Final Report: Stewardship Practices Project
The Stewardship Centre for BC has released a valuable report today: “Implementing Stewardship Practices that Benefit Species at Risk: Perspectives from the Land.”
Click here to view the summary report
This paper is based on four years of collaborative research with
land managers engaged in stewardship (2014-2017). It summarizes participants’ perceived motivations, challenges, and outcomes when participating in stewardship activities then recommends priorities to advance mutual goals.
By employing stewardship practices, such as riparian habitat protection or enhancement, land-managers across B.C. can play a critical role in protecting species at risk.
The report provides direction for the Stewardship Practices for Species at Risk Project and guides the Stewardship Centre for BC’s use of its stewardship practices model.
Some of our findings
In all cases, land managers noted an increase in biodiversity because of stewardship activities and species at risk were seen using restored habitat. Species at risk were reported on 55% of properties, with a total of 76 species observed. Stewardship actions common among participants included protecting riparian areas, managing invasive species, and using sensitive methods in and around waterways.
Some obstacles to land managers’ stewardship practices included:
- invasive species,
- limited resources,
- relationships with partners, and
- maintenance.
Read more in the final report.
Despite challenges, participants identified seven common social and ecological outcomes from their stewardship activities, including enhanced biodiversity, financial benefits, and increased enjoyment of nature.
Recommendations
The stewardship practices model employed by
the Stewardship Centre for BC could help increase adoption of stewardship practices by land managers.
Our report makes three main suggestions to advance the practice of stewardship benefitting species at risk in British Columbia:
- Create resource tool and further resources for land-managers;
- Complete more ‘intensive’ outreach and collaboration; and
- Expand collaborative partnerships.
Downloads:
2018 Final Report [PDF, 1.14 MB] and Executive Summary [PDF, 754 KB]
Background
The Stewardship Centre for BC (SCBC) was created to assist governments, businesses, conservation and environmental organizations, and citizens carry out stewardship activities in the most efficient, effective, and rewarding ways. A leader in promoting stewardship values as the foundation for sustainability, the SCBC wants to help make “shared stewardship” – the voluntary adoption of environmentally sustainable practices by all sectors of
society – a reality in British Columbia.
We are committed to champion science‐based best stewardship so that British Columbians understand, enjoy, and sustain healthy ecosystems through stewardship. As good stewardship relies on good decision‐ making, we work closely with our partners to develop innovative technical, educational, and capacity building resources.
Project partner: Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES) – University of British Columbia
Funding and in-kind support was provided for the Stewardship Practices for Species at Risk project by the Habitat Stewardship Program (Environment and Climate Change Canada), UBC BRITE program, and Canada Summer Jobs.
Learn more about Stewardship Practices for Species at Risk on our program page.
