#backroadadventures — Public Fediverse posts

It was above freezing for the first time in days yesterday. It was cold, but worth it. The Tye has broken through the ice in places, but others it remains iced over.

What's the coldest weather you've ridden in? I think 27 is about my coldest, but I didn't love it.

#ruralamerica #coldweather #fattirenomad #fattirevagabond #FatTireEBike #ebikelifestyle #ebikelife #ebikeadventures #backroadsofappalachia #backroadadventures #Rideva #CyclingCommunity #ruralphotography #nesloncountyva

This old barn always grabs my attention. It's just so perfectly weathered. I'd love to see some of your photos of places/things that always grab your attention on a ride.

#ruralamerica #ruralphotography #backroad #backroadsofappalachia #backroadadventures #ebikelifestyle #EbikeLife #ebikeadventures #Rideva #AppalachianHistory #fattirenomad #FatTireEBike #fattirelife #cycling #CyclingCommunity #cyclinglife

What's your favorite find on a ride? I often think back to this random bike fence in the Nelson County highlands,. What a quirky thing to find in the middle of nowhere.

#backroadadventures #ruralexploration #virginiacycling #appalachianmountains #appalachianadventure #quirky #bicycle

#SilentSunday
At one of many free #wilderness #RecreationalSites on the #AliceLakeLoop #backroads route.

I prefer backroads sites to staffed, groomed camping sites. There's loads of awesome recreational spots all over #VancouverIsland. The more isolated spots are on the East Coast & North Island. South Island spots are nice too but they get far too busy for me to enjoy in warmer months. Many spots in North Island are still fairly empty, even in mid-Summer.

#AliceLake #BackroadAdventures #campfire #FreeCampsites #LeaveNoTrace #VanIsle #ExploreMore #RoadTrips #nature #lake #mountains #fire #GetOutside #SilentSunday #Winter #PacificNorthwest #PNW

#SilentSunday
At one of many free #wilderness #RecreationalSites on the #AliceLakeLoop #backroads route.

I prefer backroads sites to staffed, groomed camping sites. There's loads of awesome recreational spots all over #VancouverIsland. The more isolated spots are on the East Coast & North Island. South Island spots are nice too but they get far too busy for me to enjoy in warmer months. Many spots in North Island are still fairly empty, even in mid-Summer.

#AliceLake #BackroadAdventures #campfire #FreeCampsites #LeaveNoTrace #VanIsle #ExploreMore #RoadTrips #nature #lake #mountains #fire #GetOutside #SilentSunday #Winter #PacificNorthwest #PNW

#SilentSunday
At one of many free #wilderness #RecreationalSites on the #AliceLakeLoop #backroads route.

I prefer backroads sites to staffed, groomed camping sites. There's loads of awesome recreational spots all over #VancouverIsland. The more isolated spots are on the East Coast & North Island. South Island spots are nice too but they get far too busy for me to enjoy in warmer months. Many spots in North Island are still fairly empty, even in mid-Summer.

#AliceLake #BackroadAdventures #campfire #FreeCampsites #LeaveNoTrace #VanIsle #ExploreMore #RoadTrips #nature #lake #mountains #fire #GetOutside #SilentSunday #Winter #PacificNorthwest #PNW

#SilentSunday
At one of many free #wilderness #RecreationalSites on the #AliceLakeLoop #backroads route.

I prefer backroads sites to staffed, groomed camping sites. There's loads of awesome recreational spots all over #VancouverIsland. The more isolated spots are on the East Coast & North Island. South Island spots are nice too but they get far too busy for me to enjoy in warmer months. Many spots in North Island are still fairly empty, even in mid-Summer.

#AliceLake #BackroadAdventures #campfire #FreeCampsites #LeaveNoTrace #VanIsle #ExploreMore #RoadTrips #nature #lake #mountains #fire #GetOutside #SilentSunday #Winter #PacificNorthwest #PNW

#SilentSunday
At one of many free #wilderness #RecreationalSites on the #AliceLakeLoop #backroads route.

I prefer backroads sites to staffed, groomed camping sites. There's loads of awesome recreational spots all over #VancouverIsland. The more isolated spots are on the East Coast & North Island. South Island spots are nice too but they get far too busy for me to enjoy in warmer months. Many spots in North Island are still fairly empty, even in mid-Summer.

