Horsefly River Watershed Management Plan


Year 2007, 2008
Proponent Horsefly & District Board of Trade
Project type Governance
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $40,000 + 45,000
Total project value $124,000
Other project funders

LIRN BC

ID number 07LR11B, 08D22

Location: Cariboo-Chilcotin, Horsefly River Watershed

Project Summary

The Horsefly & District Board of Trade/Horsefly River Roundtable proposes to undertake a similar planning exercise as that of the Salmon River Roundtable to complete a combined Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Plan (WFSP) stage 2 and 3 process by following the WFSP template and complete phases 2 and 3 of the WFSP guidebook.

Stage 2 will include producing a biophysical and sociopolitical profile of one of the priority watershed planning units already determined and identify objectives, strategies and targets that must be met to achieve fish sustaining practices within the Horsefly Watershed.

Stage 3 will produce a detailed fish sustainability action plan that spells out how tasks will be completed to support planning initiatives, identify options, establish goals and timelines and determine implementation and monitoring plans.

Agricultural activities, urban development, rural stream and lakeshore developments, climate impacts (ie. droughts and severe freshets) and declines in the watershed’s forest structure (ie. Pine Beetle effects) in the Horsefly River Watershed stand to drive dramatic negative and potentially negative impacts in the future to fish sustainability, water quality and availability. Developing a comprehensive WFSP to determine proper options, preparation, management and mitigation plans for the Horsefly River Watershed’s future will enable the best management of the activities and development within the area to operate while encouraging sustainable fish populations and fish habitat.

Objectives
* Building of a management structure and project management plan
* Initiate the scoping and information gathering process, including community consultation
* Prepare an overview document outlining implementation and monitoring plans for a WFSP

For 2007, to undertake a combined Watershed-Based Fish Sustainability Planning Procedure (WFSP) stage 2 (biophysical and socio-political profile) and 3 (fish sustainability action plan) process. This project had three objectives to undertake this effort: 1- Initiate the scoping and information gathering process, 2- Building of a management structure and project management plan, 3- Overview document outlining implementation and monitoring plans for a WFSP.

For, 2008, the project works towards a Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Plan for the Horsefly River system. Deliverables for this portion of planning include: a watershed profile of the 60 sub-basins; setting priorities, objectives and strategies; implementation objectives; and, development of strategies to meet the objectives outlined.


Final Results

For 2007, very successful project- delivering on the following process towards a WFSP (project is continuing in 2008): 1- Hiring Project Coordinator and Project Consultant, 2- Solidification of management structure with Directors and technical committee through a draft terms of reference, 3- Project goals and objectives set for society, 4- The Horsefly River Roundtable incorporated as a Society, 5- Roundtable Meetings every month with members representing a wide spectrum of interests, 6- Presentation at every Roundtable meeting various topics impacting watershed and fish health, 7- Information gathering of the Horsefly River Watershed Profile, with completion of first draft, 8- A community strategic planning session prioritizing hands on projects in relation to the fisheries, recreational and tourism values., 9- A fish display is currently being completed for the local visitors centre.

For 2008, watershed profile presentation was completed and delivered to various regional agencies.  Areas of necessary information were identified and data collection is ongoing.  A watershed status report was completed for the community to use in their current economic and land development planning.  Watershed representation is provided through a coordinator, contracted biologist or roundtable members to various development meetings and projects underway to address priorities. Implementation strategies were developed into projects. Future projects include: fish friendly recreational development on the Horsefly River; Horsefly Salmon Festival in fall 2009; and trail and bathroom development in sensitive spawning areas.


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