Completed Projects
Gravel Bar live Willow-staking project; 5th Season of planting complete 2022
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Many people helped with our massive gravel bar live staking projects. In 2018, we collected over 3,000 cuttings over three days. With these cuttings, we were able to plant a 0.3 ha gravel bar. Thanks to all who helped make this possible. In September 2019, we planted an additional 1.0 ha of gravel bars with financial assistance from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. We collected, stored, and planted approximately 14,000 willow cuttings over a ten day period. Thanks also to the Comox Valley Community Foundation for the grant that allowed us to purchase hand tools for the project.
In September 2020 we planted an additional 5,000 willow cuttings and planted six gravel bars.
In September 2021, we planted 0.31ha of gravel bars with over 4,000 willow cuttings in one day thanks to trained K'omoks First Nation crew, Edgett Excavating, and keen volunteers.
And in September 2022 we completed out fifth season of willow planting, collecting over 3,600 willow stems and planting another 0.3ha.
Thanks to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for funding this project in 2019, 20, and 21 and to Mosaic Forest Management for providing over 9,000 conifer seedlings since 2018 for building up the riparian habitat adjacent to the river.
In September 2020 we planted an additional 5,000 willow cuttings and planted six gravel bars.
In September 2021, we planted 0.31ha of gravel bars with over 4,000 willow cuttings in one day thanks to trained K'omoks First Nation crew, Edgett Excavating, and keen volunteers.
And in September 2022 we completed out fifth season of willow planting, collecting over 3,600 willow stems and planting another 0.3ha.
Thanks to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for funding this project in 2019, 20, and 21 and to Mosaic Forest Management for providing over 9,000 conifer seedlings since 2018 for building up the riparian habitat adjacent to the river.
Lower Tsolum Flood protection Project on K'omoks First Nation land
For more info on this recently completed project click here
2017- ongoing- Dove Creek Bedload Trap Project
Work on two of the Tsolum River "Top 3" priority projects is complete. The Dove Creek bedload trap project was funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, with financial contribution from TRRS and generous donors. Lower Dove Creek was regaining some of the best rearing habitat in the Tsolum system over the last decade, but new slope failures and bedload influx in the upper portions of Dove Creek were infilling the lower reaches of Dove Creek. Removing excess bedload is critical to the ongoing recovery of the lower reaches of Dove Creek where much of the higher quality habitat is found.
In the summer 2018 fisheries window, a side channel gravel trap was excavated in Dove Creek below the Duncan Bay Main Road. After removal of up to 2500 cubic meters of material, the trap edge and outflow were bio-engineered to enhance rearing habitat using blast rock, locally found boulders and large woody debris. After two years of monitoring, the trap was excavated again in the summer of 2020 with a total of 26 rock truck loads of bed material removed.
The bedload trap will be cleaned out every two years to ensure that excessive bedload doesn't fill in the lower reaches of Dove Creek. Next clean up of the trap will happen in 2023.
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Tsolum River Babcock Project 2015
The Babcock property is located downstream of the Comox Valley Fairgrounds. Rapid bank erosion and channel migration was compromising private property, a drinking water pipeline crossing, and was reducing the quality of salmon rearing and spawning habitat. The project began in August 2015. Large woody debris was placed along the bank to enhance fish habitat. This placement was engineered to halt erosion by shifting the channel’s energy away from the bank. The following October, the TRRS, BC Hydro, K’ómoks First Nation Guardians, River Meadow Nursery, and the CVRD moved 3 trees that had fallen across the river. They were shortened and swung to the right bank. Their root wads were secured into the bank to further mitigate erosion by redirecting the river’s energy, protecting the project’s work downstream. In December, volunteers and the Cumberland Community School’s Outdoor Education students planted Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees. The roots of these will further stabilize the soft ground during high water events.
See Report: Babcock Project
The Babcock property is located downstream of the Comox Valley Fairgrounds. Rapid bank erosion and channel migration was compromising private property, a drinking water pipeline crossing, and was reducing the quality of salmon rearing and spawning habitat. The project began in August 2015. Large woody debris was placed along the bank to enhance fish habitat. This placement was engineered to halt erosion by shifting the channel’s energy away from the bank. The following October, the TRRS, BC Hydro, K’ómoks First Nation Guardians, River Meadow Nursery, and the CVRD moved 3 trees that had fallen across the river. They were shortened and swung to the right bank. Their root wads were secured into the bank to further mitigate erosion by redirecting the river’s energy, protecting the project’s work downstream. In December, volunteers and the Cumberland Community School’s Outdoor Education students planted Sitka spruce and Douglas fir trees. The roots of these will further stabilize the soft ground during high water events.
