qH 0 ;;; e oFO - Library I MPO Bibliothequo EX LIBRIS - Ian D. Thomson fl1 t_f PERCEPTIONS ON RECREATION AND SPORT FISHERIES OF THE CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER RIVER by Philip A. Meyer Chief Social Science Unit Southern Operations Branch Fisheries & Marine Service JOINTLY FUNDED BY: Southern Operations Branch Fish and Wildlife Branch Fisheries and Marine Service Department of Recreation Environment Canada and Conservation Province of British Columbia SH 572 . BS M48 c . 2 JANUARY, 1976 '273D) THE LIBRARY BEDFORD INSTITUTE OF O CEA O GRAPHY PREFACE B.;X l 006 DARTMO UTH, N.S. B2Y 4A2 This study is the second of two funded jointly by the Fish and Wildlife Branch; Department of Recreation and Conservation , Province of British Columbia , and the Fisheries and Marine Service, Environment Canada , and focussing on recreational management of river systems. Wh i l e the analysis of results , and the writing of the report have fallen to t he .under signed, many persons contributed to the final product. Study design was a joint undertaking by Richard C. Bryan and Gerard J. Mos , both then with my unit, Christopher Dodd, of the Province of British Columbia, and the author. Field work was conducted by William Cotter and Victor Willms, under the supervision of Mr. Bryan. Data was arranged for computor analysis by Katherine J. Racey, and Mary C. Harrison. Finally, the study is particu larly indebted to Mr. Dodd for forceful and effective criticism during the write-up stage. Despite this substantial assistance t he author, nevertheless, retains claim to any and a ll errors. Philip A. Meyer Chief Social Scienca Unit Southern Operations Branch Fisheries & Marine Service LIBRARY FISllERIES ,\ND OCEANS Hll31.i0Tlll ~ QUE r£c1ms ET oci7:ANS PERCEPTIONS ON RECREATION AND SPORT FISHERIES OF THE CHI LLIWACK/VEDDER RIVER A. Introduction The Ch illiwack/Vedder l ies in the south central area of the Fr aser Valley, flowing i n an approximate westerly direction until it enters the Fraser River southwest of Chilliwack (See Figure I). The river originates in Chilliwack Lake, is 38 miles in length , and drains an area of 468 squ are miles , 164 of which are in the State of Washington . For t h e first 28 miles from Chilliwack Lake to Vedder Crossing , the river is known as the Chilliwack Ri,,er. During the early 1900's, the Chilliwack River was diverted into the Vedder River and this division has since been referred to as the Chi lliwack/Vedder River . The river below Vedder Crossing is known locally as the Vedder ~iver and for the first four miles proceeding downstream it flows on an alluvial fan . For the last five miles it is confined between dykes, and flows across the former flood plain of the Fraser River. The water of the Chilliwack/Vedder system is generally clear, except during heavy rains. The area adjacent to the river is agricultural a nd residential for t he lower h alf of the system. Extensive logging h as taken place over the past 35 years above Vedder Crossing, a nd these op erations, together with forest fires, h ave denuded l a rge areas adjacent to the river . This appears to be the main cause of flash flooding, usually associated with sudden rains . The Chilliwack-Vedder system, together with its tributaries, is a significant producer of salmon, steelhead and trout. Pink salmon appear in large numbers throughout the Fraser System and spawn every second year in the early Fall . The Chilliwack/Vedder system is cons i dered to be the most important p ink salmon producing a r ea on the south side of the Fraser River below Hope. These pink stocks are almost totally associated with catches by the commercial fishery. THE CHILLI WACK- VEDDER RIVER SYSTEM AGASS•I Z SARDIS • CHILLI WACK MUN ICIPALITY Q__ I 2 -3- Coho salmon are found in abundance, and are most available for sport fishing from early October through December. It is estimated that there were approximately 3,200 coho caught by sport fishermen during 1974~!) Steelhead are primarily fished from late November through late March on the Vedder system. An estimated 3,000 were caught by sport fishermen 2 during 1974, ( ) with a similar number reaching the spawning grounds. Trout are a significant sport species in the system, with Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Rainbow being taken. Sucker and whitefish are also available. Chinook salmon are present in extremely small numbers . The location of the system, on the periphery of a major urban area, makes it highly attractive as a sport fishery and natural recreation area. Bank fishing is the predominant sport fishing mode, and reasonable to easy access is obtained over most of the river area. The river from Slesse Creek to Chilliwack Lake is closed to fishing year round, except for a two-week period in July- August when fishing with lures is permitted . Summary The C~illiwack-Vedder river is an important tributary of the Fraser River in terms of both its agricultural and domestic usage, and its natural recreation capabilities. It is a significant rearing ground for salmon, both commercial and sport, and provides a viable sport fishery on steelhead, and trout as well. Its relative proximity to the metropolitan Vancouver area increases the attractiveness of its three distinct sport fisher;.es: the coho fishery (October through December): the steelh ead fishery ( November through March) and the trout fishery, peaking in July and August. B. Study Method Interviewing took place on a part-time basis from July 1974 through December 1974, and on a full-time basis from January through March, 1975. This was necessary because of financial constraints associated with the study. Consequently, a "proportionately represe_ntati ve" sample from the four recreational user groups surveyed was not obtained. Furthermore, no independent source of total user numbers in the system is available. (1) Conversations with officials of the Provincial Fish and Wildlife Branch, Department of Recreation and Conservation. 2 < ) Developed from Provincial creel census data. -4- This study will therefore discuss the perceptions and preferences of each of the user groups identified, but will not estimate total levels of use or total value for the system. It is also important to note that the "user" groups were not totally distinct. An examination of visits by month will indicate that some recreators interviewed visited the area year-round, and fished for whatever species were available at the time. Consequently, information on weather, for instance, will be to some degree a consequence of the time of year the interview was conducted. The survey focussed on persons found "at bankside". It consequently did not cover kyackers, canoers, innertubers, and other recreators found floating on the river, save where they came ashore, and, so, under represents this group. Any large groups of relative unruly recreators were also avoided by interviewers. The surveyed area was covered on a a>ntinuing, rotating basis, with everyone at site over the age of 16 years being interviewed . The first piloting took place in June, 1974. The questionnaire, which was completed by the interviewer, is reproduced in Appendix A. c. The Steelhead Fishermen of the Chilliwack/Vedder 1 Who are the Steelhead Fishermen? Due partially to the sampling configuration of the study, and partially to the popularity of the Chilliwack/Vedder system for steelhead fishing, 475 of the 665 respondents interviewed indicated their fishing motive in being there was to sport fish for steelhead . While slight mention was made of camping and relaxing as secondary motivations, virtually all respondents indicated they were there primarily to fish. Furthermore, 474 respondents (all but one) indicated that they had come specifically to the Chilliwack/Vedder and had not merely "stopped off" as the offshoot of a visit to another area. -5- Ninety-three percent of the steelheaders came from, and were returning to, their homes that same day, while a further 4 per cent were staying in adjacent campgrounds. Only 15 per cent of those inter viewed were accompanied by a member of their fami l y. As might be expected , distance also has a marked effect on participation rates on the river. Table I summarizes the place of residence of interviewed respondents. Table I PERMANENT RESIDENCE OF SAMPLED RESPONDENTS CHILLIWACK/VEDDER "STEELHEADER" Per