Press Releases and Other Noteable Readings

Open Houses on future of garbage and recycling programs

Let’s Talk Trash! Planning for the future of our garbage. ... Read More...

Local EarthCare gets a helping hand from Katimavik

First off is an overdue “bon voyage” to the absolutely fantastic Katimavik kids who graced our community the past three months. ... Read More...

EarthCare and Katimavik meet the Mayor of Kelowna

The city hall will do a public consultation on sustainability ... Read More...

Too Much Garbage: Buried in Product Packaging

Frustrated at having to battle the wads of cardboard and piles of Styrofoam packaging on retail purchases? Fearful of having to resort to a steak knife to slice into rock-hard plastic wrapping? Desperate to know where to turn for help? Louise McKnight suggests quite simply that you start with the face in the mirror ... Read More...

City Rain barrel awareness day eyes conserving our water

If you’re interested in using up to one-third less water on your lawn and garden, attend this Sunday ’s ... Read More...

National Park Reserve Feasability Study Update

An update has been released to the National Park Feasability Study; you can download it here (PDF).

'Rapid Warming' Spreads Havoc in Canada's Forests

QUESNEL, B.C. -- Millions of acres of Canada's lush green forests are turning red in spasms of death. A voracious beetle, whose population has exploded with the warming climate, is killing more trees than wildfires or logging. ...Read More...

Global Warming: Passing the "Tipping Point"

Climatologists are now saying that the global levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases have reached and exceeded a theoretical "red line" beyond which a drastic rise in global temperatures will be almost impossible to stop. Read More...

EarthCare's annual awards announced

Manchester announced the following awards at EarthCare’s annual open house Xmas party last night December 15. They are: Read more...

Okanagan National Park Meeting

The Canadian EarthCare Society is hosting a public information evening at the end of March regarding the proposed new National Park in the South Okanagan. Read more...

Resort Lodges in Parks idea draws criticism

Bill Barisoff blames the furor on the "silly season" just prior to an election, but people like Kelowna's Lloyd Manchester of EarthCare say the public should be aware the government plans to permit private resorts to be built inside provincial parks. Read more...

Wildlife refuge site in the works

Kelowna Capital News
By Judie Steeves, staff reporter

It’s taken a year of searching to find a suitable piece of property, but establishment of an Okanagan Wildlife Recovery Centre is a step closer to reality. With an agreement reached between land owner Willie Rometsch and the Canadian EarthCare Society, executive director Charlie Hodge says he is realizing a dream. Read more...

City wins Earthcare enviro award

Wonders never cease, especially at Christmas time. The Kelowna based Canadian EarthCare Society has named the City of Kelowna as the 2004 winner of the organization’s Business/Organization of the Year Award for environmental recognition.

“I’m sure our selection surprises some, including the City, however EarthCare believes the City has made a dramatic shift in its thinking about pesticides and that deserved acknowledgement,” EarthCare Executive Director Charlie Hodge said. Read more...

Nov. 23/04 - EarthCare congratulates Kelowna for renewing Pesticide Notification Registry

The Canadian EarthCare Society (EarthCare) is “extremely pleased” that Kelowna City Council has renewed its Pesticide Notification Registry program for 2005. In 2004, 284 residents signed up for notification. As well, Council has reaffirmed that no doctor's note will be required to register next year, and residents may also request previous day notification. Read more...

May 21/04 - EarthCare letter to Gordon Campbell criticizes government rejection of Okanagan-Shuswap Land Use Plan

The Canadian EarthCare Society is extremely disappointed and concerned with the news that you have enacted legislation that does not conform with the consensus agreement of the Okanagan Shuswap Land Use Resource Management Plan (OKSLRMP). As a stakeholder in the land use process we feel betrayed. We have written to you on three occasions regarding this matter. (December 15, 2003, April 8, 2004 and May 8, 2004). You have failed to respond to our concerns and questions all three times.
Read more...

Feb. 17/04 - EarthCare extremely concerned with Kelowna's Pesticide Notification Registry process

The Canadian EarthCare Society (EarthCare) is extremely concerned with the Pesticide Notification Registry proposed by the City of Kelowna today (February 17th).

“EarthCare requested a simple and effective pesticide registry system and also asked City staff to be involved in the development of the registry. There has been no consultation on this matter from the City. The City has only been speaking with the pesticide spray association regarding the requirements to register, and as such are not taking the best interests of the community in mind,” stated Lloyd Manchester, Director of EarthCare. Read more...

Oct. 20/03 - EarthCare announces the Okanagan Wild Recovery Program.

The Canadian EarthCare Society is spearheading a plan to establish an Okanagan Wildlife Recovery centre site will also eventually include a public awareness aecovery Centre in the central Okanagan area. EarthCare hopes the rnd learning facility.

