Across British Columbia, roads often cross or run alongside wetlands. When this happens, they can change how water moves across the land and reduce habitat for fish and wildlife.
Wetlands provide year-round food, cover, and water for a diverse range of fish and wildlife species, including moose, elk, waterfowl, salmon, and beavers. They also support frogs, turtles, and insects that form the foundation of the food web. These vital areas help maintain cool, clean water, offer spawning and rearing habitat for fish, and create nesting spaces for waterfowl, all amid lush vegetation.
When roads disrupt natural water flow, streams can erode and deepen, sediment can wash into fish habitat, and wetlands can slowly dry out.
The following illustrations show common ways roads can affect wetlands and the species that depend on them. These examples help land stewards recognize early warning signs and understand how small changes can lead to larger habitat impacts over time. Thank you to Petra Hekkenberg for these illustrations.