Local & Provincial Items (April)
Local
Farmers’ Markets:
Vernon: Mon/Thursday, 8 – 1, Starting April 16, outdoors, Kal Tire Place. Come for a nibble, fresh greens, plants, crafts and more!
Armstrong: Sat., 10 – 1 pm, Odd Fellows Hall (indoors).Lumby: Mon – Sat., 9– 1 pm, 1811 Glencaird St. www.monasheecommunitycoop.ca
Polson Park Revitalization: April 9, 4 – 6 pm Vernon Museum complete survey online Ask questions! Share ideas! Visit letstalkvernon.ca/polson for more information.
Why Okanagan Wetlands Matter More Than Ever. They support wildlife habitat and remain one of the region’s most important natural defences against climate impacts, helping reduce flood and drought risk. Much wetland has already been lost. Protecting what remains is increasingly important as climate extremes intensify. Full story here.
Drought Stakeholder Working Group (DSWG): I have attended for SENS and the public since our first drought scare in 2010 and will continue. Greater Vernon Water wishes to invite others/experts who should be added to the meeting list. Is that YOU? Contact Amanda: amanda.summerfelt@rdno.ca for the Terms of Reference.
Biochar Demonstration: April 25, 10 – 4 pm. 4122 East Vernon Road It’s a beneficial garden/farm/forestry product with minimal carbon emissions and is created with minimal O2 use, from wood waste.
Provincial
B.C. Climate Policy Cuts Threaten Progress. A recent report shows B.C.’s emissions dropped modestly, but experts warn that several climate policies helping drive that progress have now been weakened or cut. Environmental advocates say rolling back supports for cleaner transportation and climate action could make it harder for the province to meet its emissions targets in the years ahead. For the full story, go here.
BC Caribou: Several non-profits are suing the federal government for failing to protect critically endangered southern mountain caribou. Without an endangered species law, federal and BC governments still approve clearcut logging off the habitats needed for caribou to survive. More information here.
NATIONAL
Canada Funds Climate Adaptation in Communities Across the Country. The federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities announced about $7.1 million for 80 climate adaptation projects across Canada. The funding will help communities strengthen resilience to floods, storms, heat, erosion, and other climate-related risks through planning and local infrastructure action. For more information from the Canada website, go here.
New Federal Funding for Species at Risk. Canada also announced more than $5.2 million for 31 habitat stewardship projects to help protect and recover species at risk. Projects include habitat restoration, wetland protection, invasive species removal, and community-led conservation work across the country. Including a program to restore important habitat in Chilliwack, B.C. For more information from the Canada website, go here.