OUR
PROJECTS

Building
on Success


Pond Removal

In decades past, widening and deepening a segment of the Creek sometimes created now disused agricultural ponds. A pond at this location raised peak summer water temperatures by as much as 4° C, and together with other nearby problem sites, significantly impaired the cold-water fishery. Filling in the pond and narrowing the channel was not a viable option, so in 2006 a new by-pass channel was created. The former pond was turned into a wetland, cedars were planted along the bank to provide shade, and the area seeded with native grasses. Planning and implementing such a large project required three years to complete the necessary assessments, identify a solution, obtain the necessary approvals and permits, and assemble the required resources. Success was also dependent upon Friends’ partnership with the landowners, various government agencies, and major sponsors. One year later, Brown Trout had returned to the Creek downstream of the former pond and, adult, juvenile, and young-of-the-year had populated the new by-pass channel.

Photo 49 Photo 50 Photo 51
Left: By-pass channel under construction -
Middle: Immediately after construction completed - Right: One year later