A rivershed is a distinct land area whose border is geographically
defined by high points of elevation. Groundwater and surface runoff
within a rivershed flow toward a common destination through a system
of streams, lakes, bogs and and other watercourses.
Riversheds are commonly viewed as ecosystems. As such, they contain
a range of interdependent plant and animal species whose diversity is
determined by climate, soils, moisture and other biophysical features
and functions. Protecting rivershed ecology is essential to sustaining
life within them – including human communities.
The term rivershed is gaining currency as one of the basic concepts
of a sustainable society. Although synonymous with watershed,
the term is more place-specific. It steers attention to a river in a
particular geographical location (e.g. the Fraser River, the Lil'wat
River) and all activities and phenomena related to that area. When a
sense of place is organized around a river rather than a town or city,
it encourages a mental shift from human settlement to the larger interconnected
natural environment.
Being aware of connections – between humans and nature, and among
all things animate and inanimate -- is a prerequisite to conceiving
of a harmonious relationship with the earth.
