CURRENT COMMUNITY PROJECTS

INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

 

FRASER VALLEY WETLANDS HABITAT COMMITTEE

The B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch's recommendations for sanctuaries on
the Fraser Delta were strongly criticised last December by both hunters
and naturalists who felt that the areas recommended at Ladner Marsh at
Tsawwassen foreshore were unsuitable choices. As a result the Institute
was asked to form a committee comprising representatives of the B.C.
Wildlife Federation and the Federation of B.C. Naturalists to recommend
alternative sites. The committee has recommended the adoption of a system
of "Wildlife Management Areas," similar to those in the Pitt Valley and
at Creston, comprising ecological reserves, sanctuaries, wildlife harvest
areas, and nature parks. New Sanctuaries are recommended at Beach Grove
and Mud Bay.

BURNS BOG

The deliberations of the committee named above and of the Sandhill Crane
Revival Committee raised the question of the future status and use of
this large expanse (15,000 acres) of peat bog extending across central
Delta from Highway 499 to River Road. The committees have asked the
Institute to request from the G.V.R.D. information about the status and
use of this area in the new Lower Mainland Regional Plan.

SYMPOSIUM ON THREATENED SPECIES AND HABITATS IN B.C.
AND
THE YUKON 8th and 9th March 1980

 

The Institute is sponsoring this symposium in cooperation with the
Federation of B.C. Naturalists. It will be held in the auditorium of
the Workers' Compensation Board near Richmond campus.

PITT WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

 

The Institute Manager is chairing a committee to name the various
man-made and natural features of this area.

HAT CREEK COAL

A recent statement by the Hon. Pat McGeer about the conversion of

Hat Creek coal into petroleum suggests that the provincial government
and B.C. Hydro have rejected proposals for the use ©f£ this coal as an
anti-pollution agent for cleaning sewage and waste waters and as a
strengthening agent in concrete and asphalt. In contrast to its
remarkable properties in these roles, Hat Creek coal is inefficient
and dirty if burned to generate power. It is far less efficient than
other B.C. coals in the production of gasoline. The Institute is

undertaking a study of this problem. (see information booklet N. 27 by
Ron Tarves.) |

Faculty or students wishing to make use of any of these projects in
their studies should contact Barry Leach or Ron Tarves.

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