Squamish River Watershed Status Report

Prepared for: Squamish River Watershed Fisheries Sustainability Forum: November 27-30, 1997

Prepared by: David A. Levy and Shawn Davies HATFIELD CONSULTANTS LTD. Suite 201 - 1571 Bellevue Avenue West Vancouver, BC V7V 3R6

Tel: (604) 926.3261 Fax: (604) 926.5389 Email: [email protected]

NOVEMBER, 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background 1 1.2 Purpose and Focus of Project 2 1.3 Definition of Study Area 2

2.0 THE SQUAMISH RIVER WATERSHED ENVIRONMENT 5

2.1 Physical Description 5 2.2 Geology 5 2.3 Climate 6 2.4 Watershed Hydrology 6 2.5 Water Quality 7 2.6 Contaminant Sources 10

3.0 LAND AND WATER USE 12

3.1 General Land Use Classification 12 3.2 First Nations 12 3.3 Industrial 13 3.4 Settlement 15 3.5 Recreation 15 3.6 Squamish River Estuary 15 3.7 Water Withdrawals and Impoundment 16

4.0 FISH AND AQUATIC-DEPENDENT WILDLIFE 19

4.1 Aquatic Habitat Characteristics 19 4.2 Fish Community 19 4.3 Distribution of Salmonids 20 4.4 Abundance of Salmonids 26 4.5 Aquatic-Dependent Wildlife 26

5.0 FISHERIES EXPLOITATION 30

5.1 Historical Commercial Fishery in Howe Sound 30 5.2 Exploitation of Squamish River Fish in Pacific Coast Fisheries 30 5.3 Recreational Fishery 34

5.4 First Nations Fishery 34 Page

6.0 FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT AND WATERSHED RESTORATION 36

6.1 Salmonid Enhancement Program 36 6.2 Watershed Restoration Program 39

7.0 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS 42

7.1 General 42 7.2 Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat 42 7.3 Industry 42 7.4 Human Settlement 43 7.5 Tourism and Recreation 43 7.6 Non-Governmental Organizations and Multi-stakeholder Initiatives 43

8.0 FACTORS LIMITING SALMONID PRODUCTIVITY 47

8.1 Forestry-Related Impacts 47 8.2 Hydroelectric Development and Water Regulation 47 8.3 Urbanization 48 8.4 Industrial/Commercial Development 48 8.5 Insufficient Escapement 49

REFERENCES 51

APPENDIX 1: Chronological History of the Squamish Region 55

APPENDIX 2: Description of Squamish Watershed Restoration Projects 59

APPENDIX 3: Institutional Framework within the Squamish Watershed 74

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Salmon and steelhead populations are in serious decline in many regions of British Columbia and western North America. The combined pressures from over-harvesting, habitat alteration, and climatic change all threaten the long term sustainability of these unique and important resources. The present situation calls for improved strategic planning coupled with co-ordinated and meaningful actions if we are to restore and maintain these populations for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.

Efforts to restore salmonid populations to sustainable levels are underway throughout the Pacific Northwest. At an International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability held in Victoria, B.C. in April of 1996, a Sustainable Fisheries Strategy was developed to help guide these efforts. The Strategy articulates a common vision for the future of salmonids and associated habitats, as well as a framework for protecting and restoring salmon and steelhead populations.

The Sustainable Fisheries Foundation, convenors of the Victoria conference, are seeking to work with stakeholders at the local level throughout the Pacific Northwest to refine the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy for application in specific watersheds. The Sustainable Fisheries Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, enhancement, and sustainable use of salmon and other fish species in the Pacific Northwest.

In a related, but independent initiative, the B.C. Coastal Forest Industry commissioned a study (Levy et al. 1996) to evaluate the current status of fisheries resources in the Strait of Georgia, and to determine the factors that are currently influencing their sustainability. This previous study identified the need for the Forest Industry to work with First Nations, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to facilitiate restoration of fisheries resources in the Strait of Georgia. Heeding that advice, the Forest Alliance of British Columbia (FABC) has committed to convening a fisheries sustainability forum in 1997. To execute the forum, FABC formed a strategic partnership with the Sustainable Fisheries Foundation (SFF). Both agencies have agreed to work together by selecting a specific watershed within the Strait of Georgia region to serve as the focus for this effort. Criteria for consideration of Strait of Georgia watersheds as candidates for the Forum included those watersheds which are important salmon producers and which support active Forest Harvesting and related operations. Six Strait of Georgia watersheds were pre-selected as candidates for the Forum, including: Cowichan River Watershed, Nanaimo River Watershed, Courtenay Watershed, Campbell River Watershed, Jervis Inlet Watershed, and Squamish River Watershed.

Within each of the pre-selected watersheds, descriptive information was compiled by Hatfield Consultants concerning watershed characteristics, land tenure, urban development trends, First

1 Nations involvement in fisheries management, fisheries resources (including salmon spawning escapements, freshwater habitat issues, estuary issues), and key contacts (Mulholland and Levy 1997). Based on analysis of this information, FABC and SFF selected the Squamish River Watershed as the focus for the Fisheries Sustainability Forum.

