A Streamkeeper is someone who has taken an active interest in preserving and enhancing their local waterways. Streamkeepers are people from all walks of life: professionals, retirees, students, anyone who has an interest in the environment. They are willing to learn more about their streams, and partner with other groups that have a similar focus, as well as all levels of government.
The Streamkeepers Program has been developed in response to the concerns of the many volunteers working on stream enhancement projects. In spite of volunteer efforts and government regulations, development pressures from our expanding population continue to threaten our aquatic habitats. Everyone, from residents to land developers, foresters to farmers, needs to become aware of how important good watershed practices are to the long-term protection of our natural environment.
Some objectives of Streamkeepers are as follows:
- To provide an information exchange for Streamkeeper and enhancement groups;
- Help co-ordinate Streamkeeper and enhancement efforts,
- Lend a larger voice to Streamkeeper and enhancement issues,
- Facilitate training for Streamkeeper and enhancement groups;
- Help like-minded groups get started,
- Provide support for existing Streamkeeper and enhancement groups;
- Foster co-operation amongst watershed stakeholders,
- Promote local management of aquatic resources
The Streamkeepers Handbook and Modules, A Practical Guide to Stream and Wetland Care was developed by the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province of British Columbia. The Handbook is a comprehensive training and method guide for volunteers to evaluate and monitor stream conditions. The Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society (SWSS) uses many of the methodologies indicated in the Handbook and also partners with industry professionals for their practical and technical expertise. The Streamkeepers Handbook can be ordered or downloaded from the Pacific Streamkeepers Federation web site.