The implementation scaffold
#1 the consideration of the First Nations Groups along the corridor - in conjunction with the CRD. Local, national and international art groups contacted, made aware of project.
However a priority of the intention would be environmental remediation along the Goose. There are plenty of stretches of Scotch Broom and other highly troublesome invasives that are along the route. The first "art work" should be the environmental remediation of the Goose, a hands on engagement along the long trail of reconciliation.
Ideally the CRD educational boards would initiating a large-scale youth corps devoted to environmental remediation, specifically targeting the eradication of invasive plants along the Galloping Goose Nature Trail. It would require planning and coordination. Here's an outline of what that process could look like.
ALIGN WITH THIS INITIATIVE https://www.youthclimatecorps.com/
Identify and engage relevant stakeholders, including local government representatives, environmental organizations, youth organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders. Seek support and collaboration from these stakeholders to garner resources, expertise, and guidance for the youth corps initiative.
Involve the Sc'ianew (Chenuh) First Nations, T'Sou-ke First Nations, and other First Nations groups along the trail, ensuring respectful consultation and collaboration in all stages of the project.
Funding and Resource Acquisition:
Seek funding opportunities from government grants, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising initiatives. Allocate resources for training, equipment, transportation, and project management.
Program Development:
Design a comprehensive program that includes a structured curriculum, training modules, and practical fieldwork for the youth corps. Collaborate with local educational institutions and environmental experts to develop an engaging and informative curriculum that educates the participants about invasive plant species, environmental remediation techniques, and the importance of ecological restoration. Ensure the program provides a supportive and inclusive environment for the youth corps members, fostering their personal growth, leadership skills, and environmental stewardship.
Recruitment and Selection:
Advertise the youth corps opportunity through schools, youth organizations, community centers, and online platforms.
Establish a transparent and fair selection process based on criteria such as age, interest, commitment, and diversity to ensure a representative group of participants.
Provide clear expectations, responsibilities, and benefits to the selected youth corps members.
Training and Supervision:
Develop a comprehensive training program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to invasive plant identification, removal techniques, safety protocols, and environmental conservation.
Collaborate with experienced environmental professionals and organizations to deliver training sessions and provide ongoing supervision during fieldwork.
Implementation and Monitoring:
Organize regular fieldwork sessions for the youth corps to conduct invasive plant eradication along the Galloping Goose Nature Trail. Establish monitoring mechanisms to track the progress of the eradication efforts and assess the ecological improvements over time.
Implement regular evaluation and feedback systems to ensure the effectiveness of the youth corps program, making necessary adjustments based on the feedback received.
Public Outreach and Awareness:
Develop a communication plan to raise public awareness about the youth corps initiative, its goals, and the importance of environmental remediation.
Engage with local media outlets, community events, and social media platforms to share success stories, educational content, and volunteer opportunities.
Collaborate with local schools to organize educational workshops and awareness campaigns, involving students and their families in the environmental conservation efforts.
Long-term Sustainability:
Develop a plan for the long-term sustainability of the youth corps initiative, considering aspects such as funding, leadership succession, and continued engagement with the community and stakeholders.
Explore opportunities to expand the youth corps program to address other environmental challenges on Vancouver Island, ensuring a lasting impact on the region's ecological well-being.