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Abstract: Integrated watershed planning and management is gaining increased recognition in expanded circles of professional practice due to growing concerns about water quality and supply risks from cumulative development and climate -change impacts on downstream communities. Only limited progress, however, has yet been made in fostering effective source water protection for affected northern rural, First Nation and resource communities in Canada. Progressive regional planning requires greater understanding and integration of underlying hydro-ecological features and functions. A multi-barrier approach for water source protection combined with ecosystem-based land-use planning linked to First Nation resource use rights is essential for guiding effective decision-making that creates a foundation for sustainable watershed and land-use management. In this article, the author contrasts experiences in two 5th order sub-basins situated at opposite ends of the Mackenzie River Basin and within very different jurisdictional contexts and development regimes: (i) the Upper Kiskatinaw River watershed, in north-east B.C. with a long history of integrated watershed planning for water source protection, cumulative development impact mitigation and minimizing further infringement on aboriginal resource-use rights within the context of a generally-defined historical Treaty (Treaty 8, 1899). This region is contrasted with (ii) the Peel River watershed, a globally-unique ecoregion and hydroscape in the northern Yukon, with a minimal development footprint but possessing both high conservation values and consumptive resource potential. Lessons learned and recommendations are shared for improving the practice of land-use and watershed planning and management based upon the author’s experience working in these two distinct regions.
Reginald C. Whiten, P.Ag RPP MCIP
Consulting Agrologist & Planner
InterraPlan Inc. Moberly Lake, British Columbia Canada [email protected]
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