It was wonderful to have the opportunity to speak with host Gloria Macarenko of CBC Our Vancouver. A recent episode featured parks and the importance of nature in our lives. It was great to be able to tell her about the birds, wildlife and the community of volunteers who help protect Burnaby Lake Regional Park.
This segment was filmed in February when show was on hiatus during the Olympics. It was a grey day, but always lots to see and hear, whatever the weather.
Longtime part goers may recall some of the arhcival photos they shared and can see how the park has changed from the original footage.
We are happy to share the news that Elmer Rudolph, who has been a leader in the Sapperton Fish & Game Club for over 35 years, has been recognised by the City of Burnaby with a 2020 Environmental Award in the category of Community Stewardship, for his outstanding commitment to community action for environmental protection and rehabilitation of the Brunette River, which Burnaby Lake flows into at the east end of the park.
From the City of Burnaby’s September 29, 2020 news release:
Elmer Rudolph has shown outstanding commitment to community stewardship, conservation and environmental protection with efforts that have rehabilitated Burnaby’s natural environment.
Since being recognized with an Environmental Award in 1996 — the very first year of Burnaby’s awards program — Mr. Rudolph spent the following 24 years volunteering to protect Burnaby’s diverse ecosystems. Mr. Rudolph is a former member and president of the Sapperton Fish & Game Club, where he has volunteered since 1984 leading conservation initiatives and rehabilitation programs in the Brunette watershed. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community stewardship through his actions and advocacy for pollution prevention and the ecological health of the Brunette River and Burnaby Lake. Mr. Rudolph has worked on rehabilitation projects that include the installation of large woody debris and in-stream weirs, and the cleaning out of spawning beds to provide opportunities for successful salmon reproduction.
In 1997, Mr. Rudolph played a key role in starting a community fish hatchery in Burnaby, which has enhanced salmon populations in the Brunette River watershed, including significant salmon-bearing streams in Burnaby such as Eagle Creek, Still Creek, Beecher Creek, Guichon Creek and Deer Lake Brook. The community hatchery operates through the Salmonid Enhancement Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which works to conserve fish stocks, rebuild the salmon population and improve fish habitats. Each year, Mr. Rudolph volunteers his time to work on salmon rehabilitation projects, coordinate and manage volunteers, and advocate for the protection and conservation of salmon. He also spends time engaging youth in initiatives and educating them on the importance of species conservation.
Mr. Rudolph has played an exemplary role in community stewardship for the Brunette River and has inspired those who have worked alongside him, as well as his community. His dedication, leadership and commitment to protecting Burnaby’s diverse ecosystem has made a positive impact on species conservation while demonstrating the importance of community action for environmental protection.
You will find this sign installed at Cariboo Dam at the east end of Burnaby Lake which connects it to the Brunette River It features Elmer Rudolph and the important work he participated in to clean up the river so the salmon could return. Congratulations, Elmer! You will find out more history about the Brunette River watershed here.
There City presents two levels of awards:
Environmental Award – Recognises environmental achievements of a larger scale, such as long-term commitments to an organization or cause, leadership, and projects of a significant size and relatively complex scope that have a broader community impact.
Environmental Star – Recognises environmental achievements of a smaller or more individual scale that may serve to catalyse larger initiatives and inspire others.
To find out more about the City of Burnaby’s Environmental Awards Program and the other 2020 winners, click here.
The BLPA and some of its members have been recognised in the past for their efforts in Community Stewardship: (*under its former name)
2016 – Star – Dave Stafford
2008 – Award – John Thomson, Burnaby Lake Advisory Association*
2008 – Award – Tony Fabian, Burnaby Lake Advisory Association*
2006 – Star – Burnaby Lake Advisory Association* Weedbusters
