LaHave River WATERS: Watershed Awareness Through Everyday Reflections & Stewardship
The LaHave River WATERS project is Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation’s (BCAF) first project within the LaHave River watershed. BCAF is excited about our recent expansion into the LaHave River watershed and look forward to learning more about this community.
The purpose of the LaHave River WATERS project is to develop a community stewardship strategy for the LaHave River watershed with the support and input of all its citizens and all stakeholders. Project staff and volunteers will gather information about common watershed activities, reinforce the importance of our lifestyle choices as members of the LaHave River watershed community, set priorities for restoration efforts, and direct future conservation efforts. BCAF will strive to bring community groups together to share ideas and expertise to implement future restoration, enhancement, and stewardship/educational projects within the watershed. Items to be addressed will include habitat suitability, public/private access, erosion/sedimentation problems, and would identify impediments to the sport fishery within the watershed.
Aquatic invertebrate biomonitoring, the collection and identification of aquatic bugs and their larvae, is being used as a method of determining water quality. BCAF is only one of a number of community groups who are involved in the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) Program.
Also, in conjunction with this project, BCAF will utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to generate maps of the watershed and specific areas within. Opportunities are available for individuals and community groups interested in utilizing our GIS technologies. As BCAF becomes more familiar with this new software, copies of BCAF produced maps will be displayed on our map page.
BCAF is interested in what the community thinks. Over the coming year, watch for BCAF displays and community meetings. If you or your community group, class, friends or family are interested in learning more about the project, please contact us. Volunteers of all ages are welcome (Note: Anyone under the age of 16 wishing to volunteer will need to be accompanied by an adult).
This project is supported by a steering committee of community volunteers, representatives from community groups, and representatives from local and provincial government departments.
LaHave Newsletter pdfs
Fall 2002
Fall 2003
Winter 2004
Sustainable Communities Initiative
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) had recently completed the Sustainable Communities Initiative Program (SCI). This program allowed NRCan to make Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resources available to Canadians in rural communities who would not otherwise have an opportunity to access these technologies.
BCAF was privileged to be accepted into the program for its final year. Over 2003-2004, BCAF carried out a pilot project which saw the training of office staff and some community members in the use of Map Info, a desktop mapping software package. The SCI funding program allowed BCAF to create within the office a GIS technology station.
The opportunity to host an SCI project, and act as a community resource, has been a valuable experience for BCAF, in terms of illustrating the results of projects, explaining new projects, and most importantly, continually building stronger relationships within the community. BCAF is committed to continuing to train and assist interested community groups and individuals to use the MapInfo software for as long as possible. It is hoped that new funding opportunities in the future will enable BCAF to maintain and improve the project and technology for continued use by the community.
Following are maps and projects funded by the Sustainable Communities Initiative:
• BCAF Watershed
• LaHave River Watershed
• LRSA Liming Area
• Mushamush River Watershed
• South Shore Pump-out Locations...
Emissions Clinics
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Above, a participant at the 2004 Vehicle Emissions Clinic is having the results of the emissions test explained by an Environment Canada technician.
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Every summer, Environment Canada’s Let’s Drive Green Emissions Clinics have worked their way across Canada, giving Canadians insight into the impact of vehicles upon the environment. Summer 2004 will mark the Clinic’s fourth time stopping in Bridgewater to hold a BCAF sponsored clinic.
The Clinic is free and no fines are issued. Participants are provided with information packages and the following tests are completed on the vehicles:
• Actual emissions tests
• Seal on gas cap
• Tire pressure
For further information visit Environment Canada’s Let’s Drive Green Emissions Clinics...
Last Modified: Thu, Jun 21, 2007
