Ever since the early settlers of Langley logged the towering trees that once lined its stream banks to make way for homesteads and the community of Langley, salmonid species of the Nicomekl River have been at risk due to the habitat loss.
Through the efforts of local residents and other partners, over 3 million salmon have been released into the Nicomekl River to restore salmon stocks whose numbers dwindled following the early land clearing (Nicomekl Enhancement Society (NES)).
By establishing municipal parks adjacent to the river, the City of Langley has taken a major step in the river's restoration. When the river was stripped of its timber, tree roots that held its banks together were removed, canopies that shaded the streams were taken away, and all sources of woody debris that provided protective cover to fish from flood flows and predators, were gone. Despite the efforts of the NES, a glance at the river today, reveals a once grand river that is still, very much at risk.
ERA began its operations in the City of Langley in the June, 2008 as Langley became the second city to join the CERP program.