welcome to the 18 - fraser valley bald eagle...

Purchase a festival button for a chance to win great prizes. See page 19 for full details.

All proceeds go directly to funding the Festival.

Thank you for your support!

Welcome to the 18th AnnualFRASER VALLEY BALD EAGLE FESTIVAL

2013 Festival Overview NOVEMBER 16th - 17th, 2013

Enter for a chance to win a Celestron Scope! with Harrison HotspotsNOV 16th - 17th ONLY

Eagle Viewing, Fun, Education and Preservation!Welcome to the “Season of the Eagles & Salmon” in Harrison Mills.

The Festival Weekend (Nov 16-17) will once again have key sites open, from Mission to Harrison Mills, with a long list of organized activities for the nature enthusiast in all of us. 2013 will also will see a new campaign launched, the “Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle & Salmon Preserve” driven by the FVBEF Society. For more information on this initiative pls see Pg. 10.

Participating Festival sites include, the indoor Exhibitor’s Hall (filled with vendors, wildlife displays, “green” businesses, environmental organizations & the Vancouver Zoo Raptors Display), a 1906 Historic Site, fish hatchery, & eagle viewing by both land & water.

As always, a lineup of expert & entertaining speakers are scheduled to educate & entertain. Viewing sites will be equipped with complimentary viewing scopes & interpreters to further enhance the experience. The popular walking tour featuring Nature’s Trust will occur on the Saturday only. Note: pre-registration is requested for some activities only where indicated in this program.

The fun continues on the following three weekends with the first Sts’Ailes Salmon Celebration, a photo expo & workshop at Harrison Hot Springs, & land based eagle viewing at Harrison River RV Resort & Pretty Estates Resort. Numerous jet boat eagle tours with Fraser River Safari & David Hancock will run throughout the Season & Kilby Historic Site will also be open all weekends, ready to warm up eagle enthusiasts with a hot coffee or a delicious meal.

Please consider supporting the FVBEF Society & the Festival by purchasing any of the incredible eagle inspired souvenirs that will be available for purchase at many of the sites OR participating in our prize filled “Harrison’s Hot Spot” promo. For the latest information please visit the website www.fvbef.ca Jo-Anne Chadwick, on behalf of The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival Society

2. Tapadera Estates ............................................................... 43. Eagle Point Community Park ............................................. 44. Pretty Estates Resort ..........................................................45. Harrison River RV Resort .................................................... 58. Fraser River Safari ............................................................. 6

1. Exhibitor’s Fair at Leq’a:mel ................................................ 36. Kilby Historic Site ............................................................... 57. Inch Creek Hatchery ........................................................... 5

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette ............................................................. 9Take Your Interest in Birding to the Next Level ...............................8Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle & Salmon Preserve ..................... 10, 11Salmon of the Harrison ................................................................ 14Bald Eagle Nest Protection ........................................................... 17

9. Chehalis River Interpretive Nature Walk ............................. 6All Speakers, Times and Locations .......................................... 7

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ARTICLES

Saturday, Novermber 16th .................................................. 12Sunday, Novermber 17th .....................................................13Weekends #2, #3, #4 - Events and Activities.........................15

New for the 2013 FVBEF!• Eagle Observation Deck & Heated barn at Pretty Estates, see p 4• Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle and Salmon Preserve, see p 10-11• Harrison River RV Resort – Land eagle viewing, see p 5 • Vancouver Zoo at Leq’a:mel, see p 3 • Sts’ailes Salmon Celebration on Nov 23, see p 15

EAGLE VIEWING

EVENTS / ACTIVITIES

SPEAKERS / WALKS + TALKS

INFO CENTRE

SCHEDULES / OVERVIEW

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2013 FRASER VALLEY BALD EAGLE FESTIVALNOVEMBER 16TH - 17TH, 2013 – CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF THE EAGLES

Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Centre

CONTACT: Clare Seeley TELEPHONE: (604)-826-6914 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.missionchamber.bc.caSITE ADDRESS: 34033 Lougheed Hwy, Mission BC V2V 5X8 N 49 08.300 W 122 16.950

Just east of Mission on the Scenic 7, also known as the Lougheed Hwy, the Visitor Centre will open its doors during the Nov 16th-17th weekend to hand out programs and information to festival goers.

Be sure to stop in on your way to or from this annual event, take in the new gift shop and plan your next visit to Mission.

