Crabapple Creek Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement

Project overview

Spawning and rearing habitat for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was created to offset predicted habitat losses resulting from hydroelectric development in Whistler, BC. The project generated additional benefits for Kokanee Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), and other fish species, to offset predicted habitat losses resulting from hydroelectric development.

Client: Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
Location: Whistler, BC
Duration: 2013 – ongoing

The challenge

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. engaged Ecofish to provide habitat enhancement to offset the predicted habitat losses from the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydroelectric Project in Whistler, BC.

The work

Identifying the most suitable site

Ecofish developed an options matrix which identified all suitable projects for the target species. We engaged the Resort Municipality and the Whistler Fisheries Stewardship Group to refine the list and Crabapple Creek was chosen as the viable option to provide habitat enhancement to offset the predicted habitat losses from the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydroelectric Project in Whistler, BC. Crabapple Creek is a small stream located in Whistler, BC that flows through residential neighbourhoods and the Whistler Creek Golf Course, where it had been subjected to effects of urbanization (e.g. channelization, lack of diverse habitats).

Enhancing the habitat

We installed 12 rock riffles and associated spawning gravel, placed ten large woody debris structures, and planted a riparian area. Our work created 288 m² of spawning and 709 m² of rearing habitat for Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, and Kokanee Salmon. The total length of channel restored was 1,100 m.

Managing a range of services

We were responsible for determining project effects, outlining potential compensation options, working with stakeholders to prioritize options, permitting, managing contractors for construction, environmental monitoring, revegetation planning, effectiveness monitoring and developing interpretive signage for the high profile locations.

The results

Monitoring has shown that the habitat is functioning as intended with Rainbow Trout adults observed using the gravel platforms for spawning and the fry using the large woody debris for rearing platforms.

“The quality of Ecofish’s work is fantastic. I can always trust Ecofish to get a job done and to a very high quality without much oversight on my part. Being the coordinator of various other projects that require my time and attention, there is something to be said about being able to trust your consultant and know they will get the work done well, on time and on budget. It brings a level of comfort.

I love working with Ecofish, as I find many of the staff members that I communicate with are often clear, concise and quick to respond when I have a question or require any additional information. In a fast pace environment like our office, such clarity and quick responsiveness can make a world of difference.”

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