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In comparison to many other ecosystems, the benefits from wetlands are exceptionally large relative to their size (MacKenzie & Shaw, 1999). Based on one commonly referenced study, the market and non-market values of wetland goods and services (e.g., climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and food production) are valued at $19,580 hectare/year (Costanza et al., 1997), which extrapolates to approximately $100 billion/year in BC (MOE, 2010).
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Author: Molly Dube and Alyssa Purse
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Old Reference Number: COL-F22-W-3451
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Old Reference System: FWCP - Fish Wildlife Compensation Program Columbia
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Date Published: Mar 2023
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Report ID: 62383
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Audience: Government and Public
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More recent studies have indicated a value of about $1.8 million/km2 per year and a median value of $91,000/km2, especially for coastal areas (Sun & Carson, 2020). When total economic values are considered, wetlands often provide greater economic returns than when the land is converted for other uses (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). However, wetlands have been historically degraded and destroyed in low-elevation areas of the Kootenay region from large scale developments such as hydro-electric production, agriculture, diking, and transportation networks, as well as from residential growth (Utzig & Schmidt, 2011). Furthermore, remaining wetlands are at risk of degradation from human activities such as mud-bogging, and the introduction and spread of invasive plants and wildlife (e.g., Reed Canary grass, American bullfrog).
The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program considers wetland conservation and restoration as a priority for the Columbia Basin and has developed several interim initiatives (FWCP, 2014). Other action plans in the Columbia Basin identify wetlands as a priority habitat for conservation/restoration (Green et al., 2006). As with previous years, the B.C. Wildlife Federations Wetland Education Program (WEP) supported these initiatives by building the capacity of residents to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands through the following programming: delivery of a virtual workshop focused on the Columbia region.
Restoration and enhancement were completed at 19 sites across the Columbia Basin. A total of 27.85 hectares of wetlands were restored in 2021; 6.7 hectares of wetlands were restored on Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) lands in the Creston area, Earl Ranch restoration underwent Phase 2 of the proposed restoration, with 6.15 ha wetlands restored, and additional 3.94 ha of upland area restored. Enhancement work was completed at 16 previously restored wetland sites to improve biodiversity in accordance with findings from BCWFs 2018 Comprehensive Restoration Evaluation Project.
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Report Type
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Fish and Aquatic Habitat Information |
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Subject
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Region - Kootenay |
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Vegetation - Plant Ecology |
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Vegetation - Riparian |
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