FESTIVAL SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE ON SITE.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 3pm

Exhibitor’s Fair at Leq’a:mel Hall

CONTACT: Sharie Conroy TELEPHONE: (604)-826-8179 EMAIL: [email protected] SITE ADDRESS: 43101 Leq’a:mel Way, Deroche, BC N 49 12.225 W 122 02.080The one stop spot—to learn, to shop, to eat and to play—all under one WARM & DRY roof. Don’t miss the fascinating educational, environmental and wildlife displays, the work of local artists and crafts people, a variety of green businesses and products.

Highlights include:• *NEW FOR 2013 - Live Birds On Site!• Fantastic Educational and Wildlife displays with

experts on site to answer all your questions• FESTIVAL SOUVENIRS post cards, jewelry, etc• Kids Activities: Colouring Contest• Unique gift items by local artisans • Delicious cuisine cooked up in the kitchen • Updated counts: Bald Eagles/ Trumpeter Swans• The Abbotsford/Mission Recycling Program

OPERATIONAL HOURS: Saturday 9am – 4pm Sunday 10am – 3pm

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PETSPlease be courteous and leave all pets at home or in your vehicle while visiting these environmentally sensitive sites.

KEEP IT GREENJoin us this year in being an active member in helping the environment: bring along your coffee cup, or buy a special souvenir cup available at Leq’a:mel, to reduce the use of Styrofoam.

BUS GROUPS Parking is limited at some sites. Charter buses can be accommodated at Leq’a:mel, Inch Creek Hatchery, Pretty Estates Resort, Harrison River RV Resort & Kilby Historic Site. Questions: contact Sharie Conroy at 604-826-8179 or [email protected]

Also of interest FOOD (see fvbef.ca for more details) Sites: • Exhibitor’s Fair @ Leq’a:mel• Tapadera• Pretty Estates Resort• Kilby Historic Site• Harrison River RV Resort

Other : • Sasquatch Inn Pub• Dewdney Pub

GPS There are 25 geocaches hidden as part of the FVBEF. View at www.geocaching.com keyword “fvbef”.

Events + ActivitiesInfo CentreImportant

Visit us at www.fvbef.ca for the latest 2013 Festival info and changes.

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For the latest info visit

fvbef.ca

Thank you to Celestron & Ron Skogland for generously donating the

“Grand Prize”for the Harrison’s Hot Spots draw.

Valued at over $800

www.celestron.com


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Eagle Point Community Park

CONTACT: Gord Gadsden PHONE: 604)-702-5024 EMAIL: [email protected] ADDRESS: Eagle Point Community Park, Morris Valley Road between Sandpiper Golf Course and Tapadera Estates N 49 15 673 W 121 56.878Eagle Point Community Park can provide one of the best opportunities to view Bald Eagles in the Chehalis River Estuary. Trumpeter Swans and many other waterfowl and bird species join about a thousand Bald Eagles that congregate near this vantage point to feed on salmon. Also, chum salmon gather right in front of the site and are easily observed as they spawn.

A park ranger, knowledgeable local residents from the community and a bird expert from Wild Birds Unlimited will be there to answer questions. Spotting scopes, a tent and patio heater will be available.

Viewing scopes supplied by Vortex.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: Saturday and Sunday 9am – 3pm

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Tapadera Estates

CONTACT: Al Roberts TELEPHONE: (604)-796-2372 EMAIL: [email protected] SITE ADDRESS: 14600 Morris Valley Rd, Harrison Mills, BCN 49 15.897 W 121 57.004The best place to view the Bald Eagles out on the estuary is at the viewing tent, situated at the foot of our boat launch. Tapadera Social Club will serve refreshments at the gazebo beside a roaring fire. FESTIVAL SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE ON SITE.

Sonsie, the teaching eagle, will be returning to Tapadera by popular request.

Viewing scopes generously provided by Celestron.

