FWCP’s role in supporting kokanee
We conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams. Kokanee is a focal species in our Columbia Region Reservoirs and Large Lakes Action Plan.
We fund the delivery of a wide range of projects to help the species in two main ways:
- Through a letter of agreement with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNR) to deliver our ongoing operational (core) projects (e.g. the Nutrient Restoration Program in Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir, and the Kokanee Spawning Channels at Hill Creek and Meadow Creek); and
- Funding projects though our annual grant application intake from public, stakeholders, First Nations and government (e.g. improving spawning habitat in Deer Creek led by the Okanagan Nation Alliance, and improving fish passage at Heart Creek, led by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure).
Review of Nutrient Restoration Program
A review of the overall effectiveness of the Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir nutrient restoration programs is underway now. It includes a review of the program objectives and recommendations for trend monitoring frequency. The review is scheduled for completion in fall 2022.
The Provincial role in supporting kokanee
The Fish and Wildlife Management Section of Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNR) is responsible for fisheries management decisions, such as fishing regulations or fry production targets for spawning channels. To review many of the activities being undertaken by FLNR to help Kokanee, visit the website for links to the Kootenay Lake Recovery Plan, Kootenay Lake Sport Fishing Updates, and the annual Gerrard Rainbow Trout spawner returns.