1.2 PURPOSE AND FOCUS OF PROJECT

The purpose of this project is to engage forest companies, government agencies, First Nation, municipal organizations, interested parties, and individuals in a collaborative process to work towards fisheries sustainability within the Squamish watershed. Specific objectives of the Nov. 27-30 Squamish River Watershed Fisheries Sustainability Forum include:

· provide an opportunity for citizens, policy makers, resource users, First Nations and other interested parties to exchange information on the conservation and restoration of salmonid populations;

· engage participants in focussed discussions related to fisheries sustainability in the Squamish River watershed and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest; and,

· enable participants to develop a long-term vision for fisheries sustainability in the watershed, identify the factors that are limiting the realization of that vision, and develop strategies for overcoming these constraints.

To achieve these objectives in a short time frame, it is critical that all participants have a common understanding regarding the status of salmon populations and the salmon fisheries of the Squamish River watershed. This document aims to summarize the relevant information for Forum participants, so that participants have the necessary background to maximize their potential contributions to the Forum. Another valuable reference document which contains a set of papers related to Howe Sound and Squamish Watershed environmental conditions is the Proceedings from the Howe Sound Environmental Science Workshop (Levings et al. 1992).

The existing fisheries information for the Squamish Watershed is contained in both published and unpublished reports which have been prepared for specific resource users. Undoubtedly there will be some participants who have much additional insight and understanding concerning some of the fisheries topics summarized below. We invite such individuals to come forward and share their understanding with other Forum participants.

1.3 DEFINITION OF STUDY AREA

We have selected a focus on the salmonid populations of the Squamish River and its major tributaries as shown on Figure 1.1. Within the Howe Sound region, the Squamish River supports 100% of the steelhead trout, chinook, sockeye and pink salmon populations, and approximately 99% and 95% of the coho and chum salmon populations, respectively. The study area also

2 includes the inter-tidal and shallow (< 5 m depth) sub-tidal areas of the Squamish Estuary. Most of Howe Sound is therefore outside of the Study Area for the purposes of the present analysis.

2.0 THE SQUAMISH RIVER WATERSHED ENVIRONMENT

2.1 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The Squamish watershed is located approximately 60 km north of Vancouver and is the largest watershed within the Strait of Georgia basin. The total watershed area is 354,206 ha and extends from sea level to 2,678 m at the top of Mtn. Garibaldi. It lies between the Coast Mountain Range and the Tantalus, Clendenning and Elaho Mountains (Figure 1.1). The primary drainage is the Squamish River which flows 70 km southwest from the Coast Mountains to the estuary at the head of Howe Sound. The Squamish estuary covers an area of approximately 850 ha, and is site for much of the human settlement in the watershed. There are four main tributaries to the Squamish River; these include the Cheakamus, Mamquam, and Elaho Rivers, and Ashlu Creek which collectively drain a mountainous, glaciated watershed of 3,636 km2 (Schubert 1993). Other significant tributaries are Shovelnose, High Falls and Pillchuck Creeks.

The Squamish watershed includes a portion of the Soo Timber Supply Area (TSA) and all of Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 38 operated by International Forest Products (Interfor), as well as part of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Garibaldi Park covers approximately 37,800 ha, of which about 17,500 ha is classified as mature forest. The remaining area of the watershed is comprised of the Town of Squamish, including the Squamish estuary, and a large area of valley bottom which is a reserve of the Squamish Nation. Much of the valley bottom is covered by deciduous forest.

Most of the settlement is confined to the valley flats associated with the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers. The main transportation routes in the watershed are the Squamish Valley Forest Access Road which runs along the east side of the Squamish River, and Hwy 99 which follows the Cheakamus River Valley and provides access to Whistler and beyond. The communities of Whistler and Squamish are the only urban centres within the watershed and together the resident population is approximately 20,000 people.

A B.C. Hydro generating station is located at Daisy Lake on the Cheakamus River system. Built in 1957, this station contributes power to the provincial hydroelectric grid. Water is diverted to the Squamish River through a 11 km long tunnel located approximately 30 km upstream from the mouth of the Cheakamus River. Seasonal flow rates are controlled by B.C. Hydro, and monitored by Environment Canada.

2.2 GEOLOGY

It has been 13,000 years since the Fraser Glacier receded from the Howe Sound; the steep mountains, distinctly carved valleys, and glaciated material found on the valley floors are a reminder of this recent glacial event. Past geological occurrences and present climatic conditions have developed a podzolic soil regime typical of coastal bio-geoclimatic zones. Containing poor

nutrient quality, this soil affects the quality and quantities of aquatic species throughout the Squamish valley. The Elaho River drainage basin is dominated by solonetzic soils. These soils are hard, exhibit a low hydrolic conductivity, and occur on relatively arid sites. Today, glaciers located in the alpine areas supply meltwater to the Squamish River during the summer months. Sediment deposition occurs throughout the valley, with large amounts located in the Squamish Estuary. Numerous small lakes and glacial depressions are components of the landscape of the Squamish River Watershed.

Mountain peaks in this glaciated environment are greater than 2000 m in elevation on both sides of the valley (Brierley and Hickin 1991). Mount Garibaldi, Mount Cayley (the largest volcano), and Meager Mountain constitute the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt located in the Squamish watershed. Volcanic regions are prone to numerous unexpected avalanches due to their rough relief and unstable rock. Although these volcanoes have not shown any activity in years, volcanic debris can be found throughout the Squamish watershed. Debris avalanches along the Squamish Valley reflect a chronology of volcanic activity that began with a massive collapse of the Mount Caley volcanic cone - 4800 years BP (Brooks 1991).

