Character and Values of the "Land"

Anyone who has spent time in the wild knows that each watershed is subtly different from one another.  Within a watershed there is a range of different habitats, geological features and human uses.  Each of these raises different questions about how land and/or planning will apply to a watershed. 

The following is a list of different uses, and ecological or geographical features, which government regulates differently.  By clicking on those present in the watershed you are concerned with, you can begin to develop an understanding of what laws and plans may apply to your watershed. 

(a)          Agricultural Land and Soil Conservation – British Columbia contains a lot of rocky soil and steep slopes, so good farmland or potential farmland is worth holding on to.

(b)         Biological Diversity – The range of organisms living in an area, and the variety within a single species, are different aspects of biological diversity. 

(c)         Fish Habitat Values – Fish, particularly the salmon, are valued by British Columbians.  What options are there to protect fish habitat?

(d)         Forested Land and Old Growth – Forests, and especially old growth, provides wildlife habitat, terrain stability and clean water. 

(e)         Littoral (Sea Shore) Areas – Land immediately adjacent to Ocean, including foreshore, are known as litorial areas.

(f)          Location of Land – There are a handful of laws that apply to particular areas of the province.  If a watershed falls into one of these special areas it may be treated differently. 

(g)         Navigation & Navigable Waters – The public right to use a boat in a river has long been viewed as a public right in Canada.

(h)         Oceans – Although perhaps not technically in a watershed, the oceans are where the streams and rivers of a watershed end up. 

(i)           Riparian Areas – The area immediately adjacent to a river, lake or other water body, are known as riparian areas. 

(j)           Rivers, Streams, Lakes – The public has an interest in protecting flowing bodies of water.

(k)         Rural Land – Land outside the cities and towns of British Columbia has its own special flavour.

(l)           Slopes and Unstable Terrain – Steep or unstable terrain can pose a threat to humans, property and the environment.

(m)       Tourist Potential – A beautiful vista, challenging hike or perfect swimming hole can all bring visitors to British Columbia.

(n)         Urban Land – Land in a city or village is often subject to more laws and planning than less populated areas.

(o)         Visuals & Aesthetics – People often value the beauty of the Province.

(p)         Water Quality – Clean water is essential both for human consumption and for environmental protection.

(q)         Wetlands – Swamps, bogs and other water-logged land may not be a river or lake during most of the year, but may nonetheless be invaluable ecosystems in their own right. 

(r)          Wildlife – Wild animals, including endangered species, are part of the natural heritage of British Columbia.