What's in Mission Creek?

Photo: Mission Creek Restoration Initiative

The Mission Creek area is home to 82 species of birds alone.

This information comes from a year-long “Baseline Biophysical Inventory” from the Mission Creek Restoration Initiative to determine what the ecosystem currently looks like.

The initiative’s goals are to restore fish and wildlife stock, expand biodiversity and create habitat for species at risk in the area. To help accomplish this, they needed to figure out what the area looks like today, and what improvements are needed.

The survey also found 11 species of mammal, three amphibian species and three reptile species.

Eighteen per cent of the area was given an environmental sensitivity rating of high or very high.

“The BBI report represents a big piece of the planning puzzle, as it helps us understand how to best meet our goals,” said Tara White, provincial biologist. “In a few years time we can conduct the same study and measure the impact the project has had.”

The study is currently being used to help inform planning and development decisions, including new dike construction that will help provide habitat for species at risk.