See Report: Babcock Project
Headquarters Creek Habitat Project 2014
This project implemented objectives outlined in the report ‘Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Design for Headquarters Creek Watershed, 2013’. The report documents the lack of spawning and rearing habitat of native salmonids (Coho and Pink Salmon, and Rainbow (Steelhead) and Cutthroat Trout) in a 300 metre section of channel within lower Headquarters Creek. This project increased spawning habitat by constructing two riffle structures, creating large woody debris (LWD) cover structures, and placing spawning gravel upstream of the riffle crest. The LWD provides cover for rearing fry and promotes pool scour, while the riffle structures (which occur naturally as shallow areas of coarser material) improve spawning habitat, widen the cross section during flood events, and backwater the spawning gravel to mitigate its ability to be scoured downstream.
See Report: Headquarters Habitat Project
This project implemented objectives outlined in the report ‘Fish Habitat Rehabilitation Design for Headquarters Creek Watershed, 2013’. The report documents the lack of spawning and rearing habitat of native salmonids (Coho and Pink Salmon, and Rainbow (Steelhead) and Cutthroat Trout) in a 300 metre section of channel within lower Headquarters Creek. This project increased spawning habitat by constructing two riffle structures, creating large woody debris (LWD) cover structures, and placing spawning gravel upstream of the riffle crest. The LWD provides cover for rearing fry and promotes pool scour, while the riffle structures (which occur naturally as shallow areas of coarser material) improve spawning habitat, widen the cross section during flood events, and backwater the spawning gravel to mitigate its ability to be scoured downstream.
See Report: Headquarters Habitat Project
Fish Salvaging Program 2012-2014
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) provided funding to develop an ongoing and effective annual fry salvage program with trained volunteers and known locations. Areas along the Tsolum River were located where Coho fry are trapped after high flows recede. A longer term salvaging program was established. This led to the purchase of equipment, such as pole seines, waders, gee traps, and aerators. Areas along the Tsolum River that would benefit from annual and/or ongoing salvage were identified. These locations were mapped and volunteers in those neighbourhoods were contacted. Over two years 35 volunteers salvaged 5,000 fish, these were mostly Coho fry, but also included 35 Coho smolts, 15 Rainbow trout, over 300 stickleback, and several cutthroat fry, lamprey, and crayfish.
The Fry Salvage Program is now one of our yearly activities.
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) provided funding to develop an ongoing and effective annual fry salvage program with trained volunteers and known locations. Areas along the Tsolum River were located where Coho fry are trapped after high flows recede. A longer term salvaging program was established. This led to the purchase of equipment, such as pole seines, waders, gee traps, and aerators. Areas along the Tsolum River that would benefit from annual and/or ongoing salvage were identified. These locations were mapped and volunteers in those neighbourhoods were contacted. Over two years 35 volunteers salvaged 5,000 fish, these were mostly Coho fry, but also included 35 Coho smolts, 15 Rainbow trout, over 300 stickleback, and several cutthroat fry, lamprey, and crayfish.
The Fry Salvage Program is now one of our yearly activities.
Steelhead/Rainbow Trout Stock Assessment Project 2012-2014
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) provided funding to purchase a dry suit to aid in the Steelhead/Rainbow Trout Stock Assessment. This suit is in addition to one dry suit already owned by the TRRS and one owned by a dedicated volunteer. This dry suit was purchased for safety reasons; now three counters can be deployed, and if one is injured another volunteer present can provide assistance.
The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF) provided funding to purchase a dry suit to aid in the Steelhead/Rainbow Trout Stock Assessment. This suit is in addition to one dry suit already owned by the TRRS and one owned by a dedicated volunteer. This dry suit was purchased for safety reasons; now three counters can be deployed, and if one is injured another volunteer present can provide assistance.
Tsolum River Wiley Bank Stabilization 2012
This project took place on the Wiley property bank along the Tsolum River mainstream, upstream of the Rees Bridge. As the site eroded, it affected the downstream spawning gravels and caused infilling of the location where the Rotary Screw Trap (RST) collects data. Without the continued use of this location, RST data would lose meaning and it would not be possible to compare existing data. To stabilize the bank, the Gooding Hydrology Rock Groin methodology was implemented. A weir was designed to deepen and the secure the location for the six-foot RST. The site was reseeded with grass for the winter, and in the spring of 2013 the Comox Valley Scouting organization aided in planting over 1,000 cedar and fir stems.
