A New Management Plan For Hatzic Lake Envisions A Healthy Ecosystem

A new management plan for Hatzic Lake, envisions a healthy ecosystem for the popular recreation destination east of Mission. The plan, two years in the making, was completed by the Fraser Valley Regional District with funding from the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development’s Invasive Plant Program.

Issues at the lake, including poor water quality, invasive species and lake volume have been a concern for several years and even led to a public health closure in August 2018. With its location near Mission, the lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and other cultural and recreational uses.

“The FVRD was pleased to be involved in developing this plan with our government partners. Input from the community was vital and the report clearly defines the issues and an action plan for government agencies and groups moving forward,” said Jason Lum, Chair of the Board, FVRD.

In March 2019, the Invasive Plant Program partnered with the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) to fund development of the plan. Clear Course Consulting Ltd. led a comprehensive background review of existing documentation with agency, partner, and community engagement. The resulting plan includes input from local, provincial, federal and First Nations governments and from local residents and recreational users across the region. 

The plan outlines a vision for Hatzic Lake as a healthy ecosystem that sustains valued species, resists invasive species, and supports cultural, recreational, and sustainable uses.

Several issues affecting the health of Hatzic Lake are identified in the plan and the causes for those issues explored. Top issues include lake volume, sedimentation, water quality, threatened valued species (including species at risk), invasive species, Indigenous land & resource management and impacts from recreation.

An action plan Included in the report proposes actions which may be taken based on recommendations by subject matter experts, community feedback, legislation, best management practices, and research.