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Location: Thompson, Lillooet Project Summary
SUMMARY This project is being undertaken to restore and conserve a significant wildlife ecosystem for the benefit of salmon, and other species-at-risk, who rely on the Seton River and a rare low-lying riparian corridor. The project is also seen as an excellent educational resource for our community, where people can learn about the importance of healthy watersheds, and where capacity can be built within the community to take on a greater stewardship role in the future. DESCRIPTION This project will address the issues of fragmentation of a critical wildlife corridor between the Fraser River and the Seton Lake Dam, both in-stream and within the riparian zone. We have five distinct goals during Year One of this project are: 1. Spawning Channel: The spawning channels are showing fluctuations in water temperature which can decrease the ability of salmon and other fish species from using the channels to their full potential. Invasive plant species, especially knapweed and burdock, are entering the waterway and causing damage to young salmon. We will increase stream-side vegetation within the Lower Spawning Channels to provide shade to mitigate diel water temperature fluctuations, and provide additional rearing habitat cover. We will also be carrying out additional fish sampling, algae, gravel and aquatic invertebrate studies. We will implement a stakeholder survey to document management priorities for the channel. 2. Seton River: The Seton River has seen impacts from BC Hydro power projects, Department of Transport rip-rapping, lumber mill operations and recreational impacts. During 2010 we have been surveying the river, in partnership with DFO and local fishery biologists, with the aim of developing a prioritized restoration plan. The in-stream work to be carried out in 2011 reflects these consultations and involves increasing structural complexity in one targeted area to provide enriched shelter and habitat for both spawning and young salmon, and to decrease the risk of bank erosion. A slope monitoring program will be established. We will continue historical and ecological research of the entire corridor to provide a strong base on which to make future decisions with our partners. 3. Seton Wildlife Corridor: The riparian zone along the Seton River provides a critical wildlife corridor between the Fraser River and the Lower Spawning Channels. It has been fragmented by an old access road, and invasive weeds have encroached into the area. By planting native riparian trees and shrubs the stream side and upland will benefit with increased shade and cover, thereby enhancing wildlife attributes. Structural components (CWD, standing snags, nest boxes) will be added. Wildlife monitoring protocols with a focus on species-at-risk (Western Screech-owl, Lewis Woodpecker, Racer) will begin. 4. Capacity Building: Our community is a forestry resource based community, with many people out of work due to two mill closures. This is a great opportunity to provide people with the knowledge and tools to undertake work with a different focus, increasing an understanding for our natural systems. By building capacity within the Band membership we hope to become leaders in restoration services. 5. Watershed Education: We would like to build on the outreach work from the Lillooet Naturalist Society’s Three Rivers Join One Watershed Discovery project (funded by FSWP for the past two years). We now have a presence in the community, with many organizations asking us to deliver programs. By continuing to offer programs and stewardship opportunities, and erecting signage, we hope to build an ethic of sustainability, and an appreciation of our cultural knowledge in relation to the land. OBJECTIVES
METHODS 1. Stakeholder survey and working relationships will be built upon to ensure we have a cohesive plan for the Seton Corridor with set management priorities. 2. To increase site complexity and plant large diameter cuttings along the banks of the Seton River, a machine operator will be hired to pound holes, remediate soil, place large standing trees, install boulders and CWD. All work will be undertaken with the direction of the restoration specialist and with approval of DFO. All machine work will take place well before or after breeding season to mitigate any disturbance to wildlife. 3. Working out from areas of ecological strength and along vectors for dispersal, exotic weeds will be removed mechanically (extensive hand-pulling, chopping roots, weed-whacking), and through burning and spraying (organic vinegar solution). Biological controls for knapweed and Dalmation toadflax are present on site. Crew will learn weed identification and control methods through this process. A Weed Management Strategy is in place. 4. Collection of locally sourced seed, cuttings and salvage of plants will be done by crew, while learning plant identification. The plants will be started and tended in the established Native Plant Nursery. This work will progress from early spring to late fall, following protocols learned over the last four years. 5. Native trees, shrubs and plants will be planted back into the spawning channels and on the targeted Seton River riparian/upland area. This will be done as quickly after weed removal takes place, to assist in rehabilitating the area, and to suppress continued weed growth. Planting decisions are based on the percentage of plant cover at the established Reference Ecosystem, and by taking cues from the existing plant layers on site. Crew and many volunteers will undertake this work in late summer and early fall. 6. Vegetation surveying will be monitored by using permanent photo points and by surveying the polygons established. The change in vegetation within each polygon will be recorded and mapped. Successes and challenges are recorded to provide additional information for the ongoing restoration plan. 7. We will undertake a systematic and rigorous fish sampling program of the spawning channel to address information gaps and gain a more complete idea of fish distribution, relative abundance, growth, and species assemblage. This will include assessment of spawning use by adult Steelhead (spring), Pink, Coho, Chinook (fall), assessment of relative abundance and distribution of resident fish species and juvenile life stages, data on fish size and growth, aquatic invertebrates, water temperature and condition of gravels and algae within the channel. 8. Baseline wildlife surveys will be implemented using existing expertise and protocols (birds, amphibians and reptiles). 9. Initial training in restoration goals and techniques, plant and fish identification, surveying and monitoring techniques and other skills necessary to carry out the project will be provided. On-the-job training will supplement this training and provide work experience in the field of resource management. Hands-on educational and stewardship opportunities will be offered throughout the season, based on our successful Three Rivers Join One Watershed Outreach work. All tools and supplies necessary for volunteers to become involved in on-site work are available. People of all ages have been involved in field walks, educational riverside events and stewardship activities - from three year olds to seniors. Various elementary and high school classes, youth groups and aboriginal groups will continue to be involved. Signage will be installed BENEFITS The Seton River/Gates Creek salmon have many obstacles to overcome on their migration routes. By providing increased spawning and rearing habitat within the Seton River corridor we may mitigate some of these obstacles and increase the functioning of the river and riparian systems for the benefit of salmon, other fish and wildlife species. A threatened Black Cottonwood riparian corridor will be conserved and enhanced.
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