SATURDAY SPEAKERS: 11am – TBA 1pm – David Hancock – Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Eagle Biologist

SUNDAY SPEAKERS: 11am – Ross Davies 1pm – David Hancock – Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Eagle Biologist


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Pretty Estates Resort

CONTACT: Chris Lepine PHONE: (604)-796-1000 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.prettyestatesresort.comSITE ADDRESS: 14282 Morris Valley Rd., Harrison Mills, BC N 49 15.382 W 121 56.965

**NEW Eagle Observation Deck***

Pretty Estates (aka Sandpiper) is proud to be a viewing site for the 2013 Festival. Nestled in a centuries-old forest of Douglas Firs and surrounded by the West’s most idyllic golf course, Pretty Estates Resort is the perfect escape. Here, indulgence is a way of life. You’ll find it in the tasteful tranquility that surrounds you and feel it in the attentive service that sets us apart. Thousands of Bald Eagles return every year with increasing numbers and winter on our property overlooking the Harrison River – a popular eagle feeding area. Enjoy a tranquil forest walk to view eagles from our new Eagle Observation Deck, or Photo, Native Art & fast food in new heated barn.

Festival amenities include: Free parking (up to 125 cars), food & beverage services, River’s Edge Restaurant (West coast casual dining).


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fvbef.ca

Eagle Viewing


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Kilby Historic Site

CONTACT: Jo-Anne LeonPHONE: (604)-796-9576EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.kilby.caSITE ADDRESS: 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills, BC V0M 1L0 N 49 14.169 W 121 57.372

Kilby Historic Site is the perfect place for a trip down memory lane. Literally! Join us each day at 2pm for a heritage walking tour down to the confluence of the Fraser and Harrison Rivers.

An interpreter will show you archival photographs of the old town site of Harrison Mills and deliver a short history of the area including First Nations, transportation and the industry this town was famous for. Enjoy complimentary admission on the Festival weekend.

Heritage Walking Tour Daily at 2pm

Site facilities include the home-style country restaurant, unique gift shop. FESTIVAL SOUVENIRS AVAILABLE ON SITE


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Harrison River RV Resort

CONTACT: Joe Barta PHONE: (604) 799-0319 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.harrisonriverrv.comSITE ADDRESS: 1401 Kennedy Road, Harrison Mills, BC N 49 14 51.73 W 121 56 05.98

Harrison River RV Resort is a unique camp-ground nestled on the banks of the Harrison River. Eagles fill the sky, trees and the river bank as they gorge on the spawning salmon. The Resort has 90 full service RV sites, 3 acres of open grass area and over a 1000 ft of river front walkway, perfect for watching Eagles tuck their wings and dive into the water for their dinner.

Food will be available on Nov 16 /17 only.


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Inch Creek Hatchery

CONTACT: James Weger TELEPHONE: (604)-826-0244 EMAIL: [email protected] ADDRESS: 38620 Bell Rd, Box 61, Dewdney BC N 49 10.592 W 122 09.300

Inch Creek Hatchery is a large Fisheries and Oceans Canada facility that rebuilds local Chum, Coho, Chinook and steelhead runs, as well as, Pitt River Sockeye and the endangered Cultus Lake Sockeye. Hundreds of Coho and Chum salmon return to the hatchery and you can see them actively spawning in the hatchery creek entrance.

You can also view one of the prehistoric wonders of the Fraser River, two adult sturgeons over 6 feet in length that make their home in the hatchery pond. Education displays and materials will be set up, and fisheries technicians are available to show you around and answer questions regarding all the enhancement work based at Inch Creek Hatchery.


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Eagle Viewing Events + Activities

The FVBEF is a Registered Charity


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Chehalis Interpretive Nature Walk

CONTACT: Carl MacNaughtonPHONE: (604)-969-3241EMAIL: [email protected] pre-book with Robin Rivers Nature Trust at 604-924-9771, ext. 226 or by e-mail [email protected] ADDRESS:

Staging area will be on in Harrison Mills on Morris Valley Rd. Meet at the Chehalis River Recreational Area on Morris Valley Rd. (Drive 5 km then turn right just before the bridge crossing Chehalis River)

Conservation staff from The Nature Trust of British Columbia and Ducks Unlimited Canada will lead a walking tour of a 500-hectare conservation area on the Chehalis River.

Binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes, and proper outerwear are recommended.

