STAVE RIVER TIDAL CHANNEL RESTORATIONa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r50788/14.SFN.01...salmon population in the Fraser River watershed (after the Harrison River). Over 500,000

January 4, 2016

STAVE RIVER TIDAL CHANNEL RESTORATION

FWCP No: 14.SFN.01

Prepared for Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program

Prepared by

Natashia Cox, BA.,EP.,RB.Tech Project Manager

Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC)

Prepared with financial support of the “Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program on behalf of its program

partners BC Hydro, the Province of BC, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and the public.”

Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition

Unit 1 – 45950 Cheam Avenue

Chilliwack BC V2P 1N6

[email protected]

604-855-8274

www.fvwc.ca

mailto:[email protected]

FWCP FR-14.SFN.01 | 1

STAVE RIVER TIDAL CHANNEL RESTORATION

The Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition would like to thank all project funders, partners

and the community. With their contributions, projects like these are much more

successful and benefit our wildlife, watersheds and communities.

For additional information about this document or project details please contact the

Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, or visit our website: www.fvwc.ca.

PROJECT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Off-channel habitats are vital in maintaining the ecological integrity of river systems in

British Columbia. Natural off-channel habitats include beaver ponds, wetlands, alcoves,

floodplains, side channels and tributaries (Blackwell et. al 1999). The Lower Stave River

has been regarded as one of the most productive salmon habitats in the province and

supports the second largest chum salmon population in the Fraser River watershed. The

presence of the Ruskin dam restricts the range of habitat that the anadromous salmon can

use, and currently only the lower 3 km section of the Stave River provide habitat for

these spawning salmon. To ensure the Lower Stave remains a highly productive system,

monitoring and periodic restoration of in-stream and off-channel habitat quality and

quantity is necessary.

The Stave River Tidal Restoration project is a collaborative effort to enhance, restore

and promote shared conservation values in the Stave River watershed. It is a continuation

of projects that have occurred in the Lower Stave River region to improve the overall

salmon habitat in the area. This project resulted in the restoration of the following amount

of habitats:

4,800 m2 instream habitat

8,470 m2 (8,413 plants) replanted riparian habitat

Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) contributed $120,380 from 2014 to

December 2015, and with partner in-kind contributions of $48,400 the total project value

of this project $168,780.

This report summarizes the results of work completed between July 2014 and December

31, 2015 under the financial contribution of Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program.

Additional in-kind support for this project was received by Department of Fisheries and

Oceans Canada, Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society, Athene Ecological,

University of the Fraser Valley, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Kwantlen First Nation, the

local community members, the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, and the Fraser

Valley Regional District.

Thanks to the momentum of on-the-ground restoration activities, the strength in

partnerships and sponsorships, and overall importance of this project, further restoration

efforts and long-term management plans are being developed to continue building upon

the success and ensure long-term ecological integrity is maintained.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………….... 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………………………….... 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………............. 4

2.0 RATIONALE ………………………………………………………………………………… 4

3.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ………………………………………………………..……… 5

4.0 STUDY AREA ……………………………………………………………………................... 5

5.0 WORKPLAN …………………………………………………………………….................... 7

6.0 METHODS AND OUTCOMES …………………………………………………………….. 8

6.1 INSTREAM CHANNEL ENHANCEMENT AND HABITAT COMPLEXING… 8

6.2 RIPARIAN BIOENGINEERING AND REPLANTING…….…………………… 9

6.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BIOINVENTORY ASSESSMENTS……………… 10

6.4 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY………………………………………………… 10

7.0 DISCUSSION ………………..………………..………………..………………..…………. 10

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ………………..………………..………………..……………… 11

9.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………..………………..………………..…………… 12

10.0 REFERENCES ………………..………………..………………..………………..……….. 12

11.0 LIST OF APPENDICES ………………..………………..………………..……………… 13

APPENDIX 1. PROJECT PHOTO-DOCUMENTATION……..………………..……… 14

APPENDIX 2. CONFIRMATION OF RECOGNITION AND OUTREACH………… 18

APPENDIX 3. PROJECT AS BUILT DIAGRAM…..………………..……..…………… 27

APPENDIX 4. CORDILLERA ARCHAEOLOGY MEMO………………….………… 31

APPENDIX 5. RAINCOAST APPLIED ECOLOGICAL BIOINVENTORY MEMO… 39

12.0 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PROGRESS REPORTS

FINAL PROJECT INVOICES


1.0 INTRODUCTION

Off-channel habitats are vital in maintaining the ecological integrity of river systems in

British Columbia. Natural off-channel habitats include beaver ponds, wetlands, alcoves,

floodplains, side channels and tributaries (Blackwell et. al 1999). The Lower Stave River

is regarded as one of the most productive salmon habitats in British Columbia. The area

between the Ruskin Power Station and the Fraser River is highly braided with numerous

gravel bars and side channels. This section of river supports the second largest chum

salmon population in the Fraser River watershed (after the Harrison River). Over 500,000

chum salmon and thousands of Coho and Chinook salmon have been recorded spawning

within these gravelled channels (Bailey et al 2005).

