BCWF Watershed Team

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water” – Loren Eiseley

Water connects us all—it nourishes ecosystems, sustains communities, and shapes the landscapes we call home. This World Water Day, we recognize the importance of protecting and restoring our freshwater resources in British Columbia.

From wetlands and rivers to glaciers and lakes, these vital water systems provide habitat for fish and wildlife, support communities across the province, and play a crucial role in climate resilience. However, many of B.C.’s watersheds face increasing pressures from land development, climate change, and pollution.

That’s why the B.C. Wildlife Federation is committed to hands-on restoration, collaboration, and long-term conservation.

Since 2010, alongside our First Nations, government, environmental non-profit, and grassroots community partners, we have:

• Impacted over 400 hectares of wetland and estuary habitat
• Enhanced more than 4,417 linear meters of instream habitat
• Engaged over 20,000 people helping to secure clean, resilient water systems for future generations.

BCWF leads several key projects focused on watershed restoration and conservation. The Wetland Education Program provides hands-on training and education to communities, empowering individuals to take action in wetland conservation. The Fish Habitat Education and Restoration Program supports the recovery of critical fish habitats through on-the-ground restoration and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Our 10,000 Wetlands Project focuses on low-tech process-based restoration, including beaver-based restoration, to rebuild natural water systems and increase habitat resilience.

We also work on wetland restoration on both private and public lands, ensuring that vital ecosystems are protected across different landscapes. The Wetlands Workforce Project (2021-2023) provided employment and skills training to restore wetlands across B.C. The Wetlands Ecosystem Services Protocol helps quantify the benefits of wetland restoration, reinforcing their role in climate mitigation and ecosystem health. Additionally, we participate in the Forest Range Evaluation Program for Wetlands and contribute to the Canadian National Wetlands Inventory (CNWI), ensuring that conservation efforts are informed by science and long-term monitoring.

BCWF is also committed to supporting emerging leaders in conservation. Since 2022, BCWF’s Watershed Team has helped 11 individuals pursue professional designations, with six successfully achieving credentials such as R.P.Bio, R.P.Tech, P.Ag, and P.Geo. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and watershed security funding, these emerging leaders are gaining the skills needed to advance their careers and contribute to watershed restoration across B.C.

The Need for Long-Term Funding

According to the BC Watershed Security Coalition, a $1-billion fund, supported by provincial, federal, private, and philanthropic investments, would provide $75 to $100 million annually, ensuring the sustained investment required to heal and protect our watersheds for future generations. Long-term, stable funding is essential to support on-the-ground restoration, community-led initiatives, and climate resilience efforts.

You can also advocate for increased watershed security funding by reaching out to policymakers, sharing information about the importance of watershed restoration, and supporting initiatives like the BC Watershed Security Coalition’s call for dedicated funding. Learn more about the Watershed Security Coalition’s request for funding and how you can help make a difference.

Get Involved with the BCWF

• Become a BCWF member to support conservation efforts across B.C.
• Donate to help fund critical watershed restoration projects.
• Volunteer and take part in hands-on conservation work.

Water is life, and protecting it is our shared responsibility. By working together—through restoration, advocacy, and long-term investment—we can safeguard B.C.’s watersheds for future generations.