cent Number of of Total Respondents Sample Chilliwack, Cultis, Sardis, Vedder, Yarrow 98 21 Delta, Surrey, Whiterock, Langley, Cloverdale 98 21 Vancouver, North and West Vancouver 91 19 Burnaby, New Westminster 42 9 Matsqui, Sumas, Abbotsford, Aldergrove 35 7 Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody 30 6 Haney, Pitt Meadows 28 6 Mission, Agassiz, Harrison 21 4 Richmond 12 3 Other, British Columbia 10 2 Other, Canadian 3 1 United States 7 1 475 100 The inverse relationship between distance travelled and participation becomes even clearer when the Table I figures are adjusted by popula tion size. To facilitate this analysis, the residential areas listed were further arbitrarily grouped into "adjacent areas", " near areas " and "more distant areas". The results of this analysis are presented in Table II. - 6- Table II PARTICIP.ATION IN CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER STEELHEAD FISHERY BY AREA OF RESIDENCE, AND WEIGHTED FOR POPULATION DTFFERENCES Number of Index of Intensity Respondents of P~rticipation per Area capita (1) Adjacent Areas Chilliwack, Cultis, Sardis, Vedder and Yarrow 98 100.0 Near Areas Mission, ~gassiz, Harrison, Hope Masqui, Sumas, Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, Haney, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam 209 19.1 More Distant Areas Vancouver (including North and West) Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody 148 6.4 (1) The index of participation is derived by the formula: # of area X participants x (Population of "Adjacent" area (100) # of "adjacent area (Population of Area ) participants :Where X is the area being tested - 7 - Thus, steelheaders, living adjacent to the Chilliwack/Vedder system travel to the river approximately five times as much as those living in "near areas", and 15 times as much as steelheaders living at "more distant" locations in the Lower Mainland. <3 ) The age distribution of Chilliwack/Vedder steelhead fishermen is indicated in Table III. Table II I AGE DISTRIBUTION : CHILLIWACK/VEDDER STEELllEAD FISHERMEN Age Group Number Per cent Under 20 38 8.0 20-24 58 12.2 25-29 89 18.7 30-34 60 12.6 35-39 63 13.3 40-44 36 7.6 45-49 30 6.3 50-54 35 7.4 55-59 22 4 . 6 60-64 18 3 . 8 65 and over 26 5.5 475 100.0 ( 3) This assumes the proportion of steelheaders to population to be more or less constant between areas. To the degree that this is not the case, the actual index of partici pation would have to be adjusted, although the general conclusion would stand. -8- The median respondent age falls in the 30-34 years category, 4 similar to the result obtained in an earlier study on the rapilano River. ( ) However, in marked contrast to that study, rel atively few chil dren were observed in the Chill iwack/Vedder river area and only eight per cent of steelhead respondents interviewed were under 20 years of age. This compared to an overall respondent figure of 27 . 5 per cent under 20 years of age in the Capilano study. The present result is partially related to the specialized nature of the steel head fishery -- but more importantly, it is bel ieved, to the fact that the Capil a n o River is situated within an intensel y urban area, while the Chilliwack/Vedder is located approximately 60 miles from the core of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. (S) As with all other sport fisheries in British Columbia, the steelheaders of the Chilliwack/Vedder are overwhelmingly (98 per cent) male. Twenty- nine per cent of them belong to a Fish and Game Club or conservation organization, twice the level of the (predominately) coho fishermen interviewed in the Capilano study, and almost three times the provincial average for all fishermen. 2 Steelheader Activity Characteristics Steelhead fi~hermen fish the Vedder most intensively in the December through February period. Visitation infoimation, by month , for those sampled is provided in Table IV . 4 ( ) Richard C. Bryan, A Survey of C·•stomer Values, Perceptions and Future Management Options as they Relate to the Capilano River Sport Fishery, Fisheries and Marine Service, Pacific Region, 1975. ( 5) The fact that the Capilano study was conducted when children were out of school also undoubtedly affected that result. -9- Table IV SEASONAL DI STRIBUTION OF VISITS BY STEELHEAD FISHERMEN: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Average Number of Index of Number of Respondent Visits Visits per Visits Peak Month Respondent (Sample) = 100 January 3.8 1,798 99 .1 February 3.6 1,723 94.9 March 2.2 1,055 58.1 April .9 423 23.3 May .2 113 6.2 June .3 157 8.6 July .5 226 12.5 /\ugust .4 l93 10.6 September .6 312 17.2 October 1. 4 648 35.7 November 1. 9 924 50.9 December 3.8 1,815 100.0 Visits per year 19.6 Steelhead day users spend, on average, about six hours at site. Full distribution of site time by sampled steelheaders is presented in Table V. -10- Table V AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN C'HILLIWACK/VEDDER AREA BY STEELHEADERS Number of Time Category Respondents Per cent Less than 3 hours 48 10 3 to 6 hours 216 46 6 to 9 hours 133 28 Day trip over 9 hours 57 12 Overnight 19 4 Two nights 1 474 100 Steelheaders tend to fish in a variety of weather, with 55 per cent of those sampled being encountered during cloudy days, 24 per cent in sunshine, 14 per cent in rain, and 7 per cent in snow conditions. Further , they tended to fjsh in relatively uncrowded areas -- with an average of 2.5 people in sight during each interview. 3 Sport Fishing Characteristics of Steelheaders Ninety-six per cent of the steelheaders interviewed used spinning gear in their fishing . Further, while seeking steelhead, they also caught a variety of other sport fish. Reported catch by those sampled is indicated in Table VI. - 11 - Table VI ANNUAL NUMBERS OF SPORT FISH CAUGHT BY FISHERMEN SEEKING STEELHEAD: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Number of Respondents Overall Total Fish Reporting a Annual Caught by Catch Catch Respondents Steelhead 187 7.4 1,384 Coho 108 8.7 940 Trout 9 14.8 133 Springs 4 3 . 7 15 Other Fish 7 12. 0 84 4 The Steelheaders' Assessment of Fishing Quality As in the Capilano study, the majority of the steelhead anglers surveyed at Chilliwack/Vedder assessed the angling as " poor " . Full results follow in Table VII. Table VII EVALUATION OF THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SPORT FISHERY BY SURVEYED STEELHEADERS Number of Average Number Evaluation Resp.ondents Per cent of Fish Caught Per Respondent per year Poor 259 55 5.8 Satisfactory 149 31 7.9 Good 54 11 10.9 No Response 13 3 475 100 - 12 - 5 Management Options and the Preferences of Chilliwack/Vedder Steelheaders The preferences of the surveyed steelheaders were also sought with reference to identified management options on the Chilliwack/Vedder system. These options included changing the number of recreational activities available in the riverine area, changing the number of fish available, increasing sport fish sizes, adding a summer run of salmon or steelhead, using live bait, elongating season, changing the number of people found at site, and changing the amount of fishing time available at site. Respondents were not supplied with information on physical or f inancial constraints associated with various options , but were simply asked for their relative preferences. Results are reported in Table VIII. Table VIII STEELHEADERS PREFERENCE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option First Choice Second Choice* # % # % Increase numbers of fish available ~ :-. 351 74 27 6 Add a summer run of fish 53 11 163 34 Increase activities available 12 3 4 1 Decrease activities available 12 3 4 1 Decrease number of people at site 11 2 18 4 Increase size of existing fish 7 1 17 4 Decrease amount of fishing time at site 2 6 1 Decrease numbers of fish available 1 Allow live bait in restricted area 1 1 Allow longer season in the restricted area 1 1 No response 24 5 234 49 475 100 475 100 * Respondents were invited to select a second choice of option if they desired, assuming their first choice option was not possible. -13- It can be observed that steelheaders at the Chilliwack/Vedder would like to see, above all, increased numbers of sport fish in the (6) system, and the addition of a summer run of fish. Respondents we re of mixed opinions as to whether the range of activities in the system should be increased or decreased . A preference for decreasing the number of people at site, and increasing the size of avai l able sport fish was also indicated by (7) a limited number of respondents . 