The event on was a great success.
Thanks to all for your participation. If you would like to join the action group, or contribute any further comments, please contact Project Watershed.
Below are some sample videos (first 5-10 minutes) and slide presentations given at the “Heart of the Watershed” Symposium on the Courtenay River Estuary on October 3, 2008!
(DVD’s were made of most presentations at our event and these are being made available for borrowing from the Project Watershed Office.)
Please note the Acrobat Reader (pdf) files of presenters’ slide shows next to the video clips.
Friday Morning Opening Address |
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Mary Everson, Comox First Nation Addressing Symposium Attendees |
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Friday Morning Presentations |
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| Wedlidi Speck, First Nations Perspective on Estuary Environment | |
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| Dr. Rob Butler – Function and Importance of Estuaries | |
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| Dr. Will Marsh – Planning for Sustainable Systems | |
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| Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon – The Upside of Down | |
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| Dan Buffett: Ranking of Estuaries in BC: Where does the Courtenay Estuary Fit In? | |
| Tim Clermont: State of the Courtenay River Estuary | |
Friday Afternoon Case Study Presentations |
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| Michele Deakin: Englishman River Estuary | |
| Shannon Anderson: Campbell River Estuary Management | |
| Peter Law: Cowichan River Estuary Management | |
| Rob Lawrence & Pam Shaw: Nanaimo Estuary Management | |
Friday Evening Presentations |
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Dr. Will Marsh – Moving Toward a Sustainable Courtenay River Estuary |
 Dr. Will Marsh’s Evening Presentation |
| Dr. Rob Butler: Restoring the Strait of Georgia Ecosystem | |
Saturday Case Study Presentations |
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| Mike Richards: Green Boating | |
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Event Synopsis
If rivers are the veins and arteries of a watershed, and wetlands are the kidneys that cleanse the water, then the central element of the watershed must be the heart: in the Comox Valley, that heart is the Courtenay River Estuary.
The Courtenay River Estuary is one of the most important estuaries on the east coast of Vancouver Island, with national and global significance. There are many ongoing & recent issues which will impact the sensitive habitat along the estuary’s shores including the banks of the Courtenay River. At the same time opportunities are presenting themselves to preserve and restore portions of the estuary.
On October 3-4, 2008, this unique event focused on the “Heart of the Watershed”.
The symposium was designed to be of interest to policy makers including elected officials & municipal staff, science & planning professionals, representatives from environmental organizations and concerned citizens.
The “Heart of the Watershed” event’s objectives were to:
- – increase awareness and appreciation of the estuary, educate, & inspire participants to take action
- – establish the connection between a healthy resilient ecosystem and a healthy resilient community
- – create an action group of professionals, policy makers, community environmental representatives, and concerned citizens, to carry forward with management planning, stewardship, and monitoring of the Courtenay River Estuary
- – be an exciting and inspiring weekend!
Tributary Supporters
Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition
Millard-Piercy Watershed Stewards
Puntledge River Restoration Committee
Tsolum River Restoration Society
Blue Planet Songfest Committee
Brooklyn Creek Watershed Society
Comox Archives & Museum Society
Comox Valley Young Naturalists Club
Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
Crawford Studio Sandblasted Designs on Glass
Park Cafe on the Riverwalk
Tomato Tomato Restaurant & Lounge