OPERATIONAL HOURS:

SATURDAY, November 16th ONLY Walking Tour: 10:00 AM

Fraser River Safari –

Eagle Viewing Boat Tours

CONTACT: Jo-Anne or Rob Chadwick PHONE: (604)-826-7361 TOLL FREE: 1-866-348-6877 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.fraserriversafari.comFraser River Safari is the official jetboat tours of the FVBEF. The very best way to get up close and personal to the eagles without disturbing them. The Safari boat is also climate controlled and heated which offers guests incredible wildlife adventures despite the weather. David Hancock approved. Pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.NOTE: TOURS LEAVE FROM THE BEACH UNDER THE KILBY TRAIN BRIDGE

TOUR TIMES: Saturday AND Sunday10 AM – Exclusive tours feat. David Hancock• Duration 1 hour • Cost $85 adult; $80 seniors/children (includes all taxes and hot lunch)

or 11:30 AM or 1:00 PM or 2:30 PM • Duration 1 hour • Cost $65 adult; $60 seniors/children (includes all taxes)

Eagle Viewing Speakers / Walks + Talks


fvbef.ca

Season of the Eagles 2013 Overview / Schedule

Weekend #1 Fraser Valley Bald Eagle FestivalNov 16 - 17Two days of fun & educational activities for all Eagle viewing and so much more!

Weekend #2 Feeatured Event Host: Sts’ailes (First Nation)Nov 23 A Sts’ailes’ celebration of the incredible Harrison River Salmon.Nov 24 Eagle viewing from land or water!

Weekend #3 Featured Event Host: Harrison Hot SpringsNov 29 - Dec 1 Photography Expo & Workshop at Harrison Hot Springs. Eagle viewing at Harrison Mills.

Weekend #4 Featured Event Host: Harrison MillsDec 7 - 8 The eagle numbers reached 7,362 in 2010 during December! Viewing by land or water available.

For more details, see page 15 of this guide or the festival website.


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David Hancock – Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Eagle Biologist Saturday – 10:00 am – On board Fraser River Safari Jet Boat Eco Tours Saturday – 1:00 pm - Tapadera Estates – “The Wondrous Bald Eagle Recovery” Sunday – 10:00 am – On board Fraser River Safari Jet Boat Eco Tours Sunday –1:00 pm – Tapadera Estates - “Harrison Mills: the Bald Eagle Capital of the World”

Ross Davies Sunday – 11:00 am – Tapadera Estates

Kilby Heritage Walking Tour Saturday AND Sunday –2:00 pm – Kilby Historic Site

Chehalis Interpretive Nature Walk Saturday 10:00 am – prebook

More Speakers - TBA

Speakers / Walks + Talks

The FVBEF is a Registered Charity

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Take Your Interest in Birding to the Next Level

BECOME A ‘CITIZEN SCIENTIST’

When you go for a walk, do you find yourself looking for birds?

Do you count them? If so, why not join the hundreds of people, just like yourself, who are contributing bits and pieces of informa-tion that, together, create a picture of bird life in North America. IT’S EASY AND IT’S FREE.

Next time you go for a walk, take along pen and paper and jot down the bird species you see, then take a few minutes and send that information to Ebird Canada @ www.ebird.ca Do you walk the same area frequently? If you do, so much the better. The

information you and other’s gather and submit shows long term and seasonal trends.

Do you feed the birds in your yard?

Why not participate in ‘Project Feeder Watch’? For a nominal fee, from November to April of each year, ‘Feeder Watchers’ participate by sending in weekly reports as to what species are coming to their feeders. For more information go to Bird Studies Canada website at: www.bsc-eoc.org and click on ‘Project Feeder Watch’.

Kathy Stewart


fvbef.ca

Kilby Historic Site Kilby Historic Site -- 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills 215 Kilby Road, Harrison Mills www.kilby.ca www.kilby.ca ▪ ▪ 796796--95769576

Admission by Donation ▪ Season Memberships AvailableAdmission by Donation ▪ Season Memberships Available

Open WeekendsOpen Weekends Season of the EaglesSeason of the Eagles

Nov 16 & 17Nov 16 & 17 Nov 23 & 24Nov 23 & 24

Nov 30 & Dec 1Nov 30 & Dec 1 Dec 7 & 8Dec 7 & 8

MuseumMuseum Restaurant Restaurant Gift ShopGift Shop

Open 11 am to 4 pmOpen 11 am to 4 pm

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1. Where ever possible – Stay in your vehicle. Birds and ani-mals are much more accepting of vehicles than they are of people. Use your vehicle as a ‘blind’. 2. Keep your distance: Use binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto lens. If you try to ‘get closer’ the prey will just move further away. 3. Stay on trails: Trails are there for a reason. Straying off them not only damages or destroys sensitive habitat but infringes on the wildlife’s space. 4. Respect your fellow viewing enthusiasts: Don’t hog the best spots. Once you’ve had a chance to see and take a few pic-tures, move on so the next person has a chance. 5. Walk slowly and speak quietly; Nothing can send wildlife heading for the hills faster than someone running towards it shouting “look at the …….” 6. Watch carefully – respect the ‘comfort zone’: all wildlife, including birds, have a comfort zone which can vary dramatically depending on species, environment or previous experience…as long as you are outside of the comfort zone the animal or bird will continue doing what it was doing, if the comfort zone is

