Okanagan River Restoration - Phase III

Tributary Committee Index

Contact Us

• E-mail Tracy Hillman
• Email Becky Gallaher

Project Sponsor:
Canadian Okanagan Basin Technical Working Group

Funding:
Wells Tributary Fund

Project Location:
Located on two properties totaling 1,087 meters in length of the west bank of the Okanagan River, north of Oliver, British Columbia

Project Description/Purpose:
Approximately 84% of the Canadian section of the river, which supports sockeye, steelhead, Chinook, rainbow trout, kokanee, and other fish species, has been channelized, severely impacting fish habitat. In addition, the Canadian portion supports approximately half of the sockeye production in the Columbia Basin.

The goal is to naturalize the 1,087 meters of channelized river by setting back the levies that now constrain natural river processes, restoring river meanders, reconnecting the river with historic floodplain features, and restoring riparian vegetation. The expected benefits are, sockeye egg to fry survival will double, redd scour will be reduced, provide 24,000 meters of complex rearing habitat for steelhead and rainbow trout, and provide 6 spawning sites for Chinook.

Phase I and II (Planning and Property Acquisition) were completed in 2004. Phase III will prepare engineering drawings and designs, ready the site for construction, and initiate public outreach for the restoration work.

Final Report:
Okanagan River Restoration Project 2006-01 W

                          
                         Current Habitat                                                   Envisioned Habitat                            Aerial Photo of the Okanagan River
                                                                                                                                                          Restoration Initiative Worksite

For more information, please contact Keith Truscott or Becky Gallaher at (509) 663-8121, or Tom Kahler at (509) 884-8171.

BACK TO HCP