Ecological Values

Hamilton Marsh has amazing values in terms of habitat, water filtration and storage.  The wetland itself is 36 hectares in size and sits on 360+ hectares of second growth forest. It is the largest body of water in the French Creek watershed.

What are wetlands worth in terms of dollars?  “The economic value of wetlands has been estimated at more than $22,000 per hectare per year for the hydrological, water quality, habitat, and other functions they provide.”- excerpted from “Saving Sensitive Wetland Ecosystems” produced by Environment Canada, BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and parks, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. According to these estimates the hydrological & habitat value of Hamilton Marsh is as follows:  36.7 hectares x $22,000.00 = $807,400.00 per year.