Instream Habitat Restoration in mid-Nicola River

Year 2008
Proponent Nicola Tribal Association (NTA)
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program
Grant amount $45,000
Total project value $56,561
ID number 08 HWRS D96

Location: Thompson, On the Nicola River approximately 3km downstream of the Nicola Lake dam. Adjacent to the Chutter Ranch.

Project Summary

Purpose: The section of the Nicola River proposed for restoration has been subject to a detailed survey for the purpose of prescribing appropriate instream habitat restoration features. The installation of the LWD structures will stabilize the bank and restore appropriate radius of curvature and channel function.

Method: Permits will be obtained in June 2008, with instream work taking place during the work window in July 2008. A total of 10 LWD spurs and jams (suitably anchored with large rock ballast) and boulder structures will be constructed at roughly 15-20m intervals along 150m of an eroding outside meander bend of the Nicola River within Chutter Ranch. The LWD, consisting of ponderosa pine rootwads with boles attached, will be embedded in the bank to provide anchoring. Trenching and placement of logs and boulders will be performed with a 200 size hydraulic track excavator. Structures will also be ballasted by cabling logs to oversized boulders using epoxy (Epcon Ceramic 6). Particular care will be taken to minimize disturbance to riparian area. Seeding and watering of bare soil will take place immediately after construction. Fencing and re-vegetation work will take place later in fall months.

Outcomes: 1) Provide over 3,000 square meters of stabilized complex instream holding, spawning, and rearing habitat for Interior Fraser coho and early spring run chinook salmon.
2) Work with the landowner to develop a letter of agreement concerning implementation of work, contribution to the work by the landowner, and future management of the riparian area in the vicinity of the work.


Final Results

Lack of stable complex habitats is a significant limiting factor in the recovery of Interior Fraser coho (Endangered, COSEWIC), early timed spring chinook, and steelhead.  The section of the Nicola River rehabilitated during this project had been subject to a detailed survey for the purpose of prescribing appropriate instream habitat rehabilitation features (Gaboury and Matthews, 2007).  The riparian area is characterized by relatively flat valley bottom silts/clay soils that are actively eroding in areas where large vegetation had been removed.  Ongoing erosion of the streambank has resulted in significant channel migration.  The erosion is a chronic source of sediment to the river which has long term and extensive impacts on fish rearing, holding, and spawning habitats downstream.  Project goals included:
1. Provide over 3,000 m2 of stabilized complex instream holding, spawning and rearing habitat for Interior Fraser coho and early timed spring chinook.
2. Work with the landowner to develop a cooperative understanding around riparian corridor management, implementation of the work, contribution to the work by the landowner, and future management of the riparian area in the vicinity of the work.
A total of 13 log and boulder structures were constructed at roughly 15m intervals along the eroding outside meander bend for a distance of 190m.  Along with these structures riprap was placed along the bank, riparian areas were replanted, and livestock exclusion fencing was installed.  Results include:
1. stabilizing banks reducing erosion potential and sediment input,
2. improving holding and rearing habitat for salmonids by increasing pool frequency and the amount of     functional LWD cover in those pools,
3. re-establishing a more stable channel with appropriate bankful widths through an adjustment in the meander curvature, and
4. improving land management practices by riparian area owners


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