Sandy Budd, President of Maple Creek Stream-keepers, joins 'We’ve Got Issues' host Nancy Furness to discuss the importance of protecting streams and creeks throughout the Tri-Cities. Sandy says protecting streams helps to sustain us by mitigating the effects of climate change and by protecting biodiversity, including fish and in turn invertebrates, birds and even trees.

Stream-keepers rehabilitate our streams. Sandy shares concerns about the effects of development, climate change, pollutants, fires, chemicals, and invasive species on the health of local streams. For example, ivy discarded from planter boxes, strangles and kills trees which leads to less shade and higher water temperatures resulting in deleterious effects on cold water fish, including salmon.

Sandy says the group has observed, recorded, and reported incidences of pollutants entering streams. Unfortunately, she says despite reports being made, there have only been a couple of charges laid over the past 20 years.

Maple Creek is a tributary of Coquitlam River and runs through the CP Rail Yard and back- and front- yards of Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam. Sandy provides clarification that the stream is under Federal protection as it is their mandate to provide fish passage. She reminds us that blocking flow by placing rocks and obstacles in the creek is prohibited.

Most of the Maple Creek Stream-keepers have been involved with the group for three decades. Sandy says they are there for the comradery and because they see a need and care about Maple Creek. She said the group is interested in sharing information and teaching others about how keeping Maple Creek healthy serves to enhance the entire community. For more information and to volunteer with the Maple Creek Stream-keepers, go to their website: www.maplecreekstreamkeepers.com