Cultus Lake Park Green Shores Demonstration Site
Cultus Lake Park will be home to a Green Shores nature-based shoreline rehabilitation project that will help endangered Cultus Lake sockeye salmon, increase the lake’s resilience to climate change, and honour the natural beauty of native shoreline gardens already planted and cared for by multiple residents of the community.
This project has received funding from the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, a joint funding program supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of BC, and the Cultus Lake Park Board, with additional support from the Cultus Lake Stewardship Society.
Project Objectives
- Promote healthy Cultus Lake sockeye salmon habitat and populations.
- Improve riparian and aquatic ecosystem health and water quality.
- Restore natural shoreline processes and mitigate erosion.
- Engage, educate, and collaborate with the Cultus Lake Park community.
Project Location and Duration
Thanks to support from our funders and project partners, this project will be delivered over three years (2023-2026).
Timeline:
- Year 1: Planning, Design, and Education
- Year 2: Construction, Restoration, and Education
- Year 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Education
The project will restore a small section of Cultus Lake Park located on the northwest shoreline of Cultus Lake, just off Lakeshore Drive by the outlet to Sweltzer Creek.
Why This Site is Important to Cultus Lake Sockeye Salmon
- Cultus Lake is the freshwater rearing area for a distinct population of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) known as Cultus Lake Sockeye Salmon.
- Cultus Lake Sockeye Salmon are endangered and require lower pollution levels, greater oxygenation, and improved breeding habitat for their populations to recover and thrive.
- Green Shores nature-based solutions help protect wildlife and species at risk, such as Cultus Lake Sockeye Salmon, by improving water quality and enhancing natural shoreline habitat and ecosystems.
- To learn more about Cultus Lake sockeye salmon, access the COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report or visit the Cultus Lake Stewardship Society website.
- To learn more about Green Shores for shoreline protection and rehabilitation, visit Stewardship Centre for BC Programs – Stewardship Centre for BC (stewardshipcentrebc.ca)
Green Shores for Shoreline Development
This project is guided by the Green Shores for Shoreline Development Credits and Rating guide and seeks to achieve a Green Shores “Gold” rating through innovative nature-based design, community collaboration, and educational outreach. It will be Canada’s first lakefront GSSD-certified project, demonstrating Cultus Lake Park’s leadership and commitment to protecting shoreline ecosystems and helping endangered species.
Do you have questions about the project or want to get involved? Email Project Manager Andrea McDonald at andrea@stewardshipcentrebc.ca for more information.
Cultus Lake Park Community Notice
If you’re a Cultus Lake Park community member, please bookmark this page and the Cultus Lake Park community website for project updates, training opportunities, and events.
September 4, 2024 – Final Plan and Construction Notice
Construction will begin on September 16, 2024, with completion anticipated on October 18, 2024. During construction, access to the site will be limited to a fenced pathway. We ask that visitors access the pedestrian bridge from Cultus Lake Park’s west side via the fenced pathway and be mindful of construction taking place. Please direct any questions about area access to the Cultus Lake Park Board or Andrea McDonald at andrea@stewardshipcentrebc.ca.
If you are interested in volunteering to help install native plantings in early October 2024, please email Andrea McDonald with your availability at andrea@stewardshipcentrebc.ca.
June 28, 2024 – Conceptual Design Complete
The Cultus Lake Park Green Shores conceptual design has been completed with input from the project team, the Technical Advisory Committee, and feedback from the Cultus Lake Park community.
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