However, the presence of the Ruskin dam, developed between 1910-1930, restricts the

range of habitat that the salmon can use; consequently, only the lower 3 km section of the

Stave River provide habitat for spawning salmon. The Ruskin Power Station, located

immediately upstream of this section also has a significant ongoing influence on gravel

recruitment, sedimentation and erosion processes in the Lower Stave River (Bailey et al

2005). To mitigate the hydro-electrical development impacts and to help support a robust

recreational fishery, numerous major habitat maintenance projects have been conducted

by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and BC Hydro from 1990 until present day. In

particular, to ensure the Lower Stave remains a highly productive system, DFO and

partners have been working to improve the availability and functionality of salmon

habitat within this stretch, work that has included routine monitoring and periodic

restoration of in-stream and off-channel habitat.

In addition, to the restricted lower floodplain and controlled flows related to the Ruskin

Dam and hydro-electrical output, other challenges limit the availability and viability of

suitable salmon habitat. These include invasive species encroachment including the

invasive reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea, and Himalayan blackberry, Rubus

armeniacus. Habitat simplification and modification of the chemical composition of the

waterway causing a reduction in available dissolved oxygen and increased water

temperatures. As well as the presence of invasive predators like the large-mouth bass, and

barriers to fish passage restricting access into these critical estuary habitats.

2.0 RATIONALE

The purpose of this project was to increase viable off-channel habitats to support rearing,

overwintering and spawning salmon, wildlife and overall biodiversity. Restoration efforts

included creation of additional off-channel habitat to provide year-round sustained flows,

spawning gravel augmentation and overall habitat complexing using bioengineering

techniques and replanting. The goal of this project is to ensure that the long-term

resiliency and ecological integrity of this area is maintained into the future.


3.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

There were four main objectives associated with this project.

Restore and enhance a minimum of 1,200 m2 of salmon habitat through

excavation of existing and new tidal channels.

Place large wood over a minimum of 100 m2 of habitat benefiting coho salmon

Complete instream habitat complexing through bioengineering techniques and

LWD placement.

Revegetate the restoration sites to encompass an estimated 6,000 m2 of habitat.

4.0 STUDY AREA

The associated projects are located in the Stave River Watershed within the municipal

boundaries of the District of Mission, Silverdale community, and Fraser Valley Regional

District (Figure 1). The Stave River flows south-southwest from the Hayward Lake

reservoir and joins the Fraser River. Restoration activities are located Four main project

sites were identified for restoration activities over the next several years (2014-forward).

Restoration work completed under the 14.SFN.01 project occurred at Project Site 3.


Figure 1. Locations of Restoration Project Sites within the Lower Stave Rivers Images © Google Earth.

Site 4

2

3

1

4

S I L V E R M E R E R E S E V O I R


5.0 WORK PLAN

Following a similar method that has been successful in past projects, project partners and

their specific roles and responsibilities were allocated and are listed below.

Status Tasks & Detail Completed Vegetation & SARA species Survey. Bio-inventory for existing vegetation and

replanting vegetation was completed by RainCoast Applied Ecology (August. 20 & 21, 2014). Surveying for Western Painted Turtle has been completed –Athene Ecological (Sept. 5, 2014-Oct. 1, 2014).

Completed Design of works and partner collaboration included consultation with Kwantlen First Nation, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the community. (June 1, 2014 – August 21, 2014).

Completed Archaeological Impact Assessment and onsite monitoring during restoration activities. (August 18,2014 & Sept. 16, 2014-ongoing)

Completed Construction and Habitat Restoration – instream construction of new groundwater tidal channels and side channels, ponds. (September –October 2014)

Completed Site Re-vegetation- fall 2014 (October-November 2014), Spring 2015 & Fall 2015 with volunteer support.

Completed Final Reporting.


6.0 METHODS & OUTCOMES

6.1 INSTREAM CHANNEL RESTORATION AND HABITAT COMPLEXING

The first goal of this project was to improve and create a minimum of 1,200 m2 of salmon

habitat through channel excavation in the 2014 and 2015 in-stream fisheries works

window within the Lower Stave River project Site 3 (see Fig. 1) and to add a minimum of

100 m2 of large wood for habitat complexing.

There were two challenges at this site that were restricting the natural function of the

habitat. The first was the presence of weirs at the lower (western end) of the channel that

was acting as a barrier preventing salmon access to the estuary. In addition, the weir held-

back the water and restricted the natural freshet drawn-down of this estuary site during

the late summer months making the overall habitat suitable for invasive fish species, such

as brown bullhead, and common carp. This heated, trapped water habitat was exacerbated

by the lack of cool groundwater springs entering the existing channel. The second,

profound challenge was the significant encroached from invasive reed canary grass

(Phalaris arundinacea) creating a monoculture, engulfing the natural sedges and aquatic

vegetation. This grass forms dense mats that alter the physical and chemical composition

of the existing channels. Through its decomposition, it reduces the availability of oxygen

for salmonid species and fills-in channels. In addition, some encroachment from

Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) along the riparian areas was also observed.

In order for machines to access the site and begin the restoration work, a Highway Lane

Closure permit was required. The work first involved delineating sections of in-tact

sedge and shrub habitats (Douglas spiraea, Salix spp.) to avoid disturbing and surveying

for appropriate stream gradients and locations based on the archaeological, bio-inventory

and known ground-water upwelling locations. Using a long-reach and 200 series

excavators the weirs were removed and the lower western edge of the site was

reconstructed to allow salmon passage into the estuary habitat. The work included

creating a lower salmon spawning area with a riffle control to ensure the estuary holds a

certain water level suitable for waterfowl. In addition to the gravel control, a valve was

added that will release water beyond the control level to assist in the summer draw-downs

as a measure for invasive species management (bullhead and bullfrogs). This valve will

be managed and maintained by DFO. The first southern-most channel was constructed

with the excavated materials being side-casted to create micro-topography for replanting.

