The Kootenays are turning to a proactive, B.C.-grown water project as they continue to prepare for wildfire season.
Living Lakes Canada, a water science and stewardship non-profit, is launching two new water-mapping projects in Parson and its surrounding areas, as well as in the Lardeau Valley in West Kootenay.
“We’re helping emergency responders find and access water more quickly,” said Paige Thurston, program manager with Living Lakes. “By compiling local knowledge and water monitoring data, this project is working to protect homes, lives, and ecosystems from the impacts of increasingly intense wildfires.”
Residents are invited to share their knowledge of creeks, standpipes, access routes, and other features on both public and private property – with permission – to help data collectors create more detailed, interactive maps of water sources in the area.
“We were extremely lucky that we had fast response times and easy access during the big Parson fire two years ago, but we might not be as lucky next time, said Trina Wolfenden, Community Champion for the Parson area.
“Anything that we can do to help speed up and streamline firefighting help in an emergency will be invaluable. I am grateful that our area was picked for this project this year, it will help us to be ready in case of another fire event.”
Anyone interested in contributing can attend the community meetings scheduled in Parson or Meadow Creek, complete a short online questionnaire or contact Living Lakes Canada directly through wildfire@livinglakescanada.ca.
Mapping will take place this summer, with reports and maps to be published early next year.
Grasmere and Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation will also continue mapping in 2026.
Comments