Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area
About This Wildlife Management Area
Date Designated: February 28, 2008 (OIC 108/07)
Purpose of Wildlife Management Area: Maintenance and restoration of significant habitat for fish and wildlife species.
Size: 673 hectares
Region: Lower Mainland
Nature and Culture
Wildlife
Typical of an estuarine environment, the Squamish Estuary is a highly productive and valuable ecosystem. It provides wintering, migration, feeding and breeding habitats for waterfowl and shore birds, as well as for raptors, passerines and other species. It is a feeding, spawning and rearing ground for a variety of fish species, including provincially significant species such as Eulachon, Steelhead and salmon. The estuary also provides good habitat for a number of mammal species including Black-tailed Deer, Black Bear, Cougar, Coyote, moles, voles, and rabbits. Endangered species found here include Peregrine Falcon, Marbled Murrelet, and Keen’s Long-eared Myotis.
Physiography, Climate And Vegetation
This WMA is part of a fjord head estuary draining 3,650 square kilometres of coastal rainforest. Sedimentary environments of the delta front and intertidal zone include river mouth bars, tidal flats, and tidal marshes with sediments ranging from fines, silts and clays to well-washed, coarse-to-fine grained sands. Upland soils are predominantly podzolic. A variety of previous human uses and industrial activities have had significant impacts on the WMA and surrounding areas, and restoration work is in progress. The aquatic environment flourishes with a high concentration of phytoplankton, primarily large diatoms and dinoflagellates. Benthic or bottom dwelling algae are in high production at tidal flat sediments of mudflats, seagrass beds and saltmarshes. Highly productive salt marshes are the largest component of the estuarine environment, and are dominated by sedges, grasses, and rushes. The terrestrial environment includes shrub meadows and forests that are within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone.
Compatible Resource And Recreation Uses
Traditional First Nations activities still take place within the WMA. A log sort site is still in use. There are some trails and interpretive signage. Fishing is permitted with a valid licence. Wind sport activities are allowed within specific areas mid-May to mid-September. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted with some restrictions. Guide outfitters may operate with valid licences and permits.
Management Planning
Management Planning information for Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary WMA
Management Partners:
