1.0 Introduction

The Chilliwack River Watershed has been shaped by natural processes as well as human activities. Earlier than 10,000 years ago the Chilliwack River Valley was covered or partially covered in massive glaciers and lakes on several occasions. This geological activity carved the landscape that is known today. Now the Chilliwack River winds its way down the Valley from the northern Cascade Mountains through Chilliwack Lake and eventually drains into the mighty Fraser River (Figure 1). After the glaciers retreated, a variety of plants and animals colonized the area and formed rich ecosystems that sustained First Nations populations for thousands of years. Europeans settled in the area when gold was discovered in the Fraser Valley in the 1800's, and the Valley began another transformation into its present state.

Through all these changes, the Chilliwack River Watershed has maintained its high biological and cultural values while becoming a place of high recreational, economic, and historic value for local residents and visitors alike. However, the various natural and human activities in the Valley, and outside pressures, are threatening the River and the values it supports. In 2005, the Chilliwack-Vedder River returned to British Columbia's Endangered Rivers List in fifth spot. Effective planning of the land uses and activities in the Valley and cooperation between all parties with an interest in the Valley are needed to ensure the Chilliwack River and its numerous values are maintained indefinitely.

In 2003, the Chilliwack River Valley was selected as a pilot project for Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Planning (WFSP). Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Province of British Columbia jointly developed WFSP and together produced the Guidebook for Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Planning (2000). The intent of WFSP is to guide and encourage local initiatives and partnerships in protecting and restoring fish habitat and populations on a watershed basis. Sixteen candidate rivers were assessed as potential showcase pilots for the initiative, with the Chilliwack River being highlighted in the top three. The Chilliwack River was chosen as a pilot for the program due to its high level of biological productivity, increased pressures on its resources, and the opportunity for the involvement of multi-jurisdictional and multi-faceted interests.

In 2004, a project team of representatives from land and water government agencies came together to begin to develop a strategy for the future of the Chilliwack River Watershed. The purpose of the Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy is to provide a common understanding of watershed values, based on sound science and local knowledge, to assist in decision making that will promote and improve the sustainability of the Chilliwack River Watershed. The project will increase public awareness and identify stewardship and enhancement opportunities. The project will not directly result in new regulation or land and resource allocations or designations. Rather, it will strive to fit within the framework of existing legislation and examine opportunities to enhance and make existing processes more efficient.

This background document represents the first step in the planning process for the Chilliwack River Watershed. The document reviews the natural and cultural resources of the Watershed as well as the various land and resource uses in the Valley. Following the completion of this document and other background materials, the process will identify issues and alternatives in the Chilliwack River Watershed. These components will then be synthesized into a Watershed Strategy, which will identify priorities for watershed restoration and other activities, and recommend actions for achieving objectives and coordinating ongoing activities.

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