Vancouver port provides local eco boost

The New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project aims to restore coastal wetland on the south shore of Burrard Inlet and has seen the introduction of 200 native trees, 4000 coastal shrubs, 25,000 salt marsh plugs and grasses.

The wetland is anticipated to provide critical habitat for juvenile salmon that migrate along the Burrard Inlet shoreline as they head out to sea. With planting now complete, the wetland is also expected to provide resting and feeding habitat for local shorebirds

Regular maintenance is already being carried out and formal monitoring, including an assessment of vegetation establishment, is anticipated to start in the autumn.

Fences to protect the sensitive wetland and plant establishment phase, have been erected.

A temporary fence has also been put in place around the wetland to deter Canada geese from feeding on the young marsh plants during their establishment.

The project was developed in collaboration with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

Visitor information and other interpretive information focusing on the ecology of Burrard Inlet and current and historical First Nations values will be added, alongside picnic tables, view decks and gravel pathways.