CWB 2022 Annual Report – Final Draft

Reflections from our Co-Chairs

For over a decade, as the Watershed Board has sounded the alarm over the harsh impacts of some types of change, our focus has been at the watershed scale – climate change, changes to forest ecosystems, changes in water levels (whether flooding or drought), changes in fish and wildlife populations, water quality, loss of riparian habitats, etc.

This year’s challenges included an unusually dynamic human community in and around the Watershed Board’s work. Through retirements, elections, and political restructuring, there has been a lot of change. This included new leadership and staff in both Cowichan Tribes and the CVRD, new CWB co-Chairs; Provincial Ministry changes, including a new BC coChair for the Koksilah Watershed Sustainability Planning process, and a new Ministry overseeing watershed solutions. Most notably for the CWB, our fabulous Executive Director of 6 years, Tom Rutherford, stepped back into a project leadership role to enjoy a bit more time hiking the watersheds instead, and we welcomed Lisa Maria Fox as Managing Director.

While fresh faces bring new energy and perspectives that are always welcome, and an opportunity to fill a hole with just the right person, the Watershed Board also recognizes the value that established and trusted relationships contribute to maintaining momentum. 2022 was a year that demanded time to rebuild relationships, knowledge, and respect, amid the never-ending urgency to solve problems together. This takes a toll, and no one knows this better than the people who have lived here since time immemorial, watching the ebb and flow of hwunitum (settlers).

It’s against this backdrop that we send special appreciation for the people who have stayed put, and perhaps don’t get their moment in the spotlight as a result; people who have been steadily working on issues through difficult transitions, sometimes for decades, maybe a lifetime, possibly for generations, or since time immemorial.

We also offer sincere thanks for all those who have moved on for the good work you have contributed to the watershed’s journey back to health. Huy ch q’u siem and we hope you will stay in touch!

Respectfully,

Chief Lydia Hwitsum, Cowichan Tribes

Chair Aaron Stone, CVRD

Co-Chairs for the Cowichan Watershed Board