Awarded to the Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society to restore and sustain the ecological functions of the Harrop Wetland by improving biodiversity, hydrological resilience, and community stewardship, in alignment with Indigenous knowledge and science-based restoration practices.
PROPONENT: Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
DESCRIPTION: The Harrop Wetland Restoration Project, located near Sunshine Bay in Harrop, BC, aims to restore vital ecological functions and enhance biodiversity in a historically degraded wetland system. Originally restored in 2014 following years of ATV damage and seasonal amphibian die-offs, the site has seen multiple phases of intervention to improve hydrology and habitat quality, particularly for species such as the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas). Despite substantial progress in earlier phases—such as deepening wetland ponds, improving water retention, and planting native vegetation—ongoing challenges persist. These include low water levels during drought years, invasive species pressure (especially reed canary grass and bull thistle), ungulate browsing of native plants, and limited community engagement.
Note that previous RDCK LCF funding supported the restoration of an adjacent pond within the wetland complex, leveraging existing data, methodology, and partnerships. Previous work addressed a critical population sink for western toads and was expanded to increase productive habitat, not only for breeding western toads, but for a diversity of wildlife species. Overall, 0.5 hectares ha of degraded wetland habitat in Sunshine Bay Regional Park was improved by restoring two small wetland basins located 50m and 15m from the initial restoration site, combating invasive reed canary grass monoculture, and installing habitat features for amphibians, reptiles and birds.
This new phase of the project builds directly on these efforts, focusing on expanding invasive species control, establishing resilient native plant communities, enhancing ecological monitoring, and deepening community and Indigenous engagement.
OBJECTIVES: Specific project objectives are to: 1) Expand invasive species suppression; 2) Establish resilient native plant communities; 3) Improve site protection; 4) Enhance ecological monitoring capacity; 5) Engage Indigenous and local communities; and 6) Prepare for future habitat initiatives.
PHOTO & VIDEO: Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society
