Arm, with the release of a large format poster that includes the first map ever made of the entire Shuswap region. 'This is a win-win partnership for the watershed - it raises awareness, and it has built collaboration amongst many groups,' said Ron Oszust, Columbia-Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Chair. 'Finally Shuswap citizens can see and understand the full extent of their watershed thanks to the cooperative efforts of so many governmental and non-governmental organizations and local businesses,' explained project leader Jim Cooperman, president of the Shuswap Environmental Action Society (SEAS).

'I am pleased to be able to support this project. The poster and this project will help residents to better understand how we are all inter-connected and the need to commit to collective improvements in managing this vital Shuswap Watershed as recommended by the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP),' said Ted Bacigalupo, CSRD Vice-Chair and Area C Director. 'This project will add to the knowledge base of the people. Through knowledge comes empowerment, engagement and respect for each other and the environment they share,' added Oszust.

Three thousand copies of the poster have been printed for free distribution in school classrooms throughout the Shuswap and for sale to the public in local stores. As well, the project includes the production of a Resource Guide that will provide teachers and students with ideas and information that will support their use of the poster. The Resource Guide is being developed by retired educator Kim Fulton who is also the watershed project educational coordinator. As Kim explains, 'the overall educational goal is to help protect, preserve and restore the Shuswap watershed and ecosystems.'

With the release of the posters, the Shuswap Watershed Project team also announces plans for 'Celebrate the Shuswap' week, April 18-24, 2010. This week of activities will include displays, tree planting, litter cleanup, storm-drain marking, talks, hikes, and two major public events. On Earth Day, April 22nd there will be an evening of visual and musical entertainment at the Salmar Classic. On the following day there will be a Watershed Conference at the Salmon Arm High School that will include presentations, displays, readings of the award winning essays and a free, all-ages dance to Old Man's Beard. A number of contests kick off today, including the 'Song for the Shuswap' song writing contest and the student essay and art-poster contests.

The Shuswap Watershed Project is being launched to improve public understanding of Shuswap geography. Information on the poster and in the manual includes: the size, shape and extent of the watershed; the values present in it; how the watershed functions; and potential human caused impacts and threats. 'This project is a step in helping us all understand that our actions influence water, wherever we live in the Shuswap watershed,' said Sarah Weaver of the Living by Water Project. King Campbell, with Ducks Unlimited Canada said, 'We understand the importance of connecting the public to local geography and habitats. The Watershed Project will be valuable for demonstrating the importance of wetlands, waterfowl, wildlife, and water resources to Shuswap communities.'

'The Shuswap Lakes are the life blood of the Secwepemc and have nurtured and nourished our people down through the ages and now they are polluted and the salmon are fast swimming towards extinction,' explained Dr. Ron Ignace, SFU professor and the Lakes Division political coordinator. 'Meanwhile the almighty dollar beats on to a misbegotten beat that there is an endless supply of fresh water to support continuous growth. I pray that this collective effort to shine a spot light on Shuswap Lakes is just the beginning,' added Ignace.

Warren Bell, president of Wetland Alliance: The Ecological Response, noted, 'Our group has been deeply involved in watershed-related work since its inception. But focusing on the watershed as a whole, which this project will do, is a huge step forward for all of us towards rational management of our precious water resource. It unites all our efforts around a single, critical natural feature.' Bell added, 'The beauty and significance of the two-dimensional image of the watershed -- simultaneously abstract, and yet perfectly down-to-earth -- is inspiring in itself.'

The watershed project was made possible through a partnership between SEAS, Okanagan School District #83, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, provincial government ministries, the Columbia-Shuswap and North Okanagan Regional Districts, the Living by Water Project, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Shuswap Trail Alliance, Mediability and Silvatech Consulting Ltd. As well, the project has received funding support from a diversity of local governments, First Nations, conservation groups and businesses (see the complete list below).

For more information, contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, 'Celebrate the Shuswap' Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Posters will go on sale to the public on February 25th at the following retail outlets:
Sicamous - True Value V & S
Enderby - Enderby and District Museum
Salmon Arm - Bookingham Palace Bookstore and Wickett Business Services
Sorrento - Beryl's Books and Beans
Lumby - Lumby Health Foods
Cherryville - Franks Store and the Cherryville Emporium
Scotch Creek - Super-Valu
Chase - People's Drug Mart
Vernon - Valhalla Pure
Kamloops - Second Glance Books and Valhalla Pure

Feb 26,10 Shuswap Watershed contests announced

Essay, art-poster and song-writing contests for students with cash prizes....