infiltrated the animal or bird will stop, become agitated and if the comfort zone continues to be pressed – the animal or bird will leave. If you inadvertently infiltrate a comfort zone…stop and retreat until the subject relaxes.7. Diagonal rather than direct: If you must move closer to a subject, try a diagonal approach. The wildlife or bird won’t feel as threatened as they would with a direct approach.8. Teach your children all of the above: NEVER allow your children to throw rocks at, chase, run up to or try to catch wildlife, other than with a camera.9. Pets: If you are attending an event where there are other viewers….leave your pet at home or in your vehicle. If you are viewing on your own there is no reason why a well trained pet cannot participate with you provided you keep said pet on a lead at all times and adhere to all the above points.10. Be Patient: Wildlife doesn’t appear on demand. When pos-sible, pick a likely spot and sit quietly….. you’ll be surprised at what might show up.Kathy Stewart

WILDLIFE VIEWING ETIQUETTE

BIRD COUNT The counts below are taken during the two day festival by a group of volunteers. Historically, the highest eagle counts on the Harrison Mills Chehalis Flats occur in early December. For example, 7362 eagles were counted on Chehalis Flats on December 18, 2010. Go to www.fvbef.ca/eagle-count for more details.


fvbef.ca

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CHEHALIS FLATS BALD EAGLE & SALMON PRESERVE

How it got started! By David Hancock, FVBEF, HWFThe Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle & Salmon Preserve Project was initiated by locally concerned citizens. A number of HWF viewers of the Chehalis Flats Live Streaming Web Cams confirmed the long-held view of many local residents that increasing traffic across the shallow Chehalis Flats was threatening the ecology of the very river that was supporting our salmon, eagles and an incredibly rich ecosystem. It quickly became documented that there was a steady day-long stream of kayakers, fishermen and camera men boating and walking across the flats repeatedly forc-ing most of the eagles into the air and churning up the shallow waters disturbing the spawning fish, their eggs or fry.

I discussed this with Tom Cadieux, Jo-Anne Chadwick, the former and present Chairs of the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, and at our next meeting the idea of some kind of educational campaign was unanimously approved. Then, Al Roberts, representing the newly formed Harrison Mills Regional Association piped up with, “I want to take this to our newly created Association for support.” The FVBEF approved spending $2500 on getting the project and posters organized. We were off!

Our group met and pulled together some basic parameters, a rough map, key environmental etiquette concerns and a plan to initiate an educational campaign. With the rough outline in hand we approached Chief Willie Charlie of the Sts’ailes First Nations and Dave Moore of the Salmon Stronghold to see if they too would support it. They did and insisted we call it the Chehalis

Flats Bald Eagle and Salmon Preserve. Now we were off with a greatly boosted momentum. Here were the people who “de-pended upon the river for generations” and the biggest collection of fisheries ecologists in the country. The constant question was, “Why did we not initiate this earlier?”

Some preliminary meetings suggested we make it a full year round Preserve but after some further discussion we settled unanimously on October thru February and modified slightly the boundaries. This geographical area and the limited season gave us a good focus area to start generating concern and the season covered when the lower waters offered more hazard for disrupt-ing the salmon and feeding eagles.

Our Citizens group, the “Unofficial Committee of the Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle & Salmon Preserve”, developed an educational outreach program to offer PowerPoint talks about the values of the Chehalis Flats, posters, flyers and a web site to spread our concerns and to receive comment. Please visit our web site to assist in both understanding the Ecological needs of this sensitive area and to help spread these words: fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca

David Hancock, May 1, 2013 on behalf of the

Citizens Committee of the Chehalis Flats Bald Eagle & Salmon Preserve.