6 Principal Concerns of Ste elheaders Regarding Erosion of the Sport Fishing Experience St eelheaders were a l so questioned about changes that would result in their no longer recreating in the Chilliwack/Vedder riverine area. In responding, they were asked to consider a range of activities available, number of fish avai l able, species of fish available , number of people in sight, and the amount of time they were spending in the area. Results are presented in Table IX. (6) To the extent that respondents sought steelhead above all other s pecies , they would presumabl y favou r additions to steelhead . To the ex tent that they fished the river more generally, they would pre·sumably .be interested in all sport species . (7) In addition to the response noted above, the interviewed fishermen volunteered a series of other suggestions for improvement. These are outlined in Appendix B. - 14 - Table IX POTENTIAL CHANGES THAT WOULD RENDER THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM NO LONGER WORTH VISITING FOR STEELHEADING First Second Change Mentioned Mentioned # 3 # % Decrease in the amount of time spent in the area 159 35.3 60 33 . 2 Increase in the number of people in sight 122 27.l 41 22.7 Increase in activities available 105 23.3 39 21. 5 Decrease in number of fish available 55 12.2 37 20.4 Decrease in species of fish available 6 1. 3 0 Decrease in activities available 3 .8 4 2.2 --- 450 100.0 181 100.0 It can be observed that steelheaders have a fairly broad range of concern over possible negative impacts in their sport fishing activity. They would be most intolerant of any decrease in the amount of time they were permitted to fish the system. They are also resistant, however, to any increase in the number of people at site, and, perhaps relatedly, to any increase in the range of recreational activities available in the system. They also showed a significant level of concern over potential declines in the number of fish available in the system. They were less concerned over the range of species available, although presumably, this would change if steelhead were eliminated from the system. - 15 - 7 Steelheaders and the Question of Access The Steelheaders interviewed were also asked specifically about changes in the quality of access to the Chilliwack/Vedder. The results of this inquiry are presented in Table X. Table X STEELllEADER PREFERENCES CONCERNING ACCESS TO THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM No. of Respondents (%) Management Option In Favour Percent Maintain the quality of existing access 385 81 Reduce the number of access points 37 8 Increase the number of access points 24 5 Improve existing access points 18 4 Sign existing access roads 8 2 --- 472 100.0 It would appear from the above table that the large majority of steelheaders are satisfied with access to the Chilliwack/Vedder as it now exists. 8 Sununary - The Steelheaders Virtually a ll of the steelhead fishermen of the Chilliwack/Vedder system make day trips to the area with the single purpose of sport fishing. They consequently have littl e interest in other recreational pursuits. They come, primarily, from the Lower Mainland, with distance from home to site having a significant impact on rate of visitation. They tend to be adult fishermen, are overwhelmingly male, and a relatively high proportion from their ranks hold membership in a fish and game club or a conservation organization. - 16 - Steelheaders visit the Chilliwack/Vedder most frequently in the December through February period. They s pend an average of 6 hours per day visit on site, usually in uncrowded areas along the river. Using spinning gear almost exclusively, average takes for fishermen reporting catches were good, but many fishermen reported no catches. In fact, the majority of respondents evaluated fishing in the river as II poor11 . Steelheaders placed an average value of $27 . per day on their sport fishing experience . Steelheaders overwhelmingly favour increased numbers of sport fish available in the system, and the establishment of a summer run of fish . Negative factors of significant concern to them include the possibility of decreased time at fishing site, increased numbers of people at site, increases in the range of recreational activities available in the riverine area , and decreases in the number of fish available. They generally view present access as satisfactory. D. The Coho Fishermen of the Chilliwack/ Vedder 1 Who are the Coho Fishermen? Fifty-six of the respondents interviewed in the C'hilliwack/Vedder survey indicated that they were primarily seeking coho. Like the steelheaders, virtually all these sportsmen came explicitly to the Chilliwack/Vedder to fish, and had little interest in other recreational activities, save for "relaxing", identified as a secondary motive by 16 per cent of the sample. Ninety per cent of the coho fishermen returned to their homes after a day~ fishing, with 7 per cent camping in the area. Twenty-seven per cent were accompanied by a member of their fami ly. Fo·llowing the methodology of the previous section , participation rates for coho fishermen, by relative location of residence, are presented in Table XI. - 17 - Tabl e XI PARTICIPATION BY CHILLIWACK/VEDDER COHO FISHERMEN - BY AREA OF RESIDENCE AND WEIGHTED BY POPULATION DIFFERENCES Number of Index of Intensity of Area Respondents Part icipaU.on Per Ca pi ta* Adjacent 29 100.0 Near Areas 17 5.2 More Distant Areas 7 1.0 *For categorization of areas and specification of the index of participation, see Table II . Consequentl y, it can be observed that the coho sport fishery of the Chil liwack/Vedder tends to be localized - much more so than the steel head fishery. The age distribution for coho fishermen is indicated in Table XII. Table XII AGE DISTRIBUTION - CHILLIWACK/VEDDER COHO FISHERMEN Age Group Number Percent Under 20 4 7.1 20 - 24 8 14.3 25 - 29 10 17. 9 30 - 34 8 14.3 35 - 39 2 3 . 6 40 - 44 3 3.6 45 - 49 2 5.4 50 - 54 2 3.6 55 - 59 4 7.1 60 - 64 4 7. 1 65 and over 9 16.0 56 100.0 J -18- Again, we observe very few young fishermen under 20 years. It is not clear whether the proportion of fishermen over 65 is character istic, or an anomaly associated with this particular sample. As with steelheaders, the median age falls in the 30 - 34 years category. Coho fishermen interviewed were 96 per cent male, and 11 per cent belonged to a fish and game club or conservation organization. This is more in keeping with the membership levels reported by coho fishermen on the Capilano river, and in sharp contrast to the 29 percent membership rate established by Chilliwack/Vedder steelheaders. 2 Coho Fishermen ~ctivity Characteristics Coho fishermen are most active in terms of visits during September and participation remains relatively intense through February. Seasonal f i gures are presented in T~ble XIII. Presumably visits in other times of the year are associated with other sport species. Table XIII SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VISITS BY <'OHO FISHERMEN: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Average No. Number of Index of Visits of Visits Respondent per Visits Peak Mo . Month Respondent (Sample) "' 100 January 5.8 324 72 . 0 February 5.8 325 72.2 March 4.7 262 58 . 2 April 2.. 8 ).57 34 . 9 May 1.0 59 13 . 1 June 1. 0 58 12.9 July 1. J. 62 13.8 August 1. 3 71 15.8 September 4.6 257 57 .1 October 8.0 450 100. 0 November 6.7 376 83.6 December 5.9 332 73.8 48.7 - 19 - The overall level of visitation is again high, and substantially greater than for the steelheaders. This may reflect the more localized nature of the coho fishermen referent group. On the other hand , coho fishermen averaged the least time on site during day trips of any sub-group identified - approximately 4 hours per trip. Coho fishermen spent 57 percent of their activity time in sunshine, 34 percent under cloudy skies, and 9 percent in rain. When inter viewed, there was an average of 3 . 