This article is reposted from the Ducks Unlimited website. Photos Stewart Wilson:
Cranbrook, B.C., January 16, 2013– One of B.C.’s
oldest conservation projects recently received a much-needed facelift. Ducks
Unlimited Canada (DUC) and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) worked together to
refurbish and rebuild the aging water control structures on the Elizabeth Lake
conservation project near Cranbrook, B.C., in October of 2012.
The rebuild of Elizabeth Lake’s water controls will allow the area to continue as both excellent wildlife habitat, and a recreational and educational resource for the city of Cranbrook and surrounding communities for another 30 years. DUC did most of the groundwork, with financial support from CBT. DUC also received funding from B.C.’s Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for this project.
“Before the initial enhancement work nearly 30 years ago, the wetland was overgrown with bulrush and was at risk of being drained and encroaching urban development,” says Brad Arner, manager of provincial operations for B.C. “Because the original structures were starting to deteriorate, this rebuild was needed to eliminate those risks and to ensure this important waterfowl habitat was not lost.”
The Elizabeth Lake project supports a diverse population of waterfowl and other water birds. The area is an important staging, migration and breeding area for mallard, teal, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup, redhead, ruddy duck, goldeneye, bufflehead and Canada goose. The area also supports other wildlife including elk, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, muskrats and a variety of waterbirds and songbirds.
“A new water control system will help maintain the lake’s ecological integrity for decades to come,” said Rick Allen, CBT program manager, environment. “This benefits not only its wetland and aquatic ecosystems, but also the many people who enjoy the lake and all it has to offer.”
Now that the rebuild is complete, the public is welcome and encouraged to continue using the property for recreational purposes like hiking, as well as wildlife and bird watching.
CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.
For more information, please contact:
Jill Mooney, j_mooney@ducks.ca
Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
403-476-1879
Rachel Lucas, rlucas@cbt.org
Manager, Columbia Basin Trust
1-800-505-8998
The rebuild of Elizabeth Lake’s water controls will allow the area to continue as both excellent wildlife habitat, and a recreational and educational resource for the city of Cranbrook and surrounding communities for another 30 years. DUC did most of the groundwork, with financial support from CBT. DUC also received funding from B.C.’s Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for this project.
“Before the initial enhancement work nearly 30 years ago, the wetland was overgrown with bulrush and was at risk of being drained and encroaching urban development,” says Brad Arner, manager of provincial operations for B.C. “Because the original structures were starting to deteriorate, this rebuild was needed to eliminate those risks and to ensure this important waterfowl habitat was not lost.”
The Elizabeth Lake project supports a diverse population of waterfowl and other water birds. The area is an important staging, migration and breeding area for mallard, teal, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup, redhead, ruddy duck, goldeneye, bufflehead and Canada goose. The area also supports other wildlife including elk, mule and white-tailed deer, moose, muskrats and a variety of waterbirds and songbirds.
“A new water control system will help maintain the lake’s ecological integrity for decades to come,” said Rick Allen, CBT program manager, environment. “This benefits not only its wetland and aquatic ecosystems, but also the many people who enjoy the lake and all it has to offer.”
Now that the rebuild is complete, the public is welcome and encouraged to continue using the property for recreational purposes like hiking, as well as wildlife and bird watching.
CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.
For more information, please contact:
Jill Mooney, j_mooney@ducks.ca
Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
403-476-1879
Rachel Lucas, rlucas@cbt.org
Manager, Columbia Basin Trust
1-800-505-8998
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