(#148) Kotcho Lake

Kotcho Lake ER was established to protect Colonial Waterbird nesting sites and their migration stop.

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Physical:

This reserve includes two flat islands located 1.5 and 2.5 km from the closest shoreline on the southeast side of the lake. Kotcho Lake is a large, very shallow lake located within the Etsho Plateau Ecosection, a region of extensive wet lowlands and rolling plateau.

Biological:

The islands are composed of mostly boggy ground. Only the larger, western island has scattered black spruce trees; the smaller island is partly covered by shrubby vegetation. The lake has extensive aquatic vegetation. This is the only nesting colony in British Columbia where three species of gulls (Herring, Mew and Bonaparte) breed. This is the only colony of Mew and Herring Gulls in Northeastern British Columbia and extends breeding range for Mew gulls considerably eastward in the province. In addition it is a breeding site for other waterfowl and an important migration stopover. Forty-seven species of birds, including 26 water birds and 15 breeding species were recorded on one day (June 26, 1982).
The islands are used as calving sites for moose. Caribou and varying hare have also been observed.

Cultural:

The reserve protects a First Nations burial site, traditional settlement and resource use, and contains significant fishery, cultural and archaeological values.