Central Squamish Estuary Brownfield Restoration

The focus of this project was to restore a former log sort located in the Central Squamish Estuary back into functional estuarine habitat through re-grading of the site to create a natural tidally influenced wetland salt marsh. Some of the key objectives of this project included: creation of over 35,000 square metres of new estuarine habitat; planting native riparian vegetation; daylighting channels and removal of redundant culverts; removal of fill and overburden and returning the site to historic grades to allow natural estuarine processes to resume; monitoring the site to gauge the carbon sequestering potential (through identifying soil composition, depth, woody debris, and plant matter); installation of educational interpretive signage; exploring eelgrass restoration in the sub-tidal shorelines; Rivers Day Festival event location; and establishing the site as a “living classroom” for university public school students. The 2015 year included the removal of soil layer and re-grading of the site and the construction of tidal channels. Included in the first year were three volunteer planting days (March 7, 22, and September 27) to establish over 2,000 native riparian plants. As well pre-construction monitoring, including soil sampling, bathymetry, aerial surveys, and site survey were completed as part of a long-term monitoring program. Aside from providing important habitat for salmonids and other fisheries and wildlife resources, the restored brownfield will now be used as an outdoor learning classroom by the local schools, university and college students with highlights of the site’s ecological driven services for students. Surveys of the site were conducted in partnership with Squamish Nation and the Seagrass Conservation Working Group to explore the potential for eelgrass restoration along the sub-tidal shoreline. A test planting for eelgrass will be explored in the coming year