Our Mission

Our mission is to manage the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area - a 7,000-ha (17,000-Acre) wetland of international significance - for conservation and natural species diversity through active habitat and wildlife management, research, education and public support. Established in 1968, the CVWMA is the first and largest wildlife management area in the Province of British Columbia. The marshes form a valuable link in a chain of wetlands stretching from the Arctic Ocean to California. The CVWMA covers 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of provincial land, or an area that averages 20 km (12.4) miles long by 3.4 km (2.1 miles) wide. It consists of one lake (1,500 ha or 3,700 acres) and 17 marshes plus a major river and adjoining mountain slopes.

The CVWMA was born out of the sustained commitment and enthusiasm of a handful of persistent conservationists, biologists and Creston Valley residents who recognized the importance of Duck Lake and the adjoining wetlands as critical wildlife habitat, especially for nesting and migratory waterfowl. They began in 1942 to prevent the loss of this irreplaceable wildlife habitat to drainage for agricultural expansion and water level fluctuations for hydroelectric developments. In 1968 their efforts were rewarded with the passage of the Creston Valley Wildlife Act by the provincial legislature and the preservation of the habitat. A system of dykes, control structures and pumps was designed and installed to create a series of managed wetland compartments to manage flood and drought cycles. The system is designed to enhance maximize wildlife use and prevent the loss of wildlife habitat that would otherwise occur because of the changed management of the Kootenay River system for hydroelectric power generation and flood

About CRESTON VALLEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY TRUST FUND

The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area is maintained for habitat and wildlife conservation, nature enjoyment, and learning opportunities – preserving biodiversity, mitigating for wetland losses elsewhere, educating people of all ages, promoting wise use of natural areas, and providing science and research opportunities. The CVWMA is one of the most biologically diverse area in the interior of British Columbia and the wetlands and surrounding habitat supports over 315 species of birds, 55 species of mammals, 17 species of fish, 6 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians, and undetermined numbers of invertebrate and plant species. The CVWMA was designated as a wetland of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, in 1994, as well as an Important Bird Area/Key Biodiversity Area, and Important Amphibian and Reptile Area in Canada.

The CVWMA has kilometers of dykes and trails for the public to explore and the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre Society located on site offers public events and education programs as well as guided canoe and walking tours from May to October, annually.