West Creek Wetland
Fundraising update: Partnership Saves West Creek Wetlands. (posted January 15, 2007)
In the West Creek Watershed of Langley, BC, hidden within a forest, lie 163 acres of natural terrain speckled with a lake, wetlands, and creeks. As one of the largest areas of wildlife habitat in the municipality, nearly 170 animals use the site, including up to 18 endangered or threatened species. As well, migrating waterfowl and songbirds have taken to calling this natural landscape home.
Almost 25 percent of the world’s wetlands are found in Canada, and nearly 70 percent have vanished already. If this ecological gem is not conserved for future generations, it will likely be lost forever due to human encroachment.
Fast facts:
- Two-thirds of the population of BC, over 2.5 million people, live in the Fraser River Basin
- 80% of the wetlands in this area have already been destroyed
- Wetlands are essential sources of drinking water and act as natural filters, trapping sediments and contaminants. They also provide habitat to numerous wildlife species.
Species found at West Creek Wetlands over the years:
- Endangered or threatened species (called “red-listed“) – Snowshoe Hare, Pacific Water Shrew and Oregon Spotted Frog
- Vulnerable or sensitive species (called “blue-listed“) – Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Band-tailed Pigeons, Common Barn Owl, Red-legged Frog and Western Painted Turtle
Once protected, the site will be accessible to all ages and managed as a public nature park with low-impact facilities such as walking trails and boardwalks with wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Land Conservancy has secured an option to purchase the site valued at $3.6 million by December 21, 2006. $2.5 million cash is what is needed to complete the sale and the current owner has generously agreed to accept a tax receipt under the federal Ecological Gifts program.
As of September 2006, $1.8 million has been secured through the partners of this project. A special thank-you to Langley Environmental Partners Society for donating $800 from their fundraising event to jump-start this campaign. It is anticipated that most of the remaining funds can be raised through additional government, NGOS, and business partners. TLC is looking to raise the final $150,000 with the help of concerned citizens.
Note: If successful, West Creek Wetlands will be TLC’s fourth project protecting wildlife habitat in the Fraser River system, joining Codd Wetlands in Pitt Meadows, Centre Creek in Surrey, and our Horsefly River property near Williams Lake.
TLC needs your support to make this park a reality. Please make your donation today!
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