Hancock Wildlife Foundation, Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, Harrison Mills Regional Association, Harrison River Salmon Stronghold, Sts’ailes.


fvbef.ca

SATURDAYNOVEMBER 16TH, 2013


fvbef.ca

The Exhibitor’s Fair at Leq’a:mel 9am – 4pm

Inch Creek Hatchery 9am – 3pm

Kilby Historic Site 11am – 4pm

For the latest, most up to date FESTIVAL INFO, visit us at www.fvbef.ca

Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce 9am – 3pmVisitor Information Centre

Tapadera - (LAND) 9am – 3pm

Eagle Point Community Park - (LAND) 9am – 3pm

Pretty Estates Resort - (LAND) 8am – 9pm

Harrison River RV Resort - (LAND) 8am – 6pm

Fraser River Safari - (WATER) 10:00am, 11:30am – Official jetboat tours of the FVBEF 1:00pm, 2:30pm

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES

EAGLE VIEWING SITES

INFO CENTRE HOTSPOT INTERPRETERS BUSES FOOD ACCESSIBLE

HOTSPOT INTERPRETERS BUSES FOOD ACCESSIBLE


David Hancock @ Fraser River Safari Tour 10:00am

Chehalis River Interpretive Nature Walk 10:00am

TBD @ Tapadera Estates 11:00am

David Hancock @ Tapadera Estates 1:00pm

Heritage Walk @ Kilby 2:00pm

SPEAKERS / WALKS + TALKS HOTSPOT INTERPRETERS BUSES FOOD ACCESSIBLE

The Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival is a Registered CharitySupport the Festival and help us continue raising awareness about one of the most biologically diverse and important areas in B.C.

For details on how to donate, visit us at

www.fvbef.ca

SUNDAYNOVEMBER 17TH, 2013

Additional Season of the Eagle Events

Don't forget to check out the additional 2013 events on

page 15


fvbef.ca

For the latest, most up to date FESTIVAL INFO, visit us at www.fvbef.ca

The Exhibitor’s Fair at Leq’a:mel 10am – 3pm

Inch Creek Hatchery 9am – 3pm

Kilby Historic Site 11am – 4pm

Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce 9am – 3pmVisitor Information Centre

Tapadera - (LAND) 9am – 3pm

Eagle Point Community Park - (LAND) 9am – 3pm

Pretty Estates Resort - (LAND) 8am – 9pm

Harrison River RV Resort - (LAND) 8am – 6pm

Fraser River Safari - (WATER) 10:00am, 11:30am – Official jetboat tours of the FVBEF 1:00pm, 2:30pm

EVENTS + ACTIVITIES

EAGLE VIEWING SITES

INFO CENTRE

David Hancock @ Fraser River Safari Tour 10:00am

Ross Davies @ Tapadera Estates 11:00am

David Hancock @ Tapadera Estates 1:00pm

Heritage Walk @ Kilby 2:00pm

SPEAKERS / WALKS + TALKS





Mark you calendar now for the 2014 FVBEF!

Next year’s festival:November 15th -16th, 2014

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SALMON OF THE HARRISON

The Wonders of SalmonThe Chehalis Flats and the Harrison River may be world famous as the home of the world’s largest gath-ering of bald eagles, but the eagles are here for only three reasons: salmon, salmon and more salmon! The Harrison system is home to not just the 5 traditional salmon species but also the two newly classi-fied salmon, the steelhead and cutthroat trout.

The recent studies of this incredible resource get more exciting. Most coastal salmon arrive fully mature in the rivers and spawn shortly thereafter. Or some interior species spend months swimming upstream to mature and spawn many hundreds of miles from the sea. Our Harrison River sockeye have some interesting twists on the norm. First, some arrive early summer and others through the fall and winter. The Sts’ailes, the People of the River, could find fresh salmon in their river 12 months of the year.

The Wonders of the SockeyeSome of the early fish literally leave the salt water and almost overnight swim up the Fraser to the Harrison and continue up-stream to Harrison Lake. There they enter deep cool waters and mature over many months. One genetic population then swims northward to spawn in the Birkenhead River waterways, their fry hatch and swim downstream to spend a ‘traditional’ year in Harrison Lake before departing to the ocean.

In September another population swim back downstream from the lake to spawn in the deep riffles at the mouth of the Chehalis River, the eggs hatch and the young immediately head down-stream and out to sea! Still another population hold in the Lake until they think the downstream Weaver Creek, just beside the Chehalis River, is ready for them. They go up Weaver Creek to

spawn and then their young swim down Weaver Creek , turn left and go back upstream to enter Harrison Lake. They spend another year growing there before going to sea. Our Harrison fish have many tactics to adapt to river systems only recently emptied of glacial ice.

