Coldwater River Habitat Education and Awareness 2009


Year 2009
Proponent Nicola Tribal Association (NTA) (08 LR 94)
Project type Engagement
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source DFO Fraser Basin Initiative
Grant amount $35,000
Total project value $42,159
ID number 09-D54-E

Location: Thompson, Thompson

Project Summary

Overview

The Coldwater River is one of the most important systems in the Nicola River watershed for Thompson steelhead (stock of concern), early timed spring chinook (critically low levels), and Interior Fraser (IFR) coho (Endangered, COSEWIC) for both spawning and rearing.  The upper Coldwater River watershed is heavily impacted by campers from May to September.  In 2006 and 2007 NTA staff observed recreational vehicle tracks (ATV, dirt bike, etc.) crossing the river, and up/down the river channel itself.  In one case the tracks had gone right over the site of known chinook redds.  In stream operation of recreational vehicles has a negative impact on juvenile Thompson steelhead, early timed spring chinook, and IFR coho rearing habitat in the river.

In 2008 the NTA began an information campaign to educate the target audience, the recreational vehicle users, to bring awareness of the importance of preserving fish habitat in the Coldwater River.  The first year of the project, 2008, is a baseline year for data.  In continuing this project we hope that while seeing an increase in users of the upper Coldwater River watershed, the use of recreational vehicles in/near the river will decrease. 

Objectives
1. Attend ATV club meeting, interior and coastal, to discuss the results from 2008/2009 and possible trail and river crossing changes.
2. With input from ATV clubs in 2009/2010 we propose to monitor any changed river crossings to evaluate effects on users and fish habitat.
3. Collaborate with ATVBC Kamloops in creating an information pamphlet focusing on stream area riding for the province.
4. Redesign and install new signage.  Redesigning as necessary for specific spawning habitats near/in river crossings.

Methods

Additional signage to that of 2008 will be installed during the first week in May 2009.  NWSFA staff will conduct roving surveys of the upper Coldwater River from June 10 to October 10, 2009.  Survey crews will consist of a two person crew; surveys will be conducted for a total of 108 person days.  During surveys crews will be interviewing, firstly, any campers with recreation vehicles, and secondly, other recreational wilderness resource users in the area.  For the 2009 project we propose to begin surveys in June rather than May (2008 start) to be able to run the project into the fall, interviewing hunters using the area.  While conducting interviews the crew will be filling out interview forms.  Data included on the forms for measuring area use are:
- Number of people in party
- Number & style of recreational vehicles
- Total number of days of trip
- Number of river crossing made during trip
Other information asked for during surveys is:
- Home town
- Camp location
- If they belong to a club (club name)
- Personal contact info (optional)
- If they stay on obvious trails
In addition to roving surveys, NWFSA crews will be monitoring impacted sites for continued use / lack of use, as well as watching for new use in previously undisturbed areas.  Crews will be supplied with cameras to document obvious abuses and keep photographic records of these areas.  At the end of August 2009 crews will be equipped with GPS units and will record any new (in addition to those GPS’d in 2008) river crossings.

As time permits during the project crews will attend ATV club meetings, interior and coastal, to discuss the results from the 2008 project and the possibility of changing any harmful trails and/or river crossings.


Final Results

The final report for the study is posted in the orange resource box to the upper right.


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