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Remnant of Sumas Lake site of fall habitat restoration
Abbotsford, B.C., October 14, 2008 —Throughout October, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) conservation staff will be restoring critical waterfowl and wildlife habitat at Lakemount Marsh, located just north of Abbotsford on the Sumas Prairie.
“DUC is committed to maintaining important habitats like Lakemount Marsh by restoring the water control structure and excavating some cattail stands to increase the open water and diversity of vegetation,” commented Dan Buffett, Ducks Unlimited Canada’s regional planning and research biologist for the B.C. coast region.
“The original water control structure was installed in 1982 and has reached the end of its lifespan. Without the upgrade, this structure would not be able to maintain adequate water levels. Once the rebuild is complete, the control can sustain Lakemount for another 20 to 30 years.”
For nearly 30 years, DUC has worked with the private landowners, Lakemount Farms Ltd. to ensure that this wetland remains intact and available to waterfowl and other wildlife. The marsh is the sole remnant of Sumas Lake, which was drained and diked in the 1920s for agriculture. The draining of over 10,000 hectares represented a major historical loss of waterfowl habitat in the Fraser Valley.
The loss and degradation of wetlands and other habitats in the Fraser Valley have made Lakemount Marsh an extremely important part of the landscape. This 105-hectare wetland provides critical habitat for an abundance of bird species including trumpeter swans, wood ducks, great blue herons and bald eagles, and many amphibians also contribute to the biodiversity of the marsh. Winter survey counts have estimated as many as 1,600 waterfowl in one day, with up to 600 trumpeter swans. Adjacent to Sumas Mountain Regional Park, Lakemount Marsh also buffers against encroaching development. Animals such as deer and bears frequently travel between the marsh and nearby mountains.
Funding assistance for the restoration of Lakemount Marsh is provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada and our conservation partners and DUC’s many volunteers from across B.C.
Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DUC has been committed to wetland conservation for 70 years.
For more information contact:
Wendy Fister, w_fister@ducks.ca
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (604) 312-4632
