Extension Series: Riparian Stewardship Through Agroforestry

Photo courtesy of D. Trotter, BC Ministry of Agriculture

The Farm Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP), with funding from the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AIDI), will be delivering a series of agroforestry education and outreach sessions in British Columbia throughout 2013.  These sessions will provide information and build awareness about agroforestry beneficial management practices (BMPs) within the agricultural community, and will deliver details on how agroforestry practices can contribute to responsible riparian stewardship.

FRISP, a partnership led by the BC Cattlemen's Association, is designed to help the agricultural sector to protect and enhance water quality, to protect and enhance riparian vegetation, and prevent and mitigate agricultural impacts on streams, rivers and lakes.  This is accomplished by:

• Increasing understanding and cooperation between the provincial and federal agencies responsible for resource management in BC and the agricultural community regarding farmland development and use;
• Promoting the joint planning of habitat restoration and farmland activities between landowners, resource management agencies and community groups;
• Increasing awareness of interactions between land use and habitat values; and,
• Resolving conflicts that may arise between resource agencies and landowners.

Working directly with the landowners to supply technical services or workable advice has enabled FRISP to provide the reasoning behind the regulations, which brings about understanding, cooperation and stewardship through action.

Proper land stewardship requires that landowners understand riparian functions and the negative impact that riparian mis-management can have on agricultural operations, fisheries, and watershed health.  These information sessions will provide attendees with access to agroforestry-related BMP information and resources to understand their full range of management options, and with that information, help plan and implement sustainable agricultural production integrated with riparian stewardship and watershed values.

Details on specific events in this extension series will be announced through the AIDI website (www.agroforestry.info) and social media, and will be included in the Agroforestry BC Event Calendar listings (www.agroforestry.info/p/events.html).

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Funding for this work has been provided through the BC Agroforestry Industry Development Initiative (AGF1304)