Shuswap Watershed Project
Media Release
February 25, 2010

Shuswap Watershed contests announced

With the release of the poster that defines the 1.5 million hectare Shuswap region for the first time, the Shuswap Watershed Project announces three contests for students with cash prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. The prizes will be awarded on April 22 and 23 during 'Celebrate the Shuswap Week.:

For the budding writers, there is an essay contest that poses this topic, 'What I can do to help preserve, protect and/or restore the Shuswap watershed.: Students from throughout the entire watershed regions in three age categories; grades 3-6, 7-9, and 10-12 will be competing for $50 second prizes and $100 first prizes.

For those who excel in art, there is an art-poster contest to produce an 11 by 17 inch poster with this theme, 'Caring for the Shuswap.: The prizes and the age-categories for the art-posters are the same as for the essay contest.

Student musicians will have a major challenge to compete for the student category of the 'Song for the Shuswap: contest. To win the $200 first prize, that also includes a glass sculpture award and a Roots and Blues Festival pass or the $100 second prize, contestants will be writing the lyrics and music for an original song that contains the words Shuswap and water. The top entrants will perform their songs at the Salmar Classic Theatre in front of an audience and the judges on April 22nd.

As Shuswap Watershed Project leader Jim Cooperman explains 'All of these contests will help build enthusiasm for 'Celebrate the Shuswap: week, scheduled for April 18-24, 2010, when the watershed-wide community will be able to come together to share experiences and learn more about our wondrous region.:

During this week the art-posters will be on display and the winning essays will be read by the authors at the Shuswap Watershed Conference, scheduled for April 23rd at the Sullivan campus of the Salmon Arm Secondary School.

Shuswap Watershed Project Educational Coordinator, Kim Fulton, explains, 'The watershed poster released today, which so successfully illustrates the uniqueness and diversity of the Shuswap, will help spark awareness and interest in schools throughout our region. Our goal is that students will use this poster as a springboard to learn more and to take action about a watershed issue they are passionate about.:

On February 19th, the educational component of the Watershed Project was jump-started by Fulton during a Leadership Conference held at the high school. Over fifty students attended from ten schools throughout the region. These students will now be working in their schools to help build interest in the contests and in the watershed.

These contests would not be possible without the support of local businesses and individuals who are sponsoring the prizes. The Shuswap Watershed Project extends its gratitude to the following prize sponsors: Wickett Business Services, Pharmasave, Salmon Arm Observer, Lakeside Printing, Bookingham Palace, the Shuswap Association of Writers, Lakeshore News, Warren Bell, Shuswap Lake Coalition, Jake Jacobson, Yuill Herbert and Cammie Harbottle.

For more information,
Contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, 'Celebrate the Shuswap: Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Feb 26,10 Shuswap's First Song Writing Contest Announced

Student and adult musicians will be able to compete for substantial prizes in the 'Song for the Shuswap' contest....

The Shuswap Watershed Project
MEDIA RELEASE
February 25, 2010

Shuswap's First Song Writing Contest Announced

Upon the release of the first ever map and poster of our region, the Shuswap Watershed Project is pleased to announce the first ever song writing contest dedicated solely to the Shuswap. Student and adult musicians will be able to compete for substantial prizes in the 'Song for the Shuswap' contest that were donated by local businesses and individuals.

Song writing contestants will need to compose lyrics and music for a song that has the words Shuswap and water in it and that conveys what it means to live in and appreciate the Shuswap region. The contest is open to both amateur and professional songwriters and musicians. Songs will need to be totally original works and be between 3 and 5 minutes in length. There are two categories available; Youth : 18 and under, Adult : 19 and over.

School District #83 Music Supervisor Gordon Waters is one of the contest judges and he remarked, 'The Shuswap is fortunate to have so many talented musicians living here and this contest will give many of them a challenge to focus their creative energies to make music that celebrates our amazing region.'

Young musicians have the opportunity to win a $200 cash prize, plus a glass sculpture award by Chuck St. John, a Roots & Blues 2010 Festival pass, and a live interview on EZ Rock; and second place winners get a $100 cash prize. In the adult category, songwriters have a chance for a $400 cash prize, plus a glass sculpture award, a Roots & Blues pass, and a live radio interview; while second prize winners will receive a $200 cash prize.

