Mosquito Projects Update (and Further Opportunities)Lower Mosquito Creek Enhancement Project - Est July 2019 The project site is just under 1/2 a kilometer, the stretch starts at 2nd Street Bridge and extends downstream to the CN Rail Bridge. The purpose of the project is to restore this section of stream to a more natural state. Vastly improving spawning and rearing areas for salmonids. The species targeted for improved spawning are primarly Chum and Pink, but we can also expect utilization from Coho, Steelhead and Cutthroat. All species will use this area as rearing habitat as it is a critical part of the stream known as the "transition zone." Where fry undergo the smolting process before heading out for ocean migration. The improved spawning areas will undoubtedly have a dramatic increase on the success of egg to fry. Additionally, being that this enchancement is taking place in the transition zone we can expect strong and healthier smolts heading out for ocean migration. The combination of more fry and stronger smolts will lead to larger numbers of returning salmonids. What Stage is the Project at Today?The NSSK began the project nearly 2 years ago and has been working with DFO, CNV, and Squamish Nation. In support of the project the Squamish Nation provided a engineers report of the site. NSSK has delegated to CNV mayor and council for support, cash and in-kind contribution. The budget for the project is roughly $225,000 and so far we have secured about $50,000 worth. The remainder of the funding is TBA, with a $65,000 request out to PSF and another large request to be submitted to Patagonia shortly (we expect this to be about $50,000). Most recently NSSK has been in talks with BCIT's Rivers Institute to see if there is an opportunity for their involvement and perhaps help with funding. Another grant application will be sent to the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund. A huge piece to the progess of the project will be if PSF provides funding. Start date for the project is slated for sometime between July and August (2019's fish window). Future Projects/Opportunities#1 - Harbourside Foreshore EnhancementThe foreshore of the Harbourside area in North Vancouver is up for restoration and enhancement. At present Concert Properties is leading the foreshore enhancement as they own a lot of the land in the area and will be developing a whole community as part of their "Harbourside Waterfront" development. They are leading the project as it is a compensation requirement by the City of North Vancouver. The problem with this project as it stands is the foreshore enhancement is limited due to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority being the land owners of everything in the ocean. VFPA is presently NOT allowing Concert to work within their property, and all signs are pointing to VFPA NOT allowing a land use designation of "Conservation Land" from "Terminal Use." This coupled with the CNV requirement for Concert to prepare for 1M of sea level rise as part of their plan. Thus we would see a very high gradient enhancement area over a very short space, resulting in extremely poor foreshore enhancment. What Can We Do?Next step is to set up a meeting with NSSK, VFPA and Concert to see if somehow we can work on a plan that benefits all parties. No date is set on the meeting, this is TBA. Other Projects#2 - Replacing the Griffin Lacrosse Box with a new Spawning Channel (District wants to turn it into another PARKING LOT! Time is of the essence).
#3 - Replacement/Upgrade of the Bio-Remediation Pools on Griffin Channel (Mosquito Creek). #4 - Fencing of Fell Channel to keep dogs OUT of spawning/rearing beds (this is a MAJOR issue). #5 - Potential to put in another spawning channel between HWY1 and Fell Channel, but on the East side. #6 - Potential to put in another spawning channel in the park North East of Larson Rd. + It might even be feasible to run a channel from HWY1 all the way down to the Park on the North East side of Larson Rd.
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AuthorKeegan Casidy Archives
January 2020
CategoriesMosquito Creek,
North Vancouver, British Columbia |