1. Mainstem Channel of the Lower Stave River

1a. Spawning Habitat Restoration

2. Northeast Section of the Lower Stave River

2a. East Bank Stabilization & Conservation of Kwantlen First Nation Archaeological Site

2b. Restoration of East Bank Spillway & Spawning Channel

2c. Ruskin Picnic Site

2d. Ruskin Island (Stave Site #1)

3. West Side of the Lower Stave River

3a. Restoration of West Bank Side Channel

3b. Thompson Creek Restoration & Enhancement (Stave Site #4)

4. Kwantlen First Nation IR#3 (Stave Site #2)

5. Stave Site #3

photo: Construction to re-grade and re-contour the mainstem of the Stave River to mitigate the effects of large spillway release from Ruskin Dam and increase spawning habitat for salmon (2018).                                                       

photo: Excavator distributing spawning gravel in the mainstem of the Stave River (2018).                                                      

photo: Spawning gravel being added to the mainstem of the Stave River (2008).                                                 

Background

The Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse cut off the lower Stave River from natural gravel recruitment and the periodic dam spillway release washes existing gravel further downstream leading to diminished spawning habitat over time. Restoration work needs to be done every 10-20 years to replace spawning gravel in the mainstem of the lower Stave River to conserve these critical spawning grounds for Pacific Salmon. The most recent spawning gravel restoration was completed from 2006-2008 and involved a collaborative effort between the Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Fraser Valley Regional District, BC Hydro, and Kwantlen First Nation. Funding for this ongoing project was provided by BC Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and BC Hydro.

Summary of Activities

1a. Spawning Habitat Restoration (2006-2008)

• ~60,000 m² of spawning habitat was restored by regrading and recontouring existing gravel bars and benches.
  
  

  • Created 150 m long spawning gravel bench.
    
    

  • Recontoured spawning gravel to create a 150 m spawning riffle and a 120 m long spawning channel.
    
    

• Created a series of 3 deep water trenches perpendicular to stream flows to provide resting areas for steelhead and other salmonids during high flows.

photo: Aerial view of Stave Site #1 (Ruskin Island). The upper channel is the east bank spillway/spawning channel constructed around the island and additional channels were constructed running through the island for rearing and overwintering habitat. All channels connect back with the mainstem of the Stave River.                                                                                                                                                         

photo: Looking down one of the constructed off-channels through Stave Site #1 (Ruskin Island) on a foggy morning.                                                                                                                                                          

photo: Construction of the Stave Site #1 (Ruskin Island) east bank spillway/spawning channel.                                                                                                                                                      

photo: Construction of the new foot bridge at the Ruskin Picnic Site in 2008.                                                                                                                                                      

Background

The northeast section of the lower Stave River has had extensive restoration work done between 2008 and 2015. The focus of this section was conserving recreational values, protecting important archaeological sites, and creating and enhancing rearing and spawning habitat for juvenile salmonids. This section was a continuation of funding from BC Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish & Wildlife Restoration Program (now the BC Hydro Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program), Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and BC Hydro.

Summary of Activities

2a. East Bank Stabilization & Protection of Kwantlen First Nation Archaeological Site

Located in the unceded traditional territory of Kwantlen First Nation, the lower Stave River contains numerous archaeological sites and artifacts of cultural significance threatened by the continual erosion of the riverbanks. The Ruskin Dam accelerates the erosion of these important cultural sites due to the periodic large spillway release for Ruskin Dam and Powerhouse operation. The restoration works completed between 2006-2008 also focused on protecting the east bank of the lower Stave River from erosion to protect an important Kwantlen First Nation archaeological site.

Works Completed

• 175 m of the eastern bank of the lower Stave River was protected using onsite gravel to protect the bank from further erosion resulting in the degradation of spawning beds with fine sediment and risking the destruction of important archaeological sites and artifacts.
  
