Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area pamphlet
What makes Widgeon Valley NWA so special?
Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area (NWA) is located in the Lower Fraser Valley northeast of Vancouver, British Columbia--a region that is highly attractive to wildlife. The 125-hectare NWA was established in 1973 to protect important habitat for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. As part of a complex of protected areas in this region, the NWA plays an important role as a staging and wintering area for migratory birds of the Pacific flyway.
Widgeon Valley NWA contributes to:
- the Widgeon marsh and creek complex, comprising the largest tidal marsh in the lower Fraser River;
- a migratory staging and overwintering area for a diversity of waterfowl, including Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans;
- habitat for species at risk including the Pacific Water Shrew, Western Toad, Great Blue Heron fannini subspecies and Olive-sided Flycatcher.
What are Environment and Climate Change Canada Protected Areas?
Environment and Climate Change Canada establishes marine and terrestrial NWAs for the purposes of conservation, research and interpretation. NWAs are established to protect migratory birds, species at risk, and other wildlife and their habitats. NWAs are established under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act and are, first and foremost, places for wildlife.
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) are established under the authority of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and provide a refuge for migratory birds in marine and terrestrial environments. The current Protected Areas Network consists of 54 NWAs and 92 MBSs comprising more than 12 million hectares across Canada.
What can I do at Widgeon Valley NWA?
Access to Widgeon NWA is only permitted in the tidal river channels passing through the NWA by small boats, canoes or kayaks powered by oars or paddles. Canoe and kayak access to a campsite in the contiguous Pinecone Burke Provincial Park is along a channel passing through the NWA. More information on access and permitting for Widgeon Valley NWA can be obtained by contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.
Long description of the map
Location of the NWA on an illustrated map of Canada. The NWA location is indicated by a general annotation in the province of British Columbia.
Who can I contact?
Environment and Climate Change Canada - Pacific and Yukon RegionCanadian Wildlife Service
5421 Robertson Road
Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2
1-800-668-6767
Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca
Protected Area web site
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