This channel tied into a groundwater spring to ensure the water was cool and would hold

higher oxygen levels. Large wood was then added to the site to add complexity and create

hiding locations for salmon. (see Project Photo-Documentation & Appendix 2. Project

As-Built Diagram).

The outcomes of this goal are:

Target: Create 1,200 m2 salmon habitat | Actual: 4,800 m

2 of new salmon habitat.

The placement of > 100 m2 of large wood (LWD) throughout the site.

Status: Complete


6.2 RIPARIAN BIOENGINEERING AND REPLANTING

The second goal of this project was to revegetate 6,000 m2 to support a functional estuary

and riparian habitat. Replanting efforts occurred at Site 3 (see Fig. 1).

The challenges associated with revegetating this area included selecting appropriate plant

species that can tolerate high Fraser freshet levels (inundation) for long periods of time,

seasonal drying during the summer months, herbivory from beaver and small mammals,

some salt influx, a heavy clay substrate, and can compete against invasive reed canary

encroachment. While supporting appropriate estuary plant communities, riparian

communities, leaf litter drop and species important for waterfowl use. In addition to the

environmental and biological challenges, logistical challenges in transporting and

accessing the site for replanting were faced. Replanting began in fall 2014 with the

assistance of 30 University of the Fraser Valley Geography students, who assisted in

planting a section of the western-most area with willows and some native aquatic species.

In the fall 2014 and spring 2015 additional plantings were done at the south-east edge of

the newly constructed channel (Table 1. List of Vegetation Species). The stock was then

protected with wire and guards to reduce damage from herbivory. (Appendix 1. Project

Photo-Documentation-Riparian Bioengineering and Replanting).

The outcomes of this stage of the project were the creation of:

Target: 6,000 m2

| Actual: A 8,470 m2 (1,450 m

2 of habitat replanted and 7,020 m

2 of

riparian habitat created through construction of new south channel)

Total of 8,413 native plants were added onsite.

Status: Complete

Table 1. List of Vegetation Species

Common name Latin Name Quantity

Black cottonwood Populus trichocarpa 5

Black Hawthorn Crataegus douglassi 35

Pacific crab apple Malus fusca 13

Paper birch Betula papyrifera 5

Cascara Rhamus purshianna 5

Red osier dogwood Cornus sericea 190

Pacific Ninebark Physocarpus capitatus 40

Black twinberry Lonicera involucrata 60

Hookers Willow Salix hookeriana 30

Hardhack Spiraea douglasii 120

Nootka rose Rosa nootkatensis 180

Sweet Gale Myrica gale 80

Spreading rush Juncus patens 1,292

Slough sedge Carex obnupta 1,292

Hardstem Bullrush Scirpus acutus 1,032

Sawbreak sedge Carex stipata 792

Tall Mangrass Glyceria elata 792

Collected willow & cotton wood whips Populus trichocarpa & Salix sp. 2,450

Total 8,413


6.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BIOINVENTORY ASSESSMENTS

As part of this project it was necessary to complete bio-inventories and archaeological

assessments to ensure these values were conserved and considered in the design work for

the restoration. In addition, Western Painted Turtle surveying was conducted for Site 3,

as there were historic records of their presence. No turtles were observed during the three

monitoring sessions. Please refer to the individual reports for further information,

(Appendix 4. Cordillera Archaeology Memo and Appendix 5. Raincoast Applied

Ecological BioInventory Memo).

Status: Complete

6.4 ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

An additional goal of this project, and a key mandate of how the FVWC operates, was to

engage and inform the community about the benefits of these projects and the importance

of this habitat.

A community and student planting event was held in the fall 2014 with 30 students

participating in the replanting of the site. In addition, a large sign was temporarily

installed on the side of Lougheed Highway during the instream works to inform

commuters about the conservation work in-progress (see Appendix 2). Further to this,

posters of the restoration work were distributed throughout the Silverdale/Stave

neighbourhood and at the West Coast Express station to raise awareness about the project

for the community and for passengers on the train, as it runs parallel to the project site. In

addition, FVWC staff attended as a delegate to the District of Mission council meeting to

present on the project and FVWC hosted Public lecture series meetings and by the

FVWC through online social media (Appendix 1. Project Photo-Documentation &

Appendix 3. Confirmation of recognition and outreach)

Status: Complete

7.0 DISCUSSION

The objectives of this project were to ultimately increase the quantity and quality of

habitat for salmon and other native aquatic species in lower Stave River estuary. This was

done by removing the fish barrier weirs, constructing new overwintering and rearing

channels supplemented by cool groundwater springs, providing suitable spawning gravels

and installing a control mechanism for invasive species management through water

regime levels, along with the start of estuary revegetation. In addition, this project has

helped to increase knowledge about healthy watersheds and waterways through the

community outreach activities.

