More waterfowl and raptors winter here than anywhere else in Canada. Basin rivers support many varieties of fish and are spawning grounds for five species of salmon. Wildlife depend on an adequate amount of healthy habitats, without which many species would disappear from the Basin. Some species that used to frequent the Basin no longer do so. Urban growth, industrial development, and intensification of agriculture continue to threaten important wildlife habitats and pose a risk to the sustainability of wildlife populations.
Habitat loss is the greatest threat to the conservation of wild species.
Human population growth in the Basin has already resulted in a dramatic loss of habitat for a variety of species. Growth that is not well planned will result in greater loss of habitat. Urban development and associated flood protection and drainage projects have eliminated some wetlands and stream habitat entirely. Continual loss of habitat will result in a decline of many fish and wildlife populations and loss of biological diversity. Action Plan is to maintain wildlife populations, biodiversity, and the related human quality of life.