2.3 CLIMATE

The general climate of the Squamish Watershed area is characteristically moist with relatively cool winters and warm summers. Mountains on either side of the Squamish and Cheakamus river valleys act as channels and the locally famous "Squamish Wind," which flows mainly from north to south, influences seasonal temperatures. The mountains also provide water storage in the form of snowcaps and glaciers.

A 1992 climate study of the Upper Squamish watershed indicated that the mean annual precipitation over a twelve year period was 2380 mm, snowfall was 220 mm, and mean daily temperature ranges from -2.2 to 3.0oC in January to a high of 11.1 to 23.8oC in July. The District of Squamish mean daily temperatures range from -1.2 to 4.3oC in January to a high of 11.7 to 22.7oC in August, while mean annual precipitation was 2036 mm (Environment Canada). Snowfall at lower elevations in the Squamish area accounts for only 8% of annual precipitation, in comparison to 19% in the upper reaches.

The Squamish watershed is located within the mountain hemlock, coastal western hemlock, and alpine tundra biogeoclimatic zones.

2.4 WATERSHED HYDROLOGY

The hydrological conditions occurring in the Squamish River watershed are typical of a coastal glacial system. It has a relatively high flow, with moderate to severe floods occurring several times throughout the fall and early winter. The lower Squamish River, near Brackendale, has a mean annual flow of 304 m3/s, and mean monthly discharge ranging from 86.3 to 493.5 m3/s (Water Survey of Canada 1991). Freshet generally begins in April or May, peaks in July, and is

6 completed by November. From December through March discharge is generally low (< 100 m3/s), with occasional storm events where maximum instantaneous discharges can reach 2500 m3/s (Sigma Engineering Ltd. 1996). During the low flow period minimum daily discharge ranges from 11 to 50 m3/s. Table 2.1 summarizes extremes and total discharge for the Squamish River, 1990-1995.

Table 2.1 Annual Extremes of Discharge and Annual Total Discharge for the Period 1990-1995 (Squamish River near Brackendale - WSC Station No. 08GA022)

Year Max. Instantaneous Max. Daily Discharge Min. Daily Discharge Discharge (m3/s) m3/s (m3/s) 1990 2,060 (Nov. 12) 1,720 (Nov.12) 40.9 (Feb. 23) 1991 2,460 (Aug. 30) 2,120 (Aug. 30) 35.3 (Jan. 5) 1992 N/A 1,350 (Oct. 24) 37.1 (Dec. 31) 1993 906 (May 13) 815 (May 13) 26.1 (Feb. 28) 1994 825 (Mar. 2) 678 (Mar. 2) 36.2 (Dec. 13) 1995 1,660 (Nov.18) 1,340 (Nov. 18) 39.3 (Jan. 7)

Average hydrographs for the Mamquam, Cheakamus, and Elaho Rivers, as well as other tributaries combined, are shown in Figure 2.1A. The 1996 daily hydrographs for these same tributaries are shown in Figure 2.1B.

2.5 WATER QUALITY

The presence of volcanic material, unstable tills combined with glacier runoff, frequent fall floods, steep slopes and high rainfall all contribute to high sediment deposits in the Squamish River system. Human activities such as urban development, agriculture, logging, and road building and maintenance also contribute to high sediment yields within the watershed. Sediments in water creates turbidity, which is coincidental with peak flows. The Squamish River dominates over all other rivers in sediment inputs into the Howe Sound. Table 2.2 presents water quality data from a single monitoring station measured sporadically from 1968 to 1974, and further data from 3 monitoring stations along the Squamish River over 4 months during 1991 collected by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.

Glaciers located in the Squamish alpines produce extremely cool water temperatures in the Squamish River and its tributaries annually.

Figure 2.1 Contributions of various tributaries to Squamish River flow.

A. Mean daily river flow (1955 to 1990)

800 Other tributaries Mamquam River 700 Cheakamus River Elaho River 600 Range of Squamish River Discharge 500

400

300

200 Mean Daily Discharge (m3/s)

100

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Month

B. Daily river flow (1996)

1,600 Other tributaries Mamquam River 1,400 Cheakamus River

1,200 Elaho River

1,000

800

600 Daily Discharge (m3/s) 400

200

0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV Month Table 2.2 Summary of some water quality parameters measured at Brackendale, periodically since 19681 and at three stations from July 15 to October 24, 1991.

Parameter Mean 1991 Mean Level 1968

Discharge (cfs) 8,600 Temp. (°C) 8.45 pH 7.1 6.9 Turbidiity (Jackson units) 33.9 NTU 14.38 Total dissolved solids (Calcd. mg/l) 23.64

Total hardness (CaCO3 mg/l) 10.89 Dissolved calcium (Ca mg/l) 4.16 Dissolved magnesium (Calcd. mg/l) 0.39 Dissolved potassium (K mg/l) 0.61 Dissolved sodium (Na mg/l) 1.61

Total alkalinity (CaCO3 mg/l) 7.75

Bicarbonate (Calcd. HCO3 mg/l) 11.64 Dissolved chloride (C1 mg/l) 1.59 Dissolved fluoride (F mg/l) 0.08

Reactive silica (Si02 mg/l) 5.83

Dissolved sulphate (SO4 mg/l) 5

Dissolved nitrogen (NO3, NO2, N mg/l) 0.004 0.04

Dissolved phosphorus (Ortho, PO4, P mg/l) 0.003 0.003*

Total phosphate (PO4 mg/l) 0.018

Total inorganic phosphorus (inorg. PO4 mg/l) 0.004* Dissolved iron (Fe mg/l) 0.03 Specific Conductance (µs/cm) 28.2 Entercoc (cfu/cL) 7.7 Coli:Fec (CFU/cL) 7.8 Ammonia (mg/L) 0.007 Nitrate (mg/L) 0.037

* = based on fewer than six recordings.

