Elk Valley Resources (EVR) says it has completed a $1.3-million wetland restoration project aimed at preserving wildlife habitat in the Kootenays.
The Suzanne Creek Marsh project, carried out in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), involved revitalizing aging water control infrastructure at the marsh, which was built in 1986 near Jaffray, B.C.
EVR said that without the upgrades, the wetland would have shrunk from 10.6 hectares to 1.47 hectares, an estimated loss of 86 per cent of habitat.
Under the partnership, EVR funded the design, reconstruction and long-term maintenance of the wetland.
“The Suzanne Creek Marsh provides valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife who call it home, and EVR’s investment ensures it remains a productive ecosystem for decades to come,” said EVR chief executive officer Mike Carrucan in a release.
The project included replacing water control structures to stabilize water levels and prevent habitat degradation.
The upgraded design is expected to sustain more than 10 hectares of wetland, including cattail marsh, swamp wetland and shallow open-water habitat surrounded by mature forest.
Ducks Unlimited Canada said the project supports its broader conservation efforts across the country.
“DUC has almost 6.4 million acres across Canada under our conservation stewardship, and more funding for the management and enhancement of them is critical for wildlife and communities,” said Paul Thoroughgood, acting chief conservation officer with DUC.
According to EVR, the marsh provides habitat for a wide range of species, including waterfowl, songbirds, amphibians such as the Columbia spotted frog, reptiles like the Western painted turtle, and mammals including muskrat, beaver and elk.
Ten bat species have also been documented at the site, which is designated as an ungulate winter range and critical habitat for the American badger.
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