#AliceLake #BackroadAdventures #campfire #FreeCampsites #LeaveNoTrace #VanIsle #ExploreMore #RoadTrips #nature #lake #mountains #fire #GetOutside #SilentSunday #Winter #PacificNorthwest #PNW

#FlashbackFriday - Freeze Framed.
Part of the #MarbleRiver in #Winter of 2022.
Taken on a trip towards Port Alice, after 5 days of blizzard conditions. Things cleared up & roads were safe enough to adventure out again. We hunkered down at a cheap motel in Port Hardy while the blizzard blew through. The only places we could buy foods/drinks were a gas station & pub - every other business that had food was shutdown.

#SnowyRiver #Quatsino #Nuuchahnuth #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #VanIsleRivers #River #WaterIsLife #ProtectWater #RespectWater #Snow #Ice #BelowZero #BritishColumbia #Canada #MyPhotoPostcardsFromBC #landscape #photography #FreezeFramed #DisabledPhotographers #BackroadAdventures #Wilderness #nature #monochrome #BWphoto #freshwater #peaceful

#FlashbackFriday - Freeze Framed.
Part of the #MarbleRiver in #Winter of 2022.
Taken on a trip towards Port Alice, after 5 days of blizzard conditions. Things cleared up & roads were safe enough to adventure out again. We hunkered down at a cheap motel in Port Hardy while the blizzard blew through. The only places we could buy foods/drinks were a gas station & pub - every other business that had food was shutdown.

#SnowyRiver #Quatsino #Nuuchahnuth #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #VanIsleRivers #River #WaterIsLife #ProtectWater #RespectWater #Snow #Ice #BelowZero #BritishColumbia #Canada #MyPhotoPostcardsFromBC #landscape #photography #FreezeFramed #DisabledPhotographers #BackroadAdventures #Wilderness #nature #monochrome #BWphoto #freshwater #peaceful

#FlashbackFriday - Freeze Framed.
Part of the #MarbleRiver in #Winter of 2022.
Taken on a trip towards Port Alice, after 5 days of blizzard conditions. Things cleared up & roads were safe enough to adventure out again. We hunkered down at a cheap motel in Port Hardy while the blizzard blew through. The only places we could buy foods/drinks were a gas station & pub - every other business that had food was shutdown.

#SnowyRiver #Quatsino #Nuuchahnuth #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #VanIsleRivers #River #WaterIsLife #ProtectWater #RespectWater #Snow #Ice #BelowZero #BritishColumbia #Canada #MyPhotoPostcardsFromBC #landscape #photography #FreezeFramed #DisabledPhotographers #BackroadAdventures #Wilderness #nature #monochrome #BWphoto #freshwater #peaceful

#FlashbackFriday - Freeze Framed.
Part of the #MarbleRiver in #Winter of 2022.
Taken on a trip towards Port Alice, after 5 days of blizzard conditions. Things cleared up & roads were safe enough to adventure out again. We hunkered down at a cheap motel in Port Hardy while the blizzard blew through. The only places we could buy foods/drinks were a gas station & pub - every other business that had food was shutdown.

#SnowyRiver #Quatsino #Nuuchahnuth #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #VanIsleRivers #River #WaterIsLife #ProtectWater #RespectWater #Snow #Ice #BelowZero #BritishColumbia #Canada #MyPhotoPostcardsFromBC #landscape #photography #FreezeFramed #DisabledPhotographers #BackroadAdventures #Wilderness #nature #monochrome #BWphoto #freshwater #peaceful

#FlashbackFriday - Freeze Framed.
Part of the #MarbleRiver in #Winter of 2022.
Taken on a trip towards Port Alice, after 5 days of blizzard conditions. Things cleared up & roads were safe enough to adventure out again. We hunkered down at a cheap motel in Port Hardy while the blizzard blew through. The only places we could buy foods/drinks were a gas station & pub - every other business that had food was shutdown.