6 people in sight in the river area. 3 Sport fishing characteristics of Coho Fishermen As with steelheaders, spinning gear was utilized by the vast majority (93 percen~ of coho fishermen interviewed. Total catch results for sample respondents are presented in Table XIV. Table XIV ANNUAL NUMBERS OF SPORT FISH CAUGHT BY FISHERMEN SEEKING COHO: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Species No. of Respondents Average annual Total fish reporting a catch catch caught by respondents Coho 32 8.2 262 Steelhead 18 9.7 175 Trout 14 11.1 155 Springs 1 2.0 2 Other fish 3 9.7 29 - 20 - 4 The Coho Fisherman's assessment of fishing quality Coho fishermen tended to be more positive about fishing quality than did the steelheaders, although only 18 percent of the cohoers considered it "good". Full resul ts are shown in Table XV . Table XV EVALUATION OF THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SPORT FISHERY BY SURVEYED COHO FISHERMEN Evaluation No. of Percent Average No. of Respondents fish caught per Respondent Poor 23 41 7.7 Satisfactory 22 39 8.1 Good 10 18 9.0 No response 1 2 Coho fishermen valued a days sport fishing in the Chilliwack/ Vedder area at an average of $20. 5 Management options and the preferences of Chilliwack/Vedder Coho Fishermen The preferences of coho fishermen with respect to management options that might improve the Chilliwack/Vedder sport fishery are simil ar to those of the steelheader - namely, the desire to see more fish in the system, and a summer run of fish. Full preferences are presented in Table XVI. - 21 - Table XVI COHO FISHERMEN'S PREFERENCE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option First Choice Second Choice * # % # % Increase numbers of fish available 23 41 8 14 Add a summer run of fish 21 38 6 11 Decrease the number of people at site 3 5 1 2 Increase size of existing fish 2 4 1 2 Decrease activities available 1 2 1 2 Allow longer season in restricted area 1 2 1 2 Decrease fishing time available at site 1 2 1 2 No response 4 6 36 65 56 100 56 100 * Respondents were invited to select a second choice option if they desired, assuming their first choice option was not possible. 6 Principal concerns of Coho Fishermen regarding erosion of the sport fishing experience The major negative factor concerning the coho sport fishermen is potential crowding at site. Fifty-nine percent of those questioned indicated that this factor would be the major one that could render the Chilliwack/Vedder system no longer worth using in the future. They also shared the steelheaders concern over possible decreases in availability of fish in the system. They did not, however, share the steelheaders opposition to possible decreases in fishing time, or to increases in ~he range of recreational activities available in the area, to anything near the same extent. A full listing of concerns is presented in Table XVII. - 22 - Table XVII POTENTIAL CHANGES THAT WOULD RENDER THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM NO LONGER WORTH VISITING FOR COHO FISHERMEN Change First Mentioned Second Mentioned # 3 # 3 Increase in the number of people in sight 32 59 4 57 Decrease in the number of fish available 15 28 2 29 Decrease in the amount of time spent in the area 4 7 1 14 Decrease in species of fish available 2 4 Increase in activities available 1 2 54 100 7 100 7 Coho Fishermen and the question of access Like their steelheader counterparts, coho sport fishermen of the Chilliwack/Vedder system are more or less satisfied with access as it now exists. A full presentation of their views on access is given in Table XVIII. Table XVIII PREFERENCES OF COHO FISHERMEN CONCERNING ACCESS TO THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option Number of Respondents Percent in favour Maintain the quality of existing access 32 59 Increase the number of access points 9 17 Improve existing access points 6 11 Sign existing access roads 4 7 Reduce the number of access points 3 6 54 100 In general, it seems that the coho fishermen are slightly more positive with regard to ease of access than their steelheader colleagues. - 23 - 8 Summary - The Coho Fisherman The coho sport fisherman, like his steelheader counterpart, is principally interested in fishing, with very little desire to participate in other recreational activities available or potentially available at site. He comes primarily on day trips , and tends to live in a more local ized area than the steelheader. Again, few children were observed. In the referent sub- group which tends to be overwhel mingly male, their membership in a fish and game club or conservation organization is only one third of that achieved by the steelhead group. The coho sport fisherman visits the Chilliwack/Vedder system most heavily during the winter months, and has established a very high rate of visitation fishing for whatever species may be available. An average day trip involves 4 hours on site, usually in a relatively uncrowded setting. Spinning gear predominates in the fishery, and catches are generally considered to be "poor" or satisfactory". Coho fishermen place a value of $20. per day on their recreational experience in this system. The coho fisherman's chief preference for the river fishery is to see more fish available, and a sum~r run of fish. He is most concerned about the spectre of crowding at site. He also expressed signi ficant concern over possible reductions in fish stocks. He views access to site as generally satisfactory, and is somewhat more positively inclined toward easy access than his steelheader counterpart. E. The Trout Fisherman of the Chilliwack/Vedder 1 Who are the Trout Fishermen? Sixty-one of the interviewed respondents indicated trout to be the primary sport species sought on their trip. This group tended to be less single minded in their focus on sport fishing than either the steelheaders or the coho fishermen. Eighty-five percent of the trout fishermen made a trip to the Chilliwack/Vedder explicitly to fish, while for the remainder it represented a side trip. Further, only 65 percent indicated fishing as their primary recreational activity at site, whil e - 24 - camping was identified as the primary motivation for 25 percent. However, the majority of those not indicating sport fishing as a primary motivation, indicated it as a secondary motivation. "Relaxing" was also considered important. Full resul ts are presented in Table XIX. Table XIX MOTIVATIONS OF TROUT FISHERMEN FOR RECREATING IN THE CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM No. of Respondents No. of Respondents Motive indicating primary Percent indicating secondary Percent Fishing 40 65 12 33 Camping 15 25 4 10 Relaxing 2 3 14 41 Hiking 2 3 1 3 Picnicking 1 2 2 5 Exploring 1 2 2 5 Boating 0 0 1 3 61 100 --SS 100 Only 46 percent of trout fishermen surveyed were making day trips from their home, while the remainder were camping, or staying at guest facilities, in the Chilliwack/Vedder area. The trout fishermen were also more family oriented, with 61 percent being accompanied by a family member. Once again, distance from home to site was found to have an effect upon participation. These results are presented in Table XX. - 25 - Table XX PARTICIPATION IN CHILLIWACK/VEDDER TROUT FISHING BY AREA OF RESIDENCE, AND WEIGHTED FOR POPULATION DIFFERENCES Area Number of Respondents Index of Intensity oj Participation per Capi. t a* Adjacent 14 100.0 Near areas 23 13.7 More distance areas 16 4.5 * For characterization of areas, and specification of the index of parti cipation, see Table II. The age distribution of Chilliwack/Vedder trout fishermen is presented in Table XX!. Table XX! AGE DISTRIBUTION : - CHILLIWACK/VEDDER TROUT FISHERMEN Age Group Number Percent Under 20 7 11. 5 20 - 24 9 14.7 25 29 4 6.6 30 - 34 4 6.6 35 - 39 11 18.0 40 - 44 3 4.9 45 - 49 3 4.9 50 - 54 13 21. 3 55 - 59 3 4.9 60 - 64 4 6.6 65 and over 61 100.0 -26- The median age for "trout" fishermen falls in the 35 - 39 year category, suggesting a s l ightly older referent group than for steelheaders or coho fishermen. Trout fishermen in the Chill iwack/Vedder, in keeping with their other sport fishing colleagues, are overwhelmingly male (ninety- seven per cent). Eleven per cent belong to a fish and game club or conservation organization. 2 Trout Fishermen Activity Characteristics Visits by trout fishermen are highest during the summer months , although there is less seasonal ity observed than for other sport f i shing. Level s of visitation are a l so l ower than for steelheaders or coho fishermen . This information is presented , by month, in Table XXII. Table XXII SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VISITS BY TROUT FI SHERMEN: CHI LLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Average No . Number of Index of of visits Respondent Visits Month per Visits (peak mo. Respondent (sample) = 100) January .6 35 40. 