CORN CREEK MARSH DIVERSION UPGRADE AND WATER CONTROL ADDITION
 
 

Goals and Objectives

  • Upgrade the existing Corn Creek diversion channel and water intake structure to increase the efficiency of the system and create a reliable supply of water for maintaining optimal waterfowl breeding and staging habitat in Units 1, 2a, 2b and 3 of Corn Creek Marsh (725 ha)
  • Construct a water control structure in pond 2a to allow for better water management control in that unit and to allow for waterfowl habitat restoration in pond 1.

Activities

  • Design and construct a water intake structure in the creek bed that can be opened and closed, and connected to the existing diversion channel through an underground culvert. Dig out and remove old perforated culvert.
  • Enlarge sections of the diversion channel to allow for larger and better flow (year-round) to downstream wetland units.
  • Design and construct a water control structure (culvert with slide/flap gate) in the northwest corner of pond 2a to allow the evacuation of excess water without having to channel it through pond 1.

Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
Financial support from Wildlife Habitat Canada is requested to improve waterfowl habitat in Corn Creek marsh by increasing the capacity to manage water levels more effectively through upgrades of the water control system. Better water control infrastructure will help prevent vegetation encroachment on open water and prevent flooding of upland habitat, both necessary to waterfowl species for breeding and foraging. Better water control infrastructure will also help prevent flooding of the 23-ha lure crop (leased land), used to mitigate the impact of wildlife damage on adjacent farmland, in Corn creek unit 2b.

Benefits to Wildlife

  • An increase in capacity to reduce flooding of upland habitat or an increase in capacity to prevent wetland compartments to dry up will directly benefit waterfowl species that utilize Corn Creek marsh for foraging, nesting, and/or staging.
  • Better water control and supply will allow for more effective restoration projects such as drawdowns which are necessary on the CVWMA to slow down succession in the wetland compartments. Drawdown, a management technique used on the CVWMA, is used to mimic natural drought cycle; drawdowns normally increase vegetative diversity, release nutrients trapped in the soil, stimulate invertebrate production, and increase wildlife populations and diversity. Species at risk such as the Northern Leopard Frog, American Bittern, American White Pelican, Great-blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, or even the Western Painted Turtle are all expected to benefit in one way or another from future restoration projects. Restoration projects also benefits a great number of mammals (e.g. moose) and invertebrates (butterflies and dragonflies).

Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management

  • As the CVWMA is a Ramsar wetland and is also recognized as an IBA and IMPARA, all entities providing financial or in-kind assistance will benefit from exposure and recognition during and after the project.
  • Increase in pond productivity, especially waterfowl species, will benefit hunters and trappers as well as wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists groups.
  • Agencies will benefit from each other’s support by providing assistance that would otherwise be difficult to obtain from one agency alone.
  • The project will provide economic opportunities for local contractors/industries by creating employment and through the requirement for construction material.
  • The project is within walking distance from the CVWMA Visitor Centre and will provide viewing and learning opportunities for anyone who’s interested in wetland management techniques.

Project Location
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) is a 7,000-ha wetland located at the south end of Kootenay Lake (Columbia Basin) in southeastern British Columbia (Montane Cordillera). It is a complex network of natural wetland that was dyked in the early 1970’s to prevent habitat losses associated with management of the Kootenay River system for hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The wetland compartments created are actively managed to enhance wildlife production during flood and drought cycles. The CVWMA was established in 1968 by an act of the BC legislature, the Creston Valley Wildlife Act, for “wildlife conservation, management and development… and, in particular, as a waterfowl Management Area” (Province of British Columbia 1974).

The CVWMA is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International significance, an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Canada, and as an Important Area for Reptile and Amphibian in Canada (IMPARA).

The Corn Creek diversion upgrade will take place in Unit 4 of Corn Creek marsh, located approximately 8 km west of Creston and 3.8 km south of the CVWMA Wildlife Center, south of Highway 3.

The Corn Creek Unit 2a water control addition will take place in Unit 2a of Corn Creek marsh, located approximately 8 km west of Creston and 0.8km north of the CVWMA Wildlife Center, south of Highway 3.

Please click here to view the project location maps (pdf file).

Project Contact
For more information on this project, please contact Marc-André Beaucher, Area Manager/Biologist, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, Creston, British Columbia.