British Columbia Cattlemen's Association

Lee Hesketh, Program Manager
Box 326, Lumby, BC V0E 2G0
P: 250.547.6586
C:250.308.9623

BC Cattlemen's Association
4-10145 Dallas Drive, Kamloops, BC V2C 6T4
P: 250.573.3611
Toll free: 1.877.688.2333
F: 250.573.5155

What is FRISP?

The Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program (FRISP) was designed to assist agricultural producers in their efforts to protect and enhance water quality, riparian vegetation, and fish habitat. The BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA), manages and delivers the program through a directed common goal approach to address watershed resource concerns, encouraging sustainable land management practices in support of the agricultural sector.

FRISP takes pride in supporting community involvement in all its projects through equipment sharing, dividing up certain contracts for shared workload, as well as involving high school students, industry partners and local non-profits groups in planting partnerships. This can create a great sense of community pride and awareness, focusing on functional watercourse systems and riparian management.

FRISP can help you with any identified riparian issue on your farm or ranch requiring attention or upgrade. See below an example of how impactful a riparian project can be.

BEFORE

AFTER

OBJECTIVES

FRISP HAS FIVE MAIN OBJECTIVES:

to promote long-term environmental stewardship and sustainability for the ranching and community;
to restore and enhance farmland relating to the management of watersheds and their associated riparian corridors;
to promote cooperative planning of riparian / fish habitat restoration and farming activities between landowners, resource management agencies, and community groups to avoid conflict;
to increase awareness of the interactions between farmland use, fish habitat and other wildlife values associated with riparian and aquatic resources, and
to resolve conflicts that may arise between landowners and resource agencies.

SERVICES & FUNDING

SERVICES

FRISP provides a wide range of services for riparian/fish habitat enhancement, waste management issues and/or restoration projects, including:

technical information,
training
advice
project prescriptions
cost estimates
project support

The program results in increased awareness, involvement and compliance by the agriculture community to regulatory requirements, and provides incentive for adoption of BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

FRISP also provides:

mediation services on issues arising between landowners and regulatory agencies regarding riparian habitat damage that may have resulted from agricultural practices;
mediation services for conflicts arising between neighbours or resource groups;
assistance in the development of remediation plans to prevent resource management conflicts;
participation in joint planning for riparian / fish habitat restoration and agricultural land use activities between landowners, resource management agencies and community organizations.

why are riparian areas important.jpg

Download the FRISP Brochure: Can I Restore An Unhealthy Riparian Corridor? Caution- large file size

Who can apply for assistance under FRISP?

Bone fide farmers and ranchers are meant to be the primary beneficiaries of technical advice and support under the program; however, resource stewardship organizations, community groups and government agencies may also apply for assistance.

PROJECT FUNDING

Funding for the FRISP program is provided from a cross section of stakeholders, industry, government and private funders. BCCA continues to advocate for more project funding on a regular basis.

FRISP does not fund capital expenditures nor labour for projects; such funds and/or materials are sought from various other program, organizations, agencies and in-kind donations.

The program emphasizes efficient utilization of funds. funding partnerships are encouraged for project; in-kind donations by applicants are recommended and encouraged to ensure long-term sustainability of the program.

PROJECT APPLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

How do I apply?

All applications are submitted to the Program Manager, either directly or through the BCCA office. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Program Manager reviews each application for eligibility and assigned a file number.
once approved, the file is assigned to a Program Technical Advisor, upon which consultation and project development can begin.
Technical Advisors report to the Program Manager describing its outcome upon completion.

If an application does not meet the program criteria, the applicant will be advised of the details.

How is a FRISP Project Implemented?

There are four stages of Project Implementation:

Consultation with the application by a Technical Advisor - issue and possible solutions are identified. At this stage, the "buy in" concept is emphasized in the best interests of the applicant.
Project Partnerships - at this stage potential project partnerships are explored to assist with the project, either in-kind or as financial contributors, or those with a common interest in the project (i.e. neighbours).
Approvals & Permits - It is imperative to obtain the necessary permits, approvals or otherwise from BC Ministry of Environment, Department of Fisheries & Oceans, or others.
Project Completion - achieving project completion with the assistance of a FRISP Technical Advisor. During this phase, in the case of a landowner in particular, there is an opportunity for the applicant to address the issue and meet all regulatory requirements respecting "changes in and about a stream". This phase is very positive, as landowners, contractors, and agencies are all involved in a stewardship capacity and achieving a common goal.

With FRISP, severely degraded riparian sites can be restored to a proper functioning condition for the benefit of all concerned, including landowners, government agencies and society at large.

HOW CAN FRISP HELP ME?

What does an unhealthy riparian area look like?

Severely degraded riparian area frequently have distinct, easily observable characteristics such as:

lack of trees, which are usually a main component of riparian areas;
absence of shrubs, usually associated with a healthy riparian area;
presence on non-native grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass or cheatgrass;
establish of invasive weeds such as knapweed or Canada thistle;
the site is heavily grazed or mechanically disturbed;
severe erosion of streambanks;
reduced or declining fish populations

Unhealthy riparian areas frequently contribute to reduced fish populations because the riparian areas provide necessary food, shade and habitat for many fish species.

eroded streambank.jpg

This streambank shows many of the characteristics of an unhealthy riparian area; sites like this can be repaired to a healthy state, but it takes time. FRISP can assist with this type of project by:

designing a prescription for the work;
developing a project budget;
assisting with funding options to implement and complete a project;
assisting the landowner acquire the necessary permits and approvals to conduct project work, and
providing project management services.

What kind of results can i expect from FRISP's involvement in a restoration project?

