BC Hydro re-uses, recycles and replants trees at Nakusp
NAKUSP – BC Hydro has cut thousands of small tree stems from the Village of Nakusp's airport runway and planted them on the flats near West Arrow Park.
"It's a new twist on the three Rs of conservation," said Eva Boehringer, Revegetation Program Lead for BC Hydro. "This spring BC Hydro contractors cut about 14,000 unwanted cottonwood and willow stems from the Nakusp airstrip and planted them in an area where the trees can be enjoyed by residents and wildlife."
BC Hydro began planting native trees, shrubs and plants in Arrow Lakes Reservoir last year under the Columbia River Water Use Plan. The goal of BC Hydro's re-vegetation program is to maximize plant growth and increase the number of plant species growing in the drawdown zone of Arrow Lakes Reservoir. The drawdown zone refers to seasonally flooded land below the maximum operating level of the reservoir. The program focuses on fertilizing and planting native trees, shrubs, and other plants in the top six metres of the drawdown zone.
This program was recommended by the Columbia River Water Use Plan, a plan developed by a consultative committee and approved in 2007, to benefit fish and wildlife populations and also help stabilize shorelines. Currently, about 393 hectares in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir have been identified for replanting under the program.
"Initially, the revegetation program will focus on planting sedge plants, black cottonwood stakes and a small amount of willow stakes," said Boehringer. "These species grow well in reservoir drawdown zone areas. BC Hydro is planting other species on an experimental basis and successful species will be included in the planting program in future years."
The revegetation program under the Columbia River Water Use Plan is not linked to BC Hydro's dust control program. BC Hydro will continue to plant fall rye grass at lower elevations in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir as needed to control dust.
Backgrounder: BC Hydro's Arrow Lakes Reservoir Revegetation Program
Why we are planting in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir?
The goal of the revegetation program under the Columbia River Water Use Plan is to maximize plant growth and increase the number of plant species growing in the drawdown zone of the Arrow Lakes Reservoir. This program was recommended by the Columbia River Water Use Plan Consultative Committee to benefit fish and wildlife and also help stabilize shorelines.
What types of plants are we using?
We are only planting native plants. Initially, the program will focus on planting sedge plants, black cottonwood stakes and a small amount of willow stakes. These species grow well in reservoir drawdown zone areas. We are planting other species on an experimental basis, and successful species will be included in the planting program in future years.
This year we are also seeding a mix of native plant seeds, which we put together based on the species we have observed growing in the reservoir. These include sedges, rushes and grasses. Finally, we will be using fertilizer to enhance the growth of plants that are already growing in the drawdown zone.
Our planting sites
Over the course of its implementation, the program will target the upper six meters of the drawdown zone of Arrow Lakes Reservoir, between elevation 434 metres and 440 metres. This is the elevation range where planting, seeding and fertilizing are most likely to result in self-sustaining plant communities. This year, we will focus on areas in the elevation range of 436 metres and 440 metres (upper elevations).
Preliminary sites for replanting in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir drawdown zone were identified with air photos, and in 2007, these sites were visited by field crews to assess their suitability as replanting sites. We are continuing to refine both the sites and the treatment approaches, as we receive more information from stakeholders and continue to evaluate conditions on the ground. Currently, about 393 hectares have been identified for re-vegetation between Revelstoke and Castlegar.
What have we done so far?
BC Hydro started the planting program in the summer of 2008 in Burton, when we carried out a small test to determine appropriate fertilizers and fertilization rates for different types of sites that already contain some vegetation. We also planted and fertilized a small number of greenhouse grown seedlings. In total, about two hectares were treated. This year, we will continue planting, seeding and fertilization in the Nakusp and Burton areas, and we will be treating bigger areas.
How will we measure success?
In 2007, BC Hydro started looking at vegetation that is already growing in the drawdown zone, and in 2008, we also started looking at the areas that are being treated to see how well the treatments are working. Every spring/summer, contractors will be working in the drawdown zone to identify and measure plant species, and to collect data on the impact that the revegetation treatments are having.
BC Hydro will re-visit the planted sites on a regular basis for 10 years to measure plant growth and assess whether the treatments are successful in maximizing plant growth and diversity in the drawdown zone.
Dust Control Program
The Revegetation Program under the Columbia River Water Use Plan is not linked to BC Hydro's dust control program. BC Hydro will continue to plant fall rye grass at lower elevations in the Arrow Lakes Reservoir as needed to control dust.
Source: BC Hydro News
Contact:
Jennifer Walker-Larsen
Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
TOC Community Relations
Phone: 250 814 6645