| Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[1] | |
.jpg) | |
| Location | Squamish,British Columbia,Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°42′46″N123°10′12″W / 49.71278°N 123.17000°W /49.71278; -123.17000 |
| Area | 673 ha (1,660 acres) |
| Designation | Wildlife Management Area |
| Established | 28 February 2007 |
| Governing body | FLNRORD |
| Website | Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area |
The Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area is awildlife management area on the south coast ofBritish Columbia.[2] It was established in 2007 for the management of fish species as well as terrestrial wildlife.[3] The wildlife management area is on the traditional territory ofSquamish Nation, which is involved in management of the area.[4] The freshwater of theSquamish River mixes with the saltwater ofHowe Sound, resulting in a variedecosystem containing differenthabitats that support an abundance of wildlife. It also provides naturalflood control for theSquamish town sites.[5]
The Squamish Estuary has seen modification from human activities, both historically and in the present. Threats to the estuary stem fromindustrial development and human land usage, such asmercury contamination, accumulation ofdredge spoils, and anoil spill in 2006.[5] In the late 1970s, theSquamish River was at risk of being diverted for the construction of a proposed deep sea coal port.[6] This was halted by theDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans. The Squamish Estuary Coordinating Committee was thereby formed in 1979 with the purpose of managing land and water uses of the Squamish Estuary with all involved parties' interests in mind.[5][6] As of February 2007, the Squamish Estuary is a designated wildlife management area under the Provincial Wildlife Act and is being managed under the 2007 Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Plan.[4][5]
The estuary has been historically managed by various organizations since its establishment in 1970, with a focus on local administration and protecting thespecies that reside within it. The management planning process for the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area was carried out in collaboration with the Squamish Nation and with input from parties and sources such as the Squamish Estuary Management Committee, theMinistry of Environment, the BC Wildlife Act, and the FederalMigratory Birds Convention Act. The management goals for the territory are centered around the protection offish andwildlife, usage of an integrated management approach and related research activities, and acknowledgement of the land's cultural significance to the Squamish First Nation.[5]
The estuary is situated upon theSquamish First Nation, with an agreement in place between them and the province of British Columbia aimed at ensuring a collaborative effort in managing the park, fostering active communications, developing proactive strategies, providing opportunities for the Squamish First Peoples to share their cultural heritage, and acknowledging the relevance of their community's stewardship and partnership initiatives.[5]
The wildlife management area encompasses thedelta of theSquamish River where it entersHowe Sound.[4]
The Squamish Estuary mixes freshwater from the Squamish River with seawater, forming a uniqueecosystem with high productivity and highbiodiversity. It contains varied habitats such asmarshes,mudflats, intertidal shores,seagrass beds, tidal streams, and barrier beaches. Its geographical features also contribute to water filtration and thus lead to a more pristine marine environment, as well as mitigating flood risks around the region.[5]
The estuary provides importantspawning grounds forsalmon and other fishes, as well asterrestrial habitat for native mammals likecougars,beavers,black-tailed deer, andblack bears.[3] It is a critical resting and overwintering site formigratory birds and is suitable habitat for hundreds of bird species, making the estuary an area with high bird diversity. It is also home toreptilian andamphibian life.[5]
Winteringbald eagles flock to the estuary from December to February to feed on spawning salmon. They are Canada's largest congregation of bald eagles and make up nearly 3% of the global bald eagle population.Salmon runs are also known to attract otherwaterfowl to the area, such as goldeneyes andmergansers.[7]
Severalspecies at risk or of special concern are protected by the wildlife management area. They include thebull trout,red-legged frog,peregrine falcon, andmarbled murrelet.[5]
The estuary is home to three distinct environments in terms of plant life:aquatic,estuarine, andterrestrial. Commonly seen vegetation includes aquaticphytoplankton andalgae that thrive in the water, estuarine rushes and grasses in thesalt marsh habitats, and terrestrial shrubs and forest vegetation typical of theCoastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone.[5]
There are two plant species at risk: theHenderson's checker-mallow and Vancouver Islandbeggarticks.[5]
Estuary ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the effects ofclimate change. Increasing temperatures causesea levels to rise, which not only affects thegeography of the estuary due to flooding, but also thesalinity levels of the ecosystem due to changes indischarge. Climate change degrades threatens the habitats ofnative species and erodes plant communities.[5][8]
The Squamish estuary is an integral part of flood control for theSquamish town site. However, its physical and chemical composition has changed significantly due to human activity. In the 1970s, large quantities ofdredge spoils material were deposited into the estuary for a proposed coal port that was blocked by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and never constructed.[5][6] Past industrial activity has also resulted inpollution; notably, a formerchlor-alkali plant led tomercurycontamination ofsediments on the southeastern side of the wildlife management area, with most of the contamination residing beyond its boundaries.[5][9]
Despite these issues, the Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area continues to act as an essential part of the local ecosystem and remains highly productive in protecting local wildlife. Although its primary purpose is to ensure a viable habitat forfauna and flora,recreational activities occur throughout the park too, including varioustrails,wind sports, andhunting andfishing with vehicular access available.[3][5]