1 Water Quality Branch, 1974

2.6 SOURCES OF CONTAMINANTS

The town of Squamish is located on the East Delta, along with a sewage treatment plant, municipal refuse site, and a woodwaste disposal area. The central sewage treatment plant has a 800 meter outfall pipe leading to the estuary which discharges wastewater from a secondary treatment system into the estuary. This plant received its first discharge permit on July 6, 1972, and is authorized to discharge up to 4,550 cubic meters of wastewater a day. Another smaller sewage outfall station discharges to the Mamquam River. The Mamquam plant (as of March 22, 1972) is authorized to discharge 17,850 cubic meters of wastewater a day. The Whistler plant discharges its treated sewage effluent into the Cheakamus River which eventually flows into the Squamish River. Whistler is permitted to discharge 16,000 cubic meters of wastewater a day between May 15 and September 15, and 25,000 cubic meters per day for the remainder of the year. Although Whistler's sewage treatment system is state of the art technology, restrictions in flow at the Daisy Lake power station are a cause for concern. A recent study determined that the presence of the Daisy Lake dam, combined with limited nutrient capacity in the Cheakamus River, has increased levels of algal growth in the Lower Cheakamus River by stabilizing water depth, velocity, and flow regimes (Lucey et al. 1992). This added biomass can also be attributed to local logging within the surrounding resorvoir, contributing to higher levels of light. The study also mentions that deep water discharge from the resorvoir into the Lower Cheakamus River impacts the hydrolic environment by increasing water temperature and reducing episodic scouring. This situatation could potentially have adverse affects on fish spawning and rearing habitat. The combined sewage disposal from Whistler and Squamish concern many local residents, particularly as the local population increases. The District of Squamish and the Ministry of Health monitor the bacteriological water quality of both treated and raw water entering the Squamish watershed.

The Squamish Port Facility, B.C. Rail, wood waste sites, Canadian Occidental Petroleum Plant, and Canadian Industrial Chemicals Limited also occupy a large piece of land at the head of the estuary. Although the chemical plants have since been decommissioned, both continue to discharge low levels of waste into the estuary. The residual affects of these discharges are unknown, but the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks continue to monitor the situation. Following is a recent list of registered industrial discharges in the Squamish Watershed.

Table 2.3 Squamish industrial discharges 1997.

Industry Contaminants / Characteristics Quantity 3 Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd. · storm water and contaminated water 25,000 m /day 1900 - 1040 West Georgia St. plant decommissioning and site Vancouver, BC remediation activities and sea water V6E 4H3 from a decommissioned chlor-alkali plant. 3 Canadian Occidental Industrial Chemicals Ltd. · discharge from cooling water system 20 m /day (Partnership) · Temp less than 30°C · Chlorine residual less than 0.2 mg/L BC Rail Ltd. · Permit application in process for treatment of contaminated ground water 3 Squamish Terminals · oil/water separator. Infiltration to 2.3 m /day ground and diffused through a rock pit 3 Diachem Industry · process wash water 15 m /day · cooling tower blow down · boiling blow down · scrubber effluent 3 Diachem Industry (air) · reactor ventilation 40 m /min 3 · natural gas boiler 135 m /min 3 · cooling tower exhaust 1400 m /min 3 Interfor Woodwaste · South end of Squamish Airport. 250 m /day · includes: wood, bark, marine wood waste, silt and dredge waste. 3 Squamish Woodwaste · Located near airport under hydro lines. 120 m /day

Source: Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks

3.0 LAND AND WATER USE

3.1 GENERAL LAND USE CLASSIFICATION

Various land jurisdictions are incorporated within the Squamish watershed, including private land, industrial land, municipal land, First Nations land, provincial park land (Garibaldi Provincial Park & Randy Stoltmann Wilderness Area), and forest tenures (Soo Provincial Forest). The Soo Timber Supply Area (TSA) is land administered by the Squamish Forest District in which forest companies manage the timber resource according to a strategic resource management plan prepared by the District. The Soo TSA includes all of Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 38, which is operated by Interfor and includes part of Garibaldi Provincial Park. TFL 38 covers 218,392 ha. and has 106,309 ha. of mature timber. A section of the Stoltmann Area - Clendenning Creek and the mouth of Sims Creek - was declared provincial park in 1996/97. However, some of the remaining harvestable areas are still in contention.

Figure 3.1 summarizes the ownership and tenure of land within the Squamish Watershed. The system of land tenure and timber allocation has greatly influenced the level and location of resource development in the study area. The Municipalities of Squamish and Whistler are the two signficant urban centres within the watershed. Table 3.1 provides a summary of general land classification/use by area for the watershed.

