and its position on a mountain means that it has a mean annual precipitation of 3498 mm. The mean daily discharge is roughly 14.35 m3/s, however due to the high annual precipitation, the discharge can regularly increase to anywhere between 20 m3/s and 50 m3/s. These high discharge events have been known to last a couple days following larger precipitation events. The river also has a long history of flooding with the largest known flood on record occurring in 1921. This flood resulted in a discharge of 665 m3/s and the second largest flood occurred in 1961 with a discharge of 476 m3/s. Ecology The Coquitlam River is a part of the Fraser Lowland ecosection and Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. The undeveloped land surrounding the river includes an oxbow lake, wetlands, and side channels. This riparian habitat includes a variety of vegetation from evergreens such as western red cedars to deciduous black cottonwoods. This forested area provides cover for animals such as black-tailed deer and racoons within the urban landscape in the lower reaches of the river. The river and its tributaries are home to 24 different species of fish, 5 of these salmonids. These salmon are a critical part of this ecosystem, providing a source of food for species such as black bears and bald eagles. After spawning, the fish carcasses decompose on banks and release nutrients in the soil for vegetation such as salmonberries. Species Species status's are classified under the BC's conservation ranks. Red list: "Any species or ecosystem that is at risk of being lost (extirpated, endangered or threatened)". Blue list: "Any species or ecosystem that is of special concern". Yellow list: "Any species or ecosystem that is at the least risk of being lost". The following lists are not exhaustive, and were created using personal observations as well as observations from previous habitat assessments and reports of the area. Mammals Amphibians Birds Fish Vegetation Human use and impacts Historic The Coquitlam River is named for the Kwikwetlem First Nations (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) who have lived in the region for at least the last nine thousand years. kʷikʷəƛ̓əm translates to “Red fish up the river” in reference to an early sockeye salmon species that once spawned in Coquitlam Lake. The Kwikwetlem were renowned for their canoe and paddle craftsmanship. The Kwikwetlem lived throughout the Coquitlam River watershed and would have relied on fishing, gathering, and trade with