There are six major threats to biodiversity. Those pertaining to our pond project include Global Climate Change, Corridors and Connectivity and (Nature Trust British Columbia, 2022)
The effects of Global Climate change include greater variability of weather patterns and changes in the distribution of vegetation on the landscape (Nature Trust British Columbia, 2022). The existing pond is a monoculture of cattails. By opening up the pond and creating a heterogeneous habitat, biodiversity of habitats and species will increase.
The pond is located adjacent to a stream (Meighan Creek ) that runs through the core of Armstrong. It is also adjacent to a park and existing trail network that is used by the citizens of Armstrong. Corridors and Connectivity will be increased due to the proximity of Meighan Creek “Corridors composed of naturally occurring or restored strips of land that connect large habitat patches may facilitate the movement of species between patches and decrease the effects of threats to biodiversity” (Nature Trust British Columbia, 2022).
Wetlands are an important component of the biological diversity in British Columbia (MaKenzie, 2000). As of 2000, Wetland covered approximately 6% of the province and 1% in the southern interior. Essential habitats for wildlife and plant species are found in wetlands and are the focal habitats for other species (MaKenzie, 2000).
In 2022, wetlands now cover 5% of the land base and provide critical habitat for fish, birds and wildlife (Province of British Columbia, 2022). Many red and blue listed species are wetland dependent at some point in their life cycle. Wetlands filter and absorb sediments, recharge groundwater, maintain stream flows and help regulate climate cycles and atmospheric gases (Province of British Columbia, 2022). Conservation efforts to reduce wetland losses and manage wetlands are included in biodiversity strategies by the Province of British Columbia (Province of British Columbia, 2022).
The standard for our wetland evaluation will be based on Wetland Ways, Interim Guidelines for Wetland Protection and Conservation in British Columbia (Cullington, 2009).
Another reference is the book “Wetlands of British Columbia” Guide to identification (Moran, 2004)