Murdered and Missing
According to publication accounts October 11th in Langley press a man has been charged in this girl’s homeicide.
Another one..
Merritt Young person still…
Tara Moran, last seen near a shelter January 31st 2024.
Category: Fauna
Ostriches are raised for meat, feathers and eggs and are commercial. However these bunch of hostages in the news of late were going away from that and we’re used for tourism. Coming endeared to some keepers. Wouldn’t have been, if it was just for meat.
Avian flu
This is a very serious condition that affects foul and gets into people it can be fatal to people and the closer they are the bigger population areas and more of a risk.
The cull that was ordered by the authorities has been stayed and there may be a presentation between the parties at the Supreme Court of Canada and there is a controversy over testing the remaining birds, 300 out of a possible 450 that had contacted the avian flu and are under scrutiny.
H5N1
The virus involved is H5N1, and could be a particularly concern at the start of the flu season and respiratory illness that could accompany it.
Be the K in Kind
k
So, has anybody ever asked you? Did you notice that a formation of geese is usually longer on one side than the other, and asked yourself, why is that?
The reply is it’s “there are more geese on that side.”
So truth and reconciliation day begins with what is obvious first. The contentious next, then the punchline is “more work will be more productive than more obvious discoveries.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_for_Truth_and_Reconciliation
Nicola river these salmon are 200 meters up stream from the Voght St bridge.
Spawning
The salmon in the photo seem to be very lively and actively spawning.
Salmon
Photo KDG, September 21 2025, Merritt BC…
Nicola River System
The Nicola River system, located in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia, is a vital watershed for several species of Pacific salmon. The annual salmon runs are not only a spectacular natural event but also a crucial part of the ecosystem and hold deep cultural significance for local First Nations.The Salmon SpeciesThe Nicola River and its tributaries support runs of several salmon species, including: * Chinook Salmon: Considered a prized species, Chinook are one of the largest and most sought-after salmon. * Coho Salmon: These are known for being a bit more elusive, which makes them a challenge for anglers. * Pink Salmon: Pink salmon are the smallest species and are known for the distinctive hump that develops on the back of the males during their spawning migration. * Sockeye Salmon: Although their presence has been less consistent in recent years, sockeye were historically a significant part of the Nicola system.The timing of the salmon runs can vary by species, but generally, the main runs occur in the late summer and early fall, as the fish make their incredible journey from the ocean to their natal spawning grounds.Environmental ChallengesThe health of the salmon runs in the Nicola River is a significant concern due to various environmental pressures. The Thompson-Nicola region is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change, which has led to: * Drought: Lower-than-average snowpack and reduced summer rainfall can lead to low stream flows and higher water temperatures. This can trap fish in isolated pools, increase their vulnerability to predators, and cause a loss of critical habitat. * Wildfires: The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires can damage the watershed, leading to increased sediment runoff that can smother salmon eggs and alter the river’s habitat.These factors, combined with historical impacts from logging and water withdrawals for agriculture, pose a serious threat to the persistence and recovery of salmon populations.Cultural SignificanceFor the First Nations of the Nicola Valley, particularly the Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc peoples, salmon are far more than just a food source. Salmon are an integral part of their identity, culture, and social structure. * Sustenance and Trade: For thousands of years, salmon have been a foundational food source and a key item for trade, sustaining large and vibrant communities. * Spiritual and Cultural Connection: In many traditional beliefs, salmon are considered gift-bearing relatives and are treated with immense respect. The return of the salmon each year is a powerful symbol of life, endurance, and the cyclical nature of the world. Traditional stories, songs, and ceremonies celebrate this deep connection. * Stewardship: Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices have historically played a vital role in managing and protecting the salmon populations. This includes using methods like dipnetting and establishing agreements between communities to ensure the sustainability of the resource for all.Efforts are underway, often led by First Nations communities and conservation groups, to address the challenges facing the Nicola watershed and its salmon. These initiatives focus on habitat restoration, sustainable water management, and integrated decision-making to protect this irreplaceable resource for future generations.
NNS for you
Up coming
The Nicola Naturalist Society Incorporated have begun their fall and winter program again since 2010 in Merritt, British Columbia, the group have been going out doing projects in association with some government and Nature BC.
Lichen outing:
On Saturday September 27 th 2025. With Christine, You need to be paid up member to go.
Concept photo
Mallard ducks are the most prevalent around our place, our neck of the woods here in Merritt, British Columbia. We love our Mallard ducks.