The loss of off-channel habitats, particularly estuary habitats, from isolation, land altering

practices and/or flow modifications, has significantly reduced and impacted returning


adult salmon. This is especially true for the Stave River, and the estuary which is

connected to the Fraser River Delta RAMSAR site and is vital for not only salmon but

also migratory birds (Ramsar Canada). Restoring the estuary was designed to improve

salmon habitat, while ensuring SARA listed species including Western Painted Turtle,

species at risk, rare plant communities, waterfowl habitat and archaeological, heritage

cultural sites were protected and if viable enhanced in the process. It is anticipated that

the ecological connectivity, functionality and diversity of this area will be improved by

increasing food availability, changing movement of nutrients and water, and creating

variations in the habitat that will offer long-term integrity for salmon habitat (Lapointe et

al 2013). Restoration efforts incorporated built-in diversity designs to enhance the

resilience of the area. Specifically, in-stream channel habitats were varied: deep, shallow,

wide and narrow. Placement of large woody debris within and above the submerged

water level provided in-stream complexing, which is particularly important for juvenile

coho development. Replanting included a variety of native riparian and aquatic species to

enhance functions of the system (Roni et al 2002). The riparian vegetation will have

lasting benefits. Full results will take an estimated minimum of two to five years for stock

to mature before results are observed. The benefits include providing shade to the channel,

regulating water temperature on a micro-habitat level, increasing bank stability,

particularly where deep rooted species were planted, increasing organic and detritus

material into the system which creates suitable habitat for riparian and aquatic

invertebrates and making the area less susceptible to invasive plant re-establishment.

The restoration work under this project has enabled the salmon access to this estuary,

which is critical in the staging development for smolts; while using the natural landscape

as a model for restoration efforts to create new channels and support greater salmon

habitat. Deeper pool refuges within the channels were completed to offer coho and chum

over-wintering habitat and food. Already, preliminary monitoring by DFO as found

salmonids using the new perimeter channel and adult chum salmon were observed

spawning in the new outlet channel. It is anticipated that the overall results of this project

will be far reaching. Beyond the physical works, collaborative partnerships with DFO,

Ducks Unlimited, Kwantlen First Nation, Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society,

District of Mission, BC MOTI and the Fraser Valley Regional District and many others

were strengthened through this process.

8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Further actions recommended for this project include:

Continued maintenance and monitoring of restoration site for its use by salmonids for

spawning, rearing and overwintering (both adult use and juvenile use).

Continued monitoring of restoration site for its use by wildlife

Continued monitoring for the natural establishment of native vegetation and the

guarding of large standing trees and shrubs to avoid mortality due to herbivory.


Management of invasive species through treatment and physical control measures-

particularly focussing on Reed Canary Grass.

Additional restoration and enhancements activities including significant aquatic

replanting, spawning gravel supplementation and off-channel creation within this

project site and extending throughout the entire Stave River watershed.

9.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Financial contributions for this project were received from:

• Fish Wildlife Compensation Program

In-kind support and partners for this project are:

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada –Resource Restoration Unit & Community Advisor

• Fraser Valley Regional District

• District of Mission

• University of the Fraser Valley

• Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society

• Ducks Unlimited Canada

• Kwantlen First Nation

• BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

• Neighbouring landowners, community and volunteers

• Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition – members, volunteers and directors

10.0 REFERENCES

Bailey, D.D., Fedorrenko, A.Y., Cook, R..J. 2005. An Integrated Appraoch TO

Rebuilding Stave River Chum Using Harvest Reducation, Hatchery

Augmentation, Flow Control and Habitat Improvement. Fisheries and Oceans

Canada. Habitat and Enhancement Branch. Candian Technical Report of Fisheries

and Aquatic Sciences 2593.

Blackwell, C.N., C.R. Picard, and M. Foy. 1999. Smolt productivity of off-channel

habitat in the Chilliwack River watershed. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands

and Parks, and B.C. Ministry of Forests. Watershed Restoration Project Report

No. 14: 46 p.

Lapointe N., Cooke S J., Imhof JG., Boisclair D., Casselman JM., Curry R.A., Langer

O.E., McLaughlin R.L., Minns C.K., Post J.R., Power M., Rasmussen J.B.,

Reynolds J.D., Richardson J.S., and Tonn W.M. 2013. Principles for ensuring

healthy and productive freshwater ecosystems that support sustainable fisheries.

Enviro. Rev. Vol. 22.

February 2014.

Replanting upper reach,

looking south west. Photo

NCox.

Example of aquatic

bench plants that

benefit salmon

Photo NCox.


Roni P., Beechie T.J., Bilby R.E., Leonetti F.E., Pollock M.M., and Pess GR. 2002. A

Review of Stream Restoration Techniques and a Hierarchical Strategy for

Prioritizing Restoration in Pacific Northwest Watersheds, North American

Journal of Fisheries Management, Vol. 22:1.

RAMSAR Canada – website access: http://www.ramsar.org/wetland/canada

11.0 LIST OF APPENDIXES

Appendix 1. Project Photo-Documentation

Appendix 2. Confirmation of recognition and outreach

Appendix 3. Project As-Built Diagram

Appendix 4. Cordillera Archaeology Memo

Appendix 5. Raincoast Applied Ecological BioInventory

Appendix 6. Western Painted Turtle Surveying Memo

12.0 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

1. Progress Reports

2. Final Project Invoices

http://www.ramsar.org/wetland/canada


APPENDIX 1. PROJECT PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

TIME SERIES OF STAVE RIVER SITE 3 RESTORATION

A B

C D

E

A

A.Google Earth image prior to restoration works taken February 27, 2014. Note the outlined area

identifying the 3 fish barrier weirs and lack of southern channel. B. Google Earth image after 2014

restoration works taken June 28, 2015. Note the removal of the weirs and the new southern channel.

