Koeye River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Koeye River |
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Mouth of the Koeye River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Pacific Ranges Coast Mountains, British Columbia 943 m (3,094 ft) 51°47′4″N 127°31′23″W / 51.78444°N 127.52306°W |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean Fitz Hugh Sound, British Columbia 0 m (0 ft) 51°46′34″N 127°52′34″W / 51.77611°N 127.87611°W |
| Length | 35 km (22 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 180 km2 (69 sq mi) |
The Koeye River (pronounced Kway) is a beautiful river in British Columbia, Canada. It starts high up in the Coast Mountains and flows about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west. This journey takes it all the way to Fitz Hugh Sound, which is a part of the Pacific Ocean.
The Koeye River is found in a special place called the Great Bear Rainforest. This rainforest is on the Central Coast of British Columbia. The river's name comes from the Heiltsuk language. It might mean "sitting on the water." The ̓Wuikinuxv people called it Kvii.
The land around the Koeye River has been home to the Heiltsuk Nation, Wuikinuxv Nation, and Nuxalk Nation for a very long time.
Where the Koeye River Flows
The Koeye River begins in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains. It flows generally towards the west. Along its way, the river passes through two lakes: Koeye Lake and Little Koeye Lake. Finally, it reaches Fitz Hugh Sound at a spot called Koeye Point.
Amazing Wildlife of Koeye River
The Koeye River is full of life, especially different kinds of fish. Many types of salmon live here, including:
- Chinook salmon
- Chum salmon
- Coho salmon
- Pink salmon
- Sockeye salmon
You can also find Steelhead and Cutthroat trout in its waters.
The forests and lands around the Koeye River are home to many cool animals. These include:
- Grizzly bears
- American black bears
- Wolves
- Deer
- Cougars (also known as mountain lions)
- Mountain goats
- Wolverines
- River otters
The area where the river meets the ocean, called the estuary, is a vital home for many water birds. Some rare and endangered birds that use this area are the western grebe, trumpeter swan, and marbled murrelet.
Protecting the Koeye River
The land around the Koeye River is very important, so it is protected. This area is known as the Koeye Conservancy. It is managed together by the Wuikinuxv Nation and the government of British Columbia.
The river's estuary, along with the nearby Namu River, is one of the largest areas of ancient forests on British Columbia's Central Coast. This special place is listed as a Protected Area under the Great Bear Rainforest agreement. This agreement helps keep these valuable natural areas safe for the future.