7 February . 5 30 34. 9 March . 5 30 34. 9 April .7 42 48.8 May .9 56 65. 1 June 1.2 72 83 . 7 July 1.4 86 100.0 August 1.3 80 93 . 0 September 1.0 59 68.6 October .7 42 50.0 November .7 41 47.7 December .7 40 46 . 5 10. 2 - 27 - Trout fishermen spent, on average, about 5 hours on site per day visit. Full information on visitation times is presented in Table XXIII. Table XXIII AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN CHILLIWACK/VEDDER AREA BY TROUT FISHERMEN Time Category Number of Respondents Percent Less than 3 hours 8 13 3 to 6 hours 11 18 6 to 9 hours 6 10 Day trip over 9 hours 8 13 Overnight 6 10 2 nights 14 23 3 to 6 nights 7 11 Over 7 nights 1 2 100 It will be observed that there is an appreciably greater proportion of trout fishermen staying beyond 1 day. This is reflective of the greater camping focus (relative to steelheaders and coho fishermen) noted earlier. Trout fishermen tend to favour sunny weather, with 84 percent of them being encountered under sunny skies. Fifteen percent were interviewed in cloud, and 1 percent in rain. There were 3.8 people, on average, in sight when trout fishermen were encountered. 3 Fishing Characteristics of Trout Fishermen Ninety percent of trout fishermen interviewed used spinning gear, 5 percent were fly fishermen, and 5 percent fished other combinations. Their catch, by species, is reported in Table XXIV. - 28 - Table XXIV ANNUAL NUMBERS OF SPORT FISH CAUGHT BY FI SHERMEN SEEKI NG TROUT: CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER SYSTEM Species No . of Respondents Average annual Total fish reporting a catch catch caught by Respondents Trout 16 12.4 198 Steel head 4 2 . 8 11 Coho 4 2. 0 8 Other fish 1 12 . 0 12 It would appear that tro ut fishermen seem to be more single s pecies oriented than either the coho fisherman or the steel header . 4 The Trout Fisherman' s Assessment of Fishing Quo l ity The majority of trout fishermen encountered i n t he Chill iwack/Vedder considered the sport fishing to be "poor". Full resul ts are presented in Tabl e XXV. Ta bl e XXV EVALUATION OF TI-I F. CHI LLI WA CK/VEDDER SPORT FI SHING BY SURVEYED TROUT FI SHERMEN Evaluation Number of Respondents Percent Poor 33 54 Satisfactory 16 26 Good 8 13 No response 4 7 61 100 These respondents value d a days recreational experi ence at t he Chilli wack/Vedder , on average, at $16 . - 29 - 5 Management options and the preferences of Chilliwack/Vedder Trout Fishermen The trout f ishermen of the Chilliwack/\ ~dder join with their steelheader and coho fishermen colleagues, in a paramount preference for more sport fish availability in the system and for a summer run of fish. Full results are presented in Table XXVI. Table XXVI TROUT FISHERMEN PREFERENCES BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option Fi rst Choice Second Choice * # % # 3 Increase numbers of fish available 28 46 14 23 Add a summer run of fish 17 28 14 23 Increase activities available 5 8 2 3 Increase size of existing fish 3 5 3 5 Decrease number of people at site 3 5 2 3 Allow live bait in restricted area 1 2 1 2 Increase number of people at site 1 2 Decrease activities available 1 2 Longer season i n restricted area 1 2 No response 3 5 23 37 61 100 61 100 * Respondents were invited to select a second choice option if they desired, assuming their first choi ce option was not possible. ( . 6 Principal concerns of Trout Fishermen regarding erosion of the Sport Fishi ng Experience The overriding concern of trout fishermen of the Chilliwack/Vedder over potentially negative aspects of their experience, again, centers on crowding. Some concern over time available to sport f i sh, and numbers of fish can also be not ed. A full presentation of these concerns is provided i n Table XXVII. - 30 - Table XXVII POTENTIAL CHANGES THAT WOULD RENDER THE CHILLIWACKI VEDDER SYSTEM NO LONGER WORTH VISITING FOR TROUT FISHERMEN Change First Second Mentioned Mentioned # % # 3 Increase in the number of people in sight 39 69.6 5 50.0 Decrease in the amount of time spent in the area 8 14.3 4 40.0 Decrease i n the number of fish available 6 10.7 1 10.0 Increase in activities available 2 3.6 Decrease in activities available 1 1.8 56 ---100.0 10 100.0 7 Trout Fishermen and the Question of Access Trout fishermen in the Chilliwack/Vedder generally agree with the steelheaders and coho fishermen that the present access situation is satis factory. However, a greater proportion of their numbers (26 percent) opted for increased access than in the two referent sub-groups previously examined. This may result from their being less familiar with the local area. Results are presented in Table XXVIII. Table XXVIII TROUT FISHERMEN PREFERENCES CONCERNING ACCESS TO THE CHI LLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option No. of Respondents Percent in favor Maintain the quality of existing access 33 54 Increase the number of access points 16 26 Improve the quality of existing access 6 10 Sign existing access roads 5 8 Reduce the number of access points 1 2 61 100 - 31 - 8 Summary - The Trout Fishermen This group, while having a substantial involvement with sport fishing, either as a primary or secondary recreational motive, had a more interrelated focus with respect to their recreational activities, particularly in the case of camping, than either the steelheaders or the coho fishermen. In further contrast to those other referent sub-groups, the majority of trout fishermen stayed l onger than one day, and had a member of their family with them. They are predominantl y male, and seem on the average, to be a little older than their coho and steelheader counterparts. On the other hand, a somewhat higher proportion of those interviewed were under 20 years of age. Average number of visits per respondent is much lower than for steelheaders and coho fishermen, with a day visit lasting about 5 hours. Recreational densities among the trout fishermen subgroup seem simil ar to those of coho fishermen. Ninety percent of effort is with spinning gear, and tends to be focused on trout species. The general evaluation of sport fishing conditions on the river system is "poor" to "satisfactory", with a day's recreation being valued, on average, at $16. Trout fishermen strongly favour more fish in the system and establishment of a summer run. Potential crowding is their primary negative concern. The majority of trout fishermen view present access as satisfactory, but a significant number would like to see it improved. F. General Recreators of the Chilliwack/Vedder 1 Who are the General Recreators? Having identified three fish - related recreational sub-groups in the Chilliwack/Vedder system, it seemed appropriate to consider a fourth sub-group; namely those recreators whose primary motivation in coming to the Chilliwack/Vedder was not to go sport fishing. In so doing, our anal ysis ~ . will overl ap with other groups, for where sport fishing was indicated as a secondary activity, responses will have already been treated within the appropriate species sub-group. - 32 - This may be particularly true with regard to the trout fishermen category. One should also recall initial commentary about unevenness in surveying of some "general recreational" sub-groups. On the basis of primary motive for recreating in the Chilliwack/Vedder area, 70 respondents were included in the "non-fishing" category. The range of primary activities for all respondents is indicated in Table XXIX. Table XXIX PRIMARY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY OF RESPONDENTS: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Activity No. of Respondents Percent Fishing 595 89 Camping 43 7 Picnicking 7 1 Relaxing 7 1 Hiking 3 1 Boating 1 Swimm~ng 1 Other 8 1 665 100 Seventy-six percent of this general recreator sub-group came specifically to visit the Chilliwack/Vedder system, while the remainder were there as a side stop on a trip to some other area. The most popular secondary motive for coming to the Chilliwack/Vedder was "relaxing", favoured by 36 percent of respondents. "Fishing" was indicated as a second motive by 26 percent of respondents. Only 20 percent of this grouping was returning to their homes the same day, with 54 percent camping, and the rest utilizing other local accomo dation. Distance from home to site nevertheless was significant for this group also. (See Table XXX.) The effect is less pronounced than for other referent groups, ·however. - 33 - Table XXX PARTICIPATION BY GENERAL RECREATORS IN CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER RECREATION - BY AREA OF RESIDENCE AND WEIGHTED FOR POPULATION DIFFERENCES Area Number of Respondents Index of * Intensity of Participation Per Capita Adjacent 7 100.0 Near 25 31. 