#SnowyRiver #Quatsino #Nuuchahnuth #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #VanIsleRivers #River #WaterIsLife #ProtectWater #RespectWater #Snow #Ice #BelowZero #BritishColumbia #Canada #MyPhotoPostcardsFromBC #landscape #photography #FreezeFramed #DisabledPhotographers #BackroadAdventures #Wilderness #nature #monochrome #BWphoto #freshwater #peaceful

#WaterfallWednesday
One of several waterfalls seen while exploring #backroads on #Dididaht & #Ahousaht territories.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #watershed #Cascadia #waterfalls #PNW #WaterIsLife #adventures

#WaterfallWednesday
One of several waterfalls seen while exploring #backroads on #Dididaht & #Ahousaht territories.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #watershed #Cascadia #waterfalls #PNW #WaterIsLife #adventures

#WaterfallWednesday
One of several waterfalls seen while exploring #backroads on #Dididaht & #Ahousaht territories.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #watershed #Cascadia #waterfalls #PNW #WaterIsLife #adventures

#WaterfallWednesday
One of several waterfalls seen while exploring #backroads on #Dididaht & #Ahousaht territories.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #watershed #Cascadia #waterfalls #PNW #WaterIsLife #adventures

#WaterfallWednesday
One of several waterfalls seen while exploring #backroads on #Dididaht & #Ahousaht territories.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #VanIsle #watershed #Cascadia #waterfalls #PNW #WaterIsLife #adventures

#MonochromeMonday

We have these amazing karst canyons all over the island & on several surrounding gulf islands. Large karst networks of caves & canyons are found in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley & all through the less populated North Island. Karst sites on Quadra Island & some islands in the Discovery Islands archipelago are being researched. Haida Gwaii has big karst formations network.

I find #geological #karst formations very fascinating. I enjoy exploring them when there's an opportunity to do so. I've found ancient old growth tree crystals in some of the karst formation forests here - they're magical, magnificent & hard to find if you're not looking hard in the right areas.

Learn more about karst & their #prehistoric link in BC:

https://sierraclub.bc.ca/coral-vancouver-islands-rainforest-unprotected-underworld/

https://www.bcmag.ca/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/northwestern-vancouver-island-likely-escaped-the-ice-age

https://www.cgenarchive.org/nanaimo-rock.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/managed-resource-features/18190/new-page-18191

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome #canyon #geology #nature

#MonochromeMonday

We have these amazing karst canyons all over the island & on several surrounding gulf islands. Large karst networks of caves & canyons are found in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley & all through the less populated North Island. Karst sites on Quadra Island & some islands in the Discovery Islands archipelago are being researched. Haida Gwaii has big karst formations network.

I find #geological #karst formations very fascinating. I enjoy exploring them when there's an opportunity to do so. I've found ancient old growth tree crystals in some of the karst formation forests here - they're magical, magnificent & hard to find if you're not looking hard in the right areas.

Learn more about karst & their #prehistoric link in BC:

https://sierraclub.bc.ca/coral-vancouver-islands-rainforest-unprotected-underworld/

https://www.bcmag.ca/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/northwestern-vancouver-island-likely-escaped-the-ice-age

https://www.cgenarchive.org/nanaimo-rock.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/managed-resource-features/18190/new-page-18191

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome #canyon #geology #nature

#MonochromeMonday

We have these amazing karst canyons all over the island & on several surrounding gulf islands. Large karst networks of caves & canyons are found in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley & all through the less populated North Island. Karst sites on Quadra Island & some islands in the Discovery Islands archipelago are being researched. Haida Gwaii has big karst formations network.

I find #geological #karst formations very fascinating. I enjoy exploring them when there's an opportunity to do so. I've found ancient old growth tree crystals in some of the karst formation forests here - they're magical, magnificent & hard to find if you're not looking hard in the right areas.

Learn more about karst & their #prehistoric link in BC:

https://sierraclub.bc.ca/coral-vancouver-islands-rainforest-unprotected-underworld/

https://www.bcmag.ca/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/northwestern-vancouver-island-likely-escaped-the-ice-age

https://www.cgenarchive.org/nanaimo-rock.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/managed-resource-features/18190/new-page-18191

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome #canyon #geology #nature

#MonochromeMonday

We have these amazing karst canyons all over the island & on several surrounding gulf islands. Large karst networks of caves & canyons are found in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley & all through the less populated North Island. Karst sites on Quadra Island & some islands in the Discovery Islands archipelago are being researched. Haida Gwaii has big karst formations network.

I find #geological #karst formations very fascinating. I enjoy exploring them when there's an opportunity to do so. I've found ancient old growth tree crystals in some of the karst formation forests here - they're magical, magnificent & hard to find if you're not looking hard in the right areas.

