Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards
Who We Are
The Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards (BEES) are a dedicated group of families, neighbours of the lakes, anglers, rowers, boaters and paddlers, equestrians, nature enthusiasts, runners, swimmers, walkers, dog owners and visitors. We are united with the intent to see the lakes and their environment restored to health. The BEES want Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park to be a special destination for all visitors to Vancouver Island, and a place for safe and sustainable enjoyment for those of us who call Saanich and Greater Victoria home.
We seek to join with and build on the work of the established stewards of the these waters and lands in the traditional territory of the WSÁNEĆ (Saanich) and the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Nations.
Membership
Everyone with an interest in the health of Beaver and Elk lakes and the ecological health of the park biota/ecosystem is welcome to join. Membership is free.
E-mail Jamie at beaverelkbees@gmail.com to find out more (or to become one of the of the growing number of BEES!)
The BEES understand that life is full of competing needs and members commit as much – or as little – time and energy as they can. All meetings and activities are optional. Members will be added to the BEES mailing list to receive updates on current news and future learning sessions and activities. A key BEES goal is to increase our general understanding of the issues and to be a part of the planning and outcomes/initiatives to address them.
E-mails are kept to a minimum but If you wish to join but prefer not to receive email updates, please indicate this in the subject line of your membership request.
Mission Statement
The Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards are a dedicated group of families, neighbours of the lakes, anglers, rowers, boaters and other lake surface users, equestrians, nature enthusiasts, runners, swimmers, walkers, dog owners and visitors. Founded in November, 2018, we are united with the intent to see the lakes and their environment restored to health. Elk/Beaver Lakes Park needs to be safe for our families and all users, and new support is required for indigenous plants, fish and animals within the park and watersheds.
The Beaver Elk Environmental Stewards share memories of the lakes from a gentler time when impacts posed less obvious challenges. Our vision and hope for the future is to see the water and lands returned to a healthy, sustainable state. Our mission is to build community pride in this special place, and see all levels of government and all users working together towards our shared goals. We rely on this for our own benefit and for future generations.
The BEES support learning, planning, action and achievement of goals. We are resolute in the need to work with all governments and groups to implement active and ongoing stewardship of the lakes, park and Elk/Beaver Lake and larger Colquitz watersheds.
Connections
The BEES have membership in the Colquitz Coalition and are aligned with and support other groups who are leaders in this work including:
We thank the Capital Regional District and the Municipality of Saanich for their ongoing support.
We are grateful for grant support from The Pacific Salmon Foundation
Of Interest
For notes, presentations and photos of interest please follow the links below. If you have an item you think would be great to post please let us know.
Notes on Water Quality https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LadnTRIxJIKbSG7jywAjlCwJAcJ7FwG9W-AZQyWNiVo/edit?usp=sharing
PPT "Past and Future for Elk Lake" by Dr. Rick Nordin
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6eNU9KfzCoabF9adC0yLVc3NlRWVWlSM2YxR01WdU1rVHlj
Presentation to CRD Parks and Environment Committee September 4, 2019
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Xuc6zYRrhYhtFAB93WiU3Of8w5j_lZP9
Chorus Frog in Elk Lake
Big catch
Stream blockage
Water quality learnings