Table 3.1 Summary of Land Classification/Use for Squamish Watershed (ha)

Classification/Use Area (ha) Percent of Total Area Forest Cover 172,797 48.8 Urban Area 3,072 0.9 Alpine/Glacier 177,875 50.2 Freshwater 462 0.1 Total 354,206 100.0

3.2 FIRST NATIONS

The entire Squamish River watershed falls exclusively in the traditional territories of the Squamish Nation. The Squamish Nation's traditional territory covers about 6700 km2 , of which 28.48 km2 is presently reserve land. In this regard, the Nation is currently involved in Treaty negotiations with the federal government. The Squamish Nation has strong roots and ties to the watershed, and takes an active interest in all resource development activities. The Squamish Nation has seven reserves within the Squamish River watershed.

3.3 INDUSTRIAL

The industrial sector covers a variety of enterprises ranging from forestry to mining, the former covering almost the entire Squamish watershed. Hydroelectric generation is confined to Cheakamus (Daisy Lake) and Mamquam Rivers, while transportation linkages, including rail, roads, and highways, are aligned with the Squamish valley. Most industrial activities, with the exception of forest harvesting are located in and around the Squamish Estuary. Included in this area are saw mills, log storage and sorting, the Municipality of Squamish, two decommissioned chemical plant sites, B.C. Rail yard, and a deep sea port facility. The presence of these industries has altered the aquatic habitat and estuary landscape. A number of restoration activities have been carried out in the estuary, and there are on-going initiatives to develop and implement an effective Squamish Estuary management plan. Recently, some habitat reclamation work has been carried out by DFO Habitat Management Division involving the placement of culverts in the dike to provide access from the river to productive estuarine areas. B.C. Rail has initiated projects to clean up its lands, and is in the process of moving to a more suitable location.

3.3.1 Forestry

The Squamish watershed is part of the Soo TSA and includes all of TFL 38 operated by Interfor and part of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Garibaldi Park covers about 37,830 ha of which 17,576 ha is classified as mature forest. TFL 38 covers 218,392 ha or 62% of the total area of the watershed and contains the majority of the remaining mature timber.

The lower flood plain up to the TFL boundary on the East Side of the Squamish River is comprised of a mosaic of reserve lands, private lands and crown lands. The West Side of the river is primarily crown land making up the Tantalus protected area and the Lake Lovely Water Recreation Area. The Cheakamus Valley contains primarily crown lands with some private lands owned by Richmond Plywood, Pacific Forest Products and BC Hydro (a dam site) on Daisy Lake. Figure 3.1 shows the distribution of forest tenures within the Squamish watershed.

The watershed also includes a number of existing and proposed protected areas such as the Randy Stoltmann Wilderness Area, an area that covers 260,000 hectares of the upper reaches of the Squamish and Lillooet River drainages. Large tracts of alpine meadows and old growth valley-floor forests are home to grizzly, elk, moose, and deer.

Mature stands presently comprise 80% of the productive forest area of TFL 38 with the other 20% being made-up of age classes 1 and 2 (less than 40 years old). The current management plan calls for a continuation of the current AAC at 263,000 cubic meters which for the next 20 years will be primarily focused on the mature stands.

3.4 SETTLEMENT

The Municipality of Squamish has experienced rapid growth over the past few years simultaneous with its' establishment as a "bedroom community" for Vancouver. Development is constrained to the Squamish River valley by the steep mountainsides surrounding it. Efforts are being made to increase density but there are large holdings of private land that are now being rezoned and developed. Growth is predicted to continue at about the same levels as in recent years, placing a severe strain on existing infrastructure, as well as the aquatic environment within the watershed.

3.5 RECREATION

The Squamish watershed area provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. Garibaldi Provincial Park provides exceptional opportunities for camping, hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing. Smoke Bluffs, Malamute and Stawamus Chief are recognized as premier rock climbing locations in Canada. The watershed area above the TFL boundary receives around 10,000 visitors a year for fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing. The area of Howe Sound adjacent to the Squamish Estuary Dike is considered one of the best wind surfing areas in North America. Golf, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking are becoming increasingly popular recreational sports throughout the Squamish River system. During the winter months, the Squamish River Estuary supports a large population of bald eagles, along with trumpeter swans, and estuarine bird life. The Squamish River system is also a premier location for fishing, and attracts many avid anglers.

Whistler Mountain has established itself as a world class recreational resort and draws hundreds of thousands of people annually. Tourism and transient traffic to Whistler are major factors which will influence future development planning and management in the Squamish watershed.

3.6 SQUAMISH RIVER ESTUARY

The Squamish River Estuary is located at the northern most point of Howe Sound and is dissected by the Squamish and Stawamus Rivers (Figure 3.2). It covers approximately 844 ha and is the largest estuary in Howe Sound. It is intersected by the main river channel, the Mamquam Blind Channel, smaller flood channels and intertidal drainage channels. The estuary retains a lot of its original habitat and contains various native trees, marshland, sand and mud flats, grasses and sedges and a variety of vegetation. Wildlife consists of hawks, eagles, shorebirds, black and grizzly bears, raccoons, deer, coyotes, along with many species of rodents. This area is also a winter home to Trumpeter Swans. Fish found in the Squamish River system include chum, chinook, sockeye, coho and pink salmon, steelhead trout, sea run cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden char.

