Municipal Hall

May 8, 2008 / 10:00 AM

Maple Ridge, BC:  Residents have brought forward concerns related to a restoration project along the North Alouette Greenway being completed by Ecosystem Restoration Associates Inc. (ERA) in partnership with the District of Maple Ridge. Residents are concerned about the removal of approximately 300 alder trees in the area and the loss of habitat. The alder trees removed are a short-lived, shallow-rooted species, some of which were dead and dying. They were replaced with 3,600 Sitka spruce, western red cedar and cottonwood seedlings which are deep rooted, long-lived species reflective of the original forest logged off of the area in the 1930's.

In addressing the issues involved well known Forest Ecologist Vince Poulin, who is a Registered Professional Biologist and ERA advisor, emphasized the benefits of this program which include:

• Enhanced fish and wildlife habitat (enhanced shade, woody debris etc.)
• Increased biological diversity
• Improved riverbank and floodplain stability (as a result of planting deeper rooting tree species)
• Recovery of an old growth forest
• Enhanced carbon sequestration (more trees and longer living tree species)

To date ERA has planted approximately 70,000 trees throughout Maple Ridge with continuous monitoring and establishment period maintenance taking place at each site over the next several years.

Acknowledging the citizens' concerns, both the District and ERA have commented that communication regarding this specific site should have been more extensive with residents and Metro Vancouver and have committed to ensuring improved communication in future. Two meetings have already been held with stakeholders and resident groups at the location and follow-up meetings will be scheduled to further discuss the mitigation plan and the timing of its implementation before it proceeds.

ERA also acknowledges that work crews created a larger opening than was originally envisioned for this site and has taken steps to ensure that this will not be a recurring issue.

Further planting is intended including more diverse planting of native shrubs for enhanced habitat purposes. In the absence of a restoration project the alder will die off in a relatively short period of time creating shrub-dominated areas which are at risk of being populated with invasive species. There is already evidence of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Blackberry on the property. Returning the site to its original coniferous dominant forest will greatly enhance the habitat values and achieve the benefits noted above. Ongoing management on a semi-annual basis of the planting area over a period of five years or so will allow ERA to deal with invasive species and ensure the seedlings survive to become well established, healthy trees.

While residents also raised a concern about a log jam on the river, it has been determined not to be associated with this project. Nonetheless, the river is being monitored by the District with the intent being to address any issues of debris as required and remove the jam at an appropriate time having the smallest possible environmental impact. The mitigation plan being prepared by ERA for the tree planting site will also address any concerns about woody debris which may otherwise make its way into the river system. Hydraulic and ecological experts have been brought into the mitigation planning process by ERA to address the concerns raised by residents with the best available science. Residents involved in the Alouette River Management Society and the Alouette Valley Farm and Homeowners Association, as well as Metro Vancouver, have also been involved in the process which is intended to achieve the best possible mitigation effort, and include sensitivities to the bird nesting season and in stream work window for fish.

Both the District and ERA are appreciative of the residents having brought their concerns to their attention and the opportunity that has provided for learning more about the area, enhanced monitoring and an open discussion about the benefits and challenges of ecosystem restoration.