Restoration efforts underway along the Cheakamus River seem as sturdy as the stones and logs being used to create the new fish habitats.
Ever since a CN derailment caused thousands of litres of caustic soda to flow into the Cheakamus River two years ago, politicians and locals have been looking for a solution to renew the decimated fish populations. After much involved discussion and co-ordination, it seems the answer has been found by simply imitating what nature has known for years.
"Fish like obstacles," said Environment Minister Barry Penner. "They provide different currents, shade and shelter."
Penner and local MLA Joan McIntyre were on site Friday (Aug. 17) with Dave Harper, a technician with the Georgia Basin Steelhead Recovery Plan, as one of the new fish habitats was put in place at a river side channel in Paradise Valley.
"The school of thought in logging practices was that logs in the river actually impeded fish so they were completely removed from the stream, and now we know from years and years of biological proof, wood is good," said Harper, whose organization is part of the BC Conservation Foundation.
Eight structures have been put in place, each consisting of large logs anchored by rocks weighing about 3.6 tonnes. The placing of large weighted debris is an effort to diversify the habitat and ensure fish populations receive a complex environment instead of a straight shot to the ocean.
The debris provides refuge in high water, spawning areas and also gives juveniles a chance to rear before heading out to the ocean, said Harper. The logs also contain insects, which are a vital element of the river's ecosystem.
So far CN has been invoiced for over $200,000 of recovery work, said Penner. This project alone has cost around $130,000.
CN may be paying the bills but the project takes the efforts of a handful of groups, said Penner. The Ministry of Environment is co-ordinating the work, which has been contracted out to the B.C. Conservation Foundation, and DFO permission must be given before any construction is undertaken.
"The term 'complexing' captures what's being done here so well because it is complex," said Penner.
"There was a lot pressure to make a decision but in fact you shouldn't make those decisions very quickly, you need to study them," said McIntyre. "All this speaks to making sure we get the science and understand [it before jumping] to some quick conclusions."
"It's sometimes easy to seek a simple solution to a complex problem," added Penner.
Harper said local contractors such Triack wood resources have quickly stepped in to provide workers and equipment.
