The Editor,
I'd like to thank the Hyde Creek Watershed Society streamkeepers for welcoming the community to their wonderful open house Nov. 16.
The many environmental societies and the corporations they invited to participate provided displays, activities and educational opportunities to inform people of local areas of ecological concern, and the importance of maintaining habitat for native and endangered species.
In addition, I would like to tell people of the amazing feat of both coho and chum salmon that spawn in Hyde Creek. Some of these fish will actually swim several kilometres and more than 500 vertical feet up Burke Mountain to the west end of Highland Drive (cross street at the little fire hall on Coast Meridian). While I have witnessed them at this point, other people report they swim up even further. While it is a short swim, it's a steady, steep swim for fish against a fairly strong current.
The fact that the salmon will swim that high up Burke Mountain emphasizes how important it is that we do everything we can to ensure Hyde Creek continues to be viable, healthy salmon habitat.
It is under threat from the activities of development. There have been several failures of erosion and sediment control while building and landscaping is underway.
If citizens see muddy, turbid water flowing down the street or in the creeks, it is important to report it to the municipal public works so that its source can be investigated. It's imperative that Hyde Creek's gravel stream beds remain clear of clay particulate so as to not suffocate the salmon eggs deposited there.
These fish belong not only to us but must be here for future generations.
Janet Klopp, Coquitlam
