Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy (CLASS)

For all who live and play in the Fraser Valley, Cultus Lake is a jewel, drawing over three million visits each year. But the lake is also suffering the ill effects of its popularity, and concerned residents are looking for a strategy to keep the lake healthy.

In 2007 some of those people came together to build a multi-interest Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy (CLASS). They wanted to look further into the state of fish and wildlife, water temperature, water quality, nutrient loading and aquatic invasive species ― particularly Eurasian watermilfoil and other milfoil species.

The CLASS Partnership

CLASS is a network of over 60 organizations and individuals, all interested in the future of Cultus Lake. FBC’s Fraser Valley Regional Manager chairs CLASS meetings and supports the participants as they come together to identify key issues, gather information, and support research on the lake. Participants include the Cultus Lake Community Association, BC Parks, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Cultus Lake Park Board, Soowahlie First Nation, Chihlkwayuhk Tribal Society, Sto:lo Tribal Council, Fraser Valley Regional District, Fraser River Salmon Table Society, Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, Sport Fishing Advisory Board, and participants from business, industry, education and other sectors.

Cultus: A Lake Under Pressure

The science shows that Cultus Lake is moving towards cultural eutrophication, and this disruption of the natural balance could have severe consequences for the lake’s aquatic inhabitants.

See Cultus Lake–Addressing Cultural Eutrophication.

Earlier Work

Soowahlie Chief Otis Jasper (left), FBC’s Marion Robinson and Chilliwack MP Mark Strahl join
with Cultus Lake Park officials to unveil a statue honouring Cultus Lake Sockeye.

The work of CLASS began in 2007. Since then the partnership has taken many steps, including:

• conducted a scientific literature review on issues facing the lake
• conducted a survey of Cultus Lake visitors to ascertain their understanding of lake issues, what they value about the lake and any beneficial actions they are taking: see Cultus Lake User Survey report.
• helped organize annual longhouse events for stewards and community members to discuss issues of concern and share plans for Cultus. These have been held at the Yakweakwioose longhouse, hosted by Soowahlie First Nation, Sto:lo elders and others. See also: Community Dialogues.
• collected oral histories from long-time residents of the lake to identify baseline features that have changed over the decades, such as the loss of freshwater clams. (This project is housed at the Chilliwack Museum archives.)
• promoted Caring for Cultus Lake, a practical guide for lakeside residents, available on the Cultus Lake Park website.
• established a sewerage committee, with support from VanCity, to explore and document some of the nutrient reduction options
• participated in the annual Greg Clark Memorial Family Fishing Derby (for pikeminnow) at Cultus, hosted by the Fraser Valley Salmon Society
• co-hosted a workshop in 2013 on Cultus Lake water quality and watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that is a problem on Cultus and many other lakes in BC.