Greetings fellow Brooklyn Creek enthusiasts!
A lot has happened in 2023:
- We had a very successful smolt count in the Spring, reporting more than 2,700 coho smolts exiting the stream. This demonstrates the vitality and health of Brooklyn Creek as a rearing ground for small salmon, despite the urbanization of the watershed.
- We embarked on a project to collect water samples for 6 PPD-Q, a compound that leaches from tire wear on road surfaces and then makes its way to the creek via stormwater drainage. This is part of a larger project studying the issue in eastern Vancouver Island watersheds from Victoria to Campbell River.
- We are in Year 2 of a 4-year project to carry out habitat improvements of Brooklyn Creek at Birkdale Farm. Approximately 1.6 km of the creek’s 6 km passes through this property. Many of you helped in de-fishing the work site prior to construction and planting native vegetation in the riparian area afterwards.
We will hold our AGM on November 8, 2023 and everyone is welcome to attend. As a Society, we advocate for the health of Brooklyn Creek and undertake just a few activities each year, recognizing we are all volunteers. But you know the saying, many hands make light work. We are seeking individuals who would be interested in taking on some of the duties that help things run smoothly, such as organizing volunteers for an activity, help in communications, grant writing, make presentations to municipal governments or other agencies, public education and outreach. You don’t need to know a lot about salmon or habitat restoration; you only require a passion for making this small part of the world a little bit better.
If you are interested in attending the AGM or are considering becoming a Director, please send a note through the BCWS website or email me directly at . We’d love to see you there!
I have enjoyed my time as President of BCWS very much but am now stepping away from the Society. I am happy to announce John Neilson and Carl Graves will take on the duties of President, with each taking the role for a year, starting with John.
Thank you all for volunteering over the years. BCWS and the fish are most appreciative!
Sincerely,
Christine Hodgson
