In 1997-98 the Cowichan Freshwater Stewardship Project provided stewardship assistance to landowners with riparian lands, with special emphasis on those lands near 12 fish-bearing streams in the district.  A total of 81 landowners, including 10 corporate owners, agreed to a voluntary stewardship pledge.  Historical and ecological stream information has been collected from government databases and long time residents.  This information was used to develop stream specific information pamphlets.  At the request of landowners and other community members, community education