“We’d ideally like to see it located somewhere central in the valley and hopefully in the Kelowna vicinity. We have a lot of hurdles to clear and questions to answer – but the interest by others to assist is clearly there.” Canadian EarthCare Society executive Director Charlie Hodge says.

“We’ve had some preliminary discussions with various government bodies and organizations and the general consensus is that such a facility is long overdue. It is a long road from concept to reality but EarthCare believes it is a long-term project that will eventually gain a life of its own. The need is clear,” Hodge said Tuesday morning. read more

June/03 - EarthCare requests public notification for Pesticide Spraying

EarthCare is quite clear in its ultimate eventual goal of seeing a complete ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides in Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley. Such bylaws and bans are being agreed to by municipal councils on a regular bases in Canada today. Toronto agreed to such regulations just late last week. more info...

Download Pesticide Right to Know Bylaw document(MS Word)

Download Pesticide Notification Registry document (MS Word)

EarthCare joins other Provincial groups in celebrating the 2nd birthday of the South Chilcotin Mountains Park.

We need your help!

On behalf of the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, the Canadian EarthCare Foundation and Regional District of Central Okanagan are working to develop a set of indicators that will help EWAC in monitoring sustainability in the Mission Creek Watershed. We need your help in selecting indicators that monitor not only the health of the watershed, but also the functions of the EWAC. Download a copy of the workbook below. more info...

Mission Creek - Sustainable Watershed Indicators Workbook (PDF)

Oct. 20/03 - EarthCare announces the Okanagan Wild Recovery Program.

The Canadian EarthCare Society is spearheading a plan to establish an Okanagan Wildlife Recovery Centre in the central Okanagan area. EarthCare hopes the recovery centre site will also eventually include a public awareness and learning facility.

“We’d ideally like to see it located somewhere central in the valley and hopefully in the Kelowna vicinity. We have a lot of hurdles to clear and questions to answer – but the interest by others to assist is clearly there.” Canadian EarthCare Society executive Director Charlie Hodge says.
read more

June 20/03 - The provincial Ministry of Forests has come up with money to maintain forest campsitesacross B.C. that do not have volunteer groups to look after them.
By Judie Steeves, staff reporter

Funds were allotted this week by the provincial government to provide basic maintenance for forest service recreation sites where no volunteer has come forward to maintain them.

Since the Ministry of Forests decided last year to drop recreation from its budget, it has been casting about trying to find some means of maintaining the network of more than 1,200 such wilderness sites in the province, without paying out any money...” read more

June 11/03 - Longtime environmental advocate Lloyd Manchester has been presented the prestigious B.C. Wild Earth Award.
By Judie Steeves, staff reporter

A provincial award from fellow environmentalists was presented to Kelowna’s Lloyd Manchester, senior policy advisor for the Canadian EarthCare Society.

The B.C. Wild Earth Award was presented to the EarthCare founder at the B.C. Environmental Network’s annual general meeting in Vancouver last Saturday evening.

EarthCare executive director Charlie Hodge said the award is considered the most prestigious recognition in the province by conservationists and environmentalists... read more

June 6/03 - EarthCare steps up pressure for pesticide notification system
By Judie Steeves, staff reporter

Although Kelowna city council didn’t unanimously embrace EarthCare’s idea of a registry of people who wish to be notified prior to pesticide spraying of adjacent properties, the society is not going to let up the pressure.

Director Lloyd Manchester says it’s particularly important that Kelowna have such a registry because it’s a “spray-crazy city...” read more

May 26/03 - EarthCare requests public notification for Pesticide Spraying
Presentation to Kelowna

Dear Mayor and Council
The Canadian EarthCare Society appears before you today requesting you consider two recommendations:

1. Council directs the establishment of a Pesticide Exemption Registry. And further, that

2. Council establishes a committee to draft a Pesticide Right To Know Bylaw for the City of Kelowna... read more

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May 15/03 - EarthCare requests that the Integrated Pest Management Act be changed to focus on public health and alternatives

The Canadian EarthCare Society is disappointed with the B.C. Liberal Governments Integrated Pest Management Act recently introduced into the Legislature with only a few days left in the sitting... read more

May 12/03 - EarthCare hosts pesticide forum

Learn the truth about pesticides and their health impacts by attending an informative evening with Dr. Warren Bell of Salmon Arm. The noted speaker is a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and is recognized around the country as an authority on the issue of pesticides and their adverse effects on humans, particularly in regards to children. If pesticides play any part in your life this presentation is a must see.

The Canadian EarthCare Society is hosting the event Wednesday, May 12 in the Lecture Theatre at OUC KLO Campus in Kelowna. Doors open at 7 p.m. with.the presentation starting at 7:30 sharp. Admission is by donation.

For further information contact the Canadian EarthCare Society at 861-4788.

