Managing Working Farmlands in the Fraser-Nooksack System
Heather MacKay, Ph.D
Specialist in Water and Environmental Policy in Whatcom County & Adjunct Professor at University of British ColumbiaNichole Embertson, Ph.D
Science and Planning Coordinator at the Whatcom Conservation District; Adjunct Professor at Washington State University & Director of the Washington Discovery Farms Program Friday, September 20, 2019 3:00-4:00 PM MCML 154 2357 Main Mall, UBC Vancouver CampusABSTRACT: The human population of our region is growing rapidly and the climate is changing around us. Working farms are an integral part of our landscape and provide us with an array of essential ecosystem services, even as they face pressures and competition for land, water and soil resources. In this presentation, we will explore how the Whatcom Conservation District applies a systems approach to conservation on working farmlands, aiming to find a balance between interdependent and sometimes conflicting needs for land, water and ecosystem services in the region. Whatcom Conservation District’s mission is to assist land managers with their conservation choices. Since 1946, the District has worked with landowners and farmers to manage natural resources in Whatcom County. They are building on their tradition as they meet today’s challenges with expanding programs and opportunities to help people protect the land and its resources including farm planning, conservation practice engineering, riparian habitat restoration, community outreach and science and data implementation. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: Dr Heather MacKay is a specialist in water and environmental policy in Whatcom County, working as a consultant and an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia. Her local work focuses on water and agriculture in Whatcom County, helping farmers and planners find practical solutions to protect and enhance both working farmlands and water resources. Dr Nichole Embertson is the Science and Planning Coordinator at the Whatcom Conservation District, adjunct professor at Washington State University and Director of the Washington Discovery Farms Program. She works with farmers/landowners, technical staff and agency personnel to develop better practices, planning, programs and policy through science and outreach. This event is jointly hosted by the Land and Water Systems and Soil Seminar series. ALL ARE WELCOME!