Coho, Chum and Pink SalmonThe Harrison system does not miss out on a large variety of Coho runs: some enter the river in early summer and others right through the winter into the New Year. This species loves the small shallow waters where its young generally grows for a year before going downstream to the sea.

Like the Coho, the chum (dog) and pink (humpback) salmon also flourish here on the Harrison – Chehalis system. Populations start arriving in September, increase in mid October and more arrive through December to February.

The pink or humpback has another unique adaptive twist in its life cycle. The runs that live from mid BC coast northward into Alaska all spawn on even numbered years -- our southern populations only arrive in our rivers during odd-numbered years – like 2013! This year’s crop, estimated to be of high numbers, is presently holding in the Fraser River and its estuary -- waiting the rains to ascend their rivers. This year our Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival and the Sts’ailes Salmon Celebration hope to offer up large num-bers of late run Coho, chum and pinks for the sports, commercial and First Nations fishery -- with lots of spawned out carcasses to feed the 5,000 to 10,000 eagles that will be counting on them.

Come to Harrison Mills this winter to enjoy our “Season of the Eagles” and Salmon. www.fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca

Weaver Creek Spawning Channel WebsiteTo follow live spawning salmon at the Chehalis Hatchery Creek see www.hancockwildlife.orgDavid Hancock Eagle Biologist and host of Bald Eagle Live CAMs at www.hancockwildlife.org


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ADDITIONAL WEEKEND EVENTSNOVEMBER TO DECEMBER, 2013


fvbef.ca

November 23 only

First Annual Salmon Celebration presented by the Sts’ailes 9:30am-3:00pm at Pretty Estate Resort

- Official Welcome + Talk - Artisan Demonstrations + Sales - Land based Eagle Viewing - Sasquatch Tours Dancers - Speaker’s Presentation (Harrison Salmon Stronghold) - Salmon Lunch + Bannock Taco Option **Pre-purchase strongly recommended.

November 23 & 24

Eagle Viewing Boat ToursFraser River Safari – official Festival jet boat tour

Land based Eagle Viewing & More at Harrison Mills- Pretty Estates Resort (Photo exhibit + talk)- Kilby Historic Site (Heritage Walking tour)- Harrison River RV resort

November 30 & December 1



December 7 and 8


November 29 - December 1

A celebration of eagles in Harrison Hot Springs PHOTO EXPO and WORKSHOP

Nov 29, 30 – Photo expo at Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa – no registration required

Nov 30 – Photo workshop with Graham Osborne – Pre-registration required. [email protected]

Nov 29 – Dec 1 – Eagle viewing shuttle from the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa – Pre-registration required. [email protected]

For more details visit www.tourismharrison.com

WEEKEND #2: NOV 23 - 24 Featured Event Host: STS’AILES (FIRST NATION)

WEEKEND #3: NOV 29 - DEC 1 Featured Event Host: HARRISON HOT SPRINGS

WEEKEND #4: DEC 7 - 8 Featured Event Host: HARRISON MILLS


For more details visit www.fvbef.ca/weekend-4



Initiative of: Mission Economic Development Office c/o Stacey Crawford District of Mission 604-820-3789 www.mission.ca

Mission Community Branch150 - 32555 London Avenue 604.877.7363vancity.com

Good Money™is transforming the place where we live.

BALD EAGLE NEST PROTECTION:

Protection of Bald Eagle Nests: The British Columbia Wildlife Act.

During the past few decades bald eagles have seen an unprecedented recovery across North America. In eastern North America a big part of the eagle’s demise was associated with rampant use of pesticides in the late 1940s through 1960s. The world recognition of this environment threat, brought to the world’s public largely through one publication, “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, was simply another clog in the bigger shift by society as a whole. This was the shift from considering all creatures that compete with humans in any way as “vermin”, to our understanding that many predators are essential components of the ecosystem that we all share. Eagles went from being “shot vermin”, a species that Alaska offered a bounty on, to being a treasured keystone species of the environment that we then cherished and protected.