March 27/03 - EarthCare applauds School District 23 for placing moratorium on Pesticide Use

The Canadian EarthCare Society has applauded the School District 23 Board of Trustees for placing a moratorium on the use of pesticides... read more

Lillooet Land Use Plan: Gateway to Wilderness and Prosperity

For your information we have provided a link to a briefing document for the Lillooet Land Use Plan produced by the BCEN Parks & Wilderness Caucus, Sierra Club of BC, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and the Environmental Mining Council of BC. Download Lillooet Briefing Document (PDF)

Dismantling of Forest Recreation system!

EarthCare along with more than fifty other non-government organizations issued a letter to Minister Murray, Minister de Jong and Minister Hagen stating: "We the undersigned are extremely concerned with the multiple processes which are currently in progress to close or discontinue services with respect to our parks system, recreation, forestry recreation sites, wilderness roads and forest service roads...

If you are concerned about the future of BC forest recreation sites, trails, and forest service roads - please take a moment and let your feelings be known. take action now

Photos: Dismantling and destruction of Forest Rec sites underway. These smoke filled pictures taken at the Hope Creek Recreation Site illustrate what is in store for us if this continues. Photos by Vicky Husband.

Dec. 20/02 - Mining Association of BC lobbies to dismantle South Chilcotin Mountains Park

The Canadian EarthCare Society is requesting the Mining Association of B.C., backed by Teck Cominco, to immediately withdraw from land use negotiations in British Columbia. Teck Cominco released it's position on land use in the South Chilcotin region on its Web site and also in a letter to The Globe and Mail. ... more

Shown here is a compelling ad which EarthCare has placed in the B.C. Environmental Report. The words and images speak clearly of what's happening and who's involved. Please feel free to download and print the full size version and post it in your favourite location.

December 20/02 - EarthCare requests the Mining Association and Teck Cominco to withdraw from land use negotiations
Kelowna B.C.

"Teck Cominco clearly supports the Mining Association of B.C. lobby to dismantle South Chilcotin Mountains Park," says Lloyd Manchester, Senior Policy Advisor for the Canadian EarthCare Society, based out of Kelowna, B.C. ... read more

November 25/02 - In the Northwest: B.C. mining industry wants its pound of flesh
By JOEL CONNELLY, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER COLUMNIST

Asked to explain how running British Columbia differs from serving as governor in "the States," one-time B.C. Premier Dave Barrett replies, "When the queen calls you, she gives you the whole bag." Succinct, and true. Under a parliamentary system, the premier is a kind of elected dictator, undisputed boss of a disciplined legislative majority and free to dream (and pursue) big dreams. ... read more

September 16/02 - Canada's Parks at Risk

The provincial Liberal government has betrayed B.C.'s citizens by refusing to conduct broad public consultation on the future of B.C.'s parks say two prominent environmental organizations. According to The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and the B.C. Environmental Network's Parks and Wilderness Caucus, the government created Recreation Stewardship Panel (RSP) will be releasing its draft recommendations on park management and funding on September 16. They will be receiving comments on the draft until October 15 however, the Panel does not plan to visit any communities to obtain input from the public. ... read more

August 03/02 - EarthCare says government abandoning B.C.,'s legacy
By J.P. Squire

The Canadian Earthcare Society based in Kelowna has joined the long list of those concerned about B.C.'s backcountry. Specifically, the society is worried about the impact of the provincial Liberals abandoning maintenance of the Myra and Little White forest service roads... read more

August 02/02 - Lack of road care hurts Myra Canyon tourism
By Corinne Jackson, Capital News contributor

For some time now, Maurice Gervais has been wondering how to be heard. The owner of Sparky’s Lakefront Sports Centre, a sports equipment rental and tour company, is concerned about the B.C. government’s plan to stop maintaining forest service roads ... read more

July 19/02 - Privatization plans raise alarm bells for EarthCare
By Corinne Jackson, Capital News contributor

The Canadian EarthCare Society is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to protecting the local environment. A meeting was held last week between environmental and recreation groups, Tourism Kelowna and various city, regional and provincial officials to discuss the B.C. government's wish to off-load maintenance of forest recreation sites and come up with an alternate plan. Another meeting is set for September. But EarthCare's Lloyd Manchester, isn't convinced... read more

July 18/02 - Dear Minister de Jong...

The Canadian EarthCare Society is extremely concerned with your decision to halt the maintenance and upkeep of forest service roads (FSR), trails and recreation sites throughout the province... read more

Lacoma Lake

The Canadian EarthCare Foundation worked with Friends of Lacoma and partnered with Penticton Forest District, Forest Renewal B.C., Riverside Forest Products, Gorman Brothers Lumber, Penticton Indian Band and Westbank First Nations to re-establish a wilderness trail to Lacoma Lake, the last pristine wilderness in the central Okanagan... read more