'I am excited to have the opportunity to help organize the events during Celebrate the Shuswap Week, especially the Song for the Shuswap Contest which will bring together the many musicians and music lovers in our region to share music about our beautiful watershed,' said Monica Gail Kriese, event coordinator.
Registration forms are available online at www.shuswapwatershed.ca and at Acorn Music, EZ Rock 91.5fm, and the Salmon Arm Observer office.

Shuswap Watershed Project extends its utmost appreciation to our generous contest sponsors: Acorn Music, EZ Rock 91.5fm, Salmon Arm Observer, Barley Station Brew Pub, Takezushi Sushi Restaurant, Scotch Creek Super Valu, John & Sonja Woods, Doug & Joanne Leatherdale, Jan & Don Sawyer (NESA). ROXY FX Music, Roots and Blues Festival, Shuswap Water Action Team, Salmar Community Association, Shuswap Singers and Chuck St. John

For more information, contact:
Monica Gail Kriese, 'Celebrate the Shuswap' Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Feb 24,10 Biologist report shrinks site for proposed big-boxes

Findings show more habitat to be protected...

Visit www.wa-ter.ca for more detailed information about this news about the big-box shopping centre proposed to be build on the sensitive Salmon River floodplain..

Report shrinks plan
by Lachlan Labere
Salmon Arm Observer
February, 24, 2010

Ecoscape: Findings show more habitat to be protected.

A community-funded report suggests the size of the proposed SmartCentres development will have to decrease dramatically so as not to impose on fish habitat.

On Monday, the Salmon Arm organization Wetland Alliance: the Ecological Response (WA:TER) presented the Ecoscape Report to city council. The report, explained WA:TER president Warren Bell, contains a description of the entire Salmon Arm Bay area and goes beyond the provisions of the Riparian Areas Regulations (RAR), which only protects fish.

He said the report was commissioned to Kelowna-based Ecoscape Environmental Consultants (recommended by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans), and paid for, in part, by a grant from West Coast Environmental Law ($3,512) and the rest through donations ($6,341), because the organization felt there were errors and omissions in the qualified environmental professional (QEP) report prepared for SmartCentres.

Soils and vegetation scientist Alex Inselberg summarized some of the findings in the Ecoscape Report (available at www.wa-ter.ca). On one topographical map dated May 14, 1993, Inselberg pointed to grey linear areas running throughout much of the SmartCentres property. He explained these areas resulted from the river overtopping its banks, carrying sediment.

'The significance of this particular image is that it actually happens to be the one-in-five-year flood event, which everybody is trying to figure out and which everybody has been trying to, as I understand, model as well,' said Inselberg. 'Well, a photograph is much better than a model because it shows you precisely what's happening.'

Taking RAR's streamside protection enhancement area setbacks into account, the Ecoscape Report leaves as little as 40 per cent of the SmartCentres property outside of protected fish habitat.

Recognizing the report failed to fully acknowledge traditional uses on the property, Inselberg stepped aside to give Switzmalph Cultural Society chair Bonnie Thomas the floor. Thomas encouraged working together with the city to bring forward an educational process to the public regarding traditional knowledge of plants and animals documented by her mother, the late Mary Thomas.

Bell said two more studies are planned for the property, one by geoterrain specialist Murray Road, and one by hydrologist Alan Bates. Bell noted both have already commented on how firming up the soils on the SmartCentres property will result in flooding on the neighbouring Neskonlith land.

Coun. Ivan Idzan asked Inselberg if there's been any comment from DFO or the Ministry of Environment on the Ecoscape Report. Inselberg stated they are aware of the information.

'They are at this point being very quiet, and I think they're waiting to see what the developer comes up with,' said Inselberg.

Feb 22,10 What Happened to our Shuswap Winter?

The impacts from warm winters may cause far worse problems than icy roads...

What Happened to our Shuswap Winter?

By Jim Cooperman
A Shuswap Passion column for the Shuswap Market News
February 5, 2010

As one of our friends remarked a few weeks ago, so far this has been 'quite the non-winter.' Although it is not over yet, the record breaking warm temperatures and lack of snow may be a blessing for snow plowing budgets and safe winter driving, but the impacts from warm winters may indeed cause far worse problems than icy roads.

With melting arctic ice and glaciers and warming temperatures, industry sponsored climate change sceptics have changed their tune and now many agree that the planet is warming, but insist that the causes are due to sun-spots or earth wobbles instead of the obvious fact that humans are responsible. Here in the Shuswap, no one could deny that our climate is going haywire.

