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ARMS is currently planning the Alouette River Pesticide Community Awareness Project which will run from May 2007 until June 2008.
Along the North and South Alouette River lies rich agricultural land which has seen an increase in berry production over recent years. The increase in agricultural activities and pesticide discharge near or along the Alouette River has sparked public concern.
The project will have two phases, sediment testing and community education/awareness. Phase one involves obtaining sediment samples along the South Alouette River and its largest tributary, the North Alouette River. These tests will give ARMS a baseline indication of the health of the river, and also determine what type of effect local agriculture practices are having within the Alouette watershed.
In phase two ARMS will use the results from phase one to increase public awareness, educate local students, and conduct further sediment analysis (if required).
- Community Awareness: ARMS will construct a kiosk for the Rivers Heritage Center informing the public about sustainable farming and pesticide use. We will also use media and our website as an additional information tool for the public.
- Education component: ARMS will develop a program for local high school students. The goal is to teach students about sustainable farming, pesticides use, and restoring river habitat - with a hands on approach.
- The last component consists of additional sediment analysis. If tests are inconclusive or need further investigation we will collect more sediment samples in specific areas.
The Alouette Watershed is important to the wellbeing of both communities, and is home to six types of pacific salmon, cutthroat trout and other fish species as well as birds and wildlife. These tests are crucial for the community and ARMS to preserve and maintain the health of the Alouette Watershed.
We would like to thank the following people for their support:
Pacific Salmon Foundation $5875.00
Westminster Savings $2500.00
Shell Environmental Fund $2500.00
District of Maple Ridge, City of Pitt Meadows, and Ministry of Environment for in kind support
View Alouette River Pesticide Community Awareness Projec Update
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