The estuary is recognized as having three deltaic areas: Central, East, and West. The East Delta is the most developed of the three. The City of Squamish, FMC Chemical plant, Squamish

Terminals, and log storage and sorting facilities occupy the east delta. Historically, dredging activities were undertaken near the Central Delta to provide for a deep-sea port terminal. The access dredging material was also been stockpiled on this delta until another more appropriate location can be established. The mainstem of the river has been channeled along the west side of the flood plain by means of a dike (training wall) which effectively restricts access from the river to the tidal flats. This has altered the river location as well as the biological character of the estuary. Recently, culverts were constructed in the dike to provide access for fish into the central estuary, improve water circulation, and generally improve the habitat of the estuary. This activity has been undertaken by the Habitat Management Division of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada. The West Delta parallels the Squamish River on the most western part of the estuary and remains a conservation area.

Over half of the Squamish Estuary has been affected and degraded by industrial, commercial, and residential developments. Such development activities threaten the remaining natural environment of the estuary. A chronology of estuarine development is provided in Appendix 1. In order to protect the habitat and establish a balance between development and conservation interests, the Squamish Estuary Management Plan (SEMP) was developed in 1979. It was updated in 1987 to include a Log Handling Management Strategy which addressed log dumping, sorting, storage and booming. Since then a 1993 version has been drafted. The Provincial Government's intention is to create a wildlife management area, pursuant to an agreement under SEMP, by a land swap with B.C. Rail. This proposal is still pending and requires the support from all parties concerned.

Out of concern for the estuary, the Squamish Estuary Society was established. This society has approximately 90 members all of who donate their time and efforts to take part in bird counting, clean-up projects, and lobbying for the protection of the estuary.

3.7 WATER WITHDRAWALS AND IMPOUNDMENT

B.C. Hydro operates a dam at Daisy Lake reservoir located on the Cheakamus River. Constructed in 1957, it is the largest dam operating within the Squamish Valley and consists of a 28 m high, 680 m long earthfill dam across the outlet of Daisy Lake on the Cheakamus River (Ward et al. 1996). At full capacity (140-150 MW), it can supply enough electrical power to serve approximately 60,000 residents (Vancouver Sun 1997). Flows are regulated by B.C. Hydro and monitored by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks as well as Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Recently, B.C. Hydro's Daisy Lake dam has been under investigation regarding flow levels and their effects on salmon species and habitat. Northern Utilities Inc. (Mamquam Power) also operates a hydro generating station along the Mamquam River. Other hydroelectric power projects are in the planning stages for Ashlu Creek and Elaho River. Proposals for geothermal development have also been discussed for the Mt. Cayley region.

In order to control water use and impacts, permits and licenses are required by government for water withdrawals and impoundments. There are 16 known water licenses within the Squamish Watershed (Table 3.2 ).

Table 3.2 Squamish Watershed water users 1997.

River Licensee Quantity Mamquam River Squamish, District of 6,000,000.00 GY Box 310 Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club 828.10 CS 2458 Mamquam Rd. V0N 3G0 Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club 125.00 AF 2458 Mamquam Rd. Squamish, BC V0N 3G0 Ashlu Creek Department of Fisheries and Oceans 100.00 CS Suite 400 - 555 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5G3

Cheakamus River Cerka John M. 10,000.00 GD Perret Jon PO Box 250 Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 Allen Brian E. 500.00 GD BOX 623 Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 Fetherstonhaugh Lyall E. 500.00 GD BOX 345 Whistler, BC V0N 1B0 Cheakamus Fisheries Branch 800.00 CS 10334 152A Street Surrey, BC V3R 7P8 Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

BC Hydro & Power Authority 700,000.00 AF PWR Supply Bus. Services 6911 Southpoint Drive (E08) Burnaby, BC V3N 4X8

BC Hydro & Power Authority 45,000.00 AF PWR Supply Bus. Services 6911 Southpoint Drive (E08) Burnaby, BC V3N 4X8

Fulford Lumber Co. Ltd. C/O BOX 680 Squamish, BC 500.00 GD V0N 3G0

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Suite 1400 - 555 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC 10.00 CS V6B 5G3

School District No. 44, N. Vancouver North Vancouver Outdoor School PO Box 250 4.77 AF Brackendale, BC V0N 1H0

Fisheries & Oceans Canada Suite 400 - 555 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC 15.00 CS V6B 5G3

School District No. 44, N. Vancouver North Vancouver Outdoor School

PO Box 250

Brackendale, BC

V0N 1H0

Elaho River No licenses reported - Squamish River No licenses reported -

Source: Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks

4.0 FISH AND AQUATIC-DEPENDENT WILDLIFE

4.1 AQUATIC HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS

In terms of physical habitat, the features which characterize the Squamish River include:

· Squamish River lies within a mountainous watershed with steep gradients and is prone to high discharge events (flooding);

· Squamish River contains relatively cold temperatures by virtue of its glacial run-off;

· Squamish River is a highly turbid river containing high concentrations of glacial silt; and

· Squamish River has a relatively large, deltaic estuary which has been adversely affected by human activities.

These habitat features set the background conditions for salmonid production in the Squamish River watershed.

4.2 FISH COMMUNITY

The Squamish River system contains five species of Pacific salmon (chinook, coho, chum, pink, and low numbers of sockeye) as well as steelhead trout, rainbow trout, and both anadromous and resident populations of coastal cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char. Other fish reported in the estuary include three-spined stickleback, sculpins and lamprey (Peat and Knight 1980). It has been reported that the Squamish system used to contain shad and eulachon but both fish species disappeared in the 1940’s or early 50’s for unidentified reasons (Clark 1980).

