Enhancing Habitat Along McKay Creek
To compensate for habitat loss along McKay Creek, the unceded territory of the Stó:lō people, Brinkman partnered with municipalities and industry to restore forest edge, improve habitat diversity, and protect nesting areas for local wildlife.
Project Details
Location: Abbotsford, BC
Client / Partners: Stantec, Kinder Morgan, City of Abbotsford
Project Type: Habitat compensation, invasive species management, riparian restoration
Scale: 2,000 m² of forest enhancement; 1,600 native plants installed; 12 coarse woody debris features constructed
Project Overview
As part of a habitat compensation initiative, Brinkman was contracted to restore and enhance a section of McKay Creek in Abbotsford, BC. The project addressed invasive species impacts, restored native vegetation, and introduced new habitat features to support birds, terrestrial plants, and wildlife.
Impact at a Glance
- 2,000 m² of forest habitat enhanced
- 1,600 native plants installed, sourced locally for provenance and adaptability
- 12 coarse woody debris features added for habitat structure and diversity
- Protective split rail fencing constructed to safeguard restoration site
- Invasive plant removal completed with mechanized excavation for precision rhizome control
Invasive Species Management and Habitat Restoration
The project began with the removal and control of invasive species, including rhizomes, using excavators for precise extraction and disposal. Habitat restoration efforts included installing coarse woody debris features to enhance structural diversity and constructing protective split-rail fencing around the compensation area. All planting and site maintenance were carried out manually to ensure careful handling of native vegetation and potted stock. Materials were sourced within 50 km of the site to support local adaptation and preserve seed provenance, while ongoing maintenance continues by hand to promote safe establishment of native species.
Outcomes
The project enhanced forest edge and riparian habitat, improving ecological resilience and increasing nesting opportunities for local bird populations. By combining invasive control, native plant establishment, and habitat feature installation, the McKay Creek initiative created lasting ecological value while meeting compensation requirements.
