Viewfinders and interpretive signage encourage marine education
Visitors to local viewpoints can now take a closer look at whales, seals and other marine mammals swimming by through binoculars at four popular spots in the region.
Public binoculars and interpretive signage for viewing ocean wildlife are currently being installed by City of Powell River under an agreement with Powell River’s Wild Ocean Whale Society. Powell River Community Forest recently awarded a $44,167 grant to the non-profit marine conservation society for the setup.
Wild Ocean Whale Society founder Susan MacKay said it is gratifying to see the project finally coming to fruition.
“It’s pretty exciting,” she said. “I’m totally thrilled.”
The binoculars, which are 20 times zoom, will cost one dollar for a couple minutes of use. Proceeds will go toward cleaning and maintenance of the units, said MacKay.
Binoculars and signage will be installed at Townsite and Westview viewpoints, Spirit Square by the Westview Terminal ferry dock and on Texada Island.
Savary Island will have interpretative signage providing education about local marine life.