B

Weir fish barriers

No south channel

Salmon spawning area

Weirs removed

New south channel

Channel accessing groundwater spring

Direction of flows



INSTREAM CHANNEL ENHANCEMENT AND HABITAT COMPLEXING

A.Removal of the fish passage barrier weirs. A1. One of the weirs before removal. A2. During removal.

A3. After removal with the installation of spawning gravels and a water control structure. A4. Channel being prepared for replanting. B. Construction of the estuary habitat. B1. Before any restoration work

(view south-east). B2. Creation of the new south channel. B3. Creating an aquatic shelf for estuary

replanting. B4. After first year of restoration with large wood and aquatic plugs installed in the new south

channel.

A B

F

A1 A2 A3 A4

B4 B3 B2 B1



RIPARIAN BIOENGINEERING AND REPLANTING

A B

C

D

I

F

G H

C

J

E

A.UFV Geography students assist in replanting B.Replanting the riparian area at the western-most section of the

project site. C. North-east view of sedges and rushes plugs. D.Flats of aquatic plants in preparation for replanting. E.Map showing planting areas under 14.SFN.01. F.FVWC field team transporting vegetation. G & H.North-east

view of planting area spring 2015 and summer 2015. I.West view of sedges and rushes on estuary bank and view

of willow species in background. J.FVWC field team completing bioengineering.



ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND BIOINVENTORY ASSESSMENTS & ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

A Raincoast Ecology assessing the vegetation near the weirs. B. Cordillera assessing for archaeological

artifacts with FVWC and UFV students. C. Installation of the temporary road sign to inform

commuters of the restoration of salmon habitat work in progress. D. FVWC staff explain the

importance and details of this project to UFV students. E. UFV students celebrate their planting

efforts.

1.1.

1.2.

A B C

D E


APPENDIX 2. CONFIRMATION OF RECOGNITION AND OUTREACH


Why There’s Heavy Machinery in the Lougheed Hwy Wetlands

There’s a careful balance between making highways safer and preserving nature. When we

widened Lougheed Highway 7to four lanes between Nelson and Wren streets in Mission a few years

ago, we had to sacrifice a portion of local fish habitat. But we also committed to help restore that

habitat, which is important for salmon and other wildlife along the Stave and Fraser rivers.

Phase 1 of the restoration was completed at the Silverdale Wetland last year. And if you travelled

passed Silvermere Lake recently, you likely noticed the start of Phase 2 in the form of some heavy

machinery mobilized in the wetlands south of the highway. Thanks to strong partnerships and behind

the scenes prep work between local First Nations, governments and community organizations, work

has begun.

What’s Happening Now?

We’ve been working with the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition (FVWC) on this compensation

project from the start (although they’re the ones getting their boots wet!). The coalition carried out

Phase 1 – more than doubling the minimum area of wetlands needing enhancement – and is leading

current efforts to improve existing tidal channels for salmon spawning, overwintering and rearing

habitat in the newly-dubbed Genstar Wetland.

“These estuaries are really important,” says FVWC project manager Natashia Cox. “They are the

staging grounds for juvenile Coho salmon to do the majority of feeding and growing to get to the right

size before they can scoot out into the Fraser River and make their way to sea.”

A few things are making the tidal channel uninviting to fish, such as invasive plant species choking out waterways, and old, human-made barriers

blocking fish movement.

http://tranbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Restoring-our-salmon-habitat.jpg

http://tranbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/map.jpg

http://drivebc.ca/mobile/pub/webcams/id/450.html

http://fvwc.ca/

http://tranbc.ca/


The work is not all about salmon, however. Situated on Kwantlen First Nation land, the estuary is also culturally important, so an archaeological

assessment is an important part of the enhancement process.

For the first few weeks, excavators will work to open the channels – developing pocket wetlands and pulling out barriers. Once that’s finished, the

FVWC will join with the local community and partners to start replanting the area with native vegetation. The restoration project is set for completion

by March 2015.

The Power of Partnerships

Other Wildlife in the Wetlands:

Great blue heron

Mink

American wigeon (duck)

Gadwall (also a duck)

Migrating/wintering scaup (yes, there are many species of ducks)

Various songbirds, raptors, small mammals, and amphibians

The enhancements are able to go ahead now that a recent land acquisition byDucks Unlimited Canada (DUC), which we helped fund, went through.

DUC purchased the land from Genstar, a local developer that also donated a portion of the land (hence the name Genstar Wetland).

Partnering groups supporting the restoration project include Kwantlen First Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Salmonid Enhancement

Program, BC Hydro’s Fish Wildlife Compensation Program, The District of Mission, Stave Valley Salmon Enhancement Society, West Coast

Express and the local community. Education and community outreach events have really helped connect locals to the wetland.

“It’s the partnerships that really drive these things and make them worthwhile,” says Cox. “We wouldn’t do work like this if the community didn’t value

it. I think it’s important to connect people to nature and to these things that make the Fraser Valley so unique – like these wetlands, like the salmon.”

We couldn’t agree more. What do you think? Are you involved in an environmental project in your community? We’d love to hear about it – feel free to

comment below.