Historically, the Squamish estuary used to serve as a herring spawning ground. However, since 1986, the roe fishery has been closed in Howe Sound. Previous studies have suggested that overfishing by bait fisheries, urban encroachment on spawning habitats, and foreshore development have all contributed to the decline of the herring fishery (Humphreys et al. 1994; Schmitt et al. 1994). It is conceivable that alterations and loss of herring spawning habitat in the estuary have affected fish populations in the Squamish Watershed, as well as sport and commercial salmon fisheries.

While undertaking steelhead investigations between 1977-79, the Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks, made a series of observations concerning adult and juvenile salmonids in Squamish River tributaries. The species enumerated included steelhead, rainbow, cutthroat, Dolly Varden, as well as coho, chinook, pink, sockeye and chum salmon.

Several fish surveys have been carried out in the Squamish River estuary. Fish species recorded from the estuary are listed below in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Fish species in the Squamish River estuary.

Common Name Specific Name Period of Peak Abundance

Permanent Residents staghorn sculpin Leptocottus armatus June to September starry flounder Platichthys stellatus surf smelt Hypomesus pretiosus cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki clarki Dolly Varden char Salvelinus malma Temporary Residents herring Clupea harengus chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta Fry peak in late April & early June coho salmon O. kisutch Smolts peak in early June & early July chinook salmon O. tshawytscha Smolt peak in early July spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias snake prickleback Lumpenus sagitta prickly sculpin Cottus asper Various times shiner perch Cymatogaster aggregatta September & October threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus pink salmon O. gorbuscha eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus sand lace Ammodytes hexapterus

Source: Thornton & Gugins 1996

4.3 DISTRIBUTION OF SALMONIDS

The upstream distributions of salmon and steelhead in the Squamish River watershed and its tributaries are set by impassable waterfalls in the steep gradient stretches of the river. To establish the upstream boundaries of salmon within the watershed, interviews were carried out with staff from the Tenderfoot Hartchery. The resulting distributions of chinook, chum, sockeye, coho and pink salmon spawners are shown in Figures 4.1-4.5, respectively. These distributions are semi-quantitative, and include colour-coding to indicate order-of-magnitude values of the maximum estimated numbers of spawners over the period 1983-1992.

The spawer distribution maps clearly indicate that salmonids concentrate in the lower portions of the Squamish River and its tributaries. In terms of habitat utilization, salmonids can utilize accessible non-natal tributaries as habitat for juvenile rearing. It is likely that many of the tributaries of the lower Cheakamus, Squamish and Mamquam Rivers are utilized in this fashion.

4.4 ABUNDANCE OF SALMONIDS

A time series of salmon escapement estimates covering 1953-1993 are shown in Figure 4.6. Coho escapement has declined since the 1980's, with returns of less than 10,000 adults for the past four years. Chinook have shown a constant decline since 1970 from levels of greater than 20,000 to less than 1,000 adults in 1993. Chum salmon have rebounded following a severe decline from 1988 and have reached levels of over 200,000 fish in the past two years. Pink salmon peaked in 1963 with over 500,000 adults, then declined to 100 fish in 1985 and have gradually rebuilt to about 20,000 - 30,000 fish in 1997 (observations by Tenderfoot Hatchery personnel). However, a flood that occurred during their last cycle may affect their escapement numbers this year. Only small numbers of sockeye are recorded, with up to 100 fish showing up each year in certain areas.

The Squamish River is an important steelhead river with fish migrating as far as 69 km up the mainstem. There is good access to the river and as many as 5,000 anglers visit the river to fish each year. There are no definitive numbers available on the steelhead numbers but based on catch per unit effort statistics, the run has declined over the past 10 years. Until only recently in 1996, the last strong steelhead returns occurred during 1985 and 1986.

The enumeration of salmon spawners is especially difficult in the Squamish River where numerous fish spawn in relatively deep mainstem areas which are highly turbid, rendering visual observations extremely difficult. As part of the coast-wide chinook rebuilding through the 1980's, special efforts have been undertaken to enumerate chinook salmon in the Squamish River more accurately by means of a mark-recapture program (Schubert 1993). The tagging program results provides adult chinook escapement estimates 4.2 times higher than those obtained by visual methods. However, during 1991 and 1992, mark and recapture estimates overlapped visual estimates. Based on observed differences between visual escapement counts and tagging results, historical escapement values greatly underestimated the Squamish chinook salmon population, by factors of between 2.2 to 8 (Table 20 in Schubert 1993). A summary of the Squamish chinook escapement numbers based on recent tagging activities is shown in Figure 4.7.

4.5 AQUATIC-DEPENDENT WILDLIFE

The Squamish Watershed supports a diverse variety of aquatic-dependent wildlife. Detailed information on the distribution, abundance and ecology of aquatic-dependent wildlife species in the study area is generally lacking. However, general information is available from a number of baseline studies, e.g. Meidinger and Pojar (1991).

Figure 4.6. Squamish River Watershed salmon escapement summary. Source: Mulholland 1995.

