Where is the Bertrand Creek Watershed?

Bertrand Creek flows south through the community of Aldergrove in the Township of Langley, and is a cross-border tributary of the Nooksack River. The Bertrand Creek Watershed drains approximately 113 km2 of land divided by the Canada/US border. While many changes have occurred to the stream over time owing to surrounding land uses, it still supports small populations of anadromous (spawning) and resident fish, including coho salmon. Bertrand is one of the very few watersheds in the world to support populations of Salish sucker and Nooksack dace; both on the endangered species list.

Bertrand Creek is an important landmark in the community. It has become the focus of a cooperative effort involving resident volunteers, the Township and the private sector to enhance and restore the stream’s role as both an environmental feature and a recreational corridor. To facilitate this endeavour, the Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society (BCES) was formed in 1993.

Historically, this watershed was once forested and its streams supported abundant populations of salmon and other aquatic species. Over the years rapid urban and agricultural development has impacted Bertrand Creek and its inhabitants.

Restoration efforts by the BCES like garbage clean-ups, stream enhancement, and stream side fencing and planting have involved hundreds of community members in an attempt to make Bertrand Creek a more productive stream.