- See more at: http://tranbc.ca/2014/10/06/why-theres-heavy-machinery-in-the-lougheed-highway-wetlands/#sthash.5IdmBByq.dpuf

http://www.kwantlenfn.ca/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_blue_heron

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wigeon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadwall

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_scaup

http://www.ducks.ca/?gclid=CM7Q1f7y68ACFQqCfgod_GAAcA

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/index-eng.html

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sep-pmvs/index-eng.html

https://www.bchydro.com/about/sustainability/environmental_responsibility/compensation_programs.html?WT.mc_id=rd_bcrp

http://www.mission.ca/

http://www.translink.ca/en/About-Us/Corporate-Overview/Operating-Companies/WCE.aspx

http://www.translink.ca/en/About-Us/Corporate-Overview/Operating-Companies/WCE.aspx

http://tranbc.ca/2014/10/06/why-theres-heavy-machinery-in-the-lougheed-highway-wetlands/#sthash.5IdmBByq.dpuf





Watershed Program

The Fraser Valley is rich in natural resources that are responsible for the region’s high tourism, recreational, agricultural, and

environmental values. The FVRD is working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition to

form the Fraser Valley Watersheds Program. The goal of the Watersheds Program is to help improve the health and sustainability

of watersheds throughout the Fraser Valley using watershed planning, enhancement and restoration projects, partnership building,

and community stewardship, education, and awareness.

Recent projects include:

Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy (CRWS)

The purpose of this collaborative planning project is to provide a common understanding of watershed concerns and values to

assist in decision-making that will promote the sustainability of the Chilliwack River Watershed. Click here for the Chilliwack River

Watershed Strategy.

http://fvwc.ca/


Cultus Lake Aquatic Stewardship Strategy (CLASS)

Lead by the Fraser Basin Council, CLASS is a group of interested residents, organizations, and agencies to work towards

improving the health and sustainability of the Cultus Lake ecosystem.

Stoney Creek Riparian Enhancement and Stewardship

Working with the City of Abbotsford, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the Abbotsford Soil Conservation Association, and

others, we have helped to improve fish access, stewardship capacity, and riparian habitat conditions along Stoney Creek at

Bateman Park (Abbotsford).

Off-Channel Habitat Complexing along Chilliwack River

We have been working towards restoring off-channel habitat within the Chilliwack River watershed, critical habitat for spawning

and rearing salmon.

Lower Stave River Spawning Habitat Enhancement and Bank Stabilization

Partnering with DFO and BC Hydro, we are helping to restore important salmon spawning habitat within the lower Stave River

beneath the Ruskin Power Station (Mission).

Hammersley Pump Station Conceptual Design Upgrade

Many outdated pump stations along the Fraser are inadequate for drainage and for allowing fish passage. We are looking at

developing different design options for the eventual upgrade of one key pumping station near Agassiz, the Hammersley Pump.

http://cultusstewards.shawbiz.ca/

http://www.abbotsford.ca/

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.htm

http://www.bchydro.ca/


Hope and Camp Slough Enhancement

Working with DFO and the City of Chilliwack, we are looking to improve water quality and stewardship within the slough habitats of

northern Chilliwack.

For more information about the Watersheds Program, please contact the FVRD Watershed Planner, Lance Lilley.

http://www.chilliwack.com/


Brendan Gray Cordillera Archaeology

1508 Brooke St. Victoria, BC

Ph.: 778.319.1466 E: [email protected]

Natashia Cox Project Manager Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition www.fvwc.ca [email protected] 604-855-8274 November 12, 2015 Re: Archaeological Impact Assessment of Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition’s Salmon Habitat Restoration, Stave River Delta, Site 3 and Site 4 Dear Natashia Cox, This letter reports on an archaeological impact assessment conducted of Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition’s Salmon Habitat Restoration in the Stave River Delta. The purpose of this letter is to summarize the results of the archaeological assessment conducted over the past year. An in-depth report will be provided once all work covered under the permit is complete. This will include future assessment and monitoring of Site 2, scheduled to occur in late-Winter 2015. The final report will cover all aspects of the archaeological work including study area, background information, detailed description of proposed development, analysis of results, evaluation of research, recommendations, etc.). All work was conducted under permits issued by the BC Archaeology Branch (Permit 2014-204), Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (Permit 2014-66) and Kwantlen First Nation. Work for the current year (August 2014 - October 2015) was primarily focused on assessment and monitoring at Site 3, as well as monitoring at Site 4. Fieldwork was conducted by Cordillera Archaeology as well as representatives from Kwantlen First Nation and Matsqui First Nation.

Proposed Development The project is situated within the Fraser River Delta, south of the Ruskin Dam and the west of Mission, BC (Figure 1). The proposed project includes digging trenches within existing sloughs at Site 3 in order to enhance habitat for young salmon. Similar works were undertaken at Site 4, including the re-excavation of a slough and stream intake areas. Project development areas are shown in Figure 2 (Site 3) and Figure 3 (Site 4).


http://www.fvwc.ca


Figure 1. Project Location west of Mission BC.

Figure 2. Site 3 south of Silvermere Lake, archaeological sites also shown.

Archaeological Impact Assessment of Salmon Habitat Restoration, Site 3 & 4

Cordillera Archaeology 2015

4

Figure 3. Site 4 (within archaeological site DhRo-31) at the north end of Stave delta. .

