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The Volunteer Warden
Program
In order to effectively manage
the increasing numbers of ecological reserves, a volunteer warden system
was initiated by the government in 1980.
The objectives of the
Ecological Reserves Volunteer Warden program were to:
·
assist
BC Parks in the protection and management of ecological reserves;
·
increase
public understanding of the Ecological Reserves Program;
·
provide
liaison between the general public and BC Parks by providing information;
and,
·
provide
input into the management plan for each ecological reserve.
Volunteer wardens represent
a wide spectrum of the public-from naturalist clubs, to foresters,
biologists, and interested individuals living in the vicinity of ecological
reserves. They assist BC Parks staff in ensuring that ecological reserves
are protected and managed in accordance with the objectives of the Ecological
Reserve Act and Ecological Reserve Regulations. The revised Volunteer
Warden Handbook provides more information on the work of the Wardens.
Currently there are a
number of ecological reserves in desperate need of wardens. Click here for a listing.
Ecological Reserve Warden Meeting
– The Gathering – September 2003 - Kamloops
The Friends of
Ecological Reserves and the
Federation of BC Naturalists jointly sponsored a well attended weekend of
presentations, discussions, and social time.
Approximately 55 people attended including wardens, naturalists, people
interested in becoming wardens, government staff and invited speakers. For
a complete summary of the meeting including the presentations, panel
discussions and ideas generated click
Report on
The Gathering
This autumn 2006 FER is
helping to organize regional meetings to bring Ministry staff and Wardens
together to talk about management issues and learn from one another.
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Application form to become a
warden. Click here
Responsibilities of
Volunteer Wardens
Volunteer Wardens are not
empowered as peace officers. Their role is to observe, record, and report
issues and incidents (such as vandalism) that occur within ecological
reserves. BC Parks staff handle management and enforcement issues.
Based on the warden's
availability and interests, each warden meets with parks staff to develop a
work plan and maintains a close contact with his or her Area Supervisor.
Vandalism or other serious issues that may threaten an ecological reserve
should be reported immediately.
Wardens are required to
visit the ecological reserve at least twice a year, after consultation with
the Area Supervisor, to monitor activities that are taking place within or
on the periphery of the Reserve; to report to the Area Supervisor on the
condition of the ecological reserve and any violations of the Ecological
Reserve Regulations. As well, under direction from BC Parks staff, they may
place and maintain signs along reserve boundaries at normal access points;
greet and provide information to visitors encountered in the ecological
reserve and provide management activities under direction of BC Parks
staff.
Wardens are required to
report to the Area Supervisor on research and educational activities taking
place in the ecological reserve; to inform BC Parks, researchers and the
public about potential research projects. They may make recommendations for
suitable candidate ecological reserves and/or suitable research topics and
may, if qualified, conduct scientific research in reserves, provided they
hold a valid research permit.
Under the guidance of BC
Parks staff, the warden may act as a liaison between the local community
and BC Parks by providing information to interested persons and groups
(e.g., naturalist clubs, senior citizens, and school groups) about the
warden program and ecological reserves, through public presentations, slide
programs and field trips.
Wardens have a role in
assisting BC Parks with biological inventory and monitoring. They may
assist Parks staff in setting up permanent research plots, or scientists
with research permits who are conducing studies within the ecological
reserve.
Wardens are required to
submit a written annual report to their Area Supervisor by December 31 of
each year, which includes information about activities or issues within the
reserve; and records of any management, research or liaison projects
implemented.
Working closely with
wardens, Parks staff provide direction to the wardens on their role of
assisting the management of ecological reserves by providing individual
work plans, feedback and supervision. Staff answer questions and
investigate complaints; ensure the wardens are trained and equipped to
perform their duties safely.
Staff also organize joint
field trips between the wardens and BC Parks staff; approve, permit, and
monitor research initiatives for wardens conducting scientific study in the
ecological reserve and act as liaison for the program between District and
Headquarters.
Reference:
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