A project is underway in the Cowichan Valley to restore 70 hectares of land to its natural state as an estuary. The estuary area originally housed three Quw’ustsun villages prior to the arrival of European settlers, who then over the years dyked the estuary, using it for forestry and farming purposes. The Cowichan estuary restoration project is led by several organizations. These include the Nature Trust of BC, Ducks Unlimited, the Cowichan Tribes, the federal government’s Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of  Environment and Climate Change and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. 

On their website, it notes that the project will involve the combined removal of over two kilometres of dykes, the creation of intertidal channels and salt marsh habitat, the restoration of marine riparian and flood fringe forest, and reconnection of areas that have been historically cut off from tidal influence.

Some, however, in the community have been coming out against the project. Two town hall meetings took place over the summertime with organizers speaking out against the project. The meetings were hosted by an organization called the Land Keepers Society that first formed back in July. 

On their website, the Land Keepers Society says they are “dedicated to creating a balance between the goals of society, the owner’s rights to operate profitably and the needs of the land, including all life residing there by acknowledging environmental initiatives and other land use pressures.” At the moment the Cowichan Estuary Project is the only cause they are working on. Many associated with the society are former candidates for municipal office, known to spread climate denial, misinformation, and conspiracy theories.

Today I speak with journalist Erin Blondeau, who recently wrote a story for The Breach where she describes having attended one of the town hall meetings. She will speak to us about what she saw and her story. She also shares with us some clips from the meeting.

Find Show Notes and Transcripts here.

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Guests:

 Erin Blondeau—  freelance writer and journalist