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 Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area - Creston, British Columbia Posted by:  T0SHEA
N 49° 07.199 W 116° 37.903
11U E 526872 N 5440859
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is located at 1760 West Creston Road and can be accessed from Hwy. 3.
Waymark Code: WMKCXE
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 03/22/2014
Views: 3
Just as you enter the Creston Valley from the west is the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area comprised of 7,000 hectares of provincial Crown land located along the Kootenay River system. It consists of a lake, 17 marshes plus a major river and adjoining mountain slopes.
It is a rich and biologically diverse area supporting over 300 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians that call the area home.
The wetlands are also an important destination in the migration of tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese and a vast array of waterfowl and supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods taking place twice a year: spring and fall.
Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of great blue herons, the rare Forster’s terns – which breed nowhere else in BC – and a thriving Osprey population.
The wetlands are a protected area; however for a nominal fee it is open to the public. There is an interpretive center, board walkways and signs along the walkways explaining the habitat and a bird tower. Also there are trials from an easy hour stroll along the boardwalk through the marshlands, or a more demanding hike taking at least 4 to 6 hours.
Source - Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area website:
https://www.crestonwildlife.ca/
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area was designated a Ramsar Site – A wetland of international importance in 1994.
In 2002, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area was designated as a nationally Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because it regularly supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods.
We were there in mid-March and the area was still looking like winter. However much to our delight the birds were already very active at the hanging feeders and the sound of 100s of birds could be heard throughout the area. We will return in the early summer as we are looking forward to seeing the blue herons and possibly glimpse a Forster tern.
Park Name: Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
Sponsoring Organization: Government of BC and the Town of Creston
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
Birding tower, interpretive center, board walkways, and trails through the marshland.
Parking Coordinates: N 49° 07.150 W 116° 37.965
Entrance Fee: Not Listed
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