  

2b. Restoration of East Bank Spillway & Spawning Channel

On the east bank of the lower Stave River an off-channel spillway/spawning channel was enhanced and re-watered to create rearing and spawning habitat and to reduce overall erosion and spawning gravel displacement by spreading out the flows in the mainstem Stave River from the Ruskin Dam. The spillway is located adjacent to the Ruskin Picnic Site approximately 200 m downstream of the Ruskin Dam and wraps around the eastern side of Ruskin Island (2d. Stave Site #1). This piece of the project resulted in over 7,000 m² of redeveloped spawning habitat.

Works Completed

In 2008:

• The channel intake was redeveloped to improve water flow into the off-channel habitat for suitable for salmon spawning.
  
  
• The channel was widened and deepened to reduce the stranding of salmonids during low flows.
  
  
• The channel overflow was rebuilt to increase connectivity with the lower Stave River.
  
  
• The east bank of the channel was further stabilized with over 300 native plants including species such as red alder (Alnus rubra), nootka rose (Rosa nutkana), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and hardhack (Spirea douglasii). Planting was completed by Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society and community volunteers.

In 2011:

• An additional 3,600 m² of spawning gravel was added to the off-channel spillway near the boat launch to further enhance salmonid spawning habitat.
  
  

2c. Ruskin Picnic Site

In conjunction with the east bank spillway & spawning channel restoration the adjacent Ruskin Picnic Site was enhanced in 2008 to maintain the recreational value of the site.

Works Completed

• The wooden footbridge allowing public access to the Ruskin Picnic site was replaced with a combination wood and steel footbridge.
  
  
• 4-5 truckloads of sand were added to the beach near the boat ramp to enhance recreational value of the site.
  
  

2d. Ruskin Island (Stave Site #1)

This portion of the project focused on increasing the quality and quantity of overwintering and rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids including Chum, Coho, Chinook, and cutthroat trout on Ruskin Island adjacent to the east bank spillway and spawning channel of the lower Stave River (referred to as Stave Site #1).

Works Completed

Spring 2013:

• a bio-inventory assessment was completed to assess vegetation.
  
  
  • Gave important insight into pre-restoration habitat condition, identified sensitive areas, and offered replanting suggestions.
    
    
• Working with Kwantlen First Nation an Archaeological Impact Assessment was completed to ensure the project was completed in a manner that maintained cultural heritage.
  
  
  • Pre-restoration Archaeological Impact Assessment discovered a new archaeological site and further highlights the cultural importance of the Stave River.

Fall 2013:

• In-stream restoration work began.
  
  
  • New off-channels were constructed within the Ruskin Island site including an intake to help re-water existing off-channels experiencing dry conditions from low water flow.
    
    
  • Construction resulted in the creation and enhancement of over 4,500 m²
    of in-stream rearing and overwintering habitat.
    
    
  • Habitat complexity was increased in the constructed off-channels with the addition of large wood and root wads, the creation of low sedge benches, and the creation of upland riparian areas and islands.
    
    
• The site was re-planted with native species by FVWC staff.
  
  
  • Over 13,000 native plants were added to the site!
    
    
  • Native species will provide important habitat for salmonids and other wildlife, reduce soil erosion, and reduce invasion from invasive species.

In 2015:

• A larger intake was installed to replace the original intake connecting the east bank spillway/spawning channel into the constructed rearing channels within Ruskin Island.
  
  
  • The original intake was too small to allow a greater volume of water to flow into the off-channels within Ruskin Island.
    
    
  • Replacement with a larger intake will improve water quality and connectivity with the downstream connection to the Stave River.

photo: Aerial view of Thompson Creek after construction to re-water the creek and re-align it with the west bank side channel of the Stave River in 2010.                                                                                                                                                   

photo: B- photo of the Thompson Creek fishway before restoration in 2015. Note how it is completely de-watered. C-photo of the Thompson Creek fishway after restoration in 2015. The channel is re-watered.                                                                                                                                             

photo: Local resident and DFO pose for a photo on top of the new steel fish ladder at Thompson Creek. The old, failing wooden fish ladder was replaced with a new steel fish ladder in 2019.                                                                                                                                          

photo: FVWC staff put up exclusion fencing to keep fish out of the construction zone while the Thompson Creek fish ladder was being replaced in 2019.                                                                                                                                        

Background

Restoration efforts on the West bank of the lower Stave River focus on restoring and enhancing rearing and spawning habitat. Work focused on the West bank side channel of the Stave River and the tributary Thompson Creek.

