Development of Off-channel Rearing and Spawning Habitat in Lower Nicola River

Year 2008
Proponent Nicola Tribal Association
Project type Engagement
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program
Grant amount $45000
Total project value $77313
ID number 08 HWRS LR 95

Location: Thompson, located on the West bank of the Nicola River approximately 30 km upstream of Spences Bridge.

Project Summary

The purpose and expected outcomes of this project is to create approximately 2000 m2 of stable off-channel rearing habitat for Interior Fraser coho, spring-run chinook, and Thompson River steelhead; Provision of access to existing relic beaver and side channels that currently are groundwater fed; Provision of critical over-wintering and over-summering juvenile-to-smolt rearing habitats; Increased fry to smolt survival and increased smolt production per spawning pair; Increased community awareness of the importance of off-channel habitat and significant habitat gain/recovery at relatively low construction costs and low long-eterm maintenance costs.  The methodology is to construct a 500 m long side channel with a permanent intake structure to supply water from the Nicola River.  The permanent intake structure will be installed in a stable pool near the left bank and beneath the Kettle Valley Railway bridge in the Nicoal River.  A 45 m supply pipelone will connect the intake structure to a settling pond that then flows to the constructed side channel.  A permanent intake connection to the Nicola River will provide cinsistant flows to the constructed channel and existing wetland complexes.  An excavator (200 size) will dig the pipeline trench from the river intake to the settling pond ara.  A box-style intake will be installed, baxckfille dand armoured using large rock (rip rap) to protect the structure and the disturbed stream bank.  Once the intake structure is secured, sections of the steel pipe (approx. 45 cm dia.) will be inserted into the trench and coupled with large flanges.  at the downstream end of the pipe, a valve box and control gate will be atached for flow adjustment.  Once completed, back-filling the remaining pipeline trench with stockpiled material will occur.  The newly created supply channel will be complexed with boulders, gravel and wood to diversify habitats and provide cover for stream rearing species.  After completion of the proposed project, trees, shrubs and native ground cover will be planted on all disturbed areas within the work area. 



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At 10:36 am on 11/18/11, dave said:

How long is this project going to take?

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