Grilse Creek LWD Post-Construction Maintenance & Monitoring
In 2014, the BCCF, with FWCP funding, re-built 18 Large Woody Debris (LWD) structures in the lowest three-kilometre reach of Grilse Creek, a headwater tributary of the Salmon River. In the spring of 2015, a Routine Effectiveness Evaluation (REE) was conducted by BCCF to meet the requirements of the FWCP Grilse Creek LWD Rehabilitation proposal. The spring 2015 REE revealed one structure (out of the 18 built/repaired) had moved during the extreme high flows that occurred in October of 2014. To ensure this project remains successful, cost-effective and optimized, this project will repair damage found during the 2015 REE, and another REE will be conducted during spring 2016.
This project will ensure structures are stable and functioning properly following last years’ large flood events. Approximately 3600 square metres have been enhanced from the 2014 Grilse Creek LWD project. To ensure these structures have full lifespans (15 – 20 years), maintenance during the early life-stages is essential for structure longevity.
Final Report: Executive Summary
In 2014, the British Columbia Conservation Foundation (BCCF) with funding from the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) re-built 18 Large Woody Debris (LWD) structures in the lowest 4 km reach of Grilse Creek, a headwater tributary of the Salmon River. This project aligns with the FWCP Campbell Salmonid Action Plan under the action to “maintain existing constructed habitat enhancements for all salmonids”. The objective of this project was to conduct Routine Effectiveness Evaluations (REE’s) on all 18 structures rebuilt/built in 2014 and to complete all required maintenance. This project will help maintain and evaluate constructed LWD habitats on Grilse Creek used by Coho and Chinook Salmon, steelhead, Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char. On June 22, 2016, Routine Effectiveness Evaluations (REE’s) were conducted on all Large Woody Debris (LWD) sites located in Grilse Creek. The 2016 REE’s showed that three of the 18 structures had physical deficiencies and required maintenance. Additionally, another three structures had sediment collection in and around the site which caused drying of the structure in low summer flows (a result of river migration). Overall the REE’s showed that the majority of the sites were performing as expected or were exceeding expectations, even though the overall REE scores had decreased from the 2015 survey. Required maintenance was completed in August of 2016 on two of the three structures; the third structure required an excavator which was not in the scope of this project. Future monitoring is needed to optimize each structure’s physical and biological performances.
Click the provincial database link below to read the full final report for this project.