Mayook Marsh: A win for wildlife and water

Building a resilient future

The restoration effort was brought about by the need to replace an aging infrastructure—a water control structure installed in 1976, which had reached the end of its lifespan. In its place, a modern concrete rock chute with modifiable water level controls was installed. The area was graded to improve drainage, and natural-fibre coconut matting was laid down to stabilize the soil, which was seeded with native plants and other forage plant species to support the local wildlife and local grazing cattle.

A refuge for biodiversity

While the cattle roam, they have many neighbours. Mayook Marsh is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including many species of conservation concern. Among them:

• Western painted turtles The Intermountain – Rocky Mountain population of this species is listed as Special Concern under multiple regulations. Mayook Marsh is such a notable habitat for the turtles that BCIT master’s student, Sarah Bennett, completed her thesis on painted turtle nest site selection at the marsh. Sarah trapped over 100 individual turtles during her study.
• Columbia spotted frogs These amphibians are an integral part of the wetland’s ecological fabric. Mayook Marsh is such a notable habitat for amphibians, that UBC master’s student, Megan Winand, completed her thesis on the effectiveness of amphibian mitigation translocation at the marsh.
• Bird species at risk, including Lewis’s woodpecker, bank swallow, common nighthawk, and great blue heron.
• Mammals and other wildlife, such as elk, white-tailed deer, and various bat species.

Careful planning and collaboration

While construction itself took just over a month, the project was years in the making. British Columbia’s stringent environmental and archaeological regulations ensured that wildlife, cultural artifacts, and infrastructure were all considered. DUC worked closely with professional archaeologists to ensure that any artifacts discovered were respectfully identified and managed in accordance with both the Heritage Conservation Act and consultants representing local First Nation communities.

To safeguard the marsh’s biodiversity, extensive precautions were taken before construction began. Environmental consultants from DWB, and DUC staff assessed the site, installed barriers to prevent fish from entering the work zone, and carefully relocated turtles, amphibians, and other wildlife. “The turtles seemed quite interested in the project,” McKenzie recalls. “All these little triangle heads popping up! It was nice to see but also unnerving, as we wanted them to stay back!”

Kim Morton, Operations Manager and Senior Biologist for DWB consulting agrees: “The Mayook Marsh provides a diversity of important habitat for a range of species, from turtles, to migratory songbirds and waterfowl, to elk and deer. The habitat restoration work conducted by DUC and its partners plays a critical role to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same wildlife we enjoy today.”

Funding and future stewardship

The project was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Coors Seltzer, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the BC Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and small grants from Washington and Oregon States. Funding covered planning, permitting, archaeological and environmental assessments, construction, and ongoing monitoring.

“This wetland is a great example of a biodiversity hotspot: a major attraction for wildlife in a relatively dry landscape,” explains Sarah Nathan, manager of provincial operations and project manager for the rebuild. “It’s great to know it will remain on the landscape into the future for the species that rely on it.”

DUC will continue to monitor the site annually, ensuring the wetland’s health and the functionality of the new structures. Thanks to these efforts, Mayook Marsh will remain a sanctuary for wildlife, providing a rich and thriving habitat for generations to come.