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The Story
Historically connected to the Fraser River, numerous side-channels experienced surges of water that flushed out debris and sediment and cleaned gravel beds used by spawning salmon. Those side-channels were cut off from the river by dikes, roads, causeways, railways, and other infrastructure, turning them into slow-moving ‘sloughs’. Yet important ecological values continue to exist in side-channels, including habitat for juvenile and adult chum and chinook, which could be restored, enhanced, and reconnected to the river, as part of the Heart of the Fraser initiative.
Objectives
To identify and assess side-channels that could be restored, enhanced and reconnected to the Fraser River to create rearing and overwintering opportunities for chinook, chum, and other salmonids. The side-channels examined include Nicomen Slough, Nancy Slough, William Phillips Slough, and Bateson Slough. This work would be done in a way that maintains the flood protection provided by dikes.
There is also a plan to improve spawning habitat on Sqwuakum Creek, where Lake Errock flows into the Fraser River.
The Work: Assessment
Leq’a:mel First Nation did background assessments, monitoring, and stakeholder consultations on Nicomen Slough. These revealed the slough’s hydrology, biology, and distribution of rare species, as well as social and cultural elements. Work was intended to begin in summer 2020 on Skumulapsh Slough and Norrish Fan, but the pandemic, the loss of key personnel, and the emergence of new information delayed work.
An assessment led by Sts’ailes First Nation looked at the possibility of restoring Bateson slough and a reconnection to the Fraser River. Located on the lowlands west of Mount Woodside, it could support out-migrating juvenile chinook.
A ‘scope of engagement’ process was undertaken, for a draft framework to update the Wildlife Management Plan (WMA) for Lhá:lt/Harrison-Chehalis. The update is intended to better reflect ecological, cultural, social values, and future management needs.
The Work: Construction
Led by Sts’ailes First Nation, two historic groundwater sloughs (Nancy & William Phillips) were reconstructed and reconnected to Chehalis River, to improve spawning, rearing, and overwintering habitat for chinook, coho, and chum salmon. Historically, the Chehalis River had an active alluvial fan that shifted over time, until a section of the river was diked to protect First Nations land and sensitive cultural sites.
Gravel was added to Sqwuakum Creek to improve spawning habitat for chum and coho salmon. In addition, replanting, bioengineering efforts, and invasive plant control were undertaken to encourage green riparian areas and improve bank stability.
Funders & Partners
More Information
Contact the FVWC to access reports and documents regarding this site.
