Concrete Solutions

Some new and old technology can assist you in your riparian management goals. The following are some common improvements used in the Thompson Watershed.

The Mission StatementWe put environment first.

What? The TNCC was started in March 2020 to explore options for greater support for, and collaboration among, groups doing conservation work in the Thompson-Nicola (T-N) region, including the possibility of a regional conservation partnership, similar to others in BC.

Who? It was initiated by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), with start-up funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS). In April 2021, the TNCC will be launched as a member-driven collaborative organization, independent of government.  

 

Why? ECCC has identified 11 Priority Places for biodiversity conservation in Canada, including the BC Dry Interior. The T-N region comprises 45% of the Dry Interior and contains provincially, nationally and globally significant biodiversity values, including many species and ecosystems at risk. For example, the grassland ecosystem covers only 1% of the province but has over 30% of the species at risk.

 

When? In Phase 1, March 2020 to March 2021, consultants conducted background research, directed by an ad hoc Working Group, including 80 interviews with over 60 organizations. Results from the interviews show overwhelming support for the idea of a conservation partnership!

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Gravity-fed Water Trough

Long before electricity, there was gravity. Gravity-fed water troughs can work in the right conditions as long as you have an uphill water source, good piping and a float valve. Once this system is properly set up it never needs to be refilled and never freezes.

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Solar-Powered Water Pump

This uses a regular pump with an electric motor to pump water from one location to another. Electricity is generated on-site through a solar panel. Variations of this can include a battery to store power when the sun is not powerful enough to power the pump.

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Nose Pumps

Livestock pump their own drinking water with a mechanical piston pump from a shallow well. This device can be used year round as it does not freeze (as long as the lines are buried).

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Geogrid/Geosynthetics

These are polymer synthetic materials or grids that can be used in conjunction with gravel to stabilise the ground around a wetland or pond and prevent muddy conditions. In addition to the improved health of the pond this will prevent cattle from getting stuck and perishing in the mud, an unfortunately common problem on the range.

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Nose-Ins

This is a corridor fence along a stream that has the fence notched in a v formation to allow cattle to access water without entering it.

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Electric Fencing

Electric fencing can provide temporary, transportable electric fencing to exclude cattle from small areas. New technology such as the Range Ward electric fencing unit makes setting up and powering the electric fence unit more convenient than it has been in the past.

Looking for More Information?

Learn more at AgriService BC or contact your local Environmental Farm Plan Advisor, and visit Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program.