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You are here: Home / Twinned Watersheds Project / Riparian Plants

Riparian Plants

Twinned Watersheds Project:

Riparian Plants

 In 2021, the Twinned Watershed Project studied how the riparian zones, the terrestrial part of riparian ecosystems, are impacting fish habitat. Riparian field crews assessed sites along lower reaches of the Koksilah and Chemainus Rivers to see how well the trees and shrubs are doing at preventing streambank erosion and filtering surface water, as well as providing fish refuge when they fall in the river. They also assessed culturally significant plants such as western redcedar, a keystone species in Indigenous culture. Land use along the rivers was mapped and several priority sites were identified for invasive plant removal and planting native species. Riparian restoration work was also done at three local farms.

Photo Gallery

Riparian plant crew looked for big trees that provide benefits as in-stream structures for fish habitats and on the forest floor to slow the flow of water. Photo by Heather Pritchard

Riparian plant crew looked for big trees that provide benefits as in-stream structures for fish habitats and on the forest floor to slow the flow of water.  Photo by Heather Pritchard
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Riparian plant crew looked for big trees that provide benefits as in-stream structures for fish habitats and on the forest floor to slow the flow of water. Photo by Heather Pritchard

A 50-metre deep riparian zone was studied along some stream reaches to learn how the health of the forests is affecting the health of fish habitat.

Riparian areas in the lower reaches of the Chemainus and Koksilah Rivers were found to be in relatively good shape, although sometimes quite narrow or impacted by flood control structures.

"Protecting healthy riparian ecosystems now is more affordable and effective than extensive restoration efforts in the future." - Heather Pritchard, RPF

Videos

DOCUMENTS

Posted on March 15, 2022

Video: Why Fish Need Trees

Tim, Tom and Heather explain why fish need trees to survive and thrive in coastal…

Posted on March 15, 2022

Twinned Watersheds Project: Riparian Vegetation Assessment in the Chemainus and Koksilah Watersheds

The Twinned Watersheds Project of the Chemainus River and Koksilah River in the Cowichan Region…

Check Out Other Parts of the Twinned Watersheds Project

Khowutzun Forest Services Flows and Fish habitat field crew training. Koksilah River.
Khowutzun Forest Services Flows and Fish habitat field crew training. Koksilah River.
FISH HABITATS
Tim Kulchyski, Cowichan Tribes member, Fisheries biologist, Koksilah River. Taylor Roades
Tim Kulchyski, Cowichan Tribes member, Fisheries biologist, Koksilah River. Taylor Roades
INDIGENOUS FLOWS
Stth'aqwi' the Big Dancing Fish meets friend, MLA Sonia Furstenau.
Stth'aqwi' the Big Dancing Fish meets friend, MLA Sonia Furstenau.
BIG DANCING FISH

Latest News

  • Lower Cowichan River Cleanup 2022
  • Xwulqw’selu / Koksilah Info Night
  • Job Posting EXTENDED: Executive Director
  • Report: Twinned Watershed Project – Xwulqw’selu/Koksilah River Environmental Flow Assessment

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