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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 Ancient Forest, by Arcas Media

Koksilah Ancient Forest, by Arcas Media
Image 3 of 13

Koksilah Ancient Forest, by Arcas Media

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…

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…

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…

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

  • [Times Colonist] Comment: Let’s give a dam for Vancouver Island’s only heritage river
  • [The Discourse] Local advocates look ahead to a healthier year for Somenos Lake
  • Why BC Needs Watershed Boards
  • [Cowichan Valley Citizen] The 14th annual Lower Cowichan River clean up is back on Aug. 25

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The Cowichan Watershed Board (CWB) gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the above organizations.