This project took place on the Wiley property bank along the Tsolum River mainstream, upstream of the Rees Bridge. As the site eroded, it affected the downstream spawning gravels and caused infilling of the location where the Rotary Screw Trap (RST) collects data. Without the continued use of this location, RST data would lose meaning and it would not be possible to compare existing data. To stabilize the bank, the Gooding Hydrology Rock Groin methodology was implemented. A weir was designed to deepen and the secure the location for the six-foot RST. The site was reseeded with grass for the winter, and in the spring of 2013 the Comox Valley Scouting organization aided in planting over 1,000 cedar and fir stems.
Tsolum River Recovery Project 2009-2011
Though the Mt. Washington copper mine only operated from 1964-1966, it negatively affected the Tsolum River for over 30 years. Collaborating with SRK Consulting Inc., the Tsolum River Restoration Society developed an acid rock drainage (ARD) remediation plan to minimize the copper levels contributing to the river’s inhabitability. The mine site is comprised of two pits, the North Pit and the South Pit; and three rock waste dumps, the East Dump, the West Dump, and the South Dump. The North Pit floor and waste rock leached copper-bearing acid providing the main source of the ARD; contamination of the Tsolum occurs as this pit feeds Pyrrhotite Creek which drains into the Tsolum River through Murex Creek. Coupled with logging and gravel removal, the high levels of copper led to decreased salmon levels by lowering the pH of the river to less than four. In 2009, to remediate the copper contamination, this project provided the installation of a bituminous geomembrane liner over the North Pit, and parts of the East and West Dumps, and the installation of underdrains under the liner to collect contaminated seepage. In 2010 compacted till was spread covering the geomembrane to protect it. Along with woody debris spread, this till provides growth medium for revegetation; alders and fast growing grass mixes were planted acting as groundcover and providing erosion control. Following this, surface drainage channels were established to direct clean runoff into Pyrrhotite Creek. This recovery project provided long term solutions and maintains controlled levels of copper content in the Tsolum River.
See Report: Mount Washington Mine Remediation Project
Though the Mt. Washington copper mine only operated from 1964-1966, it negatively affected the Tsolum River for over 30 years. Collaborating with SRK Consulting Inc., the Tsolum River Restoration Society developed an acid rock drainage (ARD) remediation plan to minimize the copper levels contributing to the river’s inhabitability. The mine site is comprised of two pits, the North Pit and the South Pit; and three rock waste dumps, the East Dump, the West Dump, and the South Dump. The North Pit floor and waste rock leached copper-bearing acid providing the main source of the ARD; contamination of the Tsolum occurs as this pit feeds Pyrrhotite Creek which drains into the Tsolum River through Murex Creek. Coupled with logging and gravel removal, the high levels of copper led to decreased salmon levels by lowering the pH of the river to less than four. In 2009, to remediate the copper contamination, this project provided the installation of a bituminous geomembrane liner over the North Pit, and parts of the East and West Dumps, and the installation of underdrains under the liner to collect contaminated seepage. In 2010 compacted till was spread covering the geomembrane to protect it. Along with woody debris spread, this till provides growth medium for revegetation; alders and fast growing grass mixes were planted acting as groundcover and providing erosion control. Following this, surface drainage channels were established to direct clean runoff into Pyrrhotite Creek. This recovery project provided long term solutions and maintains controlled levels of copper content in the Tsolum River.
See Report: Mount Washington Mine Remediation Project
Mount Washington Minesite Monitoring 2010
After the Mount Washington remediation project in 2010, the TRRS continues to monitor the water quality in the Tsolum River Watershed to assess changes and to observe how the aquatic life of the river was affected. This was done in collaboration with the Tsolum River Partnership to verify the benefits of the remediation work. The Partnership includes Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Tsolum River Restoration Society, Timber West, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, and Mining Association of BC. Through monitoring, it was decided by the Partnership that water quality was no longer a limiting factor to the health of the Tsolum River. The toxic acid drainage that had negatively affected the Tsolum was contained within the geomembrane. Water in the Tsolum is now healthy and able to sustain productivity.
