About the Watershed

How big is the watershed?

The Millard-Piercy watershed, located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC, is a vital ecosystem that flows westward from the Courtenay River Estuary. It is made up of two main creeks—Millard and Piercy—which provide important habitat for wildlife, including coho salmon and other aquatic species.

Approximately 13 km2 in size with ca. 55 km of watercourses

Millard Creek with 3 tributaries - mostly rural

Piercy Creek with 11 tributaries - mostly urban

This watershed faces ongoing environmental challenges, such as urban development impacts and pollution. In recent years, harmful chemicals from urban runoff, like 6PPD-quinone from vehicle tires, have been linked to fish deaths in Piercy Creek.

For over 20 years, the Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards, a volunteer-led conservation group, have been dedicated to monitoring water quality, restoring habitats, and advocating for sustainable development. Their work ensures the long-term health of the watershed, balancing environmental protection with the growing needs of the Courtenay community.

By preserving and restoring these waterways, the Stewards help safeguard an ecosystem that supports both wildlife and local residents, ensuring clean water and thriving salmon runs for generations to come.

Streams of the M-P watershed originate in wetlands and springs that flow from the Beaufort Mountain range.

They support a variety of aquatic species and amphibians such as e.g.

Signal crayfish,
Wandering salamanders,
Lamprey
Invertebrates

Millard & Piercy creeks with its tributaries are the maternity wards and rearing habitat for salmonids, namely:

Chum salmon
Coho salmon
Pink salmon
and Cutthroat trout

Threats to the Watershed

Impacts from climate change

Increasingly frequent and severe weather events
Droughts cause isolated pools where fish get stranded
Increases areas of invasive plants
Flood events cause erosion, siltation and pollution

Impact from urbanization

Increasing impervious surfaces
Deforestation
Pollution from traffic e.g. 6ppd-q.
Pollution from industry
Pollution from lawn care products
Pollution from farming

Where is the Millard Piercy Watershed?

With support from organizations like the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF), the ability to monitor, protect, and restore salmon habitats is significantly strengthened.

Grants like this enable local groups, including the Millard Piercy Watershed Stewards, to:

Expand fish population monitoring, ensuring data on salmon returns, survival rates, and habitat conditions.
Improve water quality assessments, identifying pollutants and mitigating risks from urban runoff.
Enhance habitat restoration efforts, such as removing barriers to fish passage and replanting streamside vegetation to reduce erosion.
Engage the community, fostering stewardship through education, volunteer programs, and hands-on conservation work.

These efforts not only improve conditions for salmon and other aquatic life but also provide long-term benefits for the community, including cleaner water, more resilient ecosystems, and a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings. With continued investment in conservation and data collection, we can ensure that the Millard-Piercy watershed remains a thriving environment for generations to come.