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 McCartney, Trillium, Woods, and Mountain Creeks.
• Status: Endangered; Trend: Declining (Precision, 1997); 15% impervious area in watershed

• 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 – McCartney Community Association undertook 5 projects to enhance fish passage and reduce nutrient inputs.