After the Mount Washington remediation project in 2010, the TRRS continues to monitor the water quality in the Tsolum River Watershed to assess changes and to observe how the aquatic life of the river was affected. This was done in collaboration with the Tsolum River Partnership to verify the benefits of the remediation work. The Partnership includes Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Tsolum River Restoration Society, Timber West, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, and Mining Association of BC. Through monitoring, it was decided by the Partnership that water quality was no longer a limiting factor to the health of the Tsolum River. The toxic acid drainage that had negatively affected the Tsolum was contained within the geomembrane. Water in the Tsolum is now healthy and able to sustain productivity.
Portuguese Creek Bank Stabilization Project 2010
Prior to this project, Portuguese Creek was very vulnerable to erosion as a result of the large flows entering the small channel from the Tsolum River. In addition to erosion, this caused woody debris to become trapped, constricting the channel. Erosion effected the creek negatively by covering spawning gravel in silt, and the wood debris accumulation scoured the bank while undermining trees along the creek thus exacerbating the wood accumulation. These effects compromised the roads and properties along the creek. With support from donors, the Tsolum River Restoration Society successfully stabilized Portuguese Creek with modern Rock Groin technology creating a weir field. Each weir creates a backwater downstream while moving the force of the main flow away from the bank turning the erosion zone into a deposition zone creating a rearing, holding, and spawning habitat. Re-vegetatation occurred the fall and spring following the project.
Prior to this project, Portuguese Creek was very vulnerable to erosion as a result of the large flows entering the small channel from the Tsolum River. In addition to erosion, this caused woody debris to become trapped, constricting the channel. Erosion effected the creek negatively by covering spawning gravel in silt, and the wood debris accumulation scoured the bank while undermining trees along the creek thus exacerbating the wood accumulation. These effects compromised the roads and properties along the creek. With support from donors, the Tsolum River Restoration Society successfully stabilized Portuguese Creek with modern Rock Groin technology creating a weir field. Each weir creates a backwater downstream while moving the force of the main flow away from the bank turning the erosion zone into a deposition zone creating a rearing, holding, and spawning habitat. Re-vegetatation occurred the fall and spring following the project.
Pink Sustainability Project 2003-2009
The Mt. Washington mine site, operated 1964-1966, heightened Tsolum River’s inhabitability by polluting the water with acidic copper thus reducing fish stocks. Fish stocks are important contributors to the strength of the aquatic ecosystem; the fish are required to feed the bugs, and in turn, provide nourishment for fry. Without bugs as food, the fish are too weak to defend themselves against predators and unable to maintain enough strength to reach the ocean. The Tsolum River Restoration Society’s Pink Sustainability Project was created as an enhancement project for the watershed. In 1992, TRRS reopened a DFO facility along the Tsolum and since 1999 has released 2 million pink fry annually. Pink salmon are recognized as containing the most nutrients per gram of their body weight. As the salmon return to spawn and die, their decomposing carcasses return nutrients to the river. The carcasses feed carnivores, like bears and eagles, microorganisms, and the insects crucial to maintaining fish populations and a healthy watershed.
The Mt. Washington mine site, operated 1964-1966, heightened Tsolum River’s inhabitability by polluting the water with acidic copper thus reducing fish stocks. Fish stocks are important contributors to the strength of the aquatic ecosystem; the fish are required to feed the bugs, and in turn, provide nourishment for fry. Without bugs as food, the fish are too weak to defend themselves against predators and unable to maintain enough strength to reach the ocean. The Tsolum River Restoration Society’s Pink Sustainability Project was created as an enhancement project for the watershed. In 1992, TRRS reopened a DFO facility along the Tsolum and since 1999 has released 2 million pink fry annually. Pink salmon are recognized as containing the most nutrients per gram of their body weight. As the salmon return to spawn and die, their decomposing carcasses return nutrients to the river. The carcasses feed carnivores, like bears and eagles, microorganisms, and the insects crucial to maintaining fish populations and a healthy watershed.
Flow Augmentation in the Tsolum River Watershed Report 2008
This hydrologic feasibility study, conducted by Gooding Hydrology for the Tsolum River Restoration Society, was created to determine potential sources to increase flow augmentation in the Tsolum River. The late-summer low flows in the Tsolum River’s main channel limit the growth, the size, and the number of resident fish, while also decreasing available rearing habitat for fry and access to spawning areas for early salmon. Flow augmentation in the Tsolum currently occurs August 12-September 30 from Wolf Lake through Headquarters Creek. However, this only accesses the low gradient mainstem of Tsolum; storage is needed to increase flows below Headquarters Creek, and providing augmentation upstream is required to increase the Tsolum’s flows above Headquarters Creek. This study locates potential sites and compares the qualities of existing lakes, Wolf Lake, Hell Diver Lake, Little Lost Lake, Regan Lake, Blue Grouse Lake, in addition to the Blue Grouse-Regan confluence. Required characteristics include a broad, low-gradient, adequately-sized basin; a narrow outlet to a dam; and slopes around the reservoir high enough to contain raised water levels needed to established the desired storage. If implemented, increased flow augmentation would enhance Coho Salmon by providing further rearing habitat.
