Minor Basin: Central Kootenay River

The 60-acre Mayook Marsh is located on British Columbia provincial Crown land in the Kootenay River floodplain in southeastern BC, 13 miles east of the City of Cranbrook. With the loss of more than 85% of historic wetlands in the southern, heavily populated parts of the province, upgrading water control structures that maintain water levels in DUC’s engineered wetland projects, such as Mayook Marsh, is critical. Mayook Marsh provides habitat for waterfowl, endangered western painted turtles, and a diverse suite of other wildlife species. Located within provincial range land, Mayook Marsh also provides stock watering for five ranchers who share rotating Crown grazing tenures. In addition, the marsh falls within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa Nation. 
 
A water control structure installed in 1976 by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) maintains water levels in this 60-acre marsh, this project will upgrade the water control structure to maintain water levels and provide an increase in freshwater storage capacity. The project includes replacing the control structure, upgrading the dam, and improving the access road. DUC has reached out to the Ktunaxa to explore opportunities to collaborate on continued stewardship of the land’s natural values.