Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative (ELSI)Organization Mandate
ELSI is broad coalition of community and environmental groups, local residents, government agencies and First Nations working to protect and improve the health of Esquimalt Lagoon and Coburg Peninsula. ELSI establishes a framework for coordinated environmental management of Esquimalt Lagoon, creates opportunities for collaboration of environmental projects and outreach activities and provides a forum for the exchange and sharing of information. Locations
Esquimalt Lagoon, Coburg Peninsula and the watershed draining to Esquimalt Lagoon (includes Colwood, Selleck and Bee Creeks). The are is within the City of Colwood and the Municipality of Langford. Current Activities and Projects
1) Interpretive signs - several ELSI partners are working together on a strategy for interpretive signs at Esquimalt Lagoon. The interpretive signage will provide a permanent and accessible resource to reach the widest audience of visitors to the lagoon. Topics will include information about sensitive species and habitats, bird identification, First Nations history and other natural history information. One kiosk is complete and funding is being sought for three more.
2) Interactive Watershed Model - ELSI has partnered with Stream Team to develop an interactive model of the lagoon and its watershed. These partners are exploring opportunities to take to model and associated educational programs into all schools within the watershed.
3) Community Contaminant Monitoring Program - ELSI is working with the community to establish a long-term contaminant monitoring program in Esquimalt Lagoon. The aim of this program is to monitor the long-term health of the lagoon and its associated wildlife habitat by observing water quality parameters and events leading up to and following rollover events.
4) Annual Shoreline Cleanup - ELSI and the Esuqimalt Lagoon Enhancement Association coordinate an annual shoreline cleanup in conjunction with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. See website for details.
Completed Activities and Projects
1) Good Neighbours Landowner Contact - ELSI partnered with Habitat Acquisition Trust on their Good Neighbours Program around Esquimalt Lagoon. The goals of the program was to involve community members in the stewardship and long-term protection of Esquimalt Lagoon by creating ecological buffers around the Esquimalt Lagoon Migratory Bird Sanctuary and encouraging owners of adjoining provate lands to implement voluntary stewardship agreements and conservation covenants. Fundraising Initiatives
Interpretive signage on Coburg Peninsula Partners
BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
City of Colwood
Colwood Association for Smart Growth
CRD Parks
Department of National Defence
Environment Canada
Esquimalt Lagoon Enhancement Association
Esquimalt Nation
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Habitat Acquisition Trust
Local residents
Pacific Center Family Services
Parks Canada
Royal Roads University
Songhees Nation
University of Victoria, Restoartion of Natural Systems Program
Victoria and Esquimalt Harbours Environmental Action Program
Victoria Natural History Society
West Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tourism)
Volunteers Required
Water quality monitoring - training offered
Shorekeepers (monitoring intertidal habitats and species)- training offered
Outreach events
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625 Fisgard Street
Victoria, BC V8W 2S6 Phone: 250-360-3299
Fax: 250-360-3254
Email: nbandringaATcrd.bc.ca
Website: elsi.ca Main Contact
Natalie Bandringa
ELSI Coordinator
Phone: 250-360-3065
Fax: 250-360-3270
Email: nbandringaATcrd.bc.ca
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