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THE PLACE The Nashwaak River flows south through the forests and farmland of central New Brunswick to meet the Wolastoq (Saint John) River at Fredericton. It supports Atlantic Salmon, American Eel, and Wood Turtle, along with floodplain forests, wetlands, and Wabanaki (Acadian) forest that are becoming increasingly rare under pressure from land conversion, resource extraction, and barriers to fish passage. THE CHALLENGE Founded in 1995, the Nashwaak Watershed Association had decades of local knowledge but only one staff member. It needed a clear, long-term plan to focus its limited resources on the actions that would do the most for the watershed, and one strong enough to win the support of the funders and partners it would need to grow. |
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Facing a similar challenge? We can help. |
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OUR APPROACH GCS facilitated the development of NWAI’s 2021–2030 Strategic Plan, bringing the Board of Directors, staff, and consultants together through a series of professionally facilitated workshops using the Conservation Standards. Together, the team selected five focal values (floodplain forest, riparian zone, wetlands, Wabanaki forest, and aquatic habitat), assessed their health and the threats they face, and mapped the drivers behind key issues such as aquatic barriers and the proposed Sisson Mine. From there, we set measurable goals and prioritised strategies, then reconvened in 2023 to review and update the plan. RESULTS & IMPACT A 10-year strategic plan setting NWAI’s conservation priorities for 2021–2030. Measurable goals for five focal values, including reopening 110 km of stream and river habitat to fish. Stronger communication and shared problem-solving across the Board, staff, and consultants. A plan now in action that has helped NWAI grow from a single staff member to a full-time team of six to seven. |
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“GCS’s adept facilitation enabled our Board of Directors, staff and consultants to improve our communication, collective problem-solving skills, and overall effectiveness. We are extremely pleased with our new 10-year strategic plan that will solidify our future success in watershed conservation.” |
Marieka Chaplin Nashwaak Watershed Association |