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The Story
The Fraser River has caused significant bank erosion at the east end of McMillan Island, so Kwantlen First Nation (KFN) received authorizations to armour with riprap a 1.7 km stretch of bank. This slowed erosion but also resulted in a loss of aquatic habitat. To offset this loss, restoration would be undertaken, in conjunction with Kwantlen, to enhance ecological, cultural, and recreational values in other areas.
Objectives
To create with Kwantlen First Nation new rearing overwintering, and spawning habitat for salmon at three sites: George’s Creek on the west side of McMillan Island; the eastern tip of McMillan Island; and a section of Whonnock Creek.
The Work: George’s Creek
A new channel (George’s Creek) was constructed as off-channel rearing and overwintering habitat for salmonids. Large wood and root wads were added to create more habitat complexity. The banks were planted with 7800 endemic trees and shrubs. The creek would be monitored for water quality, fish presence, and the effectiveness and resilience of the restoration work. Data from 2018-2021 shows 4187 fish caught, including 265 coho, 3 sockeye, and one rainbow trout.
The Work: McMillan Island East
On the eastern tip of McMillan Island, where the Bedford Channel meets the Fraser River, a riparian area above/behind the riprap was planted with 2000 trees and shrubs to stabilize the bank and increase insects and leaf litter for fish in the Fraser. A fence was built to keep cattle in an adjacent field out of the riparian area. 4300 m2 of Himalayan blackberry was removed, including root wads. Maintenance work is ongoing.
The Work: Whonnock Creek
The section of Whonnock Creek that connects to the Fraser River was diverted and extended to create additional habitat for salmon. Large wood and root wads were added and secured to boulders to keep them in place. Planted in the riparian area were 3000 indigenous trees and shrubs, including willow, cottonwood, and red-osier dogwood. Wattle fences were built at the mouth of the creek to reduce erosion caused by tidal fluctuations. Whonnock will be monitored for water quality, fish presence, and overall stream health. Betweeb 2018-2021, 439 fish were cauch, including 123 coho, 10 rainbow trout, and 2 cutthroat trout.
Funders & Partners
