Visual Quality
As mentioned, Blue Mountain is a scenic viewscape for numeous Maple Ridge are communities and should be managed to maintain this quality.
Ecosystem Health
Low elevation CWHdm (dry red cedar / western hemlock) forests that are maintained in protected areas close to urban centres are extremely rare in the Fraser Valley. Even more rare are such forests of advanced age (old growth). Although Blue Mountain currently has very little old growth forest, if it was managed as such, it would, through time, turn into a rare ecological treasure.
Regardless of the age of these CWHdm forests, as long as they are at an advanced age of 80-100 years or more, they provide myriad benefits to a host of wildlife, some of which are species at risk. The close proximity of the human / wildlife interface at Blue Mountain enables excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. An extensive nature trail system would enable excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. As you may be aware, wildlife viewing is the most popular recreation activity in North America with over 90% of respondents, as per numerous academic surveys, participating in this activity. If managed appropriately, wildlife viewing activities can also be significant generators of economic activity and ecological diversity.
Of particular concern is the Upper Kanaka and Katherine Creek Watersheds. These watersheds should be considered for addition to Kanaka Creek Regional Park. Only 14 of the 22 km length of Kanaka Creek is protected by the park, despite its vital role to recreation, and as wildlife habitat (the most endangered animal in British Columbia (water shrew) likely resides in Kanaka Creek).
A 2005 study of water shrew habitat in Kanaka Creek by the Blue Mountain – Kanaka Creek Conservation Group, indicated that excellent shrew habitat exists within and immediately adjacent to the park. Over 90% of the shrews riparian habitat has been destroyed in BC. Protection of the entire length of Kanaka Creek, and surrounding riparian forests would benefit of wide range of species and faciliate the return of more wild salmon stocks to Kanaka Creek.
A special presentation was made at the final 2003 Kanaka Creek Park open house regarding the full protection of the entire length of Kanaka Creek. The text from this presentation is still relevant and should be seriously considered in any future Blue Mountain land use planning activities.
It should be noted that if Golden Ears Park boundaries were drawn based on ecological considerations, the eastern park boundary would not end at Allouette Lake, but rather would extend to the height of land at Blue Mountain. If Golden Ears Park is ever to function as a complete fully functioning ecosystem, it must include Blue Mountain, among other areas.
The high flash flood response of Kanaka Creek to major rain/snow events also warrants the protection of the entire length of the creek. Impermeable clay deposits throughout the area and high water tables in low lying areas results in naturally high flood potential. Without full protection of Kanaka Creek and adjacent forests, the flood risk to residents and destruction of natural ecosystems could be increased.
