How we work

About

TSSC Terms of Reference

The TSSC Terms of Reference (ToR) was created to establish a non-political, innovative, watershed-based collaborative process involving three orders of government to meaningfully work towards salmonid conservation and restoration in the Thompson-Shuswap. Our ToR acts as a guide for the TSSC’s collaboration and outlines the scope of our work, operating principles, structure, and decision-making processes. The ToR was signed in 2021 and renewed in 2024.

The key principles for how the TSSC operates together include being action oriented, working together collaboratively, cooperatively and respectfully, and operating with transparency. Other elements of the ToR discuss the structure of the TSSC, which includes a Steering Committee (SC) that leads the work of the TSSC, Technical Working Groups, and Sub-Committees.

TSSC Communications Plan

The TSSC Communications Plan supports our work by prioritizing timely and effective communications between TSSC parties and with partners. The plan includes elements such as:

Goals and objectives for TSSC communications
A description of communication processes, roles, and responsibilities
TSSC communication materials and tools
A timeline for key communication activities

TSSC Strategic Planning Framework

The TSSC uses the following adaptive management framework to coordinate and implement projects. Key phases of our Strategic Planning Framework are shown in the image below, and include:

1. Assess

This includes utilizing the most current ecosystem monitoring, assessments, and research to identify key pressures facing salmon in the watershed that are contributing to their decline.

2. Plan

The TSSC is currently developing the Thompson-Shuswap Salmon Ecosystem Action Plan (the Ecosystem Action Plan). to collaboratively develop objectives and recommended actions for salmon habitat conservation and restoration.

3. Implement

The TSSC will work with other interested parties in the Thompson-Shuswap to implement the recommended actions in the Ecosystem Action Plan. The Ecosystem Action Plan will also identify funding opportunities that the TSSC and others can access to implement actions to improve or conserve salmon habitat.

4. Analyze, Monitor & Report

As we implement actions, the TSSC will check to see whether they are effective at improving conditions for salmon and helping slow their declines.

5. Adapt

If actions do not lead to the desired outcomes, the TSSC will revisit our strategies and decide whether we need to adapt the Ecosystem Action Plan or pursue new actions.

6. Share

The TSSC will continue to share information on the development of the Ecosystem Action Plan, projects we undertake, and our successes and challenges implementing them.