Central Estuary Restoration Project Construction Update - April 25, 2019

The Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) is currently implementing phase 1 of the Central Estuary Restoration Project (CERP). Phase 1 of the project is focused on upgrading an existing culvert to improve fish access between the Squamish River and the estuary, and active construction for this commenced in April 2019. Phase 1 involves the replacement of an existing 1.2 m damaged culvert with a 3 m x 3 m box culvert approximately half way down the Spit Road. This will improve the surface water flows between the estuary and river that is necessary to accommodate fish access, as the existing culvert can be perched or inundated depending on tidal fluctuations. 

As the culvert is to be placed below the natural grade of the land, works need to occur in our bi-annual low tide window experienced in late spring, and more specifically within bi-weekly low tide cycles. The work scope includes excavation of the existing road and culvert, culvert placement, reinstatement of the road surface, placement of protective rip-rap on the estuary and river sides of the structure and re-vegetation of the area.

​These works are  scheduled to take place in the available work windows between April and June 2019. During the site excavation, culvert placement, and road reinstatement scheduled for April-May 2019 the road will be partially and fully closed to traffic. It is the intent of the project team to maintain road access as much as reasonably possible, but at the discretion of Fisheries and Oceans staff who are supervising the project, for public safety reasons full closures  will be required until we are otherwise directed.

The SRWS is working in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Squamish Nation and has been in ongoing discussions with the Province of BC, District of Squamish and Squamish Windsports Society and other community and industry stakeholders. We are doing our best to ensure a smooth access for the start of the Winds Sports season for May 15, as per our discussions with the Squamish Windsports Society and in accordance with their agreement with the District of Squamish and Provincial Government.

To view the wildlife management area plan that defines recreational access and other fish and wildlife management objectives please visit:
 http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/mgmtplns/skwelwilem_wma/skelwil%27em__wma_mp.pdf
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For background on the science and decision making that has informed the need for this restoration project please visit:
https://www.squamishwatershed.com/cerp-updates/juvenile-chinook-an-at-risk-species-limited-by-the-squamish-river-training-berm

For information on phases 2 & 3 of the project that are currently in planning phase please visit:
https://www.squamishwatershed.com/central-estuary-restoration.html

Major projects of this nature, in highly variable environments, are subject to change and the SRWS remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to minimize traffic disruptions, realize habitat restoration efforts, and keep the public informed our changes as they may arise. We appreciate your understanding as we undertake this habitat restoration work that is critical to the survival of Chinook salmon. Questions can be directed to [email protected].