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mountain community adaptation

UNBC research project to examine how mountain communities can better prepare for geohazards

Jul 7, 2023 | 2:48 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A new UNBC research project aims to examine how mountain communities can better prepare for geohazards with climate change.

If you live in a community in the mountains like Valemount, McBride or Dunster, you are more than aware that rockfalls, landslides, mudslides and floods are facts of life, and as climate change is making those events more common, a new UNBC research project is looking at how mountain communities can better prepare for these events.

“We’re looking to sort of get information into the hands of community leaders. We really want to talk to people in the community and get an understanding of what they see as risks and vulnerabilities or events that they have identified. And this is in an area where there hasn’t been a lot of attention. We really wanted to sort of fill that gap and be able to to work with the local communities and help them develop adaptation plans to what these hazards might look like in the future.” – Dr. Joseph Shea, Associate Professor of Environmental Geomatics, UNBC

Mayor Owen Torgerson of the Village of Valemount says that this project will greatly assist the community in preparing for climate adaptation and increase efforts for risk reduction strategies.

For communities in the mountains, they are the communities that get impacted by the snowpack the most, therefore assessing what risks could be possible like a smaller snowpack and earlier melts, are crucial.

The project will compile a geohazard database for the region and build a rapid response tool that can quickly collect and display data and imagery during or after a geohazard event. Easy access to real-time data on snowpack, ground movement, and climate conditions could help community leaders make quick, crucial decisions.

The project will receive $180,000 in funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate (PICS) over the next three years. Project partners include the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Village of Valemount, the Dunster Community Forest, the Valemount Community Forest, and the B.C. Ministry of Forests.

Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com