project
summaries
Project Title
Backchannel Creation on Baikie Island Phase 1 (Planning) AND Baikie Island Backchannels Phase 2 – Implementation
Project Type
Backchannel construction and the creation of a marsh bench - that will return the estuary to a highly productive state.
Proponent
Greenways Land Trust
BCRP Project Number
#04.Ca.02 AND 05.Ca.03
Species Addressed
The Campbell River and its estuary support all five species of Pacific salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout, lamprey, and small populations of Dolly Varden
Region
Vancouver Island
Map

Click on map to enlarge.
Baikie Island is located in the Campbell River estuary, which is mid-way up the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, just north of the downtown core of the City of Campbell River.

project Summaries

 

executive summary

Baikie Island Reserve is located in the Campbell River estuary, which is mid-way up the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, just north of the downtown core of the city of Campbell River. The Campbell River is a provincially designated Heritage River. Past industrial activities, including forestry related activities and hydroelectric development have negatively impacted the natural environment of the estuary over the past sixty years. The Baikie Island Reserve is now owned by the District of Campbell River, and is in the process of restoration, as per the Baikie Island Management Plan and a conservation covenant held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada The Campbell River estuary is a vital rearing area for salmonids, with backchannel and marsh habitat both identified as being limiting factors to salmonid production. The habitat created by theses projects will cover an area of 17, 800 m2, including 7,200 m2 of marsh, 1,817 m2 of riparian, and 1,480 m2 of intertidal habitat. In addition 6,300 m2 will be planted with trees and other upland species. It is anticipated that 37,300 m3 of material will be excavated during construction.


before the project

 Before Backchannel

View of proposed Backchannel site, from existing pathway.

after the project

 After Backchannel

Excavated backchannel site ready for removal of plug to connect to Baikie Slough in Jan. 2006, August 31, 2005.

Triple Bottom Line Impacts
environmental
economic
social

environmental

To maximize protection and restoration of the site, the construction of two backchannels as options to enhance fish production.

economic

Total cost for the seed project 04.ca.02 $4,675.00 The total project cost for creating the marsh and backchannel is $327,108.04. Total cost for both projects $331,783.04

social

On and off-site meetings, telephone conversations, and e-mail correspondence was carried out with government agency staff, First Nations, land owners, and interested parties to obtain their concerns and suggestions. These were reviewed with project partners and incorporated into the final design.

PARTNERS: BC Hydro Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program, Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Community, District of Campbell River, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Unilever Evergreen Aquatic Stewardship, Canada Trust Friends of the Environment, Communities for Wildlife – Canadian Wildlife Federation, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.