BCLSS Loonie News - June 2020

Reposted with permission: https://www.bclss.org

Postponed - BCLSS Annual Conference The BCLSS Annual Conference scheduled for October 2 – 4, 2020 has been postponed until 2021. The conference committee is exploring if aspects can be presented virtually. More information to come. Secchi Dip-In It's that time of year again! The Secchi Dip-In is an international event where volunteer monitors take a transparency measurement at least one day during the month of July (Lakes Appreciation Month). These values are used to assess the transparency of volunteer-monitored lakes in North America. Dip-In information can be found here and the data sheet can be found here. They are also available on our website. Participation in the Dip-In has been steadily decreasing over the years. Please consider participating and pass the information on this opportunity along to anyone that may be interested. The data collected is very valuable! Practice your dipping using this online simulator! Student Limnology Video Check out the awesome video from a BCLSS member and teacher at the Academy of Inquiry and Adventure in Vernon! This Introduction to Limnology course offered a unique learning opportunity for students to get outside and connect to their watershed through real-world science. BCLSS was happy to have a number of these students attend our annual conference in Winfield, with Okanagan Fisheries Foundation sponsoring their registration costs. The video can be viewed here. BCLSS Volunteer Insurance  BCLSS is updating our Safety Program and related insurance policy. We are now required to provide the ages of volunteers to our new insurer in order to receive comprehensive coverage. If you are currently a BCLSS member and volunteer for our BC Lake Stewardship and Monitoring program, and did not receive our email on May 5 regarding updating your information, please contact the BCLSS office so that we can ensure you are added to the policy.

Announcements and Reminders BCWF Wetlandkeepers workshops have gone virtual! Due to COVID-19, all in-person workshops have been updated for an online setting. Participants have the opportunity to explore wetlands through games, interactive activities, and expert guest speakers. More information can be found on the BCWF website.   Ducks Unlimited Canada National Boreal Program - Wetlands 101 In support of social distancing efforts, Ducks Unlimited is offering FREE access to Wetlands 101: And Introduction to Boreal Wetlands online course for a limited time. This offer ends June 30, 2020. More information can be found here. Community Gaming Grants - Environment Applications Community Gaming Grant Program Guidelines have been updated for 2020. Apply between July 1 and August 31 for programs that revitalize, protect, or provide education about BC's ecosystems and environment. Information on eligibility and applications can be found here.   News and Information Used COVID-19 gloves, masks and wipes clogging up metro Vancouver sewage systems Gloves, face masks and disposable wipes can all be used to defend against COVID-19, but they're wreaking havoc on Metro Vancouver's sewage system. Shock Therapy Prescribed for Two Popular Fishing Lakes in the Interior Electroshocking is a novel approach to reduce numbers of competing or invasive fish species that may be impacting rainbow trout and their habitats.