Photo courtesy of the Stewarts, April 2022. Coopers Green Lagoon.
The brown discoloration of the water is from sediment in Kitchen creek which feeds the Coopers Green lagoon. The creek passes through endangered and protected Coastal Douglas-fir forest which was clear cut as part of the 27 acre Bayview Hills development immediately above the lagoon.
Between the Heron fishing, and first-hand observations of fish, it’s clear Coopers Green lagoon is a fish habitat. Kitchin Creek directly supports this fish habitat which is legally protected from the impact of logging operations.
Sadly, the sign seems appears to be window-dressing. Kitchen Creek is a designated riparian area, protected Provincially by Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) and the Regional District’s Development Permit Area for Creek Corridors. We will continue to pressure the authorities to enforce existing laws which protect our forests and fish habitat.
What can I do?
If you see a violation of fish habitat or riparian areas report it:
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Report habitat violations by email DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca, or call the 24-hour, toll-free “Observe, Record Report line” at 1-800-465-4336. You can also contact the Nanaimo office on 250-754-0230.
- Sunshine Coast Regional District – The Regional District is responsible for protecting creek corridors and riparian areas in designated Development Permit Areas. Submit bylaw complaints to the bylaw complaint form or email bylaw.compliance@scrd.ca.
- Natural Resource Violations – The province is responsible for enforcing Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR). Report a natural resource violation online or call 1-877-952-7277 (#7277 on a cellphone) to report to a natural resource officer.