Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Fraser Basin Council. 2011. Cultus Lake User Survey Report. Fraser Basin Council and Pacific Salmon Foundation. |
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| Organization | Fraser Basin Council |
| URL | http://cultusstewards.shawbiz.ca/cultus_lake_user_survey.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | Given its natural mountain setting, its abundant recreational opportunities, its diverse fish and wildlife, and its proximity to major urban centres, Cultus Lake is a prime destination for lake and nature lovers. The Fraser Valley Regional District measures more than 3 million visitors per year to the watershed. A representative survey, of diverse demographics, was undertaken of 167 lake users in the summer of 2010 to determine current public environmental awareness and to measure current lake-care actions. It found: • 93% want more environmental care and more funding for environmental care. • 92% expressed concern about safety and overcrowding. • Between 82 and 87% expressed concern about sockeye, invasive species (milfoil), and water-quality (temperature, fuel spills, nutrients). • 54% were concerned about other species like the unique Cultus Pygmy Sculpin. • 53% of visitors planned to increase their visits to Cultus Lake. • 81% of people surveyed were visitors to Cultus Lake. • The largest category of lake-users - were swimmers at 66%; 27% were powerboaters; 33% were non-power boaters. • Most people liked the beauty, natural setting, easy access and low-cost of visiting Cultus Lake. • Most people did not like the crowds, rowdy behaviour, noise, loud music on power boats, fast speed and high densities of power boats. • Of power boaters surveyed, 62% use the no-drip fuel spout or fuel up at a gas station before coming to the lake; 62% say that they wash their boat to reduce the spread of milfoil; 47% control their speed to prevent shoreline erosion. Some expressed the need for speed to get a large enough wake for wake-boarding. Lake-users are becoming more aware of environmental impacts to Cultus Lake. The condition of lake water quality and the condition of habitat is critical to fish species as well as property-values (and the Cultus Lake economies) that benefit from a healthy lake and eco-system. Visitors are increasing, as will impacts to Cultus Lake. It is very timely to address Caring For Cultus Lake. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Lower Fraser |
| Sub-watershed if known | Cultus Lake |
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