SHAWNIGAN BASIN SOCIETY

Responding to citizen concerns and directing them to the appropriate government agencies for assistance. Common land use concerns such as the water and sediment quality of Shawnigan Lake and the input and output streams remain within established guidelines and objectives limit the silt and nutrient into Shawnigan Lake as well as the input and output streams • restore foreshore function using bioremediation approaches • increase the area of ecologically critical forest and wetlands under public trust • monitor sites designated by Ministry of Environment as contaminated • protect the public’s drinking water As a strategic partner to the CVRD SBS continues to assist with working toward the creation of the – Shawnigan Creek Watershed Management Plan. Hosted community presentations by various organizations including: The Cowichan Watershed Board Native plant & Traditional medicine education Forestry Forums 1 with local NGO perspective 2022 (2 Indigenous perspectives 2024 Milfoil Coldwater Removal Field Testing & other invasive species awareness Biochar making demonstrations and walking tours of local forests including the SIA mine/contaminated site and old growth forest sites.? Partnerships with Watersheds Canada Foreshore Restoration Projects & Invasive Species Council of BC Rotary Club Of Shawnigan Lake Ecoclub & BC Lake Stewardship Society Assisted residents with soil and well water contamination concerns by contacting responsible Provincial & Local Agencies testing water soil and sediment & advocating for monitoring & bylaw improvements. Creating a long-term cold-water removal program for Eurasion Milfoil infestations As dumping of fill remains a constant concern in the South we continue to monitor turbidity and other parameters in the Ephemeral Stream at several locations and Shawnigan Creek upstream and downstream of Lot 23 as well as near the Creek’s entry into Shawnigan Lake. Collected samples and analysed water quality in Shawnigan Creek and the Lake in an effort to record and analyze long term changes in the aquifers streams and Lake. Indigenous reconciliation efforts include working with Malahat Nation to offer native plant programs & continue dialogue about watershed managent. Submitted commentaries to various levels of government regarding professional reliance mining & forestry practices soil deposits riparian area protection and climate change initiatives. Maintained a website newsletter and social media