Metro Vancouver has taken steps to protect regional wetlands by purchasing nearly eight hectares of marsh and uplands on Pitt River, a large tributary that enters the Fraser River about 25 km south east of Downtown Vancouver.
“Our Regional Parks protect significant natural features, ecosystems, and landscapes in B.C.’s most populated urban region,” said Metro Vancouver Board Chair Greg Moore. “Our parks also provide recreational opportunities – places where we can experience and learn from nature. These natural environments make our region more livable and help define who we are.”
The property will be added to the Widgeon Marsh Regional Park Reserve, which is already larger than Stanley Park. The park reserve is one of four under Metro Vancouver’s management, in addition to 22 regional parks, two ecological conservancy areas, and five regional greenways. The park reserve is not yet open to the public – they generally remain closed until management plans have been adopted.
“The region’s forests, fields, coastlines, wetlands, and watercourses are integral pieces of a habitat network for fish and wildlife,” said chair of Metro Vancouver’s Environment and Parks Committee, Heather Deal. “They also provide essential ecological services, such as clean drinking water. They protect the ecological health of our region and make it more resilient to climate change.”
