Tag: endangered species

MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT AT WREN CEEK MISSION THREATENS ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES

A proposal to build a 33 acre commercial-residential development in Mission from Wren Street west to the Silvercreek wetlands will destroy sensitive ravine and creek ecosystems and endangered species habitat.

Residents of the area are also very worried that removal of the trees and changing the hydrology of the steep hillside could threaten the slope stability of their properties.

The proposed development will be directly adjacent to the Silvercreek Wetlands, deemed as the most environmentally sensitive area in all of Mission. “Silvercreek is one of only 12 designated “Sensitive Streams” in BC.  All 5 species of wild salmon use the wetland as well as an estimated 100-200 waterfowl every day” (Ducks Unlimited/05).

Wildlife surveys report the development site is supportive of several federally listed Species at Risk (SARA) and 10 provincially blue and red-listed species.

Oregon forest snail (SARA listed endangered, red listed),

 

Red-legged frog (SARA listed special concern, blue listed),

 

Green heron (blue listed),

 

Western screech owl (SARA listed special concern, blue listed),

 

Pacific sideband (blue listed),

 

Pacific water shrew (SARA listed endangered, red listed),

 

Northern water-meal (red listed),

 

Dun skipper (SARA listed threatened, blue listed),

 

Snowshoe hare (red listed)

 

Trowbridge’s shrew (blue listed) (photo not available).

The developer proposes to compensate for the loss of fish habitat by enhancing the nearby Sun Valley Trout Park. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has issued a conditional acceptance of the project from a fisheries point of view. Environment Canada however, recommended that Endangered Oregon forest snail habitat be protected through avoidance (i.e., no disturbance) (Wren Creek Screening CEAA Report Feb. 14 2012 ).

CAUSS opposes this development on the grounds that it will result in the permanent loss of endangered species habitat in Mission when less destructive alternatives could meet the District’s employment and economic/taxation needs. We support the design of a higher density development on a smaller 10-acre footprint.

Mission council will decide the fate of this sensitive ecosystem following a Public Hearing April 16/12.   

Concerned citizens can write Mission Mayor and Council and tell them whether you support the Wren creek proposal in its current form or a scaled down version which respects Endangered Species habitat.


Endangered Species found in Silverdale

Mission’s Environmental Manager announced to the Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee (NPAC) May 14 that four Species-at-Risk so far have been found in Neighbourhood One of the proposed Genstar development in Silverdale. These species, listed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, include the Oregon forest snail, Red-legged frog, Pacific sideband and Water pepper.  The Ministry of the Environment is calling the presence of over 200 endangered Oregon forest snails a “highly significant find”.  Other listed species, such as Western screech owls, have not yet been located by the developer’s consultants but have been photographed by local residents.

The survival of endangered species is dependent on protection of critical habitat such as the forests, streams, ponds, and wetlands in Silverdale. Frogs are highly vulnerable to water contamination.  This is also a major concern for current Silverdale residents, who rely on groundwater for their wells, and for Mission residents who utilize Silverdale’s freshwater springs.

Given the importance of these discoveries, CAUSS was shocked to hear members of  NPAC state that the presence of endangered species on the site will not alter their plan for Neighbourhood One because the Ministry of Environment has no legal authority to stop it.  This statement is not only incorrect, but is clearly at odds with environmental sustainability, the health of our community, and the future of endangered species in Canada.  Citizens can help save these species by telling council that the recommendations from the Ministry of Environment must be followed if this development is to proceed.