Awarded to BC Wildlife Federation to restore at least 0.25 ha of wetland, riparian, and floodplain habitat at Crooked Horn Farm in Winlaw

PROPONENT: BC Wildlife Federation and Slocan River Streamkeepers

Credit: Slocan River Streamkeepers

DESCRIPTION: Wetlands provide key ecosystem services including habitat for wildlife and fish, water filtration and retention, aquifer recharge, improved soil health, erosion control, and carbon sequestration. Wetlands can also improve the resilience of communities against negative effects of climate change, such as flood events and droughts. Despite the importance of wetlands to wildlife and humans alike, they are continually threatened ecosystems, and approximately 70% to 90% of wetlands in developed regions of BC have been lost due to anthropogenic influences. In the Slocan Valley, human settlement and small-scale agriculture on the various floodplains are the dominant land uses in this system.

This project focuses on wetland restoration to provide shallow wetlands that can mitigate floodwaters during freshet and high rain events, which are frequent in the Slocan Valley. Notably, the project places a strong emphasis on the conservation of species such as the western toad, Columbia spotted frog, painted turtle, bats, birds, and invertebrates. This project will also help alleviate invasive species encroachment near the site through the removal of invasive grasses and replanting and seeding of native species.

OBJECTIVE: The project has the following objectives:

    1. Complete preliminary restoration preparations, such as conducting pre-restoration activities, designing a comprehensive restoration plan, and obtaining the necessary permits.
    2. Implementation and construction of restoration actions,
    3. Monitoring and maintenance of the restoration site, including recording the presence of target wildlife species, such as Western toad, Columbia spotted frog, painted turtle, bats, various bird species, and invertebrates as indicators of project success.
    4. Evaluate the survival and growth of native plants, ensuring their viability within the ecosystem.
    5. Actively manage and control invasive plant species to preserve the ecological balance and integrity of the restored wetland.