Alaska, and particularly Washington State where most of the Alaskan fisherman wintered, suffered eagle losses of over a million eagles due to this bounty. British Columbia, where no bounty was offered still housed people with the same “It’s a predator so kill it.” attitude. In response to our human attitude changes through the 1960s from “vermin” to the full protection as a “threatened or endangered species” by the US, have offered the bird an incredible opportunity to return to its former habitat.

In no place has it’s “former habitat” been more re-invaded than in the urban and suburban areas of British Columbia. No place has more welcomed the eagle than British Columbia. And no place has so been re-invaded by eagles than the Vancouver lower mainland metro region. When I did my aerial surveys of thousands of coastal eagles in the late 1950s and early 1960s I could only find 3 pairs of eagles nesting in the lower mainland of greater Vancouver. Today I have recorded over 390 pairs in the same region and I suspect there are now over 500 pairs. We quit shooting the eagles and they came back.

The continuing challenge for eagles literally everywhere across North America is safe secure places to place their huge nests. Big trees are usually the first resource harvested and then as housing takes over, growing trees are often considered a “block of views”! Fortunately most jurisdictions in North America have not just given the eagles protection from being killed or disturbed but there is now protection of eagle nest trees and other wildlife trees. British Columbia recently in August of 2013, prosecuted a landowner for cutting down an eagle nest tree -- and he was fined $10,000 -- a significant sum but it could have been $100,000 and a jail sentence. The eagles deserve this. Thanks Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources.

David Hancock, Wildlife Biologist See HWF live cams at: www.hancockwildlife.org

AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ACTION.


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SASQUATCH INN 10% OFF Coupon

Harrison Mills, BC Watch the Eagles Soar from our Patio

Valid Nov 16- Dec 8, 2013

Receive 10% off any appy ! 1 coupon per person

per appy.

Accomodations Available Rooms from $50/night www.sasquatchinn.ca

604-796-2730

Ask Server for Details

2013 FESTIVAL THEME PHOTO CONTESTWe are pleased to announce the 2013 winners!

1st Place by Christian Sasse

2nd Place by Rick SkerryRick Skerry was born in the Fraser Valley and grew up enjoying tramping around the bush and exploring the outdoors. He took up photography as a hobby in the 1980s

My interests in photography and especially eagles started in November 2011. From then onwards I was hooked. In November I went to the Fraser Valley Eagle Festival and was overwhelmed by the nature and density of eagles. During the next months I improved my technique in both photography and image processing. Since I live in White Rock, I am able to frequently contribute to the Hancock Forum as a ground observer with visits to the beach where many eagles can be admired. My friendship with David Hancock and numerous enthusiasts of the Hancock forum has been most helpful and I was able to learn a lot about the behavior of eagles.

using a Voightlander rangefinder and a Mamiya SLR. Having always loved being out in nature, his interest in photography naturally evolved in that direction.

Rick began to focus on birds during the last four years and his backyard garden has given him unlimited opportunity to observe and photograph them at close range when not out searching for raptors and owls in the wild.

Being a member of APAC (Abbotsford Photo Arts Club) as well as being out in nature learning on the fly helped improve his photographic skills. Photographing birds in their natural habitat has become the prime focus of his work.

To learn more about our Photo Contest and the 2013 Winners please visit fvbef.ca

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Buy a festival souvenir button, for a chance to win great prizes!

How it works:1. Buy a button for $3 each or 4/$10

Buttons are available to purchase at:

2. Receive an entry form sheet w/ each button with 5 CHANCES to win great prizes.

3. Visit the participating sites listed on pages 12 & 13, and drop off the corresponding entry form.

GOOD LUCK !!

THANK YOU to the following businesses and organizations for their invaluable contributions:

Grand prize donated by CELESTRON (valued at $850). Additional prizes provided by Hancock Pub- lishing, Hancock Wildlife Org, Sasquatch Inn, Harrison River RV Resort & Pretty Estates Resort.

Buttons generously donated by DFO Community Advisor James Wegner

All proceeds go directly to funding the Festival. Thank you for your support!

Sponsors of the 2013 Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations for their invaluable contributions

• Kilby Historic Site• Tapadera Estates

• Mission Chamber of Commerce• Leq’a:mel Hall

Mark you calendar now for the 2014 FVBEF!

Next year’s festival:November 15th -16th, 2014

FVBEF CONTEST: BUTTONS + HARRISON HOT SPOTSNovember 16th - 17th ONLY


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