The protected lands of the estuary are about to experience a 13-acre growth spurt. The Nature Trust of B.C. has an agreement in principle to buy the green space around the Bridge Pond, also known as the Cattermole Slough, from BC Rail to ensure the wildlife habitat is spared from development. The parcel of land sits on the southern end of downtown Squamish, providing green space at the end of many downtown streets."It's apparently one of the most biodiverse areas in the estuary," said Squamish Environmental Conservation Society (SECS) member John Buchanan. "It's great that it's protected."According to the SECS website, the area is likely home to peregrine falcons, great blue herons, barn swallows, American bitterns, green herons, ussurian water-milfoil, and cutthroat trout."Coastal estuaries are a critical link for wildlife," said Nature Trust president Doug Walker, adding that migratory birds and salmon use these types of land.Once the land is purchased, the District of Squamish will manage it. Capilano University will also be playing a role in managing the site by offering stewardship opportunities through its environmental studies program."We see this as a wonderful partnership," said Walker.Walker said the Nature Trust's decision to pursue the land happened in part because of the Wildlife Management Area announcement made last spring when Environment Minister Barry Penner officially recognized the area's designation.The land in many ways acts as a buffer between the Wildlife Management Area and the community. For those who live or work downtown, it will ensure that a large swath of green space is only a few blocks away."It's just a wonderful spot to be able to sit and go on a nice day or have a nice walk during lunchtime," Walker said.SECS president Catherine Jackson has been working with the district in hopes of turning the site into a wheelchair accessible looped boardwalk trail.While she has applied for boardwalk funding from CN Rail, she is still waiting to hear if the proposal is approved."It would be a great tourist destination," she said, adding that the trail would have interpretive signs and small sidewalls to ensure dogs cannot leave the path and disturb the sensitive habitat.While Walker did not disclose the purchase price of the property, he said BC Rail did offer a slightly reduced price to the non-profit organization."I would say that the price was fair. BC Rail did make some adjustment based on the fact that it's for conservation," he said.The Nature Trust is aiming to have the property secured by the end of this year and protected into perpetuity.Funding will likely come from partners such as Ducks Unlimited, Walker said. Although he welcomed donations from the Squamish community, he said the public's main responsibility would be to care for the area once it is officially protected.Going one step father, Buchanan said he hopes the Nature Trust's acquisition prompts council to reject the notion of a Seventh Avenue connector road through the west side of town, which is currently being considered as part of the town's transit plan."We need that dismantled. Now that this has happened hopefully they will come to their senses and trash that whole idea," he said.
