Harrison-Chehalis Wildlife Management Area

What was this engagement about?

The Government of B.C. proposed a wildlife management area for river habitats near the Harrison and Chehalis Rivers.

The proposed Harrison-Chehalis Wildlife Management Area (WMA) covers approximately 1,515 hectares of river and freshwater delta habitats associated with the Harrison and Chehalis Rivers. The area, which is subject to seasonal flooding, contains some of the region’s most ecologically productive wetlands which support biodiversity in the region and the broader Pacific Northwest.

The Harrison-Chehalis area has internationally significant fish and wildlife values that include an abundant and diverse salmon population, significant numbers of bald eagles and trumpeter swans and important habitats for regionally threatened white sturgeon. The area is also valued by several local communities which have long relied on the area’s natural resources and environmental features to sustain their livelihood and quality of life.

The Province has been engaging with local First Nations, governments and stakeholders on the Harrison-Chehalis WMA proposal for many years, and in 2011 identified legal designation of the WMA as a priority project.
 

How did my contribution make a difference?

The Province used the input to draft a proposed WMA and initiated a 45-day formal consultation process on the proposed WMA legal designation and its boundaries, which ran from Nov. 7, 2013 until Dec. 21, 2013. Fraser Valley residents were encouraged to learn more about the proposal during an open house at the Harrison Mills Community Hall on November 7, 2013. Feedback was also gathered by email and mail. The process will be used to assist in making an informed decision on the proposal.

Read about how citizen input on management planning in British Columbia has been turned into action.
 

Details of the Engagement:

Date: December 21, 2013

Status: Closed

Location: Southwest

Category: Land & Animals

Types: In-person, Email, Mail