Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

The health of BC watersheds is under threat from development, population growth and an increasingly unstable climate. The importance of water and water management has been emphasized by drought and wildfire devastating our natural systems within our communities. Voices from different sectors are calling for action on climate change at the most local level, while simultaneously expressing concern and frustration at the lack of support from provincial and federal agencies to respond to and prepare for future crisis.  

Because the adverse impacts of climate change are manifested largely at the local level, the NWR hosted a “Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in the Nechako Watershed” workshop on November 29th, 2024, in Prince George to gather and engage local leaders at all levels of government, scientists and knowledge holders, and partners in dialogue.

Using lessons from First Nations plans guiding climate change response, disaster management, and Indigenous laws, we participants of the workshop collectively identified priorities for action and opportunities to build local resilience in the watershed. 

More information about the 2024 workshop and workshop report can be found here: Previous Meetings & Meeting Summaries | Nechako Watershed Roundtable

Four Directions Management Services Ltd. facilitated the event and has provided a comprehensive report describing what was heard by speakers and participants, as well as recommendations for possible steps forward.

Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Workshop Nechako Watershed – “The Water that Connects Us” FINAL REPORT
Prepared by Four Directions Management Services.

The NWR is working to organize and host a follow up event early in 2026 to build on what was learned in 2024.

More information coming soon.

Steering Committee

Steering Committee Chair: Kim Menounos

Steering Committee Members: Wayne Salewski, Tannis Reynolds, Stephen Dery.

Past Members

Brian Frenkel (Chair) 
Councillor, District of Vanderhoof 

Diana Kutzner
Lead, Climate Change & Health 
Population and Public Health Observatory 
Northern Health

Nolan Thiffault
Researcher & Archivist
Cheslatta Carrier Nation 

Raina Fumerton
Medical Health Officer Northeast HSDA
Northern Health Authority 

Rob van Adrichem
Director of External Relations
Communications & Engagement Service Area
Community Energy Association

Tara Clapp
Chair of the School of Planning and Sustainability
|niversity of Northern British Columbia 

Terry Robert
Director, Interior Regional Programs
Fraser Basin Council