There is a new threat to B.C. rivers from an unexpected source – forest fires.
Wildfires have razed huge sections of the province – almost 23,000 square kilometres this summer alone, with the past seven forest fire seasons being among the worst on record.
B.C. government technical reports note that erosion, slides, flooding and sedimentation increase after severe wildfires. These fires also leave water-repellant soil in their wake, leading to fast-moving runoff, erosion, and even landslides.
That’s bad news for the province’s rivers and fish.
As Rivers Day approaches this Sunday, Sept. 24, it’s timely to consider this new peril for our already stressed rivers, and the declining salmon, and other aquatic life that they support.
Add intense wildfires to the many existing threats to our rivers: urban encroachment, diking systems, industrial logging, pollution, water extraction, invasive species, and climate change.
If the provincial government is to protect our rivers, they must change forest practices.
The BC Wildlife federation calls for restrictions on salvage logging after major fires, a new program of controlled burns to reduce fuel loads, replanting the riparian areas beside fish-bearing streams, and increased funding for watershed management.
The good news for our waterways is that British Columbians’ love for their rivers runs deep. We support and expect governments action to protect the natural environment, including rivers.
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The Alouette River Management Society is hosting its 30th annual Ridge Rivers Day celebration on Sept. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at ALLCO Park. Last year’s event saw almost 500 attend, to enjoy live music, carnival games, animal guests and environmental displays.
It’s a day that will help connect people to these aquatic environments, and for many it will introduce them to local conservation groups and people who work to protect our local rivers and their tributaries.
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