The Fraser River Action Plan

In this way, the eliminate diverse, natural space, shelter, and expansion of agriculture and of urban areas food for fish and wildlife, generating ripple in the Lower Fraser Valley has eliminated effects throughout the ecosystem. [...] It seems paradoxical that an 7 A G R I C U LT U R E F r a s e r. R i v e r. A c t i o n. P l a n Fraser Basin issues FRAP studies and farm visits revealed two In the interior reaches of the Middle and somewhat different sets of environmental Upper Fraser watersheds, the main agricul- problems associated with agricultural prac- tural effects on the natural environment tices in different areas. [...] Valley (downstream from Hope), where the Destruction of riparian areas and wetlands most intensive agriculture in the province for and by livestock is affecting water quali- occurs, the elimination of natural wildlife ty and eliminating natural habitat for fish habitat by a combination of urban sprawl and wildlife. [...] Problems of manure storage and handling, as well as an overap- plication of manure and fertilizer to crops, are causing pollution of ground and surface water and even of the air in agricultural areas of the Lower Mainland. [...] A 1993 survey showed that more than half of the 117 domestic, municipal, and monitoring water wells on this aquifer had nitrate concentrations above the Guidelines Evidence of overfertilization in the Lower Fraser Valley: Left–Irrigating crops at Judson Lake over the nitrate levels in water drawn from a well in the Abbotsford Aquifer Abbotsford Aquifer 15 A G R I C U LT U R E F r a s e r. R i v e