2005 news releases

Group tours Ash River project
Alberni Valley Times
Wed 20 Jul 2005
Page: B2
Section: Region
Source: Special to Alberni Valley Times

Board members of the BC Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program (BCRP) toured the Ash River Watershed earlier this summer to view the 27 mega-watt hydroelectric facility and the areas targeted for fish assessment and enhancement work.

Two projects will target nutrient enrichment for the Elsie Lake Reservoir and the Ash River, a third project investigates the productive capacity of trout in the Elise tributaries, and the fourth project reviews possible fish passage above barriers in the Ash River.

The four 2005 BCRP projects, all being lead by the Hupacasath First Nation, represent approximately $215,000 in funding. The BCRP granted funding approvals for these projects due to the hard work and collaboration of the local Alberni Valley Ash River Fish and Habitat Restoration Working Group (AVARG).

"It was a real benefit for the regional BC Hydro folks, BCRP board and staff to meet with the people doing the work," said BCRP Program Manager, Andrew MacDonald. "It helps us develop ideas for the future. We look forward to more great projects coming out of the AVARG process that will help restore fish and wildlife in the Ash River watershed.

One of the more interesting studies is the Ash River Fish Passage Feasibility, where researchers will focus on the assessment of historic conditions and whether and to what extent different fish species ascended above some of the barriers, such as Dickson Falls. It is well known that Steelhead can migrate all the way to Elsie Dam.

This study looks to provide more insight on the opportunity to provide a substantial increase in fish production.

From 2001 through to 2004, other projects reviewed coarse woody debris, research and habitat selection of water shrews, an inventory and restoration principles of wildlife habitat, and an assessment of fish habitat in the Elsie Lake Basin. The BCRP provides $1.6 million annually to grant applicants for the restoration of fish and wildlife habitats in the footprint impact area of BC Hydro facilities in the Bridge Coastal Region.