Conservation Action Plan

for the Thompson Watershed

Introduction

The Thompson Watershed is an area of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, vital agricultural practices, and rich cultural heritage. This biologically unique area hosts species and ecosystems found nowhere else in Canada, and in some instances, the world. Unfortunately, many of its wildlife habitats and natural spaces face imminent threats due to urban development, industrial activities, and other human impacts on land and water. Habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, climate change, pollution, and resource competition collectively contribute to the decline of biodiversity within the watershed.

In response to these challenges, the Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for the Thompson Watershed has been developed. This collaborative effort engaged numerous stakeholders, including government agencies, organizations, Indigenous communities, and stewardship groups. The CAP serves as a strategic roadmap, guiding targeted conservation initiatives to ensure the sustainable stewardship of natural resources and biodiversity. By envisioning the future ecological health of the region, the CAP outlines actionable steps to protect and enhance its natural values over the long term. Importantly, it transcends jurisdictional boundaries, considering entire ecosystems, watersheds, and all land tenures.
The CAP was developed through a collaborative process with government agencies, environmental groups, Indigenous communities, and local stewards actively participating in workshops and dialogues, sharing their knowledge and perspectives. Indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives played a central role in shaping the CAP. Experts in ecology, biology, and research contributed by mapping habitats, assessing species distribution, and identifying critical areas. 


The CAP planning area is defined in general by the boundary of the Thompson Watershed (coloured sub-watersheds in MAP graphic). The Shuswap sub-watershed (administered by the Regional District of North Okanagan) was excluded, as was the Nicola sub-watershed, which is being addressed by the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership.  
Together, the participants in the CAP development identified nine strategies and prioritized conservation actions needed to address the threats to key conservation values, focused on species at risk, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use planning.  
 
The infographic below summarizes the CAP and is followed by details of the actions identified for each strategy. The full CAP document can be downloaded here.

VALUES

to protect

Grasslands

Forests

Rock Features

Aquatic

Cultural

THREATS

to value

Unsustainable agricultural practices

Alterations to hydrology

Transportation and service corridors

Impacts of natural resource extraction

Urban and rural development and recreation

Invasive species, pests and pathogens

Altered fire regimes

Climate change and severe weather

STRATEGIES

to address threats

Reduce the impacts of unsustainable agricultural practices

Maintain and restore ecological connectivity

Reduce the impacts of urban and rural development

Reduce the impacts of natural resource extraction

Manage and use fire for ecological health and resilience

Reduce the impacts of invasive species, pests and pathogens

Address threats to water-dependent values


Overarching approaches we encourage conservation and stewardship planners and practitioners to adopt:


Establish partnerships to address knowledge gaps

Strengthen Indigenous land reconciliation

TAKING ACTIONS

to address strategies

GET INVOLVED

Use the CAP to guide your conservation projects by exploring the strategies and actions

Explore Current Initiatives

Find opportunities to collaborate on conservation projects.

Support TNCC Working Groups

Working Groups are the driving force behind the CAP, collaborating to select and implement key actions.



Our funders

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VALUES

THREATS

STRATEGIES

Values

Grasslands

The diverse grasslands of the Thompson-Nicola are home to many species at risk and play a vital role in the watershed's biodiversity. ...

Forest

The Dry Coniferous Woodland conservation value is a significant ecological region, encompassing the Interior Douglas-Fir and Ponderosa Pine BEC zones. ...

Aquatic

Aquatic ecosystems, including riparian areas, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and streams, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological health. ...

Rock Features

Rock features are characterized by sparse soil and exposed rock, supporting unique plant communities and providing niches for specialized wildlife. ...

Cultural

...

Threats

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Alterations to Natural Hydrology

A variety of disturbances have altered the Thompson Watershed's hydrology, profoundly impacting ecosystems and the species that depend on them....
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Unsustainable Agricultural Practices

This threat was identified as having the potential to have High and Very High impact on the following conservation values: ...

Strategies

Address Threats to Water-dependent Values

This threat was identified as having the potential to have High and Very High impact on the following conservation values:

ACTIONS

Knowledge Gaps & Data

Education & Outreach

Stewardship

Policy & Planning


CURRENT INITATIVES


Reduce the Impacts of Unsustainable Agricultural Practices

This threat was identified as having the potential to have High and Very High impact on the following conservation values:

ACTIONS

Knowledge Gaps & Data

Education & Outreach

Stewardship

Policy & Planning


CURRENT INITATIVES


Get Involved

Conservation partners work together to plan for and tackle critical ecological issues throughout the Thompson Watershed — from threats to species at risk, water quantity, air quality, to urban sprawl. Please join us in helping to protect the local environment, and our health.

If you would like to participate in our programs, contact us today

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