Our Canadian Adventures: Eagles and Dykes

'The Dykes' are man made and are found in large area of sea marsh surrounding Lulu Island and along the middle Arm of the Fraser River. The dykes were created in the sea marshes to prevent flooding in the growing residential development known as Richmond. The city of Richmond and the village of Steveston have expanded so much larger over the last century and much of the original farm lands has been lost to new residents. Richmond City is just one meter above sea level making the care of the Dykes a priority.

This is rundown of The flood protection program

A weekly inspection and maintenance program to ensure the dykes remain stable at all times.
A vegetation control program, to remove any brush and tree growth that could compromise the integrity of the dykes.
An annual dyke survey program, based on a 5-year cycle, to monitor settlement and carry out required upgrades to ensure the dyke elevations are maintained at or above the 1:200 year standard.
24-hour electronic river level monitoring systems at 4 key locations.
A Floodplain Management Policy, which establishes minimum flood construction levels and outlines future initiatives to enhance flood protection.
A dyke seismic study to determine the potential impacts of an earthquake on key areas of Richmond’s dyke network. Where required, the dykes will be strengthened.

I'm not sure our environment agency is as rigorous.

Families of Richmond and Steveston find this a great area for cycling, jogging walking and wildlife spotting. 'Himself' has found this section of The dyke that he like to cycle along.

Francis Road end here at the Dyke.

He cycles along Francis road to The Dyke then turns along the path surrounding the area. There's several miles of the cycle path right up to the Vancouver Airport and further. Along the way there is a designated wildlife area. The wild life is variable from turtles to eagles.