The local naturalist club will begin their regular weekend fall and winter schedule on the 18th. Their meetings are generally most months on the third Thursday at 7:00 at the Nicola Valley institute of technology, top of the hill Belshaw Avenue in Merritt.
Bringing a construction project to completion is a complex process that involves several key stages, each with its own set of challenges and goals. While the specific steps can vary depending on the size and type of project, the general process can be broken down into the following phases:
1. Conception and Design: This is the initial stage where the project’s vision is created. It involves defining the project’s purpose, scope, and feasibility. The owner works with architects and engineers to create the design, which includes detailed blueprints and specifications. During this phase, a business case and feasibility study are often conducted to ensure the project is viable.
2. Pre-construction and Procurement: Once the design is finalized, the focus shifts to planning for the actual construction. This is where the construction team develops a detailed plan, including budgets, schedules, and a strategy for how the building will be constructed. This phase also involves procurement, which is the process of selecting and hiring the necessary contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Permits and approvals from local authorities are also secured during this time.
3. Construction: This is the physical phase of the project, where the actual building takes shape. It begins with site preparation and excavation, followed by laying the foundation, framing, and building the structural elements. This stage also includes the installation of major systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Throughout this phase, a project manager oversees the work, manages the schedule and budget, and ensures that safety protocols are followed.
4. Post-Construction and Close-Out: The final stage of the project involves bringing everything to a close and preparing for the handover to the owner. This includes:
* Final Inspections and Walk-throughs: Thorough inspections are conducted to ensure all work meets quality standards and is completed according to the plans. This is also when the project team and client do a final walk-through to identify any last-minute issues or “punch list” items that need to be addressed.
* Documentation and Paperwork: All necessary documents, including manuals, warranties, and “as-built” drawings (which show the final state of the building as constructed), are gathered and organized.
* Handover: The project is formally handed over to the client. This typically includes a meeting to review all documentation and transfer keys and other essential items.
* Insurance Changes: The construction insurance is changed to a permanent property insurance policy.
A successful construction project relies on a clear plan, effective communication, and a strong partnership between all parties involved, including the owner, architects, engineers, and contractors.
Good luck it’s not easy…
Fauna
Mallard Duck BCs 🦆
Mallard Ducks and Their Presence in British ColumbiaMallards are the most widespread and abundant dabbling duck in Canada, found in almost any freshwater habitat. In British Columbia, they are a significant part of the waterfowl population, particularly along the Pacific coast and in the interior plateaus. The population of mallards in western Canada, which includes B.C., has been considered “secure” and “at an acceptable level” for some time. They are found in high concentrations in the lower Fraser Valley and are a prominent resident species in the interior of the province, with populations increasing in some areas.While there isn’t specific data for the mallard population in the immediate Merritt, BC area, the birds are known to be part of the general interior population, which winters in the warmer coastal regions and returns to breed in the interior, following major river systems.Interesting Mallard BehaviorsMallards exhibit some fascinating behaviors, including brood amalgamation, which is the adoption of ducklings by a hen who isn’t their biological mother. This can occur in a few ways: * Pre-hatch Brood Amalgamation (Brood Parasitism): A female lays her eggs in another female’s nest. The host female then incubates and cares for the eggs as if they were her own. This behavior is more frequent in areas with high nest densities. * Post-hatch Brood Amalgamation: This is when a hen with a brood takes in ducklings from another family. This can happen for various reasons, such as when a mother loses her brood and joins another, or when a hen’s ducklings get separated and are accepted by a different mother. Mallard ducklings can be adopted by a hen of a different brood, as the hen will usually accept any duckling that is peeping nearby.These adoptions, especially in crowded populations, can lead to very large “combined broods.”The Debate on Sport Hunting MallardsThe question of whether mallards should be sport-hunted is complex and involves arguments about conservation, ethics, and the role of hunting in wildlife management.Arguments in favor of hunting often include: * Population Management: Proponents argue that hunting is a tool to manage and maintain healthy wildlife populations. Mallards are not considered an at-risk species, and regulated hunting ensures their numbers remain stable and do not exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat. * Conservation Funding: Hunters are a major source of funding for wildlife conservation through the purchase of licenses and stamps. In Canada, a federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit and a Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp are required to hunt migratory birds, and the revenue from these goes directly to conservation efforts. * Tradition and Recreation: For many, hunting is a long-standing tradition and a way to connect with nature and source food. Hunters often express a deep respect for the animals they pursue.Arguments against hunting often raise concerns about: * Genetic Integrity: Recent genetic research has shown that some wild mallard populations, particularly in the eastern United States, have a significant amount of genetic material from game-farm birds. This is a result of releasing farm-raised mallards for hunting. Critics argue that this dilutes the wild population’s gene pool and may introduce less-efficient foraging and migratory traits, potentially affecting their long-term survival. * Ethical Considerations: Some people question the ethics of hunting, especially for sport. They may argue that it’s unnecessary to kill animals for recreation when food can be obtained in other ways. * Environmental Impact: While hunting is regulated, some critics are concerned about potential negative environmental impacts, such as the use of lead shot in the past (which is now prohibited for migratory birds in B.C.) and the overall disturbance to wildlife.In British Columbia, mallards are a regulated migratory game bird, and hunters must adhere to specific regulations, including daily bag and possession limits and the use of non-toxic shot. The fact that mallards are hunted is based on the premise that their population is large and healthy enough to sustain a harvest without negatively impacting the species as a whole.
