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The Story
Development, agriculture, forestry, invasive plants, and climate change have reduced the quality and quality of habitat for Species-at-Risk in Chilliwack waterways, such as pygmy sculpin, Salish Sucker, and sockeye, chinook, and coho salmon. Impacts include reduced access to off-channel habitat, low oxygen levels, high water temperatures, a loss of system complexity, and the construction of flood mitigation infrastructure. With the population of Chilliwack projected to double by 2041, an integrated plan was required to restore existing habitats, and to manage future developments to protect and enhance critical habitats.
Objectives
The focus of the integrated plan is to improve aquatic habitat for species-at-risk, as well as overall biodiversity in Chilliwack waterways. The plan will also incorporate social and cultural values. Key sub-set areas will be identified, assessed, and prioritized for restoration. The goal is a ‘road map’ that ensures the long-term health and biodiversity of Chilliwack waterways, and the recovery of species-at-risk.
Set within the City of Chilliwack (COC), we acknowledge the aboriginal heritage of the S’όlh Téméxw (Stó:lô) People of the River: the Ts’elxwéyeqw and Pilalt tribes and their historic villages including Cheam, Kwaw kwaw Apilt, and Skwah (Pilalt); and Aitchelitz, Skowkale, Shxwhà:y, Soowahlie, Squiala, Tzeachten, and Yakweakwioose (Ts’elxwéyeqw).
The report on restoration and enhancement opportunities on Chilliwack waterways.
The Work: Cultus Lake
The accumulation of nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen have caused eutrophication in Cultus Lake, negatively affecting sockeye salmon and coastal pygmy sculpin populations. The goal was to bring together DFO, local governments, professional biologists, and other stakeholders to discuss how to reduce nutrients entering Cultus Lake. These discussions were delayed by the Covid pandemic in 2020.
The Work: Vedder Floodplain
Collaborating with the City of Chilliwack, these projects are intended to create and enhance salmonid rearing and overwintering habitat along the north bank of the Vedder River floodplain, in Peach Creek and Stewart Creek in Wilson Park. Three projects were completed in 2019: the Peach Creek groundwater channel was extended upstream; a side-channel called Hooge Wetland was added to Peach Creek; and, a side-channel of Steward Creek was created at Wilson Park in Yarrow.
The Work: Greening
The FVWC field crew removes invasive species, plants riparian areas, and uses bioengineering to stabilize soils.
- Truckloads of white sweet clover, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom were removed to make space for native plants.
- Native species like willow, red-osier dogwood, hardhack, and wild roses are planted along the spawning channel and connection to Bristol Slough. More plants are placed along Silverhope Creek and the gravel pit/wetland.
- Common dogbane and slough sedge were planted to support the dun skipper, an endangered moth known to live across the Fraser River. Dogbane provides nectar for adults, while sedges offer ideal conditions for egg laying.
- Cuttings of willow, cottonwood, and dogwood were woven into wattle fences, “living walls” that root, grow, and hold soil in place.
- To add more mosses that attract insects, the FVWC tested a blend of moss, buttermilk, and egg to provide a sticky growing medium, spread on rocks.
Funders & Partners
More Information
Reports and documents for these sites are available at the FVWC, including City of Chilliwack Aquatic and Riparian Opportunities 2020
City of Chilliwack Aquatic and Riparian Opportunities 2020
Click here to read the report.
