Waterloo Creek Watershed
We live in a world where change appears to be presenting itself at every turn in our daily lives. We are fortunate to be able to delve into the forests that surround our communities to connect with nature and realize the benefits that our natural environment brings to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Sometimes we take it for granted that the places we visit and value in the woods will stay the same. Another strategy would be to keep informed about proposed changes coming our way. Then actively participate in a collaborative process that address potential changes to the landscapes of our ‘backyards’.
As a local environmental stewardship group, Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS) practice bringing community awareness to initiatives which invite the public to comment and question future changes that will impact our watersheds.
We’d like to bring to your attention the recent posting by the K’omoks First Nation Forestry LP of their Replacement Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) and their invitation to review and comment on their proposal before February 20, 2026.
Link to: Map of Rosewall Forest Stewardship Plan, September 2025
Here’s a chance to think about how and where you have a common interest, use and access in the area that is covered by this FSP. For example:
- Recreational activities: birding, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, motorized sports; trails and maintenance
- Wild food foraging; commercial harvest of non-timber products
- Hunting, fishing
- Cultural use (Indigenous and non-Indigenous)
- Education, research and conservation programs
The work of the Beaufort Watershed Stewards is to promote the health and resilience of local watersheds in the Beaufort Range and to ensure the quality and quantity of freshwater for the future. It is through this lens that we would review this FSP and consider submitting our comments.
What happens to your comments after the closing comment period? We asked this question of Ione Brown RPF, Hecate Integrated Resources Ltd.
“When the comments come in, we go through and incorporate what we can based on the legal requirements of a FSP and if there are any conflicts. The FSP has strict requirements and the purpose is to meet government objectives through writing results and strategies. We can modify the results and strategies to a certain extent but cannot make any changes to legislation.
All comments and feedback through the engagement period gets packaged up and sent in with a revised FSP, including comments received from the reviewing Forester at the District, for approval.
Usually this stage takes months and with this particular FSP we are hoping to have this approved by early August 2026.
There is always an avenue for feedback and comments to the FSP holder (in this case K’omoks First Nation Forestry LP) or the FSP Preparer (me) after the FSP is approved, or before. Concerns are noted and may be incorporated into a future amendment or replacement of the existing FSP.”
Collective and collaborative stewardship promotes resilient ecosystems — it takes practice.
For more information about our programs, please visit the Beaufort Watershed Stewards website: www.beaufortwater.org