See Report: Flow Augmentation in the Tsolum Watershed
This hydrologic feasibility study, conducted by Gooding Hydrology for the Tsolum River Restoration Society, was created to determine potential sources to increase flow augmentation in the Tsolum River. The late-summer low flows in the Tsolum River’s main channel limit the growth, the size, and the number of resident fish, while also decreasing available rearing habitat for fry and access to spawning areas for early salmon. Flow augmentation in the Tsolum currently occurs August 12-September 30 from Wolf Lake through Headquarters Creek. However, this only accesses the low gradient mainstem of Tsolum; storage is needed to increase flows below Headquarters Creek, and providing augmentation upstream is required to increase the Tsolum’s flows above Headquarters Creek. This study locates potential sites and compares the qualities of existing lakes, Wolf Lake, Hell Diver Lake, Little Lost Lake, Regan Lake, Blue Grouse Lake, in addition to the Blue Grouse-Regan confluence. Required characteristics include a broad, low-gradient, adequately-sized basin; a narrow outlet to a dam; and slopes around the reservoir high enough to contain raised water levels needed to established the desired storage. If implemented, increased flow augmentation would enhance Coho Salmon by providing further rearing habitat.
See Report: Flow Augmentation in the Tsolum Watershed
Tsolum Bank Stabilization 2008
This project stabilized banks in three locations of the lower Tsolum River. This was done to reduce, or eliminate, erosion, to control flooding, and to prevent sediments from covering viable habitat downstream from each location (rearing, holding, and spawning habitats are in short supply in the lower Tsolum). In addition, this project provided educative opportunities to research the effectiveness of rock groin technology that was used in later projects. This project utilized Bendway Weir, rock groin, and Newbury Weir technology.
This project stabilized banks in three locations of the lower Tsolum River. This was done to reduce, or eliminate, erosion, to control flooding, and to prevent sediments from covering viable habitat downstream from each location (rearing, holding, and spawning habitats are in short supply in the lower Tsolum). In addition, this project provided educative opportunities to research the effectiveness of rock groin technology that was used in later projects. This project utilized Bendway Weir, rock groin, and Newbury Weir technology.
Effects of Spectacle Lake Study 2004-2005
In 2003, an 850 metre section of Pyrrhotite Creek was diverted through the Spectacle Lake Wetlands. It was thought that the wetland would act as a passive treatment system reducing copper levels. To test the efficiency of the wetland throughout a variety of flows, temperatures, and growth, a study was conducted to assess changes in total copper concentrations above and below the Spectacle Wetlands, and the resulting changes in the Tsolum River. At the time, the Mount Washington Mine was still a significant source of copper contamination affecting the health of the Tsolum River. This report assessed the effects of the diversion of polluted water on the copper concentration of the Tsolum River. 2004 data was compared against data from 2001-2003, and 1986. It was determined that the wetlands project significantly reduced copper levels in the Tsolum River, however water quality objectives were not always met and further efforts to reduce total copper concentrations were recommended.
See Report: Effects of Spectacle Wetland on Copper Loadings to the Tsolum River
In 2003, an 850 metre section of Pyrrhotite Creek was diverted through the Spectacle Lake Wetlands. It was thought that the wetland would act as a passive treatment system reducing copper levels. To test the efficiency of the wetland throughout a variety of flows, temperatures, and growth, a study was conducted to assess changes in total copper concentrations above and below the Spectacle Wetlands, and the resulting changes in the Tsolum River. At the time, the Mount Washington Mine was still a significant source of copper contamination affecting the health of the Tsolum River. This report assessed the effects of the diversion of polluted water on the copper concentration of the Tsolum River. 2004 data was compared against data from 2001-2003, and 1986. It was determined that the wetlands project significantly reduced copper levels in the Tsolum River, however water quality objectives were not always met and further efforts to reduce total copper concentrations were recommended.
