WE MUST ACT NOW TO SAVE THE HEART OF A MIGHTY RIVER
Diverse ecosystem threatened by development, writes Mark Angelo.
The Fraser River is B.C.’s largest and most ecologically diverse waterway and, at its very heart between the towns of Hope and Mission, is a meandering section that is widely known as one of the most productive stretches of river anywhere in the world.
Often referred to as the Heart of the Fraser, this part of the river is a complex, ever-changing landscape of floodplains, side channels, wetlands and backwaters, screened by cottonwoods and cedars and hidden far from the constant din of Highway 1.
This part of the Fraser is an incredibly rich ecosystem that supports an exceptional diversity of fish, birds and other wildlife — a truly unique natural bounty that, in turn, underlies extensive cultural, spiritual, esthetic, recreational and economic values for First Nations, local communities, and indeed, for all Canadians.
But this part of the river is at risk. Situated at the edge of B.C.’s busiest metropolis, the growing pressures of resource extraction, agricultural expansion, urbanization and land development are rapidly claiming the remains of this once extensive ecosystem.
Most recently, Herrling and Carey Islands, two of the major islands that lie within this stretch of the Fraser and which are surrounded by prime spawning grounds for both sturgeon and salmon, have been exposed to the massive clearing of forest, often right down to the river’s edge. A proposed bridge to the islands also jeopardizes prime spawning habitat.
In an effort to counter so many pressures, a number of conservation organizations, academic institutions and others are leading an initiative to bring together political, corporate and public interests to restore and protect what’s left of these aquatic habitats and landscapes for future generations.
This is an initiative of utmost importance in that the Heart of the Fraser supports more than 30 species of fish, including several considered at risk. Millions of salmon continue to spawn within the reach while millions more migrate through it. In addition, this part of the river sustains the largest population of white sturgeon in North America of any river corridor not influenced by dams or aquaculture. As the largest and longest-living freshwater fish in North America, sturgeon can reach six metres in length, weigh more than 600 kilograms, and live for 150 years or more.
The list of species supported by this remarkable ecosystem goes on and on — seals, sea lions, beaver, bears, deer, cougars and coyotes. Extensive bird populations include red-tail hawks, green and great blue heron, bald eagles, ducks, sandhill cranes and turkey vultures. It’s also home to amphibians such as the Oregon spotted frog, western red-backed salamander, and the Pacific giant salamander.
This extraordinary abundance has sustained First Nations for thousands of years and today provides exceptional cultural, recreational, esthetic, and economic values for all those who live in southwestern B.C. And all of this is made possible by the wild, rambling nature of this stretch of the Fraser — the very attributes that we have so often sought to tame.
Yet, while the area’s complex mix of land and waterscapes continue to nurture and sustain much of the Fraser’s abundance, this part of the Fraser River system also faces increasing developmental pressures. This is particularly worrisome in that there is not yet a vision in place to properly care for the many values of the area and to date, governments at all levels have been unable to effectively protect this worldclass ecosystem.
If this is to change, decisive and quick action is needed to protect and maintain the ecosystem values of this part of the river before they’re lost forever. Such action will require a multi-pronged approach; one that includes the establishment of a process aimed at developing a collaborative plan for the corridor; the need for a more precautionary approach to development on the part of government; renewed efforts to acquire key private lands for conservation purposes; and a new provincial riverrelated funding initiative aimed at supporting conservation and restoration projects along the Heart of the Fraser as well as other waterways.
If we can succeed in saving this majestic part of the Fraser, that would be a hopeful sign that we can avoid the same mistakes that have been made in so many other parts of the world where once productive habitats along great rivers have been lost, or severely damaged. We still have a chance to do it right. But we must act now.
The list of species supported by this remarkable ecosystem goes on and on — seals, sea lions, beaver, bears, deer, cougars and coyotes.
MARK ANGELO, river advocate
Mark Angelo is an internationally renowned river advocate. A recipient of the Order of Canada and the Order of B.C. for his river conservation efforts, he is the chair and founder of both B.C. and World Rivers Day. He has paddled more than 1,000 rivers around the world, including the full length of the Fraser.