Creston Valley. 21/02/94; British Columbia; 6,970 ha; 49°10'N 116°35'W. Wildlife Management Area. A wide river delta entering the deep waters of Kootenay Lake. Most of the wetlands are under some form of water control regime. The site exhibits an interesting interface between marsh and riparian habitats and dry mountain forest, which provides some of the most important waterbird habitat in British Columbia. During spring and autumn migration, spectacular concentrations of birds (over 40,000) may gather. The area provides significant habitat for numerous mammals, fish, plants, birds and reptiles that are rare or endangered. Archaeological surveys confirm that Aboriginal peoples have lived in the area for thousands of years. Human activities consist of recreation. Powered vessels are prohibited. Some agricultural activity takes place as a management tool and there is a visitors' center. Ramsar site no. 649. Most recent RIS information: 2001.