Water trail creates concern over fowl

A recent campaign to presssure the Ministry of Transportation for a culvert under Highway 99 that would facilitate a canoe route around the downtown has caused some concern among environmentalists.The Squamish Environmental Conservation Society (SECS) recently passed a motion supporting an east-to-west crossing under Highway 99 with an additional request that an environmental assessment be conducted on the water trail area before one is created."We're not saying we're for it. We're not saying we're against it," said SECS president Catherine Jackson, adding that she is very grateful to be part of the consultation process. On Jan. 9, the water trail group presented the proposed route to SECS. The circuit would run through the Mamquam Blind Channel, Wilson Slough and Crescent Slough, facilitating recreation in part of the Wildlife Management Area."I do see recreation and environment values coinciding in many areas but there must be careful consideration of all impacts before decisions are made," said Jackson. "Otherwise, the wildlife and green spaces that people here appreciate may be changed to the point that they no longer have integrity and surely these values are also part of the recreation experience."Members of the Water Trail Action Group are talking "within the family" about ways the proposed route could be designed to promote rather than undo estuary restoration efforts, said group spokesperson Eric Andersen.Currently the group's water trail vision hangs on whether or not a small culvert under Highway 99 is expanded to make room for paddlers. When the idea went to council in January, Coun. Raj Kahlon suggested forming a bridge instead of the culvert so cyclists and pedestrians could also use the route. The group is now waiting to see if the Ministry of Transportation, Kiewit, and the district can find a feasible way to build it.In April 2007, former SECS president Meg Fellowes sent a letter to the district strongly opposing the route."Nesting waterfowl in the Dentville wetlands, including wood ducks already being challenged by changing water levels, as well as other species of birds would be significantly impacted by water traffic through what would admittedly be an attractive paddling route," wrote Fellowes. "SECS believes that it is important that significant areas be reserved for the use of wildlife; that human encroachment into all areas of the landscape is not environmentally responsible."Jackson has not taken as firm of a stance against the water trail, but is asking for more information about how it would be used."Would canoes and kayaks be pulled up on the shoreline?" she asked, when describing her outstanding concerns, "Would you need to cut back some hindrance or overgrowth? That's habitat to us."Speaking on behalf of himself rather than SECS, John Buchanan said the paddling route could not be built without harming sensitive estuary habitat."It's a bird sanctuary," he said. "I just don't think it's a good ideain order to make that canoe route passable, I'm sure some dredging would have to be done."The route does not have to be an environmental threat, said Andersen. He said the route could become an interpretive trail, raising local interest in estuary management."With respect to wildlifewe feel that a water trail will enhance community awareness of ecological restoration initiatives," he said.Andersen said the paddling route could become part of the Squamish Estuary Management Plan with controls in place to ensure no motorized boats used the route."We can establish oversight on watercraft. We can restrict it. We can also keep an eye on and adjust and adapt protective measures as required," he said. The group is now waiting to see if the Ministry of Transportation, Kiewit, and the district can find a feasible way to build it.In April 2007, former SECS president Meg Fellowes sent a letter to the district opposing the route."Nesting waterfowl in the Dentville wetlands, including wood ducks already being challenged by changing water levels, as well as other species of birds would be significantly impacted by water traffic through what would admittedly be an attractive paddling route," wrote Fellowes. "SECS believes that it is important that significant areas be reserved for the use of wildlife; that human encroachment into all areas of the landscape is not environmentally responsible."Jackson has not taken as firm of a stance against the water trail, but is asking for more information about how it would be used."Would canoes and kayaks be pulled up on the shoreline?" she asked, when describing her outstanding concerns, "Would you need to cut back some hindrance or overgrowth? That's habitat to us."Speaking on behalf of himself rather than SECS, John Buchanan said the paddling route could not be built without harming sensitive estuary habitat."It's a bird sanctuary," he said. "I just don't think it's a good ideain order to make that canoe route passable, I'm sure some dredging would have to be done."The route doesn't have to be an environmental threat, said Andersen. He said the route could become an interpretive trail, raising local interest in estuary management."With respect to wildlifewe feel that a water trail will enhance community awareness of ecological restoration initiatives," he said.Andersen said the paddling route could become part of the Squamish Estuary Management Plan with controls in place to ensure no motorized boats used the route."We can also keep an eye on and adjust and adapt protective measures as required."