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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

Koksilah area farmers collaborate with non-profits to restore stream and riverbanks on their land to help improve fish habitat in the face of climate change. Photo by Elodie Roger

Koksilah area farmers collaborate with non-profits to restore stream and riverbanks on their land to help improve fish habitat in the face of climate change. Photo by Elodie Roger
Image 13 of 13

Koksilah area farmers collaborate with non-profits to restore stream and riverbanks on their land to help improve fish habitat in the face of climate change. Photo by Elodie Roger

Project Documents

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 of southern Vancouver Island assessed salmonid habitat, water flow regimes, and riparian habitat within the lower reaches of the main rivers. The fish habitat information is presented in a separate report. This part of the Twinned Watersheds Project focused on […]

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

LATEST POSTS

Posted on August 18, 2022

Video: Interview with Elodie Roger about Riparian Zones

Elodie tells us about the ‘terrestrial’ or land part of riparian ecosystems that are also important for fish habitat, and her work with the Twinned Watersheds Project in the Koksilah and Chemainus Rivers, 2021.

Posted on August 18, 2022

Video: Salmon Mascot meets Plant People - Koksilah River

The Cowichan Watershed Board’s new Stth’aqwi’ (Chinook) salmon mascot will be visiting field scientists, planting crews, artists, and other watershed stewards throughout the summer to learn what they are doing and why it might give a wild fish hope for its future! Here is a little clip from Stth’aqwi’s first encounter with the Twinned Watersheds…

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 watersheds like the Cowichan-Koksilah (Eastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia), particularly with the added stress of climate change already apparent here. Featuring Indigenous fisheries biologist, Tim Kulchyski, Registered Professional Forester Heather Pritchard, and Executive Director of the Cowichan Watershed Board, Tom…

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

  • Photos and Links from “Safeguarding XPey'” Speaker Night
  • Speakers Series Resumes! Mon March 20th 7pm.
  • Province invests $100 million for Watershed Security Fund and co-development of watershed security strategy
  • Watershed strategy co-developed with First Nations, $100 million invested

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