Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Kynoch Resources. 2007. Off-channel fish habitat monitoring & aquatic habitat assessments within Bella Coola River watershed: Noosgulch Ponds, Talchako Ponds, Canoe Crossing Creeks. Prepared for International Forest Products. |
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| Organization | Interfor |
| URL | https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/fia/2007/lbipi_6503011.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | Between February 23 and March 31, 2007, Kynoch Resources, on behalf of International Forest Products, completed Routine Effectiveness Evaluation and REE and Detailed Routine Effectiveness Evaluations (DREE) on two previously developed off-channel habitat complexes of the Bella Coola River watershed, including Noosgulch Ponds and Talchako 56.5 km Off-channel Complex. In addition to REE and DREE assessments, a location at Canoe Crossing in the Bella Coola Valley was assessed to determine preliminary feasibility/need for similar off-channel restoration. Works were completed as part of FIA evaluations. Results of monitoring at Noosgulch Ponds and Talchako 56.5 km indicated very stable and productive habitat at both sites. Objectives at both sites were to increase off-channel over wintering habitat for coho and other salmonids. Noosgulch Ponds was created in 2002 and consisted of three ponds comprising approximately 1,130 m2 of off-channel pond habitat and approximately 75.7 m of stream channel. Applying REE standards off-channel Biological Performance of these works were considered 4.0 and Physical Performance 3.9, out of a maximum possible of 4.0. Fish were identified throughout the habitat unit and ecological assessment of invertebrates, riparian condition and water quality all indicated an ecologically functioning and moderately diverse habitat unit. Talchako 56.5 km habitat was created during various projects from 2000 to 2006. Assessment and monitoring of Talchako 56.5 considered past development and compared that to recent (2006) development. Four established off-channel Ponds (Head, East, West and Channel Ponds) were evaluated for REE Biological and physical performance, as were four newly created (2006) Refugia Ponds. Previously established ponds received REE scores of 4.0 and 3.91 for Biological Performance and Physical Performance, respectively and the newly constructed ponds received REE scores of 4.0 and 3.89 for those same categories. The main impediment to the Talchako sites are related to riparian damage associated with livestock and minor channel erosion from those animals. Comprehensive ecological evaluations of Noosgulch and Talchako sites were also undertaken, including sampling of: benthic invertebrate; basic water quality; and, fish distribution and population estimates. Findings and recommendations are reported in this document. Beyond REE and DREE assessment an area at Canoe Crossing (approximately 5 km East of Noosgulch FSR, on Hwy 20) was assessed to determine feasibility of implementing similar offchannel habitat restoration. This report recommends proceeding to a more detailed assessment of this site as it seemed suited for off-channel or refugia pond development to enhance pool habitat and cover. This report describes finding of 2007 assessments, provides data and summaries and makes recommendations as required. Photographs appear in Appendix 1, Fisheries Data in Appendix 2 and FIA REE forms and data in Appendix 3. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Central Coast |
| Sub-watershed if known | Bella Coola |
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| Comments | |
| Project status | complete |
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