January is typically the coldest month of the year, and yet this January there was mostly above freezing temperatures with little snow. Like other gardeners, we are concerned about what the lack of snow cover could mean for sensitive perennials and bulbs, including garlic. Snow provides an insulating layer and without it, the frost can kill or severely damage roses, rhododendrons, tulips and other plants.

These problems are not limited to just gardening, as farmers are concerned about the potential for hard frost killing their alfalfa if temperatures fall to minus 10 for a few days without the protection of snow cover. Problems are already occurring where the melting snow is unable to drain through the frozen ground and has pooled in the fields killing the roots of grass and alfalfa. Impacts could also include the time, work and high costs of replanting low elevation hay fields, as well as the expense of buying imported alfalfa and grain in the interim.

The buds on trees and bushes can also be affected by unseasonably warm winter temperatures by opening prematurely and then getting hit by frost. So far, orchardists have not noticed any problems, as nights have remained cool. However, if the current El Nino warming continues, this could result in damage to orchards throughout our region if a hard frost follows more intensive warming.

Perhaps the greatest impacts could take place this coming spring and summer, if the Shuswap snowpack remains low. Adequate soil moisture levels are critically important not only for agriculture, but also for the forests. Lack of moisture, especially in the spring, weakens the trees when moisture is needed for growth and makes the trees more susceptible to pests and disease. Young plantations are particularly sensitive to the combination of unseasonably warm winters and lack of moisture from snow.

Of greatest concern, is the threat of forest fires, when there is a lack of snow to maintain soil moisture. And without adequate snow at mid-elevations, the creeks may not have enough water to flow during the summer. Throughout the Shuswap, thousands of rural residents depend on these creeks for their domestic and farm water supplies. Unless there are substantial snow falls in February and March, these creeks could run dry long before the summer is over.

While it is important to keep up the pressure on politicians and decision-makers around the world to take actions to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, it is also necessary to consider and implement climate change adaptation measures. With climate change, there will be more extreme weather patterns that could mean an increase in drier than normal and wetter than normal years. Consequently, any industry or activity that is weather dependent now requires options or alternatives. As well, land and resource management should reflect the need to be prepared for the extremes.

Adaptation measures for the Shuswap could include better fire-proofing around communities, drilling wells and adding more water storage, protecting higher elevation lakes for their water storage potentials, considering different crops for agriculture, devising better road maintenance techniques to cope with more frost heaves and extreme rain events, and avoiding development in flood plains. This year's green lawns in January could well be a harbinger for a very different future climate, for which some foresight is needed.

Jan 12,10 Opponents to new mall cheer Salmon Arm environmental review

Independent expert to determine how often land floods...

Josh Dehaas

Vancouver - From Tuesday's Globe and Mail Published on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009

A 400,000-square-foot shopping centre to be built on the edge of the Salmon River is in limbo after the province said it will bring in an independent expert to determine how often the land floods.

A group opposed to the project had earlier commissioned a report that found evidence that the river floods every two to three years, contradicting the original environmental assessment, which showed the river does not top its banks in a typical five-year period. If the land floods more than once every five years, the province is unlikely to allow development because small fish might use the flooded area.

The move surprised the City of Salmon Arm and the developer, SmartCentres, because the Ministry of the Environment had accepted the original environmental assessment in September. The new study should be completed by winter's end, according to the Environment Ministry.

Residents who are concerned about the impact of big box stores on the city's downtown are celebrating the move.

'At this point, we have a 100-per-cent solid case that the river overtops its banks and does so regularly,' said Alex Inselberg, a soil scientist and a member of the group that paid for the second report.

Salmon Arm teacher and development opponent Vivian Morrison was not surprised by the news. 'Everyone who lives here knows [that] the river floods,' she said.

But Ms. Morrison is not just worried about the salmon.

She and other opponents are also concerned that small businesses would not be able to compete with shops such as Home Depot and Future Shop. 'The world is moving away from big box,' said Mrs. Morrison. 'I don't want Salmon Arm to become 7-Eleven land.'

The new mall would offer more square footage of retail space than all of the city's three small shopping centres combined.

The planned development has always been controversial. After a five-day marathon of public hearings in October, 2008, the original proposal was rejected by one vote. The city even considered a plebiscite to gauge public support.

It is widely believed enough councillors now favour the shopping centre that the necessary zoning and community plan changes would pass a vote.

