McCartney Creek Watershed Summary

Summary

McCartney Creek Watershed
Total Drainage Area: 4.6 km²
Length: 2.2 km
Orientation: NE/SW & N/S
Elevation Range: 0-300 m
Average Channel Gradient: 7

Characteristics

Originates in a forested area of Seymour Heights. The creek has a steep incline and flows through a series of steps to the Maplewood Estuaries in Burrard Inlet.
4 tributaries including Blueridge, Trillium, Woods, and Mountain Creeks.
Status: Endangered; Trend: Declining (Precision, 1997); 15% impervious area in watershed

Watershed Use:

Main freshwater input into Maplewood estuary which provides habitat for fish and birds
Mouth and surrounding uplands make up the Maplewood Flats Wildlife Sanctuary
Hemlock Creek and riparian corridor provide wildlife habitat and travel corridor

Fish: Coho, chum, cutthroat trout · CDNV waterline
Residential · Recreation: parks, trails, etc.

Concerns

Classified as endangered due to impacts such as riparian removal, urbanization, culverting, and degraded water quality (DFO, 1998).
Decreasing escapement figures (DFO, 1998).
Maplewood-Lynnmour area – high level of air pollution (GVRD ambient air monitoring).
Significant water quality problems (FRAP):
Urbanization in the watershed has significantly affected the stream basin (FRAP).
Progressive sedimentation and plugging of trash racks at culvert inlets under flood flow conditions in tributary channels in upper reaches (Kerr Wood Leidal Associates, 1982).
Debris flow or debris flood risk rated moderately high (Kerr Wood Leidal Associates, 1999)
CDNV waterline exposed due to erosion or poor installation (Gartner, 1995).

Watershed Projects

Capilano hatchery, SEP volunteers, and local schools have released fish
Various public interest groups fought development on the Maplewood Flats.
99-00 – Blueridge Community Association undertook 5 projects to enhance fish passage and reduce nutrient inputs.

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