The Slocan River Streamkeepers is a non-profit society, founded in 2003, that became a fully incorporated Society, under the Society Act of British Columbia, in May 2005. (Our Society’s Incorporation Number is S0048934) The Streamkeepers work towards protection and restoration of streams, streambeds and riparian zones fostering stream dependent biodiversity (with initial emphasis on the Slocan and Little Slocan Rivers).
Our goals are to improve public knowledge on aquatic ecosystems, to improve stewardship of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, and to identify potential ecologically sound, effective restoration projects.
Our Mission
To protect and restore the aquatic and riparian ecosystems of the Slocan River.
Our Purpose
Through Education & Outreach, Restoration & Enhancement, Monitoring & Research, we collaborate with the community and local stakeholders to promote and steward the Slocan River Valley.
What We Do
The Slocan River Streamkeepers and local high school students collect data and information that gives us important information about local creeks and the Slocan River. Streamkeepers give presentations, do field trips, explore and learn about aquatic life with elementary students. Streamkeepers partner with other watershed groups in the Kootenays to do basin-wide monitoring. On the ground, we work locally, planting trees, building fences, restoring river habitat, and completing scientific assessments of the river and riparian areas.
Current Projects
Our current projects include:
- Riparian, in-stream and wetland restoration
- Water quality and quantity monitoring
- Elementary and high school education programs
- Outreach & info at local festivals and events
- Annual fish counts
- Fish habitat assessments and mapping
- Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) mapping
- SWAMP – Slocan Wetlands Assessment and Monitoring Project
DATES to Keep in Mind…
Customarily, we hold our AGM in April. Our first annual public participation/presentation, in recent years, has been the Winlaw Water Day, the first Saturday of May. This is a ‘gala’ affair with music of all kinds and includes a festive walk to the Slocan River not far away. Slocan River Streamkeepers get involved in local activities through various festivals and events that come along, many in the summer.
In the beginning of July, we have our River Paddle day, and for the last several years in mid July we’ve had a booth at the Unity Fest, in Slocan city. The Toad Fest comes next and is something to support and celebrate, up at Summit Lake. Depending on climate fluctuations, and the side effects of logging, the toadlets migrate up into the forest toward the end of July and into August. One weekend during this time is selected for the public to help them safely cross the highway.
Events are always written up and/or advertised in our local paper, The Valley Voice.
Slocan River Streamkeepers 