Chilliwack Off-Channel Project


Year 2006
Organization The Fraser Valley Regional Watersheds Coalition
Project Type Habitat Rehabilitation
Program Fraser Salmon and Watersheds Program
PSF Grant $29,000
Total Project Value $159,100
Project Funders

Other contributors to the project include the Pacific Salmon Commission, BC Ministry of Transportation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Salmon Foundation’s Community Salmon Program, Fraser Valley Regional District, Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society, Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and the City of Chilliwack.

Location: Fraser Valley, Chilliwack

Project Summary

The Fraser Valley Regional Watersheds Coalition created two new off-channel habitat sites for salmon along the Chilliwack-Vedder River in 2006. Land development of the Lower Fraser Valley has resulted in the loss of many deep side channel ponds that provided rearing habitat for juvenile coho. While the projects were designed primarily to provide habitat for juvenile coho salmon, other wildlife and fish species, especially the endangered Salish sucker, will benefit. The first habitat site involved the development of groundwater ponds and spawning channels connected to Pierce Creek, a tributary to the Chilliwack River. The second habitat site is located adjacent to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve and connects to Salwein Creek. A number of deep ponds were developed on land that had been used as a pasture. The Fraser Valley Regional Watersheds Coalition and the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society plan for further riparian planting at this site in the next year or two as funds and labour become available. Interpretive signage has been installed and a path connecting the site to existing trails in the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve was roughed in.

Before - Creation of Coho Rearing Ponds in Chilliwack Completed Coho Rearing Ponds in Chilliwack

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