Community Stewardship

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A Guide to Establishing Your Own Group

Community Stewardship is intended to be a practical guide to assist individuals, groups and communities get organized to do stewardship work. The guide was produced in response to many suggestions from “those that have already done it” and have advice to offer and request from “those that want to do it” and need help. Most of you will not have direct access to so-called experts that can help you get started and stay working on stewardship initiatives. This guide is intended to do just that, and is part of the “Stewardship Series” referenced in the bibliography.

Many have contributed to this practical guide and deserve special mention. The guide has been co-produced by the Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Fraser Basin Management Program and Forest Renewal BC’s Watershed Restoration Program. Dovetail Consultants were the principle authors drawing upon information from the reference list and the practical experience of those that have not created their own stewardship groups. While all of the contributors are not names, special acknowledgment goes to each and every individual who took the time to read the guide and make constructive suggestions for its improvement and to those who shared their experiences through case examples including:

• Alouette River Management Council
• Baker Creek Enhancement Society
• Howe Sound Round Table
• Nicola Watershed Community Round Table
• Port Moody Ecological Society
• Salmon Arm Watershed Management Partnership
• Salt Spring Island Community Society

This guide is divided into three sections:

• Setting the Stage – is about getting a stewardship group started and for working together effectively. The first chapter explains the idea of stewardship and the roles that community groups can play.
• Getting the Work Done – deals with establishing goals and priorities and carrying out a stewardship plan.
• Working with Others – covers ways that groups can cooperate with government, the community, private land owners and the media.