Waterfront woes

[steve...@gmail.com]

Hi all:

If you haven't been down lately, it looks like some vegetation clearing has been done on the Nelson waterfront, along the airport loop. Likely this was completed a while ago, but I just noticed the other day. It's noteworthy that the Japanese knotweed is now the densest area of veg around the wind sock area, which was a great migrant trap for many years. There are new walking lanes and the habitat closer to the boat houses has been made into more of a garden, with wood chips, etc. This was formerly a good area for sparrows in the fall.

Of course, the city is not mandated to manage the area for bird habitat. Illegal camping and dog walker enjoyment are certainly factors. Possibly the influx of beavers, too. Hopefully some of the remaining shrubby areas such as near the Cottonwood bridge will concentrate some of the bird activity, and things will grow back elsewhere. Let's get out there and make our presence known and see what shows up this spring!

Steve

[Elaine M]

Holy crap - they really did clean out a lot of shrubbery!!!  It looks nice and tidy, but definitely less hiding places for birds. 😞

Elaine

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[David Swain]

Hi, 

Nelson has signed on to become a Bird Friendly City. Some details of the program are listed below. 

If activities are taking place that disrupt bird habitat, it is reasonable to report it to the City and explain the consequences of the actions. Ideally such works would be discussed with the group or committee involved in this program before work commences. I’m not sure if such a committee exists but could be worthwhile asking. My time is fully committed with charity work so can’t volunteer to investigate it.

While habitat loss continues at an alarming rate across the continent and the world, discussion with the City about consequences before undertaking work may produce better results on our local level.

My toonies worth,

David

Nelson, BC is working to become a bird-friendly community, with residents and local groups actively promoting bird conservation and engaging in the Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City program. 

Here's a more detailed look:

• Bird Friendly City Initiative: Nelson is participating in the Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City program. 
• Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to nominate a "city bird" and participate in monitoring local bird populations, with the black-capped chickadee winning the vote to be Nelson's city bird. 
• Protecting Bird Habitats: The initiative aims to mitigate threats to birds, restore nature, and create protective municipal policies. 
• Local Bird Team: A local bird team is being formed to oversee and lead initiatives to protect urban birds. 
• Simple Actions: Nelson residents are encouraged to take simple actions like keeping some grass unmowed, encouraging pet owners to keep dogs and cats away from nests, and limiting pesticide use. 
• Birdwatching Opportunities: The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with diverse ecosystems like lakes, forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows. 
• The BC Bird Trail: Nelson and Kootenay Lake are part of The BC Bird Trail. 
• 
  

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 2, 2025, at 09:24, steve...@gmail.com <steve...@gmail.com> wrote:



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<IMG_5496.jpg>

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[Ursula Lowrey]

There was an article in last week's Nelson Star newspaper about "cleaning up" the shoreline trail, so the city has planned this  for sometime. No thought about birds, apparently.

Ursula

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 09:49:21 a.m. PDT, David Swain <david...@shaw.ca> wrote:

Hi, 

Nelson has signed on to become a Bird Friendly City. Some details of the program are listed below. 

If activities are taking place that disrupt bird habitat, it is reasonable to report it to the City and explain the consequences of the actions. Ideally such works would be discussed with the group or committee involved in this program before work commences. I’m not sure if such a committee exists but could be worthwhile asking. My time is fully committed with charity work so can’t volunteer to investigate it.

While habitat loss continues at an alarming rate across the continent and the world, discussion with the City about consequences before undertaking work may produce better results on our local level.

My toonies worth,

David

Nelson, BC is working to become a bird-friendly community , with residents and local groups actively promoting bird conservation and engaging in the Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City program. 

Here's a more detailed look:

• Bird Friendly City Initiative: Nelson is participating in the Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City program. 
• Community Engagement: Residents are encouraged to nominate a "city bird" and participate in monitoring local bird populations, with the black-capped chickadee winning the vote to be Nelson's city bird. 
• Protecting Bird Habitats: The initiative aims to mitigate threats to birds, restore nature, and create protective municipal policies. 
• Local Bird Team: A local bird team is being formed to oversee and lead initiatives to protect urban birds. 
• Simple Actions: Nelson residents are encouraged to take simple actions like keeping some grass unmowed, encouraging pet owners to keep dogs and cats away from nests, and limiting pesticide use. 
• Birdwatching Opportunities: The Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with diverse ecosystems like lakes, forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows. 
• The BC Bird Trail: Nelson and Kootenay Lake are part of The BC Bird Trail. 
• 
  

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 2, 2025, at 09:24, steve...@gmail.com <steve...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hi all:

If you haven't been down lately, it looks like some vegetation clearing has been done on the Nelson waterfront, along the airport loop. Likely this was completed a while ago, but I just noticed the other day. It's noteworthy that the Japanese knotweed is now the densest area of veg around the wind sock area, which was a great migrant trap for many years. There are new walking lanes and the habitat closer to the boat houses has been made into more of a garden, with wood chips, etc. This was formerly a good area for sparrows in the fall.

Of course, the city is not mandated to manage the area for bird habitat. Illegal camping and dog walker enjoyment are certainly factors. Possibly the influx of beavers, too. Hopefully some of the remaining shrubby areas such as near the Cottonwood bridge will concentrate some of the bird activity, and things will grow back elsewhere. Let's get out there and make our presence known and see what shows up this spring!

Steve

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<IMG_5496.jpg>

<IMG_5498.jpg>

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.

[Jakob Dulisse]

The veg clearing and general tidying of the waterfront trail adjacent to the airport is really disappointing.  This is the highest value wildlife habitat within Nelson and it's clear the City does not value it as such.  It's obvious the work was not done with ecological values in mind.   

If Nelson really has signed on the be a Bird Friendly City, should there be some follow-up? 

FYI, here is the Nelson Star article:

https://www.nelsonstar.com/local-news/city-of-nelson-is-sprucing-up-the-dog-walk-with-new-landscaping-7879268

Jakob

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[David Swain]

I sent a message to the City to ask about it. Will let you know when I get a reply.

David

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 4, 2025, at 12:47, Jakob Dulisse <jdul...@netidea.com> wrote:



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