On British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, Acroloxus Wetlands Consultancy is working with a local non-profit organization to develop and implement a comprehensive wetland restoration plan.
The Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve
is a 20-acre reserve featuring a freshwater lagoon and forested acreage
on the Sunshine Coast, northwest of Vancouver, BC. It is run by the
non-profit Ruby Lake Lagoon Nature Reserve Society ("Lagoon Society").
Acroloxus is helping the Lagoon Society to create and implement a comprehensive plan for the restoration of 10-acres of
wetlands within the Reserve. The goal is to restore a wetland complex
that will provide important habitat for breeding waterfowl, and other
fish and wildlife species, and offer tremendous recreational and
educational value to visitors and residents of the Sunshine Coast.
To generate a diversity of habitats for
a variety of wildlife species, we are designing a wetland complex that
includes a mosaic of marshlands, reed beds, shallow pools, and some
deeper water areas. Low level embankments, excavations, and water
control structures will be used to maximize water level management
capability and re-establish wetland hydrology and micro topography.
Extensive planting and seeding programs will re-introduce native
wetland flora and re-establish a healthy wetland vegetation community.
The project provides a unique
opportunity to educate many people about the value of wetlands, their
importance for wildlife, and the goals and techniques of wetland
restoration because the restored wetlands will be located beside the
new Iris Griffith Interpretive Centre.
As part of the
restoration planning process, Acroloxus Wetlands Consultancy is helping
the Lagoon Society to:
-
Undertake detailed mapping of the
restoration site, including soils, vegetation, water bodies, manmade
features and other habitat elements
-
Conduct
an inventory of flora and fauna species present at the restoration site
-
Develop
and refine goals and objectives
-
Determine
logistical and financial requirements
-
Delineate
a step by step implementation plan
Wetland Restoration Site in the Ruby Lake Lagoon
Nature Reserve, Sunshine Coast, BC
