Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area
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| Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)[1] | |
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  Location in British Columbia  Location in Metro Vancouver Regional District | |
| Location | Squamish, British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 49°42′46″N 123°10′12″W / 49.71278°N 123.17000°W |
| Area | 673 ha (1,660 acres) |
| Designation | Wildlife Management Area |
| Established | 28 February 2007 |
| Governing body | FLNRORD |
| Website | Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area |
The Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area is a wildlife management area on the south coast of British Columbia.[2] It was established in 2007 for the management of fish species as well as terrestrial wildlife.[3] The wildlife management area is on the traditional territory of Squamish Nation, which is involved in management of the area.[4] The freshwater of the Squamish River mixes with the saltwater of Howe Sound, resulting in a varied ecosystem containing different habitats that support an abundance of wildlife. It also provides natural flood control for the Squamish town sites.[5]
The Squamish Estuary has seen modification from human activities, both historically and in the present. Threats to the estuary stem from industrial development and human land usage, such as mercury contamination, accumulation of dredge spoils, and an oil spill in 2006.[5] In the late 1970s, the Squamish River was at risk of being diverted for the construction of a proposed deep sea coal port.[6] This was halted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The Squamish Estuary Coordinating Committee was thereby formed in 1979 with the purpose of managing land and water uses of the Squamish Estuary with all involved parties' interests in mind.[5][6] As of February 2007, the Squamish Estuary is a designated wildlife management area under the Provincial Wildlife Act and is being managed under the 2007 Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Plan.[4][5]
Management
The estuary has been historically managed by various organizations since its establishment in 1970, with a focus on local administration and protecting the species that reside within it. The management planning process for the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area was carried out in collaboration with the Squamish Nation and with input from parties and sources such as the Squamish Estuary Management Committee, the Ministry of Environment, the BC Wildlife Act, and the Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. The management goals for the territory are centered around the protection of fish and wildlife, usage of an integrated management approach and related research activities, and acknowledgement of the land's cultural significance to the Squamish First Nation.[5]
Indigenous involvement
The estuary is situated upon the Squamish First Nation, with an agreement in place between them and the province of British Columbia aimed at ensuring a collaborative effort in managing the park, fostering active communications, developing proactive strategies, providing opportunities for the Squamish First Peoples to share their cultural heritage, and acknowledging the relevance of their community's stewardship and partnership initiatives.[5]
