Just as you enter the Creston Valley from the west you'll see signs for the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. It encompasses a 7,800 hectare (17,000 acre) area 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 stopover in the migration of tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese and a vast array of waterfowl. It supports over 100,000 water birds during migration periods which take 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, boardwalks and signs along the walkways explaining the habitat, as well as a bird tower. Also there are marked trails, from an easy hour stroll along the boardwalk through the marshlands, to a more demanding hike taking at least 4 to 6 hours.
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area has been 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 hundreds 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.
Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area
The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is an impressive 6,800 hectare (17,000 acre) Ramsar designated wetland habitat located 11 km west of Creston off Hwy 3. From May through October, Naturalists are on-site at the Wildlife Interpretation Centre to provide guided canoe & walking tours (May-Aug), special programs and events, trail maps & information.
Easy 24/7 access to 32 km of meandering dyke trails & 2 viewing towers provide opportunities to view some of the 400 species of wildlife that call this area home. Hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, canoeing & fishing are some ways you can enjoy this amazing wetland area.
From Hello BC