Squamish

The Squamish watershed, located in southwestern British Columbia, spans approximately 3,600 square kilometers from the glaciers of the Coast Mountains to Howe Sound. It includes the Squamish, Elaho, and Cheakamus Rivers, and is defined by steep terrain, high precipitation, and rich salmon-bearing streams. Unlike the more urbanized Fraser River watershed to the south, the Squamish remains largely forested and sparsely populated, though development pressure is growing. The area lies within the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation, who play a central role in land stewardship and fisheries management. Land use includes forestry, hydroelectric generation, recreation, and residential expansion around the town of Squamish, which has grown to over 24,000 residents. The watershed supports all five species of Pacific salmon, grizzly bear habitat, and recovering populations of eulachon and steelhead. Climate change, tourism, and industrial legacies challenge ecological integrity, while collaborative restoration efforts are gaining ground. (Placeholder text by ChatGPT 2025).

Relationships

• located in: Canada

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Source: Squamish on Salish Sea Wiki