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Nanaimo wildlife area benefits from fall habitat enhancement
Nanaimo, B.C., August 27, 2009 -
With signs of fall creeping in, it’ll be only a matter of weeks before the sights and sounds of migratory birds will be seen and heard around Nanaimo. Prior to their return, wetland conservation organization Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will be spearheading a habitat improvement project at Buttertubs Marsh Bird Sanctuary, located just minutes from downtown.
Crew and equipment will be at the marsh during the first weeks of September to replace the aging water control structure and upgrade the north dike.
“After almost twenty five years of use, the water control is showing signs of wearing out and needs to be replaced,” comments regional biologist Dan Buffett. “Without the upgrade, this structure would not be able to maintain adequate water levels to ensure the wetland’s continued health.”
During the construction period, impact on the surrounding community will kept at a minimum although there will be periods when the trail along Millstone River will be closed. Signs will be posted to notify the public of these closures. Attempts will be made to limit closure to daylight periods when equipment and crew are on location.
Buttertubs Marsh is a popular spot for enjoying nature. It offers a scenic walking trail with many opportunities for wildlife viewing and information posted along the route explains the importance of conserving natural areas like this within expanding urban areas.
In addition to a number of recreation opportunities, the area is one of the few remaining intact, freshwater wetlands on Vancouver Island that provide staging, feeding and resting habitat to hundreds of waterfowl and other wildlife, particularly during the winter season. Local naturalists have counted 147 bird species, including Canada goose, mallard, wood duck and hooded merganser. Amphibians, deer, beaver, muskrat, mink, river otter and other small mammals have also been sighted. The wildlife area is an important site for certain species at risk, namely red-listed purple martin, American bittern, great blue and green herons, turkey vulture, short-eared owl and painted turtle.
Purchased by The Nature Trust of BC (TNT) back in the mid-1970s, the marsh was leased to the Ministry of Environment. Today, the ministry along with TNT, the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Field Naturalists jointly manage the property.
When the project was first constructed, Ducks Unlimited Canada enhanced the marsh by creating open water, upgrading the dike and installing the water control structure. Over the years, Ducks Unlimited has continued to play an active role clearing beaver debris, managing vegetation growth, and repairing and maintaining the control to ensure water levels remain at an ideal level for supporting marsh life.
Funding assistance for the restoration of Buttertubs Marsh is provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada and our conservation partners under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, along with the City of Nanaimo, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and DUC volunteers and supporters across B.C.
For more information contact:
Wendy Thatcher, w_thatcher@ducks.ca
Marketing & Communications
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (604) 312-4632