Results All development areas were walked to observe areas of archaeological potential. No surface features or artifacts were observed. Shovel testing and augering were undertaken at Site 3 to test for archaeological material. Monitoring during ground alteration, as well as post-excavation inspection of spoil piles, was also undertaken. Site 3 Auger testing was undertaken at Site 3 prior to development. All auger tests contained grey/brown fluvial silty clay, indicating all areas often inundated during the Fraser River freshet. Subsequently, monitoring of the slough enhancement was undertaken to identify any areas of intact soil horizons, wetsite deposits or archaeological artifacts/features. In addition to monitoring of the excavation, all spoil piles beside the excavated sloughs were inspected (Figure 4). An intact soil horizon (without any archaeological material) and a single piece of fire-cracked rock (at another location) were identified; however substantial archaeological deposits were identified. The majority of sediments were fluvial clay. Site 4 Monitoring was undertaken over 2 days at Site 4. This site is situated within archaeological site DhRo-31, and as such had high potential for uncovering archaeological deposits. The areas excavated at this site had been previously excavated during the original salmon enhancement project in the early 2000's. Results from monitoring indicate that all areas were previously disturbed, and therefore the current work had minimal impact on archaeological deposits. No features or artifacts were observed during this work.



5

Figure 4. Inspecting spoil piles along excavated slough.



6

Figure 5. Fluvial deposits in auger test from Site 3 (top), monitoring at Site 4 (bottom).



7

Impact Assessment No archaeological sites or materials were uncovered during assessment or monitoring. As such, the work completed over the past year at Site 3 and Site 4 has had minimal impact on archaeological deposits.

Recommendations The recommendations below should be followed in order to minimize impact to archaeological sites:

Any future land-altering activities Site 3 or Site 4 should be assessed and/or monitored, given the proximity of archaeological deposits and high density of archaeological sites in the area. Site 2 still needs to be assessed.

Project developers, engineers, workers, etc. should be made aware that although no archaeological deposits were uncovered during this reconnaissance, any impact to landforms has the possibility of uncovering archaeological material.

If any archaeological features/sites are discovered prior to or during digging, Kwantlen First Nation, Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre, Semiahmoo First Nation, Matsqui First Nation and the BC Archaeology Branch should be notified, and all work in the immediate area should cease. Ideally, the extent, significance and potential impact to any sites should be determined and mitigated prior to resumption of the development.

Ongoing and Future Work This report is an interim letter summarizing work in Year 1 (2014-2015) of BC HCA permit 2014-204. One day of assessment at Site 2 has been completed, and further assessment of Site 2 will be undertaken in February of 2016. This work will determine areas where the proposed work at Site 2 will impact archaeological resources. Further monitoring will be undertaken (as necessary) during the development phase of this project, currently scheduled for summer/fall 2016. Following the completion of work at Site 2, a final report will be prepared which includes in-depth results for all areas covered under the permit (Sites 2, 3 and 4). If you have any questions about the content of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact myself or my colleague, Duncan McLaren. Sincerely,

Brendan Gray

Raincoast Applied Ecology #102 – 1661 West 2nd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1H3

Tel: 604-742-9890 Email: [email protected] Website: www.raincoastappliedecology.ca

MEMORANDUM Date: September 16, 2014

To: Natashia Cox, Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition By email From: Claudia Schaefer, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. Re: Rare Plant and Vegetation Assessment of Lower Stave River with

Recommendations Prior to Fish Enhancement This memo summarizes the results of a vegetation assessment of a wetland complex near the junction of the Stave and Fraser rivers, south of Silvermere Lake near Mission, BC, and makes recommendations for protecting sensitive vegetation during fish habitat enhancement activities. Fish habitat enhancement is proposed for the site by the Fraser Valley Watershed Coalition (FVWC) in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). Existing wetland channels will be enlarged and new channels will be created, with connections to the river’s mainstem, to enhance coho salmon habitat. Methods

The site was visited on August 19, 2014 by Claudia Schaefer of Raincoast Applied Ecology (RAE) and Natashia Cox and Rachel Drennan of FVWC; it was again visited by C. Schaefer on August 28, 2014. Accessible areas within the wetland complex were limited, due to (normal) high water levels. Accessible areas were surveyed to assess ecological communities and search for rare plant species. Other ecological communities were observed and evaluated from a distance. The high water levels in much of the site did not allow for a full rare plant survey of the area. Site photos are presented in Appendix 1. Results

The wetland is a complex of ecological communities. The most dominant community is a reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) marsh. Reed canary grass is a non-‐native, invasive grass that through monotypic vegetative growth can overtake a wetland reducing fish, wildlife and plant diversity. Deeper, open water also covers a significant portion of the site. Smaller ecological communities include: an area of Sitka sedge (Carex sitchensis) mixed with reed canary grass in the northeast portion of the site; hardhack (Spiraea douglasii) thicket swamps; and, shallow open water ponds with submerged, floating and emergent aquatic plants. The southern boundary of the site runs along the railway tracks and is comprised of short and tall shrub species, including willow and hardhack. It was not accessible for detailed surveying.

Plant species richness was generally low throughout most of the site because of the competitiveness and dominance of reed canary grass. Occasional associates were Sitka sedge, water smartweed (Persicaria amphibia) in the wetter channels, field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), silverweed (Potentilla anserina ssp. pacifica) and beaked sedge (Carex utriculata). Biodiversity was highest in the shallow open water ponds at the western end of the site, between weirs that have been erected to control water levels. Plant species included emersed bur-‐reed (Sparganium emersum), yellow pond-‐lily (Nuphar polysepalum), pondweed, beaked sedge and russet sedge (Carex saxatilis) at the edges, and the non-‐native submerged aquatics Sibirian and Eurasian water-‐milfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum and M. spicatum).

