Kiwi connector channel connector project: year 2
This project builds upon the work initiated in the 2017-2018 fiscal year (which included upgrades to the intake at Far Point and improved weirs, flows, and channel works) by creating a new extension at the south end of Kiwi Channel south into what will be the new Kiwi Connector Channel that will connect into Emerald Forest Channel on the east side of Paradise Valley Road. This project will provide new spawning and rearing habitat for Coho, Chum, Pink, Chinook, and Steelhead salmon, and is expected to improve Coho productivity by 10,000 smolts, once it is fully realized. This proposal is the second year of a three-year phased project.
Check out the video from the Squamish River Watershed Society here.
Final Report: Executive Summary
The Cheakamus River is well known for its abundant populations of salmon, trout and char. The lower reaches of this river lie within Paradise Valley, a highly productive area that has a broad floodplain and numerous side channels. Much of this habitat was disconnected from the river by dikes, but restoration efforts over the last 30 years have revitalized the floodplain and helped to restore salmon runs in this area.
The project site, the “Kiwi Connector Channel Year 2”, is located within the Dave Marshall Salmon Reserve on the properties managed by School District #44’s Cheakamus Center which is recognized as one of the premier outdoor education facilities in Canada and on Squamish Nation lands at IR 11. There are fewer higher profile area to showcase efforts to restore coastal watersheds. Previous restoration projects on these properties have been designed not just to provide off-channel habitat for salmonids but to also fit within the educational programming at the Cheakamus Centre. The Cheakamus Centre brings hundreds of students each year to experience this unique area on educational field trips. Similarly, Squamish Nation has a long legacy of restoring and improving habitat for salmonids and being stewards of the land. In partnership with Squamish Nation and the Cheakamus Centre, the SRWS, DFO along with BC Hydro have been successful at improving environmental values in this area.
This project expands on the works initiated in 2017/2018. The Kiwi Connector Channel Year 2 project includes the construction of a new channel that connects into Kiwi Channel South and will flow across Paradise Valley road via a new culvert alignment. The project also includes upgrading the existing culvert crossing across Paradise Valley Road that flows into Emerald Forest Creek, repairing bridge crossings (two), and placement of boulder clusters and large woody debris (LWD) in the newly constructed stream. On the east side of Paradise Valley Road work will continue with the Gorbuscha Channel, also with two new bridge replacements and cleaning out any sediment buildup to improve overall downstream flows. The weirs that are controlling the flow will also be cleaned and upgraded to better perform their function.
Click the provincial database link below to read the full final report for this project.