Biosphere StoryMaps
Summary
To complement the Biosphere Terrestrial Atlas, HSBRIS is authoring a collection of ArcGIS StoryMaps for the biosphere region to document and share the history of landscape change over time, human impacts, the restoration and recovery of local ecosystems, and to identify future stewardship opportunities. These StoryMaps are centred on focus areas within the biosphere region, defined as areas of unique ecological significance and/or rich biodiversity that have complex land-use histories and present opportunities for conservation, restoration and stewardship. Each StoryMap will integrate key datasets and maps from the Terrestrial Atlas and present them alongside other resources and information relevant to the focus area.
The Need
The biosphere region has an extensive history of anthropogenic effects on the environment, including resource extraction, recreation, cultural uses, conservation, and restoration efforts. Although many of these activities are well documented, the data and information are spread over various sources. In addition, the information is often presented only in technical formats, which are not accessible to a general audience. This creates a barrier to those interested in developing a holistic understanding of the biosphere region.
Objectives
Provide an educational resource on the history and recovery of AHSUBR
Increase local understanding of biodiversity and human impacts
Identify information and knowledge gaps
Identify future restoration and stewardship opportunities within focus areas
Focus Areas
StoryMap focus areas have unique ecological significance and/or rich biodiversity with complex land-use histories and that present opportunities for restoration, remediation, and stewardship. To date, focus areas that have been identified include the McNab Creek Watershed, the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area, and the Britannia Creek Watershed.
To suggest a Focus Area for a future StoryMap, please complete our survey.
Project Updates
April 2024 - The second StoryMap for the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary WMA is under development. The project team has completed the research phase and a first draft of the StoryMap is currently under revision. Stay tuned for release! The research phase for the next StoryMap, the Britannia Creek Watershed, is now underway.
February 2024 - The McNab Watershed StoryMap is complete and published! Read the full StoryMap, or a short summary here.
August 2023 - The first StoryMap for the McNab Watershed is under development. The project team is engaged in research, writing, interviews, and map development.
Deliverables and Resources
Project Team
Lead: Joseph Moric
Editors: Diane Mitchell, Ruth Simons
With funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada, we have hired Joseph Moric to lead the research and development of this collection of StoryMaps. Joseph comes from a diverse background of field ecology, fisheries research, and work in the marine industry. His passion for the Coast Mountains and the vibrancy of the Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound community led him to work with HSBRIS on this project. Joseph lives in Squamish and can often be found out in the mountains or exploring the rock climbing around town.
If you have any feedback on our currently published StoryMaps or would like to provide information for future StoryMaps, please reach out to our Research and Monitoring Coordinator Joseph at josephmoric@howesoundbri.org.