Salmon Steward is the official publication of the Pacific Salmon Foundation in British Columbia, Canada
Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/496204
12 2015 psf.ca O ff-channel habitats are vital in maintaining the integrity of river systems in British Columbia. Natural off-channel habitats include beaver ponds, wetlands, floodplains, side channels and tributaries. These habitats are like veins connecting and sustaining natural ecological processes that we rely on. Why dO WE carE abOut salmOn habitats? Nature is a shared resource, not an owned resource. It provides many priceless benefits and fosters a sense of pride in our community, while supporting a diverse array of species. That's why Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, along with many partners, is passionate about promoting healthy watersheds, including our most recent initiative: re-watering a dried-up side channel of the Vedder River flood plain. Restoration and creation of new stream channels provide key spawning, overwintering and rearing habitat for Pacific salmon. Over time the current habitat has become seasonally dry and lacks consistent flows, streamside vegetation and in-stream complexity. "Complexity" provides fish shelter from predators and access to cool, clean water, via logs and other in-stream debris. The Chilliwack River flows into the Vedder and eventually drains into the Fraser River. Aside from the Fraser, the Chilliwack watershed has the highest volume of recreational use in British Columbia. To ensure this key habitat lives on, we looked to our community for restoration opportunities. What dOEs it takE tO rEstOrE salmOn habitats? The answer is many dedicated people working together! Participation from multiple layers of government include technical support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, and in-kind support and long-range planning from the City of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley Regional District. Multiple funders, including the Pacific Salmon Foundation through its Community Salmon Program, have provided financial contributions. Of course, the historical knowledge shared by those who have grown up along the river has proven invaluable, and many volunteers have come out to plant trees, and install bird and bat boxes. We are still working to complete this multi-year, multi-partner restoration project, which extends three kilometres along the south side of the Vedder River and will also include a network of trails. For more info on the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, visit www.fvwc.ca. DoNATINg TIme To CoNServe, reSTore AND eNhANCe SAlmoN hABITATS In 2014, the Foundation partnered with the federal government to identify 10 key projects to support through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program. (Top) Everyone was excited to participate in the Coalition's volunteer planting day. (Right) Sparks and Brownies learn about salmon and their habitats during a youth-led planting and education event. Natashia Cox & Rachel Drennan of the fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, a registered Charity Working to promote healthy Watersheds aCross the fraser Valley C o m m u n i t y S t e w a r d S WHO Cares About Salmon?