Conservation Projects British Columbia Goose Lake Reclamation Project 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
Goose Lake and marsh is an important wintering area for water fowl and other species. It’s importance is amplified by the reduced waterfowl habitat in the surrounding region due to historic land use stratigies and more recently urbanization.The issue at Goose Lake is the encroachment of floating and fixed cattail and therefore a decrease in open water availible to wildfowl. If nothing is done the lake will eventually disappear and an important wildlife habitat will be lost. The open water habitat will create aditional submergent vegetation that provides food for waterfowl and other species
Activities
For the past 3 years with the assistance of HCTF and DUC we have been excavating over abundant cattail growth from Lakemount marsh. To date we have cleared 4.5 ha. The use of an excavator is the most viable technique for this marsh to reduce cattail over the long term and the work to date has shown this to be an effective method. In a recent DU Conservator Magazine an article regarding Cattail removal suggests that from a waterfowl perspective the habitat is ideal when there is a 50% open water and 50% emergent vegation ratio. When our project started in 2007 the ratio was 32% open water and 68% vegetation when the lake waqs surveyed in 2009 there was a 39% water and 61% vegetation ratio. With an expanded programme next year we hope to achieve a 50/50 ratio.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
Lakemount marsh comprises of57 he of which 34.5 ha are largely cattail and 22.5 open water. With the assistance of HCTF and Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) we plan to clear an additional 5 hea of cattail in 2010 – 2011. See attached map. There are 15 member /shareholders of Lakemount Farm.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
Goose Lake attracts ducks, geese, coots and raptors and provides a winter habitat for up to 250 Trumpter Swans.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
Goose Lake is the last remnent of the once vast Sumas Lake.which was drained for farmland in 1922.
Goose Lake and marsh is an important wintering area for water fowl and other species. It’s importance is amplified by the reduced waterfowl habitat in the surrounding region due to historic land use stratigies and more recently urbanization
Project Location
4444 Lakemount Road Abbotsford BC 22d 7'0"//49d 7'0". Migratory Game Bird hunting is permitted.