Evaluation of Fish Passage at Beaver Dam Analogues

NEEF Funding: $75,900

Total Project Budget: $152,210

Start Date: April 2025

End Date: January 2027

Description:

NEWSS is currently constructing a series of Beaver Dam Analogues (BDA) on degraded streams in the vicinity of Vanderhoof. To implement BDAs effectively, information will be collected to better understand when juvenile Chinook Salmon use this habitat, and if/how they are able to pass BDAs and/or beaver dams.

Project Goals:

• To provide information that will be used to optimize BDA implementation, to maximize non-natal stream rearing productivity for Nechako River Chinook.
• To improve understanding of non-natal stream rearing by juvenile Chinook Salmon.

Deliverables:

• Establish sites for installation of PIT detection equipment in Knight Creek and Clear Creek
• Procurement of PIT detection equipment and monitoring equipment (Mar-Apr 2025)
• Installation of PIT detection and monitoring equipment in Knight Creek and Clear Creek (Apr-May 2025)
• Reconnaissance minnow trapping to determine fish distribution and establish suitable sites for capture and tagging (Apr-Jul 2025)
• Training of project personnel in PIT tag application using Spruce City Wildlife Association Nechako-origin hatchery Chinook (Jun-Jul 2025)
• Release of SCWA juveniles into Knight Creek and Clear Creek (Jul 2025)
• Capture and PIT tagging of wild juveniles in Knight Creek and Clear Creek, with associated data collection (Jul-Oct 2025)
• Occasional checks of PIT detection arrays to ensure proper functioning; data downloads (Jul 2025-Sep 2026)
• Analysis and reporting (Feb-Nov 2026)
• Planning for subsequent year (Mar 2026)

Proponent: Nechako Environment and Water Stewardship Society