Learn more about karst & their #prehistoric link in BC:

https://sierraclub.bc.ca/coral-vancouver-islands-rainforest-unprotected-underworld/

https://www.bcmag.ca/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/northwestern-vancouver-island-likely-escaped-the-ice-age

https://www.cgenarchive.org/nanaimo-rock.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/managed-resource-features/18190/new-page-18191

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome #canyon #geology #nature

#MonochromeMonday

We have these amazing karst canyons all over the island & on several surrounding gulf islands. Large karst networks of caves & canyons are found in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley & all through the less populated North Island. Karst sites on Quadra Island & some islands in the Discovery Islands archipelago are being researched. Haida Gwaii has big karst formations network.

I find #geological #karst formations very fascinating. I enjoy exploring them when there's an opportunity to do so. I've found ancient old growth tree crystals in some of the karst formation forests here - they're magical, magnificent & hard to find if you're not looking hard in the right areas.

Learn more about karst & their #prehistoric link in BC:

https://sierraclub.bc.ca/coral-vancouver-islands-rainforest-unprotected-underworld/

https://www.bcmag.ca/strangers-in-a-strange-land/

https://hakaimagazine.com/news/northwestern-vancouver-island-likely-escaped-the-ice-age

https://www.cgenarchive.org/nanaimo-rock.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/managed-resource-features/18190/new-page-18191

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome #canyon #geology #nature

Part of the area by one of my fave & free #backroads #wilderness #camping & recreation spots in #Ditidaht territory. The backroads in both the North & South #Cowichan areas have several fantastic recreational camping sites which are free to stay at - zero amenities so you need to be prepared to pack in what you need & pack it back out. I like the backroads spots better than fully maintained & easier to access sites. I rarely see anyone else near me when camping at backroads sites.

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome

Part of the area by one of my fave & free #backroads #wilderness #camping & recreation spots in #Ditidaht territory. The backroads in both the North & South #Cowichan areas have several fantastic recreational camping sites which are free to stay at - zero amenities so you need to be prepared to pack in what you need & pack it back out. I like the backroads spots better than fully maintained & easier to access sites. I rarely see anyone else near me when camping at backroads sites.

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome

Part of the area by one of my fave & free #backroads #wilderness #camping & recreation spots in #Ditidaht territory. The backroads in both the North & South #Cowichan areas have several fantastic recreational camping sites which are free to stay at - zero amenities so you need to be prepared to pack in what you need & pack it back out. I like the backroads spots better than fully maintained & easier to access sites. I rarely see anyone else near me when camping at backroads sites.

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome

Part of the area by one of my fave & free #backroads #wilderness #camping & recreation spots in #Ditidaht territory. The backroads in both the North & South #Cowichan areas have several fantastic recreational camping sites which are free to stay at - zero amenities so you need to be prepared to pack in what you need & pack it back out. I like the backroads spots better than fully maintained & easier to access sites. I rarely see anyone else near me when camping at backroads sites.

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome

Part of the area by one of my fave & free #backroads #wilderness #camping & recreation spots in #Ditidaht territory. The backroads in both the North & South #Cowichan areas have several fantastic recreational camping sites which are free to stay at - zero amenities so you need to be prepared to pack in what you need & pack it back out. I like the backroads spots better than fully maintained & easier to access sites. I rarely see anyone else near me when camping at backroads sites.

#MonochromeMonday #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #BWphoto #WorldInMyEyes #photography #BackroadAdventures #monochrome

#WaterfallWednesday

One of multiple #waterfalls seen from hiking some of the backroads trails off of Kennedy Main, in the #AlberniClayoquot region on #VancouverIsland.

#monochrome #wilderness #nature #hiking #DisabledHikers #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #FromMyArchive #BWphoto #ChasingWaterfalls #water #photography #textures #ecological #ecosystems #WaterIsLife #river #watershed #Westcoast #landscape #InTheWoods #waterway #BackroadAdventures

#WaterfallWednesday

One of multiple #waterfalls seen from hiking some of the backroads trails off of Kennedy Main, in the #AlberniClayoquot region on #VancouverIsland.

#monochrome #wilderness #nature #hiking #DisabledHikers #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #FromMyArchive #BWphoto #ChasingWaterfalls #water #photography #textures #ecological #ecosystems #WaterIsLife #river #watershed #Westcoast #landscape #InTheWoods #waterway #BackroadAdventures

#WaterfallWednesday

One of multiple #waterfalls seen from hiking some of the backroads trails off of Kennedy Main, in the #AlberniClayoquot region on #VancouverIsland.

