South Thompson Chinook Spawning Area Improvement

Year 2006
Proponent Fraser Basin Council
Project type Habitat
FSWP funding source Living Rivers
Grant amount $20,000
Total project value $167,714
ID number 06 H LR10

Location: Thompson, South Thompson River, below the outlet of Little Shuswap Lake

Project Summary

On the South Thompson River, below the outlet of Little Shuswap Lake, a one km stretch of river back in being eroded as a result of boat activity causing wave action and undermining the river bank. The project will repair this stretch of stream bank to reduce sediment loading into a primary salmon spawning ground, and thereby achieve an increase in egg to fry survival. Once the back has been stabilized, an extensive planting program will be initiated, with the ultimate goal of returning to a more natural vegetated riparian area.


Final Results

The project resulted in the installation of 6 groins consisting of beetle killed ponderosa pines and large rocks along the riverfront of the site. Each of the groins slowed and directed the current towards the main channel of the South Thompson river. Groundwater from thhe lands beyond was channelled and incorporated into the backeddies created by the groins. The works were planted with poplars from the landowners fields and will be grass seeded when the weather becomes warm enough. Fry are already using the sheltered areas behind the groins.