Big Creek National Wildlife Area
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Big Creek National Wildlife Area is a national wild life area located on the northern shore of Lake Erie, around three kilometres southwest of Port Rowan, Norfolk County, Ontario, in Canada.[1] It is located west of Long Point National Wildlife Area. The area contains a variety of wildlife and is mostly composed of undisturbed wetlands and marshes. The park is 770 hectares sized and consists of two units: Big Creek and Hahn Marsh. It is recognised by the Ramsar Convention[2] and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.[3]
Biodiversity
The area contains several threatened species as listed by the park:[1]
As well as species of special concern:[1]
Anseriformes seasonally migrate to and from the area at spring and autumn, as do Monarch Butterflies in August and September.[1]
The European common reed (Phragmites australis),[4] a non-native, invasive species, has affected nutrient levels.[4] Growth has been curbed by a series of pumps and dykes which simulate the natural change of water levels that also help create plant diversity in the park.[1]
The Park is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service under the Canadian Wildlife Act,[5] adhering to the Wildlife Area Regulations.[1]