9 More distant 16 17.0 * For characterization of areas, and specification of the index of partici pation, see Table II. The age distribution for general recreators is similar to that for trout fishermen. This group a l so has the highest proportion of respondents under 20 of the four sub-groups examined. The full age distribution is presented in Table XXXI. Table XXXI AGE DISTRIBUTION: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER GENERAL RECREATORS Age Group Number Percent Under 20 9 12.9 20 - 24 5 7.1 25 - 29 8 11. 4 30 - 34 6 8.6 35 - 39 8 11. 4 40 - 44 2 2.9 45 - 49 7. 1 7 5 50 - 54 10 14.3 \. 55 - 59 8 11.4 60 - 64 4 5.7 65 and over 3 4.3 No response 2 2.9 70 100 . 0 -34- Ninety percent of the respondents in this grouping were male , and 74 percent were accompanied by their families . Eleven percent bel onged to a fish and game club , or conservation organizati on. 2 Activity character i s tics - General Recreators This referent group tends to visit the Chill iwack/Vedder system throughout the year, at visitation rates similar to those of the trout fishermen sub-group. Most intense activity fall s in the July, August period. Detail s are provided in Tabl e XXXII . Tabl e XXXII SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF VISITS BY GENERAL RECREATORS : CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Average Number of Index of Number of Respondent Visits Month Visits per Visits (Peak Mo . Respondent (Sample) = 100) January . 4 28 31.1 February .3 23 25. 6 March .5 38 42. 2 April .6 41 45.6 May .7 51 56 . 7 June .8 58 64 . 4 Jul y 1. 0 7 2 80 . 0 Augus t 1. 3 90 100.0 September .8 56 62 . 2 Oc~ober .6 39 43 . 3 November .5 32 35. 6 December .4 31 34.4 7.9 Length of visit for t he general recreator sub-group tended to be more long term than for other users, with weekends the most popul ar trip interval . Detail is provided in Table XXXIII . - 35 - Table XXXIII AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT AT CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER BY GENERAL RECREATORS Time Category No. of Respondents Percent Less than 3 hours 2 3 3 to 6 hours 10 14 6 to 9 hours 1 1 Day trip over 9 hours 4 6 Overnight 4 6 2 nights 35 50 3 - 6 nights 10 14 Over 7 nights 4 6 70 100 General recreators were virtually all (97 percent) encountered in sunshine, and had the greatest tolerance of other people, with an average of 6 people in sight during each interview. 3 General Recreator Assessment of Recreational Quality The general recreator in the Chilliwack/Vedder system evaluated the worth of a recreation day at $19. This was very close to the $20. figure generated by the coho fishermen subgroup. 4 Management options and the preferences of General Recreators on the Chilliwack/Vedder The general recreator sub-group has three strong preferences with regard to management options on the Chilliwack/"edder: to increase the number of fish in the system; to provide a summer stock of fish; and to increase the range of recreational activities available on the river. Reducing the number of people at site was also a first choice of 10 percent of the respondents. Details are provided in Table XXXIV. - 36 - Table XXXIV GENERAL RECREATORS PREFERENCE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: CHI LLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option First Choice Second Choice * # 3 # 3 Increase numbers of fish avail abl e 13 19 10 15 Add .a summer run of fish 13 19 9 13 Increase activities ,avail abl e 12 ~ 2 3 Decrease number of people at site 7 10 1 1 Increase number of people at site 2 3 1 1 Decrease activities availabl e 1 1 Increase size of existing fish 1 1 2 3 Decrease amount of fishing time availabl e at site 1 1 No response 21 30 44 63 70 100 70 100 * Respondents were invited to select a second choice option if they desired, assuming their first choice option was not possible. 5 Principal concerns of General Recreators regarding erosion of the Recreational Experience The major concerns of the general recreator , with regard to possible adverse effects upon the recreational environment of the Chilliwack/ Vedder are, in order of importance, potential crowding, and potential reductions in the recreational time available at site. Full details follow in Table XXXV. t - 37 - Table XXXV POTENTIAL CHANGES THAT WOULD RENDER THE CHILLIWACK/ VEDDER SYSTEM NO LONGER WORTH VISITING FOR GENERAL RECREATORS Change First Ment i oned Second Mentioned # % # % Increase in the number of people in sight 36 53.7 5 50 Decrease in the amount of time spent in the area 21 31.3 4 40 Increase in activities available 4 6.0 Decrease in activities available 2 3.0 Decrease in number of fish available 2 3.0 1 10 Decrease in species of fish available 2 3.0 67 100,0 10 100 6 General Recreators and the Question of Access As with the other sub-groups, general recreators found access along the Chilliwack/Vedder system, on the whole, adequate. Details are provided in Table XXXVI. Table XXXVI GENERAL RECREATOR PREFERENCES CONCERNING ACCESS TO THE CHILLIWACK~VEDDER SYSTEM Management Option No. of Respondents Percent in favour Maintain the quality of existing access 41 59 Improve existing access points 10 14 Sign existing access roads 9 13 Increase the number of access points 7 10 Decrease the number of access points 3 4 70 100 It can be observed from the above, that like trout fishermen, the majority of general recreators who opted f or a change would like to see easi er access. -38- 7 Summary - The General Recreators The general recreator visiting the Chi l liwack/Vedder system is most l ikely a camper, interested in relaxing , fishing, and a variety of other recreational pursuits. Seventy-four percent of those interviewed were with their families. Recreational visits to the system by this group take place in all months of the year, but most often on sunny summer weekends. The general length of stay is longer than for other referent sub-groups identified. They valued a recreation day in this environment , on average, at $19. General recreators favour increased numbers of sport fish for the system, establ ishment of a sumrrer run of fish, and an increased range of recreational activities for the area. They are concerned , firstly, about possible future crowding, but are also concerned about potential future reductions in recreational time available at site . They generally view access as satisfactory, but would like to see it made easier if a change was to take place. G. Conclusions 1 Characteristics The user groups identified in the present study fish the Chilliwack/ Vedder system at varying intensities throughout the year. While they have commona l ities they nevertheless exhibit characteristics which, are distinct, one from the other. At one end of the user spectrum, we have the steelheader, interested almost solely in his sport fishing , living at a variety of locations in the Lower Mainland (although with travel distance affecting participation), coming to the river without his family, for a days fishing in relatively isolated spots along the river. This fisherman tends to put the highest value on his sport fishing experience and is three times as active in fish and game clubs and conservation organizations as members of the other sub-groups identified. The coho fisherman of the Chilliwack/Vedder closely resembles the steel-header in motivation and behavior pattern. He usually fishes with slightly more people in site, does not value the fishing experience as highly as does the steelheader, and is less active in formalized organizations. - 39 - The trout fisherman, while still interested in fishing as his primary activity, is more broadly interested in recreation available in the Chilliwack/Vedder system than his steelhead and coho counterparts. He is often camping oriented and is likely to make relatively less visits, but to stay longer than steelheaders or coho fishermen. He is also likely to bring his family. He tends more to catching a single species than members of the other two fishing subgroups, probably because of general unavailability of many other kinds of fish during the time of his most frequent visits. His dollar evaluation of the recreational experience was the lowest of any of the subgroups examined. The general recreator is not interested in sport fishing as his primary activity. He usually camps, usually brings his family, comes, on average, from further away, and generally stays longer than members of the other three subgroups. He . recreates with substantially more people around him, and values his experience at approximately the same level as does a coho fisherman. 