Thompson Rivers University is receiving $99,475 for environmental research infrastructure from the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund to retrofit an existing lab and greenhouse facility.

These infrastructure improvements will support students researching the structures and functions of both freshwater wetland and temperate grassland ecosystems.

“Today is significant because these funds are being received not because TRU has the potential to conduct world-class research, but because over the last five years, Dr. Fraser and his interdisciplinary team of colleagues, and students have shown that TRU is conducting world-class research,” said Dr. Nancy Van Wagoner, TRU Associate Vice President Research and Graduate Studies. “This research is informing the development of meaningful action plans to resolve the complex environmental issues we face as a province and globally.”

The BCKDF grant supports the Community and Ecosystem Ecology Research infrastructure for Dr. Lauchlan Fraser, as part of the renewal of his CRC Tier 2 position. His research involves precise testing and screening of plant character traits, and controlled plant community and ecosystem studies. Dr. Fraser’s research is based at TRU because Kamloops is situated in the middle of BC’s grassland region. The grasslands only occupy about one percent of land area of B.C. but grasslands are habitat for over 30 per cent of BC’s rare and endangered species. Grasslands are also very important for the cattle industry, for recreational use, and for our cultural heritage. While BC has a relatively small area of grasslands, the research will have global implications.

“My students and I have been investigating the effects of global climate change on grasslands and the wetland ponds associated with grasslands,” Fraser said. “The provincial and federal funding will allow me to purchase a truck, remote climate sensors (including soil temperature, soil moisture, and CO2 soil respiration), and upgrade the greenhouse. Our experiments will be linked with ongoing projects across Canada, in China, and in Argentina – essentially all of the major temperate grasslands of the world.

“Our experiments will be linked with ongoing projects across Canada, in China, and in Argentina – essentially all of the major temperate grasslands of the world” – Dr. Lauchlan Fraser, CRC

“There is a saying ‘Make hay while the sun shines’. Essentially it means take advantage of the good times. Good advice. But, there haven’t been too many good times for the cattle industry, and with more sun (or, more probably, less rain in the summer) – it might even get worse. Nevertheless, research can provide managers and policy makers with the information to make knowledgeable management decisions. And research is not possible without support. So, once again, I thank the province of BC for their confidence in my research program at TRU.”

Dr. Larry Prins, AVP Academic; Kevin Krueger, MLA Kamloops-South Thompson; Dr. Lauchlan Fraser, CRC; Dr. Tom Dickinson, Dean Science; Dr. Terry Lake, MLA Kamloops-North Thompson

“Environmental conservation and management, both local and global, are valued by the University, which itself is surrounded by beautiful natural areas,” says Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “I know this funding will go a long way in ensuring that wetlands throughout B.C. will be enjoyed by future generations.”

“B.C.’s wetlands and grasslands are sensitive environments,” says Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger. “The upgrades to TRU’s environmental research facility will help us better understand the impacts of climate change and general human activity on these areas to provide important information about conservation.”

This facility will help identify which ecosystems are under threat, what conservation projects are feasible and what are realistic goals for restoration and conservation. It will research ecosystem management in relation to climate change, reducing the impact of non-native invasive plants in grassland and wetlands, and improving the efficiency of wetlands in treating wastewater caused by agricultural runoff.

The B.C. Knowledge Development Fund helps public post-secondary institutions, teaching hospitals, and affiliated non-profit agencies to invest in research infrastructure that will provide long-term economic and social benefits to British Columbia. Between 2001 and the end of 2009, the fund provided almost $358 million for research infrastructure in this province.