Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

Working with the K’ómoks Nation towards Q’waq’wala7owkw on their unceded territory.

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

Mary Everson, Comox First Nation Addressing Symposium Attendees
 

Friday Morning Presentations

Wedlidi Speck, First Nations Perspective on Estuary Environment
Dr. Rob Butler – Function and Importance of Estuaries
Dr. Will Marsh – Planning for Sustainable Systems

 Dr.Will Marsh’s Morning Presentation

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon – The Upside of Down
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

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

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

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 Land Trust

Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition

Georgia Strait Alliance

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 Camera Club

Comox Valley Young Naturalists Club

Courtenay Heritage Commission

Best Western Westerly Hotel

Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa

Tree Island Kayaking

BlackFin Pub

Crawford Studio Sandblasted Designs on Glass

Park Cafe on the Riverwalk

Tomato Tomato Restaurant & Lounge

Layne and Brenda of 40 KNOTS with Caitlin Pierzchalski ~ L.Stewart