The Harrison and Chehalis rivers are home to an abundant population of salmon, bald eagles and trumpeter swans.
The area is under consideration for being designated as the Harrison-Chehalis Wildlife Management Area, and a public meeting is being held on Nov. 7, where residents can go to learn more about what that means for the area.
The meeting takes place at Harrison Mill Community Hall, at 1995 School Rd, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The area covers approximately 1,515 hectares of river and freshwater delta habitats associated with the Harrison and Chehalis Rivers. Subject to seasonal flooding, the area contains some of the region's most ecologically productive wetlands which support biodiversity in the region and the broader Pacific Northwest.
The Province has been engaging with local First Nations, governments and stakeholders on the Harrison-Chehalis WMA proposal for many years, and in 2011 identified legal designation of the WMA as a priority project. The Province has used the input to draft a proposed WMA and is now initiating a 45-day formal consultation process on the proposed WMA legal designation and its boundaries, which will run from Nov. 7, 2013 until Dec. 21, 2013.
This process will be used to assist in making an informed decision on the proposal. Those interested are encouraged to attend the open house. Written submissions can also be sent to Jeff Juthans, Land & Resource Specialist in the Regional Initiatives Office, before Dec. 21, 2013, at jeff.juthans@gov.bc.ca.