The city's development office plans to move forward with the first two readings of the bylaw changes in January. The final readings cannot take place until the province is reassured that fish habitat will not be threatened.

According to Mr. Inselberg, the fine layer of silt on Cottonwood trees on the banks of the river should be indisputable evidence of recent floods. The group that wrote the independent report also observed piles of washed-up sticks and a lack of lichen growth at the base of the Cottonwoods, both of which are also signs of frequent flooding. The report also includes an agricultural assessment from 1963 that classifies one of the properties in question as too wet to farm, which was cited by the city as a reason for removing it from the Agricultural Land Reserve in 2005.

SmartCentres spokesperson Nathan Hildebrand said that the company is still moving ahead with its application and hopes to get final approval by April. If successful, building will begin in late spring or early summer.

Mr. Hildebrand would not speculate on the project's chances. Mr. Inselberg said he believes the third study will confirm the flooding threat, and that he would be 'surprised' to see the shopping centre built at all.

Apr 8,09 SEAS takes action to protect Adams River

SEAS calls for government action to purchase West Beach property near the Adams River and other news....

Re: West Beach : SEAS has decided to encourage everyone to contact George Abbott and encourage him to use his cabinet influence to expedite the current negotiations so that this property can be purchased this year before more damage is done. Currently, there is a pile of concrete forms, tiles and lumber there and two excavators are parked near the house. See sample letter to George Abbott below. Here is his contact info:
George Abbott, george.abbott.mla@leg.bc.ca , 250) 833-7414 or toll free, 1- 877-771-7557
Dear Honourable Minister George Abbott

Most Shuswap citizens continue to maintain a keen interest in the future of the West Beach property. It is crucial that the property be placed into public hands in order to protect the viability of the sockeye salmon run and the ecologically sensitive Roderick Haig-Brown Park.

While we were disappointed to learn that the provincial Government 'remains interested in purchasing the land but not at this time for the appraised value,: we were encouraged to learn that the government is interested in working with partners. While these economic times are difficult, the purchase represents an invaluable investment in the salmon fishing industry, the Interior tourism industry and the environmental sustainability goals of the government - a legacy at least as important as the 2010 Olympics, the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place stadium that are costing many hundreds of millions of dollars.

Most recently, Minister Barry Penner has revealed that talks have begun with the developer. Please represent the wishes of your constituents and help ensure the purchase of the West Beach property remains a priority that will hopefully happen before the election this spring.

Sincerely,

In other news, BC Nature magazine reports that the provincial budget released last month is bad news for the environment. Funding for the Environmental Stewardship department of MOE, which supports Crown lands, wildlife and habitat was reduced by 15 percent. The parks and wildlife management areas budget was reduced by 14 percent. And other MOR department budgets were also reduced. Meanwhile, there is no news yet about any funding for SLIPP implementation.

Here is what the local media has to say about these issues:

Favour of a reply required
Editorial, Salmon Arm Observer
March 24, 2009
Like rivers at freshet, the Liberal government's press service has been rolling out releases, sometimes as many as 30 a day, many of them funding announcements.
Over the past several weeks, the funding tap has poured out sometimes huge sums.
The City of Salmon Arm was one of many B.C. communities to benefit from last week's funding spree, receiving more than $500,000 to support infrastructure expansion, deliver community services, improve community safety, revitalize green spaces and invest in local jobs.
On the same day, the Salmon Arm Elks were advised they would be getting $97,000 in gaming grant revenue to build a new community hall.
Earlier in the week, $1.4 million in joint provincial-federal funding to improve Sorrento's water system was announced. In recent weeks both the Shuswap and District Arts Council and Haney Heritage Village and Museum were the recipients of welcome funding.
While all of this is good news, there seems to be a disconcerting silence emanating from certain ministries.
Despite vigorous local support for the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP), spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment with approval from the highest levels, the environment minister's office has chosen to ignore repeated requests from the Observer for a statement regarding its funding fate.
This despite the fact, a SLIPP report sets out sound recommendations to prevent further deterioration to the lake that provides our water and a livelihood for many.
Chief among them is the need for increased monitoring to pinpoint contamination sources.
This is particularly important given last year's huge algae bloom that stretched from Salmon Arm Bay to Sicamous.
And water samples taken at the mouth of the Salmon River have shown water quality deterioration, not improvement, as originally stated in this year's Fraser Basin Council Report.
Also frustrating is the silence surrounding the fate of the West Beach property near the mouth of the Adams River and its world renowned salmon run.
Despite earlier assurances the environment minister would investigate the possibility of purchasing the property from the developer, whose plans created public furor, no word has been heard here.
Reviewing the province's news releases, it becomes evident that environmental issues are not a Liberal priority in the upcoming election.
But the state of Shuswap Lake is a top priority among many voters in the in the area, voters who deserve to hear some answers : even if they are not likely to like them.
If there is no provincial funding forthcoming, let the voters hear the reasons why this government has chosen to act on something as crucial as the fate of Shuswap Lake. This is hardly the time for ostrich-like behaviour.

