Central Estuary Restoration Project update

We are happy to share the news from the Central Estuary Restoration Project team that their project is now complete and that construction equipment along the Squamish River Training Berm (Spit Road) is being removed. 

As a reminder, this restoration project is led by a partnership between Skwxkwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Squamish River Watershed Society and Fisheries and Oceans Canada with funding from the Federal Coastal Restoration Fund. You can find more information on the project here: https://www.restoretheshore.ca/

The Training Berm (Spit Road) runs through the Wildlife Management Area which is jointly overseen by the Squamish Nation and the Province of BC. 

CURRENT STATUS AND USE OF THE AREA

• The road is open to vehicle access as far as the Chelem trail area. A new rock barrier has been placed within approximately 100 metres from the new end of the road.
• The road end slopes down to the estuary and restoration planting is underway along the remaining bench of the former berm, which will re-establish back to salt marsh in time. Please be mindful of these newly planted areas as they establish.

CAUTION: SAFE, RESPONSIBLE RECREATING ON LAND AND WATER

• The area is tidal and water levels change quickly and dramatically.  Be aware of rising tides so you don’t get cut-off from land. For real time hourly tidal information, see: Squamish Inner (07811) (tides.gc.ca).
• The Squamish River is currently running fast and high and is extremely cold due to snow run-off during the spring freshet.
• Winds pick up quickly mid-morning. Those venturing into the water should be experienced. This is not a beginner area for anyone venturing into/onto the water. 
• Camping is prohibited.
• Pack out what you pack in. Garbage cans are not available due to the volume of garbage that results, and overflows, creating a wildlife attractant issue.
• There are no portable toilets in this location. A public washroom map is available at Squamish.ca/camping. 

WINDSPORTS ACCESS

• Squamish Nation and the District are helping to facilitate ongoing access conversations with the Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) for access to Spit Island for a successful summer season. The conversations involve a collective review of safe water access and boat access between the Spit Road and Spit Island, particularly during low tides, while respecting estuary habitat restoration.
• SWS has arranged an interim boat shuttle from the Squamish Water Sports dock on the Mamquam Blind Channel for May 20-22. Follow SWS on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
• SWS is reminding members not to trespass from Third Avenue across the CN Railway to the central estuary and launch (Bozo Beach). CN Railway is enforcing and will issue trespass fines.

May 19, 2023