#monochrome #wilderness #nature #hiking #DisabledHikers #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #FromMyArchive #BWphoto #ChasingWaterfalls #water #photography #textures #ecological #ecosystems #WaterIsLife #river #watershed #Westcoast #landscape #InTheWoods #waterway #BackroadAdventures

#WaterfallWednesday

One of multiple #waterfalls seen from hiking some of the backroads trails off of Kennedy Main, in the #AlberniClayoquot region on #VancouverIsland.

#monochrome #wilderness #nature #hiking #DisabledHikers #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #FromMyArchive #BWphoto #ChasingWaterfalls #water #photography #textures #ecological #ecosystems #WaterIsLife #river #watershed #Westcoast #landscape #InTheWoods #waterway #BackroadAdventures

#WaterfallWednesday

One of multiple #waterfalls seen from hiking some of the backroads trails off of Kennedy Main, in the #AlberniClayoquot region on #VancouverIsland.

#monochrome #wilderness #nature #hiking #DisabledHikers #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #Cascadia #PNW #FromMyArchive #BWphoto #ChasingWaterfalls #water #photography #textures #ecological #ecosystems #WaterIsLife #river #watershed #Westcoast #landscape #InTheWoods #waterway #BackroadAdventures

#MosstodonMonday

Mossy trees, in coastal temperate rainforest, by a quiet, isolated spot; beside a lovely, fish bearing creek. The air smells amazing in this natural environment 💚

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #ProtectTheWild #forest #VanIsle #Cascadia #ProtectNature #ecosystem #Ecology #photography #WorldInMyEyes #hiking #DisabledPhotographer

#MosstodonMonday

Mossy trees, in coastal temperate rainforest, by a quiet, isolated spot; beside a lovely, fish bearing creek. The air smells amazing in this natural environment 💚

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #ProtectTheWild #forest #VanIsle #Cascadia #ProtectNature #ecosystem #Ecology #photography #WorldInMyEyes #hiking #DisabledPhotographer

#MosstodonMonday

Mossy trees, in coastal temperate rainforest, by a quiet, isolated spot; beside a lovely, fish bearing creek. The air smells amazing in this natural environment 💚

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #ProtectTheWild #forest #VanIsle #Cascadia #ProtectNature #ecosystem #Ecology #photography #WorldInMyEyes #hiking #DisabledPhotographer

#MosstodonMonday

Mossy trees, in coastal temperate rainforest, by a quiet, isolated spot; beside a lovely, fish bearing creek. The air smells amazing in this natural environment 💚

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #ProtectTheWild #forest #VanIsle #Cascadia #ProtectNature #ecosystem #Ecology #photography #WorldInMyEyes #hiking #DisabledPhotographer

#MosstodonMonday

Mossy trees, in coastal temperate rainforest, by a quiet, isolated spot; beside a lovely, fish bearing creek. The air smells amazing in this natural environment 💚

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #nature #PacificNorthwest #ProtectTheWild #forest #VanIsle #Cascadia #ProtectNature #ecosystem #Ecology #photography #WorldInMyEyes #hiking #DisabledPhotographer

Where do we go from here?

Unlike the Cowichan River, the #Koksilah is an uncontrolled #river with no storage and as such, there are limited options available to manage flows. The only options available to us are to change our current practices around #LandUse and #WaterUse. Most importantly, the #KoksilahRiver is challenging all of us to work together to collaboratively identify and implement solutions that will impact us all. New collaborations and partnerships are emerging.

An informal “Koksilah #DroughtManagement team” has been formed to discuss how to collaboratively make short term in-season decisions and work with water users to navigate periods of low flow. This ad-hoc group is comprised of representatives from #FLNRORD, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Cowichan Station’s Koksilah Working Group, BC Dairy Association, BC Agriculture Council, Cowichan Watershed Board, Farmland Advantage, Water Survey of Canada, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and private forestry representatives.

In the longer term, an innovative government to government partnership has been struck between Cowichan Tribes and the FNLRORD to explore and scope the feasibility of initiating a joint #WaterSustainability Planning process, an innovative new tool under #BCWaterSustainabilityAct (2016).

For more information about the potential of Water Sustainability Plans, see Curran, D. and O.M. Brandes. 2019 Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019) by Deborah Curran and Oliver M. Brandes, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance.

https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-research-publication/water-sustainability-plans/

"As one element in the modernized provincial water regime, Water Sustainability Plans are a promising tool that can enable and enhance adaptive water management and new governance relationships that express core elements of government-to-government relationships for water and watersheds, as well as address the challenges of environmental flows, sustainable groundwater management, drought planning and protecting and enhancing watershed health."

