The Beaufort Watershed Stewards work to promote the health and resilience of local watersheds in the Beaufort Range and to ensure the quality and quantity of fresh water for the future.
Our Values
Watershed ecological integrity
Evidence-based decision making
Scientific rigour
Open collaboration
We respectfully acknowledge that the watersheds we depend on are on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks, Pentlatch and Qualicum First Nations, the traditional keepers of this land.
BWS Interactive Web Maps
Searchable maps of the aquifers on the eastern slopes of the Beaufort Mountain Range. This work is the result of Beaufort Watershed Stewards’ collaboration with the University of Victoria and Vancouver Island University
info@beaufortwater.org
PO Box 253, Union Bay, BC V0R 3B0
Facebook: Beaufort Watershed Stewards
Instagram: beaufortwater
Video: A Watershed Moment
by Jori Grace Prokopetz, 2024 CVAG Youth Media Project
Rubber boots, a signature yellow vest, two cases of gadgets and a common desire to understand the dynamics of our local freshwater resources links these six volunteers of the Bowser Pod, members of the Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS). Doesn’t everyone love a celebration? As of April, this team marked their …
BWS has a doctor on our board of directors. We also have a nurse. And she is the same person. Lynne Ray holds a Doctorate in Nursing degree from the University of Washington. If you know Lynne, this may not come as a shock. She is astute and radiates competence. …
At our April meeting we had the treat of listening to Mark Lake’s enthusiastic update on the BWS aquifer mapping project. Since 2021 Mark has been working with faculty and students from the University of Victoria and local BWS volunteers to start mapping aquifers along the eastern Beaufort Watersheds. The …
Beaufort Watershed Steward (BWS) co-hosted a recent course with Michelle Jones of the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation, with the goal of establishing a benthic invertebrate monitoring program in our watersheds. Yes, we’re adding a 7th monitoring program! Like me, your first question might be “What are benthic invertebrates?” They are organisms, …
We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting our Earth Day Forest Walk again this year. Verna Mumby, local Consulting Arborist, will be guiding attendees through the wonderful forest paths along Thames Creek in Bowser. Verna’s knowledge of the forest ecosystem is fascinating to listen to, and makes …
This winter I’ve gotten into the morbid habit of checking the outside temperature every morning. I seem to have lost my tolerance for cold. Even the difference between zero and two degrees feels significant. I look forward to the double digits of spring and the balmy days of summer. Salmon, …
Julie Gordon published an article in The Narwhal on February 18, 2025 that provides an excellent background to how and why such extensive logging continues along both sides of the Beaufort Range. B.C.’s private forests aren’t subject to the same logging regulations as those on public land — putting old …
It was First Aid recertification time for BWS volunteers. As part of our safety protocol we arrange first aid courses for those volunteers who go out in the bush for stream side monitoring. Many thanks to Alpine First Aid for an excellent course!
Each year our Annual General Meeting is a chance to sit back and take in how much we have accomplished in a year. We know we always feel busy, but it is truly amazing each year to see how far our organization has come in just seven years! To provide …
Once again Santa and her Elf delighted everyone at the BWS Christmas Party with tales and a celebration of the work done by various volunteers. It is a hallmark of an amazing organization when the volunteers have this much fun together and still accomplish very impressive work! Manfred Winter & …