2 Areas of Consensus Despite the distinctive characteristics of the identified sub groups, a clear and unanimous agreement is evident on several of the management questions currently posed for the river area: these agree ments are: i) It is desirable to have more fish in the system, ii) It is desirable to have a summer run of fish, iii) Potential crowding is a threatening negative factor with regard to recreational enjoyment in the Chilliwack/Vedder system, iv) Present access to the Chilliwack/Vedder is generally adequate. -40- 3 Areas of varying Emphasis and Concern There are a further number of management questions where direct ional agreement seems apparent between the referent subgroups , but where the level of concern appears variable, these are: i) Protection of the amount of time available on site was a need seen very strongly by the steelheaders and t he general recreators. Coho and trout fishermen put a lower priority on this option. ii) Protection of existing fish stocks , and increases in the size of present fish a l so found agreement, at significant, but lower, levels of priority than the measures discussed earlier. 4 Areas of Disagreement The principal area of disagr eement between referent subgroups seems to centre around the relative benefits of convenience and i ncreased activity options , on the one hand, and the crowding that might be generated by them on the other. Consequently , it can. be observed that the referent subgroup most sensitive to crowding - the steelheaders - most strongl y favors staying with present access arrangements , and not expanding the range of recreational opportunities available. At the other end of the spectrum, the general recr eator tends to view both t hese options favorably, even though he has a lso i ndicated a strong level of concern over crowding in his recreational environment. The views of the other two subgroups - the coho and trout fishermen - lie somewhere between on the issue . 5 A Tabular Summation The characteristics and viewpoints of the four subgroups are presented in tabular form in Table XXXVII. - 41 - Table XXXVII SUMMARY OF USER CHARACfERISTICS AND VIEWPOINTS: CHILLIWACK/VEDDER SYSTEM Coho Trout General Characteristics Steelheaders Fishermen Fishermen Recreators 1. Chil liwack/Vedder primary 1003 983 853 763 target area for trip 2 . Most active months Dec-Feb Sept-Feb June-Aug June-Sept 3 . Annual number of visits 19. 6 48. 7 per respondent 10.2 7.9 4. Median length of stay 3-6 hrs. 3-6 hrs . 1 day 2 days 5. Percent day trips from home 933 90% 46% 203 6 . Percent living "adjacent" 223 to river 553 283 123 7 . Median age 30-34 30-34 35-39 35-39 8. Percent ma l e 983 963 97% 90% 9 . Percent with family 15% 27% 61% 75% 10. Number of people in sight 2.5 3.6 3.8 6 . 0 11. Value of a day's recreation $27. $20. $16. $19. Areas of Agreement 1. Need for more fish UNANIMOUS 2 . Need for a summer run UNANIMOUS 3. Need to control crowding UNANIMOUS 4 . Need to rrotect time Agree Agree Agree Agree avai able at site (most (strongly) strongly) 5. Protect existing fish stocks UNANIMOUS MODERATE CONCERN 6. Increase size of present fish UNANIMOUS MODERATE CONCERN Areas of Issue 1. Range of Activities Control Control Increase Increase & reduce & reduce (moderately) (very (strongly) (strongly) strongl y) 2 . Ease of Access Maintain Maintain Maintain Maintain or improve or improve or improve H. Recommendations 1. The management option of primary importance to all user groups concerns the greater availability of sport fish in general in the system. The Chilliwack/ Vedder , located as it is, outside the perimeter of the Greater Vancouver urban area, still possesses a high degree of natural resilience. It is, however, near enough to the urban growth center of the Province to be subjected to increasing radial pressures associated with urban growth and development. These pressures will, if uncontrolled and unchecked, erode the river's basic environment in a relatively short period of time. One has only to look at the rivers and streams c lose to Vancouver to observe this process. It follows that response to the concerns of both sport fishermen and recreationalists in general over numbers of sport fish in the Chilliwack/Vedder system must start with increased protection of the basic riverine environment, and of the stocks already there existent. Second, a variety of enhancement techniques presently exist for supplementing natural fish production and for the artificial propagation of some fish species. These techniques should be surveyed, and an enhancement package developed for particular application to the Chilliwack/Vedder system. Third, it may be possible to make modifications to the management of the sport and commerical fisheries that will enhance the quality of sport fishing in the system. 2. All identified groups were unanimously in favour of establishing a summer run of sport fish in the Chilliwack/Vedder system. This measure is a high priority of all recreational users, both fishermen and general recreational ists. Further, it is supportive of the previous more general priority - to increase the number of fish in the system. Such a run would likely not conflict with established winter stocks, and would produce a higher level of sport fish availability in the streams of the Chilliwack/Vedder system at precisely the most enjoyable time of year in terms of weather and general outdoor aesthetics. -43- 3. One of the most obvious conclusions of the survey relates to the strong concern of all surveyed groups about future recreational crowding in the system. It can be cl early stated on the basis of this study, and earlier work involving the author, particularly at Pacific Rim National Park, that as crowding increases in the Chilliwack/Vedder recreational area, almost all users will suffer a significant reduction in derived 8 enjoyment, and some will undoubtedly stop coming to the area. It is therefore recommended that a system for control of recreational den sities at the Chilliwack/Vedder be designed , for implementation at an early date. Similar systems have alr eady been established in North America in recreational and wilderness areas. Essentially, they simply represent a control over the number of permits issued to recreators f9r fishing , camping, or general recreation in the subject area , and are a variation of the "quota" systems already in existence in hunting and fishing in British Columbia. Usually, these control mechanisms have been used for biological or environmental protection purposes, although such a control system was used on the Capilano River sport fishery during August , 1975, in the interests of public safety. It appears no less responsible, however, to control recreational densities in the interests of safeguarding public enjoyment. Further, permit and licensing vehicles already exist in the Chilliwack/Vedder area that could easily be adapted for this purpose . To fail to do so now will allow the steady erosion of the recreational enjoyment of this impor tant natural area. The close proximity of the Chil liwack/Vedder system to Greater Vancouver, where natural recreational opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce, heightens the systems value, and renders this decision even more vital. 