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The Township of Langley is
unique amongst municipalities within the Greater Vancouver Regional
District. Not only is it one of the fastest growing municipalities
with a growth rate of over 3%, but it also has the distinction of
having some of the richest fisheries resources remaining in the Lower
Mainland. In the past, urban growth and environmental protection have
at times been two diametrically opposed issues with one or the other
taking precedence. This attitude has been changing as engineers,
planners and scientists have been exploring sustainable development
alternatives. The goal of sustainability within Langley is to ensure
land development will have the smallest possible impact on and be able
to co-exist with fish and wildlife habitat.
Langley's fish bearing streams originate in our low-lying areas; a
significant contrast to the region's mountain streams. Fed by springs
from Langley aquifers and surface runoff, the headwaters of our
streams are often located in prime lands for agriculture and
development. This places important fish habitat at risk, and makes its
protection a challenging task. Langley's backyard waterways support a
fragile biological diversity in an increasingly urbanized setting.
More than 700 kilometers of streams and wetlands can be found in our
watersheds. This network draws surface flows from rain and snow, and
groundwater flows from the aquifers.
Our Langley waterways play many important roles. Greenways and forests
in the municipality depend on streams and wetlands. The riparian zones
surrounding waterways are probably our most productive, ecologically
diverse natural lands. Trees, shrubs and other plants located along
the watercourses create wildlife habitats and fish cover, maintain
bank stability, and moderate stream temperatures.
The Township of Langley is committed to both protecting and preserving
Langley's natural environment for future generations.
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