Summary of Activities

3a. Restoration of the West Bank Side Channel

The western side channel of the lower Stave River was experiencing low flows due to a failing intake at the northern end just below the Ruskin Dam. The side channel was restored to enhance spawning and rearing habitat for chum and coho salmon.

Works Completed

2010:

• The failing intake that feeds water into the 300 m west bank side channel was replaced in 2010.
  
  
  • Intake and piping replacement restored water flow from the mainstem of the Stave River into the west bank side channel. Increased water volume entering the side channel restores water flow through 3,000 m² of spawning habitat providing suitable flows and water levels for productive spawning and refuge.

3b. Thompson Creek Enhancement (Stave Site #4)

Thompson Creek is a small tributary off of the west bank of the lower Stave River and is important for rearing and spawning salmon. Fish access to Thompson Creek had become significantly reduced due to low water flow from beaver activity and human influence. 

Works Completed

2010-2011:

• Thompson Creek was realigned to flow through valuable riparian habitat and  better connect to the re-watered west bank side channel of the Stave River.
  
  
  • Re-alignment increased water flow and re-watered the back channel ponds effectively restoring spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids.
    
    
• A beaver dam was removed and the channel was re-graded to deter beaver activity and prevent future barriers to fish passage.
  
  
• Large wood and root wads were added to Thompson Creek to improve habitat complexity to give better habitat for spawning and rearing salmonids.
  
  
• Invasive plants such as Himalayan blackberry were removed with the excavator.
  
  
• The creek banks were re-planted with native plants in the Fall of 2011.

2015:

• Beaver damage and impacts from anglers resulted in de-watering of the backwater pond and Thompson Creek channel by cutting it off from the Stave River. Restoration efforts resulted in approximately 175 m² of overwintering and rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids.
  
  
  • The intake was repaired and the bank was reinforced to repair damage caused by beaver tunneling.
    
    
  • A protective berm was created where Thompson Creek meets the Stave River to protect it from future beaver and angler damage.
    
    
  • The berm was planted with 250 native plant species chosen to withstand high water levels and act as a barrier to discourage damage from recreational users.

2019:

• The failing Thompson Creek fish ladder was replaced with a new steel fish ladder.

photo: Construction of the Stave Site #2 channels.                                                                                                                                                  

photo: Excavator bringing plants in by bucket to re-plant the constructed channels at Stave Site #2.                                                                                                                                                      

photo: FVWC team planting aquatic vegetation in the constructed channels at Stave Site #2 (2018).                                                                                                                                           

photo: A group of University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) students planting the banks of the constructed channels at Stave Site #2 with native vegetation (2018).                                                                                                                                              

photo: Stave Valley Salmonid Enhancement Society, FVWC, and Kwantlen First Nation construct a Purple Martin nesting box structure at Stave Site #2 in 2021. The structure will house approximately 50 Purple Martin nesting boxes.                                                                                                                                          

Background

Stave Site #2, owned by Kwantlen First Nation, is located in the southeast between the Stave River and Silvermere Lake and is a cultural hotspot for archeological sites and artifacts. Prior to restoration, Stave Site #2 had historical rearing channels that were heavily impacted by invasive reed-canary grass causing low water flow and reduced habitat value for salmonids and other wildlife. These channels are located in a fresh water tidal estuary which are biodiverse habitats important for a range of plant communities, fish, and other wildlife. Restoration efforts focused on creating new and restoring existing off-channels for rearing and overwintering coho salmon, increasing overall habitat value for other species and species-at-risk including great blue heron and Western painted turtle, and conserving the cultural heritage of the site.

Summary of Activities

2015:

• Archaeological Impact Assessment was completed to assess archaeological hotspots and considerations for construction.
  
  
  • At least 5 archaeological sites were discovered highlighting the cultural importance of Stave Site #2.
    
    
• A comprehensive vegetation survey was completed.
  