Apr 8,09 Caribou protection plan falls short

B.C. permitting snowmobiling in sensitive caribou habitat despite the concerns of biologists....

Caribou protection plan falls short
By Jim Cooperman
A Shuswap Passion column for the Shuswap Market News
March 13, 2009

The provincial government recently made an announcement about the progress made with its British Columbia's Mountain Caribou Recovery Implementation Plan. The Ministry of Environment's Information Bulletin boasts, 'More than two million hectares off limits for logging and road building, and one million hectares of alpine caribou habitat out of reach for snow machines in the B.C. Interior.: A coalition of environmental groups called the Mountain Caribou Project applauded the news but pointed out that much of the plan can be termed an 'IOU: because more efforts are still needed in order for the plan to succeed.

The ten-member coalition, which includes the Shuswap Environmental Action Society, points out that habitat is still at risk from mineral exploration development and motorized recreation. As well, logging restrictions contain too many loopholes. Even though logging and road-building is apparently banned from 'protected: caribou habitat, it will still be allowed if the blocks are 2 hectares or smaller, if it is needed to address 'forest health factors,: if there has been a mapping error, or if a road is needed to access timber adjacent to the protected area. Also, it appears that heli-ski and snow-cat ski operations may be able to log in caribou habitat to provide more areas for skiing.

According to the coalition, the provincial government still needs to: 'act on all the science-based recommendations to close mountain caribou habitat to winter motorized recreation; boost caribou numbers in threatened herds with animals transplanted from elsewhere to ensure herds achieve critical mass for self-sufficiency; ensure that any activities within designated habitat support the recovery goals and require a caribou biologist's review of any development; ensure that large areas of critical caribou habitat that were missed through mapping errors are protected; and ensure that predator strategies are transparent and that wolves and cougars are not the scapegoats for incomplete habitat protections.:

Here in the Shuswap, approximately 40 percent of the habitat for the three remaining herds totalling some 60 animals is protected from logging. Efforts to protect this habitat began during the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management planning process that provided the direction for 6 years of research that culminated in the identification of approximately 10,000 hectares of additional old growth forest habitat. However it was the government's caribou initiative that helped to convince the forest licensees to give up their rights to logging these forests.

Although more habitat has been protected from logging, the government's plan to restrict snowmobile use is flawed. The Ministry of Environment intends to make an exception for the snowmobile closure in the Mt. Grace plateau to accommodate the desire of the Seymour Arm snowmobile club to continue riding in this area. Announcing a snowmobile closure, while making an exception behind the scenes has been a political decision that was not supported by government wildlife experts.

In a 2005 report, wildlife scientists reported that the Mt. Grace area contains a large portion of the late winter range of the Columbia North subpopulation that have not been previously exposed to snowmobile activity. The report goes on to warn, 'there is potential that future snowmobile activity could be detrimental to the large numbers of caribou that use this area.: The Queest Mountain area is also caribou habitat, however snowmobile activity occurs south of the closure area that is just west of North Queest.

Most snowmobiling is done by individuals not connected with the clubs, yet the government is signing management agreements with the clubs to control where the riding takes place. These agreements are expected to be self-monitored by the clubs, although the Ministry does intend to also do some monitoring on a rotating basis. Yet the environment ministry that is reeling from an 11 percent cut in their budget is hardly in any shape to watch over thousands of hectares and prevent snowmobilers from disturbing caribou.

It is a sad state of affairs that the provincial government can allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to the Olympics, BC Place stadium, highways and bridges and another giant convention centre; yet it pleads poverty when money is needed to protect the environment. And why are the recreational desires of a few snowmobilers a higher priority than the need to safeguard an irreplaceable legacy by protecting the rapidly diminishing population of mountain caribou?

- Page: 159/354 - Site: 12348/16123