A pair of UNBC classes presented to Prince George City Council on Monday, on the importance of wildlife and greenspace in the city.
The first class was the ENVS 210 class, which presented on the Value of Urban Wildlife.
One group in the class presented on pesticides and herbicides used in the city.
“There are negative effects on biodiversity which are a reason to look towards alternatives,” said Elias Beach, one of the presenting students.
“As these harmful compounds that are present in herbicides and pesticides begin to bioaccumulate inside wildlife, their effects are amplified, and they start to cause a variety of adverse health-related effects to many species.”
The group suggested alternative methods to pesticide and herbicide use, including goatscaping, mechanical control, garden design, and “do-nothing.”
Other groups presented on topics such as ecodevelopment, becoming a bear-smart community, wildlife corridors, and urban wildlife education, and made suggestions to council. including:
- Implementing continued and consistent bear educational programs in schools and elsewhere.
- Better waste management and food compost programs through collaborations with the Regional District.
- Protecting green space in Prince George.
- Re-evaluating existing wildlife corridors and monitoring them to ensure success.
The second class, ENVS 230, presented on the importance of a greenspace bylaw.
The presenters said greenspaces within the city play a vital role, such as mitigating flooding, dropping temperatures, and keeping PG residents connected to nature.
However, they noted greenspace areas are rapidly decreasing to make room for new developments.
Their recommendations included:
- Modifying existing development proposals to protect riparian zones, sensitive areas and old growth.
- Permanent preservation of community forest area.
- Identify areas within the city that can be infilled to prevent further development.
Mayor Simon Yu and Councillor Trudy Klassen have previously stated their desire for a greenspace bylaw in the city.
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— City of Prince George (@CityofPG) December 7, 2023