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User:Tardis420/Serpentine Wildlife Management Area

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The Serpentine Wildlife Management Area is a small wildlife management area located on the south coast of British Columbia in Surrey. It contains many kilometres of walking trail and viewing towers to enjoy the nature and observe the many species found in the area. Although the boundaries have changed over the years, the Government of British Columbia still manages the land to ensure it meets the currents goals that were set in place to protect the local and endangered species that inhabit the area as well as monitoring the effects of climate change. This is done in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, although the land falls within the territories of the Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen First Nation.

Boundaries of Serpentine Wildlife Management Area
In 1973, when the area was first designated a Wildlife area, the borders were Highway 99, King George Boulevard, and the Serpentine River. This area added up to 106 hectares of space considered a Wildlife area, all found in Surrey, BC. Since then, the boundaries have changed. The Ministry of Transportation and Highways currently owns the property south of 44th Avenue, which has since been called the Serpentine Annex. This southern portion does not feature any trails, viewing towers, or other amenities featured in the Serpentine Wildlife Management Area and is only differentiated by the differing ownership and management. Nowadays, 44th avenue acts as the southern boundary to the Serpentine Wildlife Management Area. The boundaries were set with the creation of the adjacent highways and other natural borders in the area. This does not include privately owned land such as Art Knapps. The total area is now 71.3 hectares.

Goals of the Land Conservation Area
There are four main goals that are currently being monitored within the Serpentine Wildlife Management Area. The first is to manage the wildlife species and habitats, mainly including birds and fish. The second and third are regarding maintaining a public recreation area that does not disturb the general wildlife, as well as keeping public health and safety a top priority. The final goal is to make sure that the management plan is up to date while taking into account current Regional Stewardship objectives.

These goals are all currently being monitored and are so far being well met. Any invasive species in the area are being managed, the wildlife habitat is being maintained and species that have been introduced or reintroduced are currently self-sustaining. There is a plan regarding the persistence of fish in the area that has also been actively monitored. Wildlife disturbances, such as littering, have diminished while public support of limiting human activities in the area is generally improving. Local vegetation has been maintained and the area is clean which all adds up to an environment which is safe for public access. Lastly, current management needs including the present state of the land is all accounted for in the management plan. This means the needs of the local First Nations, Government, stakeholders and public are all adequately reflected, which falls in line with the Stewardship objectives.