AKA Cold Blob
Well, it’s complicated. While a cooler spot might sound good in a warming world, the cold blob is a sign that major ocean currents are changing. That could have big impacts on weather patterns and sea levels around the globe. Scientists are still studying it to understand the full effects.
Tilt of the earth?
That’s a great question! The Milankovitch cycles do play a role in Earth’s long-term climate patterns, but the cooling of the cold blob is happening much faster than those cycles would predict. Scientists believe it’s primarily driven by the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and its impact on ocean currents.
Fish return
Editor’s note: The government of British Columbia opened a recreational fishing season on returning salmon in the Fraser River on the 22nd of August 2025, this abundance of return is being credited to some cooler water by some sources. This brief opening is 11 Days ending on September 1st 2025. Many sources are lined up to take credit. In our view it may be a result of the rest the environment got during COVID.
Over time trees have been…🌳🍁🌳
Based on the search results, I can now answer all parts of the user’s query.
Modern Tree Culture
Modern tree culture, or the modern view of trees, is multifaceted. Trees are valued for their ecological benefits, such as sequestering CO2, enriching soil, and creating habitats. They are also integral to modern landscape design, where their aesthetic qualities and ability to define spaces are utilized. On a deeper level, trees continue to be powerful cultural symbols in art, literature, and environmental movements, representing growth, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life. They are also seen as vital for human well-being, providing sanctuaries for mental health and a connection to nature.
Distinction from Celtic and Druidic Tree Culture
The distinction between modern and ancient Celtic/Druidic tree culture lies primarily in the spiritual and religious significance of trees.
* Celtic/Druidic Culture: Trees were considered sacred, sentient beings and were central to spiritual practices. Certain trees like the oak, ash, and hazel were revered as embodying wisdom, life, and a connection to ancestors. The word “Druid” itself may be derived from the Celtic word for oak, “deru.” Sacred groves were places of worship, and specific trees were believed to have magical or divine properties, used for divination, healing, and protection from evil spirits. Felling a sacred tree was a serious offense, sometimes a symbol of a rival clan’s demoralization.
* Modern Culture: While trees are still seen as symbolic and spiritually significant to some, this view is not a dominant part of mainstream society. The modern appreciation for trees is more rooted in science, ecology, and aesthetics. The focus is on their role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and supporting urban life, rather than their use in specific religious rites or as literal dwellings for spirits.
The Good, the Bad, and the Evil
The search results interpreted the user’s query about “deep tree culture” in a more literal and horticultural sense, but also provided information that can be applied to the symbolic and cultural aspects.
Good:
* Environmental: Trees are crucial for creating habitats, enriching soil, and managing water. They sequester carbon, reduce urban heat, and lower energy consumption.
* Aesthetic & Personal: Trees define outdoor spaces and are a source of beauty and inspiration in art. They are shown to improve emotional health and provide a calming experience.
* Symbolic: The “Tree of Life” motif, found in many cultures, represents a unifying idea of creativity and the interconnectedness of all life. Trees symbolize personal growth, resilience, and stability.
Bad:
* Horticultural: The “bad” aspects are largely practical. Planting trees too deep can kill them by smothering roots. Improper planting and soil compaction can stunt growth and make trees susceptible to disease and wind damage.
* Urban & Public Health: Urban trees can have negative effects, such as emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog during heat waves, or their roots can damage pipes and foundations. Some trees can also be a source of allergens.