  
  • The site was dominated by invasive reed canary grass with small pockets of native plant communities throughout including hardhack, tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), and various species of sedges (Carex spp.).
    
    
  • False pimpernel (Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea), a rare blue listed species was found in the area with an estimated 1000 plants present.
    
    
• A Western painted turtle survey was completed as Stave Site #2 is within known nesting habitat.
  • Western painted turtle basking sites and nesting sites were observed during surveys.
    
    
  • Multiple great blue herons were observed during the surveys as well indicating the importance of increasing and conserving biodiversity at the site.

2016 - Phase 1: 

• Over 7,000 m² of off-channel habitat was created for rearing and overwintering salmon.
  
  
• Material from digging the channels was used to form higher ground that could be replanted with more native species to increase riparian habitat.
  
  
• Aquatic benches were formed to support aquatic vegetation important for salmon and other aquatic species.
  
  
• Over 600 m² of riparian habitat was replanted with over 9,000 native plants!
  
  
  • Culturally significant plant species were considered when selecting plants. Some species selected include Wapato (Sagittaria latifolia), sweet gale (Myrica gale), and Nootka rose (Rosa nootkatensis).
    
    
  • Bioengineering was completed using locally harvested willow (Salix spp.) and black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa). Bioengineering with these species will help to quickly establish riparian habitat.

photo: A portion of the constructed channels in Stave Site #3 after restoration (2015).                                                                                                                                                     

photo: Trench bioengineering at Stave Site #3. The excavator dug a trench which was then planted with large willow stakes and backfilled. The willow will grow to provide riparian vegetation and soil stability.                                                                                                                                                  

photo: Aerial view of Stave Site #3 after construction in 2015.                                                                                                                                                  

photo: FVWC staff setting fish traps and measuring water quality at Stave Site #3 in April 2021.                                                                                                                                                 

Background

Stave Site #3 spans over both Ducks Unlimited and Kwantlen First Nation Property and is located southeast of the Stave River and south of Silvermere Lake and Highway #7 in Mission, BC. Restoration focused on creating off-channel habitat for rearing and overwintering salmon, increasing the availability of salmon spawning habitat in the lower Stave River, and increasing habitat diversity by reducing reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) invasion. 

Summary of Activities

2011-2014:

• Conservation partner Ducks Unlimited Canada, secured the eastern portion of Stave Site #3 as a permanent conservation site to fulfil habitat compensation requirements as a result of Highway #7 widening from Nelson Street to Wren Street in Mission, BC.

2014-2015

• Fraser Valley Watersheds Coalition and partners secured funding to complete habitat restoration of the secured Ducks Unlimited Property and neighboring Kwantlen First Nation property.
  
  
• The site was re-graded and contoured to create off-channel habitat focusing on overwintering and rearing salmon.
  
  
• Restoration work resulted in:
  • The creation of over 48,000 m² of overwintering and rearing salmon habitat,
    
    
  • The creation of 750 m² of salmon spawning habitat,
    
    
  • The placement of 400 m² of large wood to add habitat complexity,
    
    
  • Over 20,000 native trees and shrubs planted in the riparian area of the constructed off-channels, and
    
    
  • Over 3,000 m² of habitat was bioengineered and replanted with the help of students and volunteers.

2015-2016:

Monitoring

Monitoring for fish and water quality at Stave Site #3 began in 2015. Fish traps are set and water quality is measured at 10 sampling locations within Site #3 multiple times of the year.

• Monitoring for fish is important because it tells the story of how the site is functioning for fish habitat.
  
  
  • We are particularly looking for salmonids, such a Coho salmon; however, we note all species of fish caught.
    
    
  • It's not only about native species, monitoring for fish also tells us how many and what species of invasive fish are using the constructed channels.
    
    
• Monitoring for water quality is important because it tells the story of how the water in the channels is functioning for fish habitat.
  
  
  • Salmonids are especially sensitive to water quality parameters such as temperature and dissolved oxygen.
    
    
  • Measuring water quality at different times of the year tells us whether the water suitable for aquatic life especially at the times of year when fish are present.