The study area falls within the biogeoclimatic classification of the Coastal Western Hemlock Dry Maritime (CWHdm) subzone. No ecological communities observed would be categorized as rare in the province (red-‐ or blue-‐listed communities) by the BC Conservation Data Centre (BCCDC). All ecosystems, however, would be classed by the Province as Sensitive Ecosystems since they fall under the description of wetland.

The proposed development of the site is acceptable in terms of vegetation concerns, given that:

• The goal of the proposed works is fish enhancement; • Most of the disturbance and channel creation will be within the non-‐native reed canary grass

meadow; • Newly created spoil areas will be planted or seeded with native vegetation, replacing non-‐native

habitat; • Disturbance will be avoided in the shrub thicket along the southern edge the site, to maintain

vegetative cover for the channels; • Creation of shallow open water potholes is included in the proposal and if recommendations

below are followed, will replace those lost at the west end of the site; • And, measures will be taken to avoid the Sitka sedge community in the northeast corner,

Recommendations

The following recommendations are made to reduce or avoid the impact of fish habitat enhancement on native vegetation at the lower Stave River site: 1. Schedule construction to reduce vegetation impacts

• Construction is best conducted outside the growing season (November 1 to March 30) when vegetation is dormant and less sensitive to disturbance. Willow cuttings are also available for bioengineering plantings during the winter. However, late summer work (August 15 to September 30) is also acceptable and would allow for specific vegetation features to be identified and protected during construction.

2. Avoid sensitive vegetation areas or features

• Sedge marsh areas should be avoided. FVWC representatives can be on-‐site during construction to flag off the main area where Sitka sedge occurs in the northeast portion of the study area, as per discussion on-‐site, August 19.

• Other areas of native vegetation, such as hardhack thickets, should be protected if possible. • The shrub thicket along the railway line should be kept intact.

3. Target reed canary grass areas for disturbance • Dense areas of monotypic reed canary grass are the least sensitive of the plant communities

observed on the site. Where possible, reed canary grass areas should be excavated for fish habitat enhancement channels or ponds, and soil spoil areas should be created to cover reed canary grass.

• Soil containing reed canary grass sod or roots should be buried within spoil areas deeply enough to prevent regrowth.

4. Create ponds with shallow open water

• The creation of waterfowl potholes are included in the proposal. These theoretically would have deep water and steep sides, which would not replace the shallow open water ecological communities at the west end that will be lost during fish enhancement works. Additional small ponds should be created that have gently sloping edges to allow for a higher diversity of plant species, such as emergent aquatics. Excavation to remove reed canary grass from the side areas of the ponds and planting with native species such as Sitka or slough sedge is recommended.

5. Monitoring during construction

• Construction phase monitoring or field review should include reviewing vegetation conditions and providing direction to avoid or mitigate impacts through relocation of the fish habitat enhancement works.

• Potentially rare species should be flagged if observed during construction and follow-‐up taken with a field botanist.

6. Seed and plant to stabilize the site and create productive native plant communities

• If the project is undertaken before March 30, 2015, willow cuttings or brush layers (bio-‐engineering) can be used to plant disturbed areas (contact Raincoast Applied Ecology for specific direction if winter work is planned). Some willow can be harvested from site and other sources exist in the lower Stave River floodplain. Willow brush layers can be planted during channel excavation using an excavator.

• Disturbed soils should be broadcast seeded with either: (1) a custom mix (or mixed on site) of bentgrass (Agrostis) and white and red clover to ensure rapid cover but to avoid creating a tall, overly competitive grass community; or (2) Pickseed Coastal Reclamation Mixture. Seed is available from Pickseed British Columbia (Abbotsford, 877-‐504-‐7964).

• If beaver activity is known for the site, fencing is recommended to prevent beaver browsing if there is newly planted shrubby vegetation and should be erected around spoil piles. Beaver fencing should consist of 6 ft high T-‐bar posts on 2 m centres, with 48” wire mesh (2” x 4”) tight to the ground.

7. Conduct post-‐construction monitoring • Seeded and plantings areas should be monitored to measure success of re-‐vegetation and

provide solutions to any noted impediments on growth, e.g. beaver infiltrating fenced-‐off areas. • Photo-‐documentation from fixed points (before, during, and after construction) should be used

to document change and measure success. • If a significant number of plantings have failed to thrive, these should be replaced.

Raincoast Applied Ecology would be pleased to provide any follow-‐up advice or clarifications about the results of the assessment or recommendations. Please contact me at (604) 742-‐9890 or by email at [email protected], if you have any questions or require more information. Sincerely,

Claudia Schaefer, M.Sc., R.P.Bio.

Appendix 1. Site photographs of the Lower Stave River area proposed for fish enhancement, 2014.

a

b

c

d

e

f

Representative photos of the vegetation in the area of the proposed fish enhancement: a) typical vegetation of the study area with reed canary grass dominating; b & c) area of sedge marsh; d) narrow channels are found within dense reed canary grass; and, e & f) small shallow open water ponds that are important for plant species diversity and wildlife.

Documents

STAVE RIVER TIDAL CHANNEL RESTORATIONa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r50788/14.SFN.01...salmon population in the Fraser River watershed (after the Harrison River). Over 500,000