17000 acre wetland habitat in southeastern BC, Canada

Established by Provincial Legislation in 1968 under the Creston Valley Wildlife Act, the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA) consists of 7000 hectares (17000 acres) of provincial land. It contains one lake (1500 ha or 3700 acres) and 17 marshes plus a major river and adjoining mountain slopes. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the marshes form a valuable link in a chain of wetlands stretching from the Arctic Ocean to California. The CVWMA is a rich and biologically diverse area. Over 286 species of birds, 57 species of mammals and 29 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians call the area home. Some of these are species at risk – endangered, threatened, vulnerable or of special concern – at a provincial and/or federal level. In 1994, it was designated as an internationally significant wetland (Ramsar Site). The CVWMA is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International, because it regularly supports over 100000 water birds during migration periods, and as an Important Amphibian and Reptile Area by the Canadian Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Network . The area is managed for conservation and natural species diversity through active habitat and wildlife management, research and education. The wetland is an important destination in the migration of Tundra Swans and Greater White-fronted Geese and a vast array of waterfowl. Birdwatchers marvel at the 6 species of grebes, large numbers of Great Blue Herons, the rare Forsters Terns which breed no …