Amphibian Monitoring at Ross Lake with TerraNiche Environmental Solutions

At Ross Lake Provincial Park, you might have seen a team of workers doing analysis on the wildlife there. Have you ever wondered what they’re doing and why it’s important? Ecologist Lis Rach of TerraNiche Environmental Solutions led a team of environmental technicians from Gitxsan Environmental Services (GES) to monitor the amphibians at Ross Lake for the past two years. She agreed to let us interview her to tell us all about the project.

Tell us about your background in environmental services and about your company.

I have been practicing wildlife habitat ecologist (B.Sc., EP) in the Skeena Region since 2003 and specialize in wildlife and habitat ecology and management. I started Terraniche Environmental Solutions after the company I worked for closed the Smithers office in 2009. I enjoy being involved in projects that help protect our environment and promote wildlife and habitat conservation. As part of my job, I analyze ecological data, write reports on my findings, and create recommendations for monitoring, mitigation, and management. Mapping wildlife habitats is one of my passions. It effectively visualizes the current state and opens the door to conservation. Most of my work has been in the context of environmental assessments, monitoring, and research for a range of private, forestry, mining, and government clients. I am a responsible resource professional, accountable for both the process and products I complete. 

Can you describe what your project at Ross Lake is about?

The Ross Lake project focuses on monitoring and the evaluation of amphibians residing in Ross Lake Provincial Park. Recently, an earthen dam was removed causing the lake levels to drop. BC Parks has engaged me to conduct a baseline assessment of the current lake conditions concerning amphibian populations. Through this assessment process, I am also establishing a monitoring program for amphibians to facilitate continuous future citizen monitoring.

Why do you think this project is important?

This project is very important! BC Parks are where people and the natural environment meet. It is important for people to be able to go to parks and enjoy what they have to offer. With a change such as the dam removal, it is also important to understand and mitigate any negative impacts caused by the change. Amphibians represent a group of animals that provide us with information on how a habitat is doing. They react immediately to change and in addition to the benefits of knowing when change happens, wildlife species diversity is key.

What got you interested in this project?

I have a particular interest in wetlands, and a keen interest in wildlife species that are dependent on these habitats, and how natural or anthropogenic processes affect them. Ross Lake is a very special and unique place in our region. I thought this project would be fun. I work with a competent team of technicians from GES.

What made you decide to work with Gitxsan Environmental Services?

BC Parks introduced me to GES. I have worked with some GES individuals in the past for other work and have a great respect for their work ethics and passion for the environment. I knew that their involvement in this project would enhance my understanding of ecological values and the work would facilitate biological knowledge for the team that they can use in other work projects.

Tell us about the event you were planning with the public.

Unfortunately, the event was cancelled. This is due to the timing of the event and the mass migration of the western toad from the lake to the forest. Many toadlets are killed as they try to cross the road that separates the lake from the forest where they are headed. Having the event will bring additional visitors to the park, increasing toadlet mortality. We are now planning for next year and by having the event prior to the onset of the mass migration, we can provide park wildlife interpretation and education while not interfering with the migration.

A Chance to Win Some Prizes Through Contact North BC

Our Contact North BC team is excited to bring in person and online educational programs and training courses to our Hazelton office at 1425 Aldous St, South Hazelton. On until September 30th, 2024, you have a chance to win some swag by doing our survey, registering for a post-secondary course or program or calling us per the instructions below.

If you have any questions, please call Julia in our Contact North BC office at 778-358-6267 or email juWalker@contactnorthbc.ca.

PRGT Pipeline Open House for Gitxsan Wilp Members

Attention all Gitxsan Wilp Members,

On July 23rd, GDC is welcoming you to a Wilp Member Community Open House and information session about the PRGT Pipeline Project at the Kispiox Community Hall (1296 Lax Seel St, Kispiox). Come learn about the project, the history, speak with experts knowledgeable about this project and learn how you can get involved. Soup, sandwiches, and refreshments will be provided. RSVP here.

Indigenous Peoples Day

Pam, our amazing Gitxsan Ambassador, gave out freezies and other goodies at Gitsegukla’s Indigenous Peoples Day celebration

Hamii’ya (thanks) to Pam and all her helpers!

Call for Interest in Driving Programs

We are currently in the midst of developing a program to address the request for multiple drivers classes. It is tentatively set for the last half of August.

Once we have confirmed the numbers, dates and times. Participants will be notified when we have confirmed their spots; then a date and time will be set for each driver. For those at the learner's level, there will be a number of theory classes set up at our training facility, which will then be followed up with a learners test, on location.

GDC is working on bringing 7L, 7N, and Class 5 driving lessons to town! Currently, we're assessing community interest in this initiative. Go to our Facebook page to comment if you’re interested or put in your application here.

