Eagle Creek Feasibility Study Assessment: Improving Kokanee Access to Spawning Habitat in Eagle Creek

Author: E. Smith, M. Zimmer

The ONA had one main goal for the Eagle Creek Feasibility Study: Goal 1: Determine the feasibility of installing habitat structures in Eagle Creek to increase Kokanee access. Objective 1 Observe stability indicators (erosion and deposition patterns) from the Worthington Road Bridge in Edgewood downstream to the confluence with Arrow Lakes Reservoir to understand potential upstream risks. Objective 2 Identify drawdown zone sediment composition and its potential to support habitat structures. Objective 3 Identify access points for machinery to conduct instream work.

During the preliminary investigation prior to the site visit, two landslides were noted via air photo high up in the watershed. The cause and date of these slides is unknown. One water license holder was found within the Feasibility Assessment Study Area. If future work is to continue, this water license holder will be notified prior to any work taking place. The land in the drawdown zone is owned in part by BC Parks, Crown and BC Hydro, but it is unlikely BC Hydro property will be accessed for future habitat structure construction as it is outside the area recommended for treatments.
A summary table has been included in Appendix B describing each MZs specific issue and any recommended treatments. Many issues with Eagle Creek have been identified through this feasibility assessment; we see indications that upstream risk does not preclude an effort to improve Kokanee access treatments, such as adding habitat structures in the drawdown zone. The sediment transport complexity of Eagle Creek presents its challenges, but also provides a unique opportunity for creative stream habitat improvements in support of Kokanee access.

During the preliminary investigation prior to the site visit, two landslides were noted via air photo high up in the watershed. The cause and date of these slides is unknown. One water license holder was found within the Feasibility Assessment Study Area. If future work is to continue, this water license holder will be notified prior to any work taking place. The land in the drawdown zone is owned in part by BC Parks, Crown and BC Hydro, but it is unlikely BC Hydro property will be accessed for future habitat structure construction as it is outside the area recommended for treatments.
A summary table has been included in Appendix B describing each MZs specific issue and any recommended treatments. Many issues with Eagle Creek have been identified through this feasibility assessment; we see indications that upstream risk does not preclude an effort to improve Kokanee access treatments, such as adding habitat structures in the drawdown zone. The sediment transport complexity of Eagle Creek presents its challenges, but also provides a unique opportunity for creative stream habitat improvements in support of Kokanee access.