4. A further policy option also associated with the control of crowding relates to upgrading the supply of available sport fish recreation by programs of restoration in adjacent degraded systems. This would be (S)See P. A. Meyer and R.C. Bryan, Recreational Crowding and the Prospects for Fish-Related Recreation - Pacific Rim National Park, Fisheries and Marine Service, Pacific Region, PAC/T-76-22, and P.A. Meyer, Recreation and Crowding - The Relationship between Supply and Demand for Recreation in British Columbia, mimeo, Fisheries and Marine Service, 1974. -44- particularly effective on the Coquitlam, the Serpentine/Nicomekl, and to a lesser degree the Allouette, the Campbell and the Salmon Rivers. It should be noted, however, that while the return of these degraded streams to quality recreational waterways will relieve some of the future pressure on the Chilliwack/Vedder, it will also attract a measure of latent demand from each locally restored area. Restora tion of other systems is, therefore, complementary to the management of crowding in the Vedder/Chilliwack. It should not be viewed as a substitute for it. 5. In considering management options for recreation in the Chilliwack/Vedder area, it should be noted that recreators were very concerned that the actual time they were able to spend on site during a recreational trip not be reduced. On the basis of this study, and the earlier Capilano River study, it appears likely that recreators would support some con trol of user densities, but would not like to see trip times affected by such mechanisms. Hence, careful cognizance of the recreating times of various user groups reported in this study should be part and parcel of design of any control system. 6. It is likely that the Chilliwack/Vedder system is large enough to take care of the partially conflicting views of steelheaders and coho fish ermen on one hand, and general recreators and trout fishermen on the other, with regard to the range of recreational activities that should be available. It is recommended that more diversity of recreational opportunity be provided for the general recreator - but that these opportunities be concentrated, possibly in conjunction with campsites, and not dispersed throughout the whole Chilliwack/Vedder river area. This in turn, would allow the designation of other areas of the river for the low-density sport fishing, found more enjoyable by a large segment of present users. 7. It would appear that the nature and quality of present access to the Chilliwack/Vedder river area is viewed as adequate by a majority of all recreational user groups . It is therefore recommended that present access levels be maintained. Appendix A VEDDER RIVER RECREATION AREA QUESTIONNAIRE Date Time Place No. of people in sight Weather conditions Sex of Respondent 1. Which category best describes your present visit to the Vedder recreation area? 1 , Primary reason for trip was a visit to the Vedder River area. 2. Primary reason for trip was a visit to another area and the stop in the Vedder River area was secondary. 2. Please indicate the primary recreational activity which you pursue in the Vedder River area. 1. Fishing 2. Boating 3 . Swimming 4. Picnicking 5. Hiking 6. Exploring 7. Relaxing in an aquatic environment 8. Camping 9, Other (please specify) 3 . Please indicate any secondary activities for coming to the area in the boxes below. How often during the past 12 months have you visited this area? \'°'./ 4. (Place the appropriate number of times beside each month). I January May September February June October March July November April August December ~~~~~~~~~ - 2 - 5. How long do you generally stay when you come to the Vedder area? 1 . Less than 3 hours 2. 3 hours to 6 hours 3 . 6 to 9 hours 4. Day trip over 9 hours 5. Overnight trip 6 , 2 nights 7. 3 to 6 nights 8. Over 7 nights 6, Where are you staying while in the Vedder River area? 1. Home 2. Vedder area campground 3, Vedder Crossing 4 . CUltus Lake area 5. Chil liwack Lake campground 6. Other 7. Is your family with you in the Vedder River area? 1. Yes 2. No 8, Do you live in the Lower Mainland of B.C.? 1 . Yes 2. No (Pl ease state place of residence) 9, Which age group are you in? 1. Under 20 7. 45 - 49 2 , 20 - 24 8. 50 - 54 3. 25 - 29 9. 55 - 59 4. 30 - 34 10. 60 - 64 5. 35 - 39 11. 65 & over 6. 40 - 44 10. What type of fishing do you generally do? 1. Fly 2. Spin 3. Other , please specify, 11. Wh at species are you fishing for? - 3 - 12. Do you consider fishing in this area to be 1 . Poor 2. Satisfactory 3. Good 13. Please list the specie s and total numbers of fish you have caught in the Vedder system during the past 12 months. SPECIES TOTAL NUMBER 1. 2 . 3. 4 . 5. 14. In view of other recreational opportunities available to you, both private and public, please place what you consider a fair dol lar value on a day's recreational experience on site. This question is not designed for use in setting charges. 15. If you could change one of the variabl es below to improve your enjoyment of this recre ational area, which one would you change? 1 . Incre ase activities available. ·~ . Decrease activities available . ~ . Increase nos . of fish available. 4. Decrease nos. of fish available. Increase the size of existing species of fish. §1 vt. Add summer run of fish (salmon/steelhead). 7. Allow the use of live bait in the restricted area. 8 . Longer season in the restricted area. 9 . Increase number of people at site. 10. Decrease number of people at site. 11 . Increase amount of fishing time available at site. 12. Decrease amount of fishing time available at site. 16. How would you change it? - 4 - t;{[1. To how much would this change alter the value you place on question 14 above? $ ______ 18. If you were told the change you most preferred was not possible, what category would you change as a second choice? 19, How would you change it? 20. To how much would this change alter the value you placed on question 14 above? $ ______ 21. For the categories listed below, are there any changes which would cause you to no longer use this recreational area? 1. Activities available 2. Number of fish available 3, Species of fish available 4. Number of people in sight. 5. The amount of time you were able to spend in the area, increase Category No, to amount 1. 0 decrease 2, 1/4 increase 3. 1/2 to amount Category No. decrease 4. 3/4 5 . Same increase to amount 6. 2 x Category No. decrease 7. 3 x increase 8. 4 x to amount Category No. decrease 9. 5 x 10. 6 x or More increase No, Category decrease to amount increase to amount Category No. decrease 1 - 5 - 22 . Please indicate which of the following would improve your enjoyment of the Vedder River area? 1 , Improve the qual ity of existing access. 2. Maintain the quality of existing access. 3 , Increase the number of access points. 4 . Reduce the number of access points. 5. Signs identifying present access roads. 23. Do you belong to a fish and game or Conservation Club or Organization? 1. No 2. Yes (which one or ones?) APPENDIX B Management Suggestions Volunteered by Respondents During interviewing procedures, a number of respondents volunteered suggestions, over and above those identified on the questionnaire, concerning what they thought might be done to improve recreation at the Chilliwack/Vedder . Over the period January 22 to March 8, 1975, these suggestions were recorded. They are listed below, together with the frequency with which they were offered. Suggestions Number of Respondents 1. Set aside part of river for fly fishing (especially in late summer). 51 2. Limit of one steelhead/day, or ten/ river I season or 20/season. 50 3. No further private development of riverside. 45 4. Ban natural bait. 44 5. Ban Indian nets at mouth of Vedder 9 6. Better control ofindustrial and private pollution (including logging) 9 7. Stricter control of commercial fisheries 7 8. Close river in late winter for a few months. 5 9. Raise fishing fees. 5 10. More roadside parking. 5 11. Close river in summer 5 12. Stricter control by Conservation Officers 4 13. Raise non-resident fees 3 14. Buy back of riverside property 2 15. Permanent restricted area 2 16. Build holding pools below Vedder Crossing 2 17. Lower licence fees 2 - 82 - 18. Lower non-resident fees 2 19. Establish a permanent size limit on the river 2 20. Discourage steelhead derby 1 21 . Campsites above fishing boundaries only 1 22. Move prison camp away from river 1 23 . Provision made for access across private property 1 24 , Ban treble hooks 1 25 . Establish course for the river 1 I
E Ofo - Library I MPO Bibliothequo EX LIBRIS - Ian D
