The Strathcona Regional District has announced the release of a new documentary highlighting the beaver coexistence project at Kw’as Park on Cortes Island.
The regional district said the documentary was created by Wild Bus Films and funded through a $354,960 Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation grant from the province.
According to a release from the SRD, the beaver coexistence project involved installing pond levellers and a culvert protection fence to help protect wetlands.
“Projects like this demonstrate how working with nature can reduce flood risks for our communities,” said SRD chair Mark Baker. “This work supports the Board’s climate resiliency priorities by helping communities adapt to climate change while protecting important wetland habitats.”
The SRD noted that beaver dams store runoff and release it slowly, reducing flooding and erosion. They also support salmon and trout spawning areas.
“The Klahoose view the beaver as a vital animal, often considered a spiritual engineer and a silent partner in creation,” said Klahoose First Nation Elder Jessie Louie. “They show us how to live in balance.”
The documentary can be viewed on the SRD’s website.