See Report: Effects of Spectacle Wetland on Copper Loadings to the Tsolum River
Towhee Creek Ephemeral Streams Project 2004
The Towhee Creek is an intermittent or seasonal stream that flows between the Comox Valley Regional District’s Comox Valley Sports Centre and School District #71’s G.P. Vanier Secondary School, and through the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. A three-year pilot project that included public outreach, fish population restoration, and scientific research was implemented to rehabilitate this heavily impacted stream. This served as an educational opportunity as a demonstration of rehabilitation techniques that can be applied to similar creeks in the Tsolum Watershed. In addition is contributed to increased public awareness of ephemeral streams in the Tsolum Watershed, which are critically important due to superior capacity for nutrient spiralling and fish habitat (particularly Coho and trout). This project re-established the biological function of Towhee creek, improving low flow scenarios during summer months affecting water retention, and created stream connectivity in order to maximize salmonoid carrying capacity. Bank stability and erosion were also improved after the project was completed. After the project was completed native species planted to further stabilize the banks.
The Towhee Creek is an intermittent or seasonal stream that flows between the Comox Valley Regional District’s Comox Valley Sports Centre and School District #71’s G.P. Vanier Secondary School, and through the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds. A three-year pilot project that included public outreach, fish population restoration, and scientific research was implemented to rehabilitate this heavily impacted stream. This served as an educational opportunity as a demonstration of rehabilitation techniques that can be applied to similar creeks in the Tsolum Watershed. In addition is contributed to increased public awareness of ephemeral streams in the Tsolum Watershed, which are critically important due to superior capacity for nutrient spiralling and fish habitat (particularly Coho and trout). This project re-established the biological function of Towhee creek, improving low flow scenarios during summer months affecting water retention, and created stream connectivity in order to maximize salmonoid carrying capacity. Bank stability and erosion were also improved after the project was completed. After the project was completed native species planted to further stabilize the banks.
Portuguese Creek Project 2001
Due to Portuguese Creek’s low flows, Norm Seiffert and the Portuguese Creek Streamkeepers had dug channels to fill and offer refuge for fish during times of high flow (run-off events), and retain water during low flow events when the survivability of Trout and Coho is harmed. In 2001 two of these channels, Reach 3 and Reach 4 (Seiffert Creek), were improved to negate erosion and create easier accessibility to fish. Reach 3 was eroding, causing siltation, and lacked canopy cover. In addition, two adjoining refuge ponds were inaccessible to migrating fry during periods of low flow because they were raised, by almost 1 metre, creating a barrier. Reach 4 was originally dug by bulldozer creating overly wide channels during low flow periods and erosion during high flow periods. To mitigate these effects, the project reshaped and, using the willow wattling process, stabilized banks; added deflector logs, and sill logs, to protect the overflow channel; enlarged habitat pools; and vegetated with grass seed and trees to provide erosion control. Stabilizing banks, controlling erosion, and improving the instream and canopy cover created rearing habitat subsequently increasing fry survival.
Due to Portuguese Creek’s low flows, Norm Seiffert and the Portuguese Creek Streamkeepers had dug channels to fill and offer refuge for fish during times of high flow (run-off events), and retain water during low flow events when the survivability of Trout and Coho is harmed. In 2001 two of these channels, Reach 3 and Reach 4 (Seiffert Creek), were improved to negate erosion and create easier accessibility to fish. Reach 3 was eroding, causing siltation, and lacked canopy cover. In addition, two adjoining refuge ponds were inaccessible to migrating fry during periods of low flow because they were raised, by almost 1 metre, creating a barrier. Reach 4 was originally dug by bulldozer creating overly wide channels during low flow periods and erosion during high flow periods. To mitigate these effects, the project reshaped and, using the willow wattling process, stabilized banks; added deflector logs, and sill logs, to protect the overflow channel; enlarged habitat pools; and vegetated with grass seed and trees to provide erosion control. Stabilizing banks, controlling erosion, and improving the instream and canopy cover created rearing habitat subsequently increasing fry survival.
Wolf Lake Storage Augmentation Project 1999-Present
The Wolf Lake Storage for Augmentation Project has been in place since the Wolf Lake Dam was raised and leaks fixed in 1999. By augmenting the flows of the Tsolum River and Headquarters Creek, salmonid productivity is supported during periods of low flow. Augmentation generally starts late July until rainfall recharge occurs, usually in October.
The Wolf Lake Storage for Augmentation Project has been in place since the Wolf Lake Dam was raised and leaks fixed in 1999. By augmenting the flows of the Tsolum River and Headquarters Creek, salmonid productivity is supported during periods of low flow. Augmentation generally starts late July until rainfall recharge occurs, usually in October.