Squamish River recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area of global importance

The Squamish River has been officially recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), marking it as a site of global significance for wildlife and ecosystems.

This designation highlights the region’s exceptional biodiversity, including species found in few other places on Earth.

The new Squamish River KBA encompasses the rivers and shorelines of the Squamish, Mamquam, and Cheakamus rivers, centred near the community of Brackendale. These waterways flow through rich riparian forests and dynamic floodplains that support a remarkable array of species year‑round.

The site earned global KBA status for its critical population of Roell’s Brotherella Moss (Brotherella roellii), with roughly 10% of the world’s known population found here. This rare moss thrives in the region’s moist, forested habitats, making the Squamish River KBA one of the most important strongholds for its survival.

The area is also nationally significant for the Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens). Winter surveys, including Christmas Bird Counts from 2012–2023, recorded a median of 3,408 individuals – representing approximately 2.6% of Canada’s population. Peak counts have exceeded 5,000 birds.

Beyond these flagship species, the rivers provide essential spawning habitat for Chum and Coho Salmon, which in turn attract hundreds of Bald Eagles each winter. The region also supports American Dippers, mergansers, goldeneyes, and the nationally Endangered Black Swift, among many others.

While the new KBA designation does not create legal protection, it does provide evidence and support to drive advocacy, land-use planning, and regional stewardship. The identification of Squamish River KBA is part of a global initiative to highlight sites that play an outsized role in maintaining globally and nationally significant biodiversity, and this site joins hundreds of others across Canada.

Multiple conservation partners, including Nature Squamish (formerly named the Squamish Environment Society) and BC Nature, continue to monitor and steward species and habitats within the Squamish River KBA. The site lies within the traditional territories of the Coast Salish First Nations and the Squamish (Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w) First Nation.

See all sites: KBA Home (kbacanada.org)

Quotes

“It’s exciting to see this new KBA recognition for Squamish River, and especially how it shines a spotlight on species like Roell’s Brotherella Moss. This little moss might seem ordinary, but it’s a fascinating and uniquely Canadian piece of our shared natural heritage.” – Peter Soroye, KBA Assessment and Outreach Coordinator with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.

“60 years I’ve been living in Squamish and have seen many changes in our local environment. Nice to have been around long enough to see the Squamish River Estuary now getting the care and recognition it has long been overdue for.” – John Buchanan, naturalist and KBA Caretaker for Squamish River KBA

“As part of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region, and with its position as a migration corridor for birds moving through the Pacific Flyway, the Squamish River Estuary provides critical habitat for many wildlife species. Thanks to the restoration of the marine environment in the past decades, thousands and thousands of spawning salmon keep coming back in different waves throughout the year, in turn providing food for large numbers of gulls and eagles.” – Rémi Torrenta, BC Projects Coordinator, Birds Canada

"BC Nature is proud to support our member club, the Squamish Environment Society in their efforts to monitor, steward and promote Squamish River as a Key Biodiversity Area. Since its original designation as an Important Bird Area we've seen time and time again how community naturalists and volunteer Caretakers can work together to safeguard critical wildlife habitat. This recognition marks the next step in supporting community to be stewards the lands and waters they call home." - Liam Ragan, BC KBA Manager, BC Nature