BEFORE

Benefits from FRISP involvement in a riparian area restoration project include:

conflict resolution between landowners and government agencies;
prevention of farmland loss due to high water events through riparian restoration projects;
improved riparian function for wildlife and fish habitat
improved function of watersheds to enhance both water quality and quantity
improved habitat for pollinating insects associated with forage crops and native plants
improved biodiversity for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife
enhanced connectedness along riparian corridors for wildlife movement.

AFTER

What do FRISP Technical Advisors do?

How does FRISP interact with Government Agencies and other Organizations?

FRISP has a close working relationship with both provincial and federal government agencies, and other resource management groups. These associations are critical to the success of the FRISP program, and cooperation on projects is essential to achieve common goals. The primary agencies and organizations working with FRISP are:

BC Ministry of Environment (MOE), Water Stewardship Division - the Ministry is responsible for managing the water resources in BC under the Water Sustainability Act and its Regulations. This Act states that “changes in and about a stream” may only take place with an Approval in accordance with part 7 of the water regulation. The Act also states that “changes in and about a stream” signifies any modification to the nature of a stream; which includes the land, vegetation, natural environment or flow of water within a stream, or any activity or construction within a stream channel that has or may have an impact on a stream. The Act also applies to streams with no fish habitat. A Section 9 Approval is a written authorization for “changes in and about a stream”. Any riparian/fish habitat project that involves streambank stabilization requires this approval. An applicant must also establish acceptable work window times, along with any other terms and/or conditions as
required by the Ministry. Fines and penalties can be stiff if a person is convicted of an offence under the Water Sustainability Act.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) - DFO administers the Federal Fisheries Act and its regulations, which provides protection for fish habitat. Fish habitat is defined as "spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes". The Fisheries Act states that no person may carry out any work or undertaking that results in Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Destruction (HADD) of fish habitat unless under authorization by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. In addition, the Act states that "no person shall deposit or permit the deposit of a deleterious substance of any type in water frequented by fish". Violations under the Fisheries Act can result in heavy fines or even, in extreme cases, imprisonment. FRISP can help in obtaining the required approval for a project. Both MOE and DFO review applications for projects and determine if a project might impact fish and/or fish habitat, and certain terms or condition may be placed upon a project.

BC Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations - FRISP cooperates, upon request, with the Ministry of Forests on Crown Lands when an issue arises regarding riparian areas and livestock grazing management.

Fraser Basin Council, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and other organizations
such as Streamkeepers are involved with the FRISP program.

FRISP is also involved with First Nations Fisheries Councils on numerous projects.

Success Stories & Project Profiles

See below to view some project profiles completed under the FRISP program over the past few years.

... coming soon.

Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program

Fraser Salmon & Watersheds Program was created to inspire individuals, organizations and government agencies to “Think Salmon” (http://rethinkcanada.com/work/think_salmon/) as a way of contributing and sustaining the best possible conditions and environment for British Columbia’s Pacific salmon. Today, there are many environmental problems affect salmon. These problems include climate conditions that change flows and temperatures of streams, and changes that impact natural cycles such as invasive species and the mountain pine beetle. Salmon and salmon habitat can also be affected due to pressures from development of forestry, agriculture and mining industries. FWSP has a unique approach to of enabling communities, and especially First Nations, to identify and address issues for their water and watersheds. FWSP projects have resulted in:

more effective water resources management;
improved information and methods for fisheries management;
increased engagement of First Nations in watershed and fisheries stewardship;
increased stewardship of agricultural land;
restored critical salmon habitat, and
positive behaviour change for the benefit of watersheds

In many BC communities, stewardship groups such as FRISP work to reduce the impact of human behaviours on the well-being of salmon. FRISP has been associated with over 200 ranch and/or farm operations throughout BC with emphasis on the Fraser Basin drainage. The majority of projects have involved riparian management issues as related to improved habitat values for salmon; halting farmland loss through stream bank rehabilitation.

FRISP is a program that works behind the scenes to enable groups and individuals to set up and address positive change in respect to riparian and salmon habitat management. Here are just a few of the ways the program is doing that:

promoting the adoption of Beneficial Management Practices for riparian/salmon habitat improvement and sustainability;
Assisting landowners with riparian management plans through partnering with the Environmental Farm Plan;
providing mediation services for other agencies around environmental issues on agricultural properties;
developing stewardship capacity in the agriculture sector by enabling change through education, dialogue and technical support at
key times, and
encouraging people to engage and collaborate in solving problems.

FRISP continues to promote stronger relationships by providing engagement with government, industry, First Nations and environmental groups. Proving these sectors with a greater understanding of the ranching sector and its needs allows for cooperation and positive dialogue. By fostering collaboration, FWSP is creating a legacy of coordinated effort among First Nations, government agencies, community groups, and scientists for the direct benefit of water and watersheds in British Columbia.

The Fraser Salmon and Watershed Program (FWSP) is devoted to realizing healthy salmon populations in functioning watersheds co-existing with thriving communities throughout the Fraser Basin. FWSP is co-managed by Pacific Salmon Foundation and Fraser Basin Council, in creating projects to facilitate new relationships and capacity among the watershed stakeholders throughout the basin. FRISP works alongside FWSP to meet their initiatives.

CONTACT US

Lee Hesketh, Program Manager
Box 326 Lumby, BC V0E 2G0
P: 250.547.6586
C: 250.308.9623

[email protected]

BC Cattlemen's Association
4-10145 Dallas Drive Kamloops BC V2C 6T4
P: 250.573.3611
Toll free: 1.877.688.2333
F: 250.573.5155

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