Restoring the Shore

The Squamish River Watershed Society has a long history of undertaking large scale fisheries and wildlife restoration projects over the past 20 years. These projects have included restoring anadromous access to the upper Elaho River, rewatering the Mamquam Blind Channel, creating wetland habitats, and creating thousands of metres of tidal channels throughout the Squamish Estuary. To accomplish these winning projects the SRWS has worked closely with Squamish Nation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Provincial government, the District of Squamish and the local community. The results have been significant with the conversion of over 21 hectares of brownfield development back into fully functional estuarine habitat as well as the creation of over 15 hectares of wetlands, to name but a few of the multitude of projects.

The SRWS undertakes a scientific approach towards restoration activities, collecting years of data in advance of any physical works so there is a full understanding of how the restoration project achieve maximum benefits to improving the natural environment. In the past few years, the SRWS has been able to secure funding to make improvements in the Squamish estuary to restore declining Chinook salmon populations. These restoration efforts have included upgrading culvert crossings along the Squamish Training Berm and creating tidal connectivity between the Squamish River and the estuary which has allowed some of the juvenile Chinook salmon making their way down the river to access to the brackish waters of the inner estuary that will sustain them before they enter onto their 4-year ocean voyage. This work has involved detailed flood modelling, sedimentation transport studies, and biophysical monitoring to ensure no adverse impacts on flood risk for the municipality or increased risk of sedimentation deposition that could impact downstream industries such as the Squamish Terminals. Currently, the SRWS is working towards modifying the lower Training Berm, known locally as the Spit, from just south of the yellow gate (south of the Chelem Trails) to the wind surfing launch site, which will remain in place as a stand-alone island. This modification, the Restore the Shore Project, is an important step to open over 144 hectares of rich estuary habitat to outmigrating Chinook fry, instead of the current conditions that are prematurely flushing the juvenile salmon out into Howe Sound before they have a chance to grow into their next phase as smolts with scales to protect them on their ocean journey. As with any large-scale project the SRWS has conducted detailed engineering modelling and design including studying the potential changes that may be associated with this project. To this end wind and wave modelling have been completed in addition to the previous sedimentation transport and flood modelling. As well, a simulation for the pilots who operate the ships that come into port at the Squamish Terminals was completed to ensure the proposed works would not adversely affect shipping transport and operations.

The results of these recent studies have clearly indicated a net benefit to not just the estuary but also to the operations of the Squamish Terminals which will likely benefit from a decrease in sedimentation accumulation between the Spit and the Squamish Terminals western berth, that currently is occurring from the back eddying of the Squamish River. Furthermore, the modifications to the lower berm will allow the estuary to perform in a more naturalized manner, with sedimentation and woody debris spreading out throughout the estuary, rather than accumulating in pockets in front of the Squamish Terminals.

Projects such as this are intended to provide a buffer against the impending climate change by restoring the resiliency of our natural systems to withstand sea level rise and climate change. This project is in concert with other restoration efforts being undertaken in the Salish Sea to turn the tide on declining Chinook salmon stocks. A healthy and vibrant ecosystem also means a healthy and vibrant economy and projects such as the modification of the Spit will be a win-win-win for First Nations, Salmon, and Industry/Tourism/Business.
The SRWS is proud to partner with Squamish Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the “Restore the Shore” project as part of indigenous reconciliation and efforts to rebuild the declining Chinook salmon populations. This project will also rebuild many of the ecological services the estuary provides, as is summarized in the report “Natural Capital Assets of the Squamish Estuary”.

To learn more about this project please check out : www.restoretheshore.ca.