difference

organisms. Myrtle Creek's precious wetlands
are home to rare wild juvenile Coho
salmon, two species of sculpins, as well as
colorful speckled cutthroat trout live here.
This pond supports numerous bug larvae
and insects, that provide food for
many species.
According to the National Wetlands
Research Centre, wetlands are one of the
most important life support systems on
PGYMY OWL: This little creature is one of
many that depend on the Myrtle Creek
wetland at the top of Duncan Street.
earth by controlling erosion and absorbing
and filtering pollutants.
Wetlands also provide refuge for an extraordinary
number of migrating birds and
provide homes for juvenile organisms that
need the protection of the grasses, shallow
water and a sufficient food supply.
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventories reports
that because of the mild climate
and long growing season of the Sunshine
Coast our wetlands support many
rare plants, animals and plant community
— including several at risk species,
and they provide critical habitat for fish,
birds and other wildlife.
Ministry of Environment Ecosystems
Branch tell us there is growing concern
over the escalating rate of wetland losses
in British Columbia.
This past summer Brookfield manager
Debbi Stanyer and I worked together to
come up with a plan to install a barrier
that would protect Myrtle Creek's
salmon habitat and wetlands. Debbie
designed a metal barrier that hugged
the creek and stopped motorized vehicles
from disturbing the soft soils
that have created major damage to the
wetlands and to Myrtle Creek Salmon
habitat. She also provided road gravel
to repair some of the damage. Debbi
and I were shocked when in three days
the horizontal metal crossbars were cut
to allow access for the vehicles to cross
Myrtle Creek.
Just a few weeks ago Debbi arranged to
have cement pillars installed at this site.
Brookfield and Debbi have done their
best to provide essential protection for
this unique wetland and natural salmon
habitat.
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Workshops by:
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Powell River Living • april 2011 • 31