Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #80:Northern Community Science: the establishment of a regional network of environmental science centres, linked by study of the Yukon River  (Community-based science in the Yukon River watershed)

Outline
This project addresses a too-common failing in Yukon research: the passive involvement of rural communities in local field studies. It is proposed communities within the Yukon River watershed (7 in Yukon; about 30 in Alaska) be given the opportunity to establish ‘centres for science’. Each community centre would act as a base for local and on-going investigations, a node for environmental monitoring networks, and a focus for public education in science. The funding for each would be sufficient for a paid coordinator, training and field experience for locals, and displays of scientific results. These elements would lead to a sense of community ownership of environmental information collected in the region. The over-arching science project for the science centre network would be a basin-wide assessment and coordinated monitoring of the Yukon River. The fifth largest in North America, its current drainage was relatively recently imposed upon the landscape (within the last 2.5 million years) and the sediment load, including placer gold and metal-rich bedrock, is far from stable. Furthermore, its biological capacity and vulnerability to human interference remain poorly understood. New measurements would be compared with historical records and traditional environmental knowledge to establish a current ‘snapshot’ of the river dynamics. Subsequent monitoring would continue, building a network of information on the river’s seasonal and long-term changes. A principal aim of this watershed project is to foster scientific literacy and field-competency in rural communities. Secondarily, it would promote local stewardship because in the changes would be measured close to the community. In each participating community a physical space would be dedicated to environmental science. This might be a room in the local school or government building. The paid local coordinator collects data for the river monitoring network, arranges training and field opportunities, liaises with Outside researchers, and presents science to the local community. In addition the centre would in time give the community credibility in applying for additional or joint funding toward further research. In this way the project steps beyond its initial focus on river monitoring to provides a ‘home’ for environmental science in the community.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
1-Status: In participating communities, a baseline survey of prevailing and past condition of the Yukon River (initially water quality and other characteristics). This could be expanded to include other environmental parameters. 2-Change: Regular, standardized monitoring of river conditions will quantify subtle long-term changes. 3- Global linkages: As a significant area of the sub-polar region, atmospheric changes over the watershed will be reflected in river chemistry. 6- Human Dimension: The science centres are 1) nodes for rural community training and employment on local science-based projects, 2) an educational resource within the community, and 3) an entry point into the community for Outside researchers.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The idea of community centres for science is endorsed by the Yukon representative of the Yukon River Watershed Inter-tribal Council (dedicated to improving water quality). This body, or an educational institution, might coordinate a network which would include rural Alaskan communities.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Settlements within Yukon watershed in Yukon include Carcross, Tagish, Teslin, Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Mayo and Dawson. Assisted by volunteer scientists, nearby sites with cultural or biological significance would be selected for monitoring. Q2

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: Baseline survey of river conditions      Regular monitoring to continue after IPY      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
River measurements would be standardized across the watershed. Data from field sites would be posted to a websites which would be linked. Community centres for science act as the focal point for local environmental research and could be a local base for larger scale research in the region. Through training and field experience local residents would be available for hire on other science-related opportunities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The ‘Centre for Science’ would be a physical presence, both for conducting research and display of results at the community level. If funding continued past IPY it could become a permanent fixture. Another legacy would be a comprehensive baseline report of river characteristics, against which future changes could be compared.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The community ‘Centers for Science’ should not be under direct government control; they should be an extension of Yukon College or other northern Research Institute.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Freshwater Flux in the Canadian Terrestrial and Oceanic Polar Regions

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
yes
This initiative expands upon existing and defunct programs, including: - the Habitat Conservation and Community Stewardship program (Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board; ongoing); - the small stream survey (Water Resources, Indian and Northern Affairs, mid-1990s); - the Community Liaison Officers of Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Dawson, until 1996?) . It furthers educational initiatives the work of the Environmental Health Services (Yukon Government) and Geological Survey of Canada (Geoscape posters)

How will the project be organised and managed?
The monitoring network will be organized by committee of scientists and representative community liaisons). A centrally located manager (part-time) would oversee operation of the network and assist the science coordinators in each community. In each community a steering committee would identify the coordinator, establish annual objectives, and review results. The coordinator manages the science centre, conducts the monitoring, liaises with local groups and outside agencies, and initiates education opportunities.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The project is squarely focussed upon education, outreach and communication in rural communities. 1- The centre would provide field training 2- Results of river study and other investigations tabled yearly to organizations and the community 3- Perpetual exhibits and presentations at public gatherings 4- Augments the science program at local schools (providing data for class projects, etc.)

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
River data collection and archiving standards would be established at the outset. The data would be jointly owned by community and an overseeing institution (perhaps the Northern Climate Exchange or a Research Institute).

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Probably require $100K/year per community. Federal funding under various northern science or social initiatives is required. Possibility of co-location of the science centre within government facility (so long as its public perception remains non-governmental), and measurement/sampling equipment could be loaned. For example, the center could assist with baseline data collection for Environmental Screening (YESSA) to be established in each community

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Major objective in this program is to develop scientific awareness in rural communities that are at the vanguard of climatic change. To be credible there must be a physical presence in the community, and partnerships built with trust and reliable funding. The scientific investigations must balance local expectations with objectivity, upholding local public interest.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr  Charlie Roots
Geological Survey of Canada
2099 2nd Ave, Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 1B5
Canada

Tel: (867) 667-8513
Mobile:
Fax: (867) 393-6232
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information