Basin groups make climate-positive moves

Building resilience to face the future with confidence

By replacing two gas vehicles with electric trucks and installing charging stations, the ?aq?am community is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. — Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

There are an abundance of ways to prepare for the changing climate. This might mean a food producer taking stock of upcoming challenges and opportunities and deciding how to shift its practices. Or a community working to prepare residents for a wildfire. Or an organization undertaking measures to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions.

Groups of all sizes are acting now to make the Basin more resilient to climate change while mitigating and adapting to its impacts.

Check out some of these efforts, supported by the Trust:

A smart ride

In the ʔaq̓am community, you’ll see two fewer carbon-emitting trucks on the road. To reduce its emissions, ʔaq̓am has replaced two gas vehicles with two electric trucks, along with installing two charging stations powered through a building with a solar array.

A boat-access only community much of the year, Grohman Creek near Nelson is bettered prepared for the risks of wildfire, with an emergency plan, evacuation guide and FireSmart training for residents. - Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

Ready in an emergency

Grohman Creek is located a beautiful boat ride away from Nelson. With road access to this community extremely limited, the Grohman Creek Docking Society has assessed the risk of wildfire, created an emergency plan and evacuation guide, and provided training to residents when it comes to following FireSmart guidelines and being prepared for wildfire.

Installation of a thermal curtain and a seasonal tunnel with a shade cloth are some of the ways Apple Quill Farm in Wycliffe is adapting to a changing climate. - Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

A farm modifies its methods

Located in Wycliffe, Apple Quill Farm grows crops as diverse as raspberries, garlic, beets and tomatoes, sold on-site and at nearby farmers’ markets. It’s installing a solar array, in-ground radiant tube heating system, thermal curtain and seasonal tunnel with a shade cloth.

To improve its energy efficiency and increase its wildfire resilience, the Baynes Lake Community Hall is upgrading its doors and windows and installing fire-resistant siding. - Photo courtesy Columbia Basin Trust

Upgrades on a busy hall

From a farmers’ market to exercises classes, the Baynes Lake Community Hall acts as a community hub. To be more climate-friendly when it comes to heating and cooling, plus make the hall more fire-resilient, the Baynes Lake Community Society is upgrading its windows and exterior doors and installing fire-resistant siding.