Friends of Burde Street Ponds Society

Resources

Environmental studies to date

Few official scientific studies of these wetlands are publicly available. The following assessments provide information about the site:

1997

Preliminary Environmental Assessment of Proposed Burde Street Development – Port Alberni BC

Blood and Materi

The 144 acres surveyed (which included the Dry Creek land on the other side of Burde Street) were unusually biodiverse, primarily due to the 2 wetlands and a significant stream valley and ecological connectivity with Dry Creek.
Beaver dams have created higher water levels than would be expected, creating nesting islands, snags (standing trees underwater) which are habitat for mergansers and other waterfowl.
These features have a high level of wildlife use—especially by waterfowl, beaver and amphibians.
Riparian forest around the wetlands also has a high value for wildlife.
Adjacent Dry Creek Valley is also very important habitat contributing to connectivity and facilitating the movement of wildlife through this portion of the city.

2022 / 2023

Burde Street Wetlands, Preliminary and Second Draft of an Environmental Assessment and development feasibility study for the San Group

DJ Clough

The released reports are heavily redacted. A freedom of information request for unredacted copies has been submitted; those copies remain unavailable.

A recent, detailed ecological and environmental assessment

A recent, detailed ecological and environmental assessment is needed to document the ponds’ habitats and species.

Comprehensive Species Inventory
Species at Risk Assessment
Fish Presence and connectivity
Wetland Classification
Amphibian Breeding Evidence
Hydrology and Habitat Connectivity
Community records from trail keepers, nature clubs, birders and photographers

Consultation on Indigenous knowledge and cultural significance should take place before any changes to the land’s status.

Conservation acquisition brief

PDF not yet provided.

saveburdeponds@gmail.com