Richmond's Natural History

Natural History of an Island City

Richmond is an island City located in one of North America’s most productive estuaries. The City has distinctive and important habitats that are a result of its place at the mouth of the Fraser River. Historically an intricate complex of wetland and bogs, the remaining natural areas of Richmond still form habitat for a broad range of flora and fauna.

Wildlife and Habitat

In the Water

In the cloudy waters of the Fraser River conceal a diverse and significant aquatic habitat. The inhabitants of our waters include invertebrates, all five species of salmon, the mighty white sturgeon, and large mammals like the harbour seal and California / Steller’s sea lion.

In the Sky

The Fraser River estuary provides essential resting areas for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway and supports the largest overwintering population of birds in all of Canada. Richmond’s broad open terrain and extensive foreshore make it an ideal hunting ground for numerous species of raptors and wading birds, like the iconic great blue heron.

On the Land

Wetlands, sloughs, bogs and grassland dominate much of the City’s terrestrial habitat. These areas have significant habitat value and are home to plants and animals found nowhere else. Although dramatic human-induced changes have occurred over the recent past, remnants of these habitats provide insights into the intricacy and importance of Richmond's ecological network.

Fish, Habitat and Wildlife Regulations

Wildlife

The majority of wildlife in British Columbia are under the jurisdiction of the Provincial government and governed by the BC Wildlife Act. The Act governs such things as nesting birds, problem wildlife and hunting and trapping. Visit the BC Provincial Ministry of Environment FAQ page for comprehensive answers to wildlife questions.

Development in the city must follow best management practices laid out as part of the Wildlife Act. This pertains to the management of bird nests and habitat for migratory birds and raptors. For more information, see the following provincial documents: [insert bullets]

• Best Management Practices for Raptor Conservation During Urban and Rural Land Development in BC
• Develop with Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in BC
• Other wildlife management resources
• Co-existing with Coyotes
• BC SPCA Urban Wildlife
• Reporting Human Wildlife Conflicts
• City of Richmond Parks

Fish and Aquatic Habitat
Although the inland watercourses in the City are generally thought of as ditches, they do have a habitat value; primarily in the provision of water to the Fraser River estuary outside the dike. Depending on what type of activity you wish to undertake near water, different provincial and/or federal standards may apply.