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Introduction
Who are we?
The Pitt Polder Preservation Society is a group of concerned citizens
of many diverse backgrounds, who are committed to the preservation and
protection of the Pitt Polder (Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge).
Why Preserve the Polder?
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The Polder is a unique ecological area. A mix of marsh, bog, inter-tidal
mudflats, upland forest and farmland. It is a major nesting and
resting area for birds on the migration route for birds on the Pacific
Flyway.
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It provides protection for many rare and endangered birds like
the Greater sandhill crane and Tundra swan.
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To preserve farmland
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To preserve a place of great natural beauty and to provide opportunities
for people to experience the natural habitat.
Value of Wetlands
Wetlands stabilize and prevent erosion, filter harmful toxic substances
and moderate the impact of storm water run-off, preventing flooding.
Wetlands store carbon from auto and industry fuel emissions. The carbon
is stored as long as the land is undisturbed. By disrupting these areas,
methane and carbon are released to the air, contributing to global warming.
The wetlands and the surrounding dykes provide recreation for birders,
hikers, cyclists, dog-walkers, canoeists, photographers, horseback riders.
Wetlands are places of natural beauty.
The Pitt Polder-Maple Ridge Wetlands are an ecological treasure.
These lands are home to a diversity of unique plants, rare birds, reptiles,
amphibians and fish. They provide a breeding ground for salmon and,
later, as a nursery for their offspring. 30%-40% of the nesting American
bitterns and Greenbacked herons and 50% of the Greater sandhill crane
population of B.C. reside in our local wetlands. Sandhill cranes are
on the Federal Endangered List as "vulnerable and sensitive". The wetlands
are home to 90% of the ospreys in the Fraser Valley, one of the largest
concentrations of these birds in the world.
New Initiatives of the Pitt Polder Preservation Society
Codd Island Wetlands
The Codd Island Wetlands are within the municipality of Pitt Meadows,
approximately 2 kilometres downstream of Blaney Bog. The area is approximately
100 hectares or 250 acres. This area includes the Blaney Creek floodplain,
wetlands, and tributary streams in the area east of Codd Island.
This wetlands support significant populations of wild coho and chum
salmon, and steelhead and cutthroat trout. Blaney Creek and its tributary
McKenzie Creek transect the wetlands. Codd Island wetland also supports
a significant community of wildlife, particularly birds. In fact, the
last documented nesting area of the Greater sandhill cranes is located
within the boundary of the Codd Island Wetlands.
Presently these wetlands have been slated for a commercial cranberry
operation which would virtually eliminate the wildlife value of the
wetlands and would be destructive to the fish habitat. Scientific evidence
demonstrates conclusively that wild coho stocks are declining and some
are at extreme risk. We cannot afford to lose this vital ecosystem.
The goal of the Pitt Polder Preservation Society is to raise public
awareness about this wetland before it is lost. We have just begun to
lobby all levels of government to purchase Codd Island Wetlands so that
they may be preserved in their wild state in perpetuity.
If you would like to help, please register your support for the preservation
of this unique wetland. Write to the Premier and/or the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans at:
Premier Gordon Campbell
P.O.Box 9041 Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, B.C.
.V8W 9E1 |
Hon. Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
Ottawa, Ont.
.K1A 0E6 |
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