Deborah Curran & Oliver M. Brandes
Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #WaterFlow #RiverFlows #HydrologyManagement

Where do we go from here?

Unlike the Cowichan River, the #Koksilah is an uncontrolled #river with no storage and as such, there are limited options available to manage flows. The only options available to us are to change our current practices around #LandUse and #WaterUse. Most importantly, the #KoksilahRiver is challenging all of us to work together to collaboratively identify and implement solutions that will impact us all. New collaborations and partnerships are emerging.

An informal “Koksilah #DroughtManagement team” has been formed to discuss how to collaboratively make short term in-season decisions and work with water users to navigate periods of low flow. This ad-hoc group is comprised of representatives from #FLNRORD, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Cowichan Station’s Koksilah Working Group, BC Dairy Association, BC Agriculture Council, Cowichan Watershed Board, Farmland Advantage, Water Survey of Canada, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and private forestry representatives.

In the longer term, an innovative government to government partnership has been struck between Cowichan Tribes and the FNLRORD to explore and scope the feasibility of initiating a joint #WaterSustainability Planning process, an innovative new tool under #BCWaterSustainabilityAct (2016).

For more information about the potential of Water Sustainability Plans, see Curran, D. and O.M. Brandes. 2019 Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019) by Deborah Curran and Oliver M. Brandes, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance.

https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-research-publication/water-sustainability-plans/

"As one element in the modernized provincial water regime, Water Sustainability Plans are a promising tool that can enable and enhance adaptive water management and new governance relationships that express core elements of government-to-government relationships for water and watersheds, as well as address the challenges of environmental flows, sustainable groundwater management, drought planning and protecting and enhancing watershed health."

Deborah Curran & Oliver M. Brandes
Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #WaterFlow #RiverFlows #HydrologyManagement

Where do we go from here?

Unlike the Cowichan River, the #Koksilah is an uncontrolled #river with no storage and as such, there are limited options available to manage flows. The only options available to us are to change our current practices around #LandUse and #WaterUse. Most importantly, the #KoksilahRiver is challenging all of us to work together to collaboratively identify and implement solutions that will impact us all. New collaborations and partnerships are emerging.

An informal “Koksilah #DroughtManagement team” has been formed to discuss how to collaboratively make short term in-season decisions and work with water users to navigate periods of low flow. This ad-hoc group is comprised of representatives from #FLNRORD, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Cowichan Station’s Koksilah Working Group, BC Dairy Association, BC Agriculture Council, Cowichan Watershed Board, Farmland Advantage, Water Survey of Canada, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and private forestry representatives.

In the longer term, an innovative government to government partnership has been struck between Cowichan Tribes and the FNLRORD to explore and scope the feasibility of initiating a joint #WaterSustainability Planning process, an innovative new tool under #BCWaterSustainabilityAct (2016).

For more information about the potential of Water Sustainability Plans, see Curran, D. and O.M. Brandes. 2019 Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019) by Deborah Curran and Oliver M. Brandes, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance.

https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-research-publication/water-sustainability-plans/

"As one element in the modernized provincial water regime, Water Sustainability Plans are a promising tool that can enable and enhance adaptive water management and new governance relationships that express core elements of government-to-government relationships for water and watersheds, as well as address the challenges of environmental flows, sustainable groundwater management, drought planning and protecting and enhancing watershed health."

Deborah Curran & Oliver M. Brandes
Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #WaterFlow #RiverFlows #HydrologyManagement

Where do we go from here?

Unlike the Cowichan River, the #Koksilah is an uncontrolled #river with no storage and as such, there are limited options available to manage flows. The only options available to us are to change our current practices around #LandUse and #WaterUse. Most importantly, the #KoksilahRiver is challenging all of us to work together to collaboratively identify and implement solutions that will impact us all. New collaborations and partnerships are emerging.

An informal “Koksilah #DroughtManagement team” has been formed to discuss how to collaboratively make short term in-season decisions and work with water users to navigate periods of low flow. This ad-hoc group is comprised of representatives from #FLNRORD, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Cowichan Station’s Koksilah Working Group, BC Dairy Association, BC Agriculture Council, Cowichan Watershed Board, Farmland Advantage, Water Survey of Canada, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and private forestry representatives.