National Indigenous History Month

For the month of June and all year round, we recognize Indigenous Peoples. On June 21st we recognize and celebrate the adaawḵ, wilaloo'm, dax̱gyet and diversity of the Gitxsan, First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Explore our history and cultures. Attend the many festivities available in the community.

Pamela Tait, Gitxsan Ambassador, GDC

Safety Tips for the May Long Weekend

With spring upon us, May long weekend marks the start to the warmer summer season. Whether you plan on going camping, boating, getting some chores done or taking a road trip, here are some reminders to help everyone stay safe this summer.

Driving

May 14-20 is Canada Road Safety Week. Car and motorcycle collisions account for 40% of hospital trauma cases, so don’t become a statistic!

• Be ready for the road. This may be the first weekend you use that motorcycle or RV that has sat all winter. Check the vehicle over well, make sure all the lights work and it's safe for the road.

• Take your time! It’s a long weekend, enjoy the scenery. Speeding to get to the lake may only save you a few minutes, but cost you a speeding ticket or worse. Speeding also increases your reaction time, so slow down.

• Be alert. Get some rest before your road trip. Don’t drink and drive or do drugs and drive. Arrange for a designated driver. Part of Canada Road Safety Week is additional “enforcement efforts on behaviors that present a serious risk; impaired driving, fatigue, distracted driving, aggressive driving and driving without a seatbelt”.

Water Safety

Take extra care in and around the rivers, lakes and ocean.

• All boaters should wear a lifejacket! Ensure the lifejacket is fully zipped up and all buckles are done. The life jacket should fit correctly and meet the weight requirements of the wearer.

• Never swim alone. Always have a buddy and keep an eye out for each other. Supervise children near the water.

• Boating and drinking? Prepare for sinking. Don’t drink until you are safely ashore.

Safety Around the Home

Spring can mean getting those chores done. Working on the roof, in the yard or around the house, think about the hazards.

• Secure ladders or have a helper hold the ladder for you.

• Wear PPE including work boots. Chopping wood in flip flops hurts!

• If there is a chance of flying objects (e.g. weed whacking or grinding), wear eye protection.

• If you’re using a chainsaw, wear chainsaw chaps, boots and eye protection.

Campfire Safety

With many of us having campfires this weekend, here are some tips to stay safe and enjoy yourself.

• Supervise children around campfires; make sure to have an adult around any campfire. Newer synthetic fiber clothing is extremely flammable and shrinks when heated. Consider wearing cotton or wool around campfires.

• Have water, a hose or bucket and a shovel at the ready for any spot fires. With this year’s weather forecast to be drier and warmer than usual, the fire wildfire risk is also elevated. Make sure to extinguish your fire when done or when unattended.

The Importance of Red Dress Day

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day, is observed on May 5th in Canada. Gitxsan are a matriarchal society, our hanaa’k strengthen our wilnaat'ahl (family), pdeek (clan), wilps (houses), aluugigyet (people). It is important to acknowledge our hanaa’k as matriarchs; life givers, caretakers, cultural strength, knowledge and language teachers.

We encourage Gitxsan Development Corporation and subsidiaries to wear red in honour of, and to raise awareness of the thousands of stolen gastik'eekws (sisters) and our lost ensii'pinsxwii (loved ones) across the country who did not make it home, who are still missing and continue to go missing, who have been found without justice.

A few ways to commemorate this day:

• Wear red – dresses, shirts, pins, earrings etc.

• Learn more about MMIW

• Partake in a community and/or organized MMIW events

• Light a candle

• Walk in honor

• Hold your loved tighter

• Hazelton office has been decorated to honor this day

Ha gwilii yin: Walk gently

GDC Pays Tribute to the Day of Mourning

Today, please take a moment to remember all the workers who lost their lives at work.

Across Canada, April 28 has been designated the Day of Mourning. Each year, workers, families, employers, and communities across the province remember those who have lost their lives on the job, and we all renew our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces.

In 2023, workplace injuries and diseases claimed the lives of 175 workers in British Columbia. Traumatic fatalities accounted for 82 of these deaths: 60 were caused by an incident at the worksite and 22 were the result of a motor vehicle incident. Occupational disease remained the single leading cause of deaths for workers last year, taking 93 lives — 48 of which were due to an asbestos-related illness.

Every injury, disease, or death serves as a powerful reminder that employers have an important responsibility to ensure that all workplaces in B.C. are healthy and safe.

GDC at the Gitanyow Get Connected Career Fair

Gitxsan Development Corporation was excited to be a part of the Gitanyow Get Connected Career Fair recently in Hazelton, BC. Our team members Mona Gill, HR Business Partner, and Elaine Sampson, HR Specialist (Training & Development) had the opportunity to speak face to face with amazing people in the community. They expressed how excited and inspired they felt attending the event.

On behalf of GDC, thank you to the organizers for putting on such a wonderful career fair.

GDC team members Elaine Sampson and Mona Gill at the Gitanyow Get Connected Career Fair.