Evil:
The concept of “evil” in “deep tree culture” is not addressed in a literal sense by the search results. However, from the historical Celtic context, the practice of a rival clan destroying an enemy’s sacred tree was a demoralizing act of spiritual violence. In this sense, an act of destroying something deeply sacred to a culture or people could be seen as an act of evil within their belief system.
There are issues about transporting weeds and other contaminates check with local authorities before trouble brews.
Canoe “I just deliver them-driver.”
Regulated
The regulations for canoeing in Alberta are primarily governed by Transport Canada’s Small Vessel Regulations, as boating safety is a federal responsibility in Canada. Alberta also has specific regulations regarding aquatic invasive species.
Here’s a breakdown of what canoes need in Alberta:
Flotation Devices (Life Jackets/PFDs)
* One life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board. This is a non-negotiable requirement for all watercraft, including human-powered ones like canoes.
* Canadian-approved: The life jacket or PFD must be Canadian-approved. There are three main types:
* SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) lifejackets: High-performance, approved for all vessels, turn you on your back even if unconscious.
* Standard Type lifejackets: Approved for all vessels except SOLAS, also turn you on your back even if unconscious.
* Small Vessel lifejackets: Approved for small vessels.
* Proper Fit: It’s crucial that the life jacket or PFD fits snugly and correctly. For children, it should not ride up over their chin or ears, and there should be less than 7.6 cm (3 inches) between their shoulders and the device.
* Condition: Ripped or poorly conditioned flotation devices are not considered approved.
* Inflatable PFDs: Inflatable PFDs are prohibited for people under 16 years of age or who weigh under 36.3 kg (80 lbs.), and for operators of personal watercraft.
Paddle Equipment and Other Required Safety Gear
For canoes up to 6 meters (19’8″) in length, you generally need the following, in addition to life jackets/PFDs:
* Buoyant Heaving Line: A buoyant heaving line at least 15 meters (50 feet) long.
* Bailing Device: A bailer or a manual bilge pump. (Note: Not required for craft with watertight compartments that won’t allow the craft to hold enough water to capsize).
* Sound Signalling Device: A sound signalling device (like a pea-less whistle for human-powered craft).
* Reboarding Device (if applicable): A reboarding device (like a ladder) is required unless the vertical height to climb to reboard the pleasure craft is not more than 0.5 meters.
* Navigation Lights (if applicable): If you are operating after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility, you need navigation lights. For a canoe, a single light (like a watertight flashlight, lantern, or torch) is sufficient.
Additional Recommendations and Important Considerations
* Spare Paddle: It’s always recommended to have one paddle per person in the canoe plus a spare.
* Watertight Flashlight: While sometimes covered by navigation light requirements, a watertight flashlight is always a good idea, especially for low-light conditions.
* First Aid Kit: Although not explicitly listed as mandatory for all canoes by Transport Canada, it’s highly recommended to carry a first aid kit. For guided excursions, specific first aid kit requirements apply.
* Helmet: For river paddling, especially on Class 3 or above waters (whitewater), a helmet of an appropriate size is required. Paddle Canada also requires helmets on all Class II and above waterways for sanctioned courses and participants.
* Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Regulations: Alberta has strict regulations to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels.
* Drain Plugs: All watercraft must have their drain plugs pulled while being transported on Alberta highways. Failure to do so can result in a significant fine.
* Watercraft Inspections: When highway signage indicates a watercraft inspection station is open, all watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) being transported must stop for inspection. Bypassing an open station with a watercraft is a serious violation.
* Clean, Drain, Dry, and Certify: Before entering a new waterbody, you are required to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and all water-related gear. In some areas, like Banff National Park, you may need to obtain an AIS prevention self-certification permit.
* No “Boating License” for Canoes (unmotorized): You do not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (often referred to as a “boating license”) to operate a human-powered craft like a canoe, unless it is fitted with a motor (even an electric trolling motor).
* Alcohol Consumption: Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense. Alcohol consumption is generally restricted on board unless the boat has a sleeping area, cooking facilities, or a toilet, or is docked.
It’s always a good idea to consult the Transport Canada Safe Boating Guide and the Alberta.ca website for the most current and detailed information on regulations. These resources provide comprehensive lists and explanations of safety equipment and rules.
The above may not be full and complete please review the regulations with the regulator responsible in the jurisdiction.
Kevin Griffiths
percypaschal
The Proprietor Review 