In the longer term, an innovative government to government partnership has been struck between Cowichan Tribes and the FNLRORD to explore and scope the feasibility of initiating a joint #WaterSustainability Planning process, an innovative new tool under #BCWaterSustainabilityAct (2016).

For more information about the potential of Water Sustainability Plans, see Curran, D. and O.M. Brandes. 2019 Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019) by Deborah Curran and Oliver M. Brandes, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance.

https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-research-publication/water-sustainability-plans/

"As one element in the modernized provincial water regime, Water Sustainability Plans are a promising tool that can enable and enhance adaptive water management and new governance relationships that express core elements of government-to-government relationships for water and watersheds, as well as address the challenges of environmental flows, sustainable groundwater management, drought planning and protecting and enhancing watershed health."

Deborah Curran & Oliver M. Brandes
Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #WaterFlow #RiverFlows #HydrologyManagement

Where do we go from here?

Unlike the Cowichan River, the #Koksilah is an uncontrolled #river with no storage and as such, there are limited options available to manage flows. The only options available to us are to change our current practices around #LandUse and #WaterUse. Most importantly, the #KoksilahRiver is challenging all of us to work together to collaboratively identify and implement solutions that will impact us all. New collaborations and partnerships are emerging.

An informal “Koksilah #DroughtManagement team” has been formed to discuss how to collaboratively make short term in-season decisions and work with water users to navigate periods of low flow. This ad-hoc group is comprised of representatives from #FLNRORD, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Cowichan Station’s Koksilah Working Group, BC Dairy Association, BC Agriculture Council, Cowichan Watershed Board, Farmland Advantage, Water Survey of Canada, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and private forestry representatives.

In the longer term, an innovative government to government partnership has been struck between Cowichan Tribes and the FNLRORD to explore and scope the feasibility of initiating a joint #WaterSustainability Planning process, an innovative new tool under #BCWaterSustainabilityAct (2016).

For more information about the potential of Water Sustainability Plans, see Curran, D. and O.M. Brandes. 2019 Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019) by Deborah Curran and Oliver M. Brandes, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance.

https://poliswaterproject.org/polis-research-publication/water-sustainability-plans/

"As one element in the modernized provincial water regime, Water Sustainability Plans are a promising tool that can enable and enhance adaptive water management and new governance relationships that express core elements of government-to-government relationships for water and watersheds, as well as address the challenges of environmental flows, sustainable groundwater management, drought planning and protecting and enhancing watershed health."

Deborah Curran & Oliver M. Brandes
Water Sustainability Plans: Potential, Options and Essential Content (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #WaterFlow #RiverFlows #HydrologyManagement

What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

The Current Challenge.

Summer flows in the #KoksilahRiver have been exceptionally low in recent years at times when demand for water is the greatest. This threatens the survival of resident and anadromous #salmonid species and the #AquaticEcosystem.

In August 2019, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development #FLNRORD #biologists determined that the #WaterFlow levels were too low to support adequate #habitat conditions. A Ministerial Order to cease using water was issued to specific water users (both surface and groundwater licensees and unlicensed groundwater users) to protect fish populations. The Order was issued on August 16th, 2019 and repealed on September 18th, 2019 when #RiverFlows increased.

Over the last number of years, FLNRORD staff, #CowichanTribes, community members, organizations and consultants have undertaken several initiatives to better understand and encourage voluntary reductions in #WaterUse. While these initiatives have improved awareness and our collective understanding of the complex #hydrology of the system, the factors affecting the flow rates are still unclear.

There is a need to better understand the relationship between water users, watershed residents and the watershed.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan

The Current Challenge.

Summer flows in the #KoksilahRiver have been exceptionally low in recent years at times when demand for water is the greatest. This threatens the survival of resident and anadromous #salmonid species and the #AquaticEcosystem.

In August 2019, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development #FLNRORD #biologists determined that the #WaterFlow levels were too low to support adequate #habitat conditions. A Ministerial Order to cease using water was issued to specific water users (both surface and groundwater licensees and unlicensed groundwater users) to protect fish populations. The Order was issued on August 16th, 2019 and repealed on September 18th, 2019 when #RiverFlows increased.

Over the last number of years, FLNRORD staff, #CowichanTribes, community members, organizations and consultants have undertaken several initiatives to better understand and encourage voluntary reductions in #WaterUse. While these initiatives have improved awareness and our collective understanding of the complex #hydrology of the system, the factors affecting the flow rates are still unclear.

There is a need to better understand the relationship between water users, watershed residents and the watershed.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan