Cranberry Marsh/Starratt Wildlife Management Area

ABOUT THIS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Date Designated: March 28, 2013

Purpose: Conservation of a marsh and adjacent terrestrial habitat that provides habitat for waterfowl and a variety of other wildlife species.

Size: 319 hectares

Region: Omineca

NATURE AND CULTURE

Fish and Wildlife: Cranberry Marsh has long been recognized as a valuable wildlife area with regional significance for bird breeding and migration. Approximately 200 hectares was originally the R.W. Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located at the junction of the Columbian and Thompson-Okanagan migration corridor and is a staging area for Swans, Canada Geese, and many species of ducks. Blue-listed American Bittern use the marsh, and both the marsh and upland habitat are frequented by beaver, muskrat, moose, and a variety of shorebirds, perching/song birds, woodpeckers, and raptors. The area likely also supports breeding amphibians and small mammals.

Physiography, Climate and Vegetation: Cranberry Marsh is the remnant of a flat bottom lake which now drains the lower east slopes of the valley. It has dense growth of bullrush, sedges, and cattails, with some open water areas. The shorelines slope into willow and aspen stands along with some pine trees on the sandy soils. Ducks Unlimited Canada has implemented habitat enhancements that include dyke control, ditching, floating nesting islands and inlet channel modifications.

Cultural Heritage: Several First Nations have access for traditional activities and uses within and around the marsh.

PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

Information on management direction and possible restrictions on visitor activities are available from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development regional office.

Management Partners:

• The Nature Trust of BC
• Ducks Unlimited Canada
• Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
• Village of Valemount