Water holds a prominent place in culture, science, policy, community values and recreational pursuits. Yet, it remains undervalued in comparison to the role that it plays in society and in the cycle of life in the Cowichan Valley, British Columbia. To explore the importance of water in the Xwulqw’selu Sto’lo (Koksilah River), an Environmental Flow […]
Twinned Watershed Project: FULL REPORT – Xwulqw’selu/Koksilah River Environmental Flow Assessment
Over the past number of years water has been elevated to the centre of planning, resource management, and policy discussions. First Nations often refer to water as the life–giving force, as sacred, and as essential for all life. Similarly, western science has described water as the ‘master variable’ in both the distribution and abundance of […]
Twinned Watersheds Project: Riparian Vegetation Assessment in the Chemainus and Koksilah Watersheds
The Twinned Watersheds Project of the Chemainus River and Koksilah River in the Cowichan Region of southern Vancouver Island assessed salmonid habitat, water flow regimes, and riparian habitat within the lower reaches of the main rivers. The fish habitat information is presented in a separate report. This part of the Twinned Watersheds Project focused on […]
Cowichan River: A Summary of Historical Disturbances, Water Use Pressures and Streamflow Trends
Pike et al_2017-05_CowichanRiver_Disturbances_PressuresTrend By Robin Pike, Emilia Young, Jonathan Goetz, and Dave Spittlehouse Water Science Series. WSS2017‐05. Prov. B.C., Victoria BC ISBN: 978‐0‐7726‐7178 The Water Science Series are scientific technical reports relating to the understanding and management of B.C.’s water resources. The series communicates scientific knowledge gained through water science programs across B.C. government, as […]
CWB 2020 Annual Report – Final Draft
Message from the Co-Chairs “Watershed moments” are critical turning points that define the future; times when something new and irreversible is begun. Think of a raindrop rolling down to the ocean: Raindrops rarely go back upslope. Similarly watershed moments signify progress that can’t be undone. 2020 was the Cowichan Watershed Board’s tenth year and a […]