125000 Coho 100000

75000

50000

25000

0 1953 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993

400000 Chum 300000

200000

100000

0 1953 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993

50000 Chinook 40000

30000

20000

10000

0 1953 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993

800000 Pink 600000

400000

200000

0 1953 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993

400 Sockeye

300

200

100

0 1953 1958 1963 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 Figure 4.7. Abundance of adult chinook salmon returning to the Squamish River as estimated by DFO tagging programs and catch monitoring. Indian food fish catches are considered to be underestimates (Dr. J. Irvine, DFO, pers. commun.) rendering the total return estimates inaccurate. Additionally, the 1994 mark and recapture data apply to males only (Dr. J. Irvine, pers. commun.).

Squamish Chinook Abundance: 1991-96

14000

12000

10000

Total return 8000 Mark and recapture 6000 No Estimate Available Broodstock # Chinook Indian Food Fishery 4000

2000

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 Year The Squamish Estuary boasts a large population of birds, these include a variety of dabbling and diving ducks, trumpeter swans, geese, grebes, loons, seagulls, and herons. The most prominent aspect of the wildlife in the watershed is the large population of bald eagles, which migrate to the Squamish area during winter months. The wintering eagle population is one of the largest in North America. During 1994, over 3700 eagles were present in the Brackendale area.

Other animals that are to some extent dependent on the aquatic environment in the watershed area include the black bear, coyote, deer, and cougar. Most of these species have been displaced to a greater or lesser degree in the settled areas of the watershed. However, they are present in significant numbers in the upper reaches of the Squamish Watershed. Beavers are present throughout the Squamish River system.

In addition to being important habitat for many birds, the Squamish Estuary supports various populations of sea otters, harbour seals and sea lions. The population of seals and sea lions is highest during periods of active salmon migration.

5.0 FISHERIES EXPLOITATION

5.1 HISTORICAL COMMERCIAL FISHERY IN HOWE SOUND

Gillnetting for salmon continued in Howe Sound until 1956 and trolling until 1967. Both were closed in the Upper Howe Sound due to high concentrations of mercury. In 1978, concentrations returned to acceptable levels and the area was reopened to sport fishing but still remains closed to all commercial harvesting due to low fish abundance. Since the commercial closure in Howe Sound, Squamish River salmon have continued to be intercepted in other coastal areas where commercial troll and net fisheries harvest these fish. In addition to salmon, historically there was a commercial herring fishery which operated in Howe Sound.

In terms of value, a conservative estimate of the 1977 gross wholesale value of commercially caught salmon associated with Howe Sound was $3,000,000 (DFO data reported in Environment & Land Use Committee Secretariat, 1980). This value has presumably dropped over the past 2 decades in view of declining Squamish system salmon abundance over this same period.

5.2 EXPLOITATION OF SQUAMISH RIVER FISH IN PACIFIC COAST FISHERIES

Through the DFO Head Tag Recovery program, which applies adipose fin clips and coded-wire nose tags to hatchery-raised coho and chinook salmon, there is a good data base which illustrates the relative contribution of Squamish River salmon to different fisheries along the coast. The data are derived from juvenile fish tagged at the Tenderfoot Facility, and may be partially indicative of the catch distribution of wild Squamish salmon populations.

The catch distribution of chinook from the 1981 through 1984 brood years is shown in Figure 5.1. The highest percentage of fish (39%) were captured in the Georgia Strait sport catch. Other fisheries which captured Squamish fish in the 1980's included the Northern and Central Coast Net fishery (23%), the Alaskan Commercial fishery (13%), and the Northern and Central Coast sport fishery (9.5%). For the 1984-1994 brood years (Figure 5.2), Squamish fish were taken primarily in the Inside Passage sport fishery (36%), the Northern and Central Coast BC commercial fishery (26%), the Squamish terminal fishery (13%), and the Alaskan fishery (11%).

For the 1984 - 1994 brood years, hatchery coho from the Tenderfoot Hatchery (Figure 5.3) were taken primarily in the Inside Passage sport fishery (47%), the West Coast Vancouver Island commercial fishery (29%), Washington and Oregon fisheries (7%), and the North and Central BC commercial fishery (3%).

The catch distributions discussed above should be interpreted with caution. Wild fish from the Squamish River would likely show different marine distributions and migration patterns, in view of the different life histories favoured by hatchery culture

practices. For example, cultured chinook from Tenderfoot Hatchery are exclusively "ocean-type" fish, whereas most wild chinook from the Squamish watershed are "stream-type" fish (Schubert 1993). It is unlikely that both stream- and ocean-type fish from the Squamish River have similar marine distributions.

In terms of exploitation rate, Tenderfoot coho are thought to be exposed to very high exploitation rates in the various coastal fisheries. Preliminary calclulations by Tenderfoot Hatchery staff suggest very high (> 90% exploitation) of tagged coho salmon smolts, an extremely high harvest rate. Further work is required to refine these preliminary estimates.

5.3 RECREATIONAL FISHERY

The Squamish River system has been used for recreational fishing since before the beginning of the century. Access into the Squamish Valley was limited until B.C. Rail completed construction of the railway in 1913. This allowed a greater number of sport fisherman access to the steelhead and salmon runs of the Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers. Road expansion into the watershed continued in 1955 with the construction of the BC Hydro penstock powerhouse at Mile 22. However, the greatest increase in fishing pressure came in 1958 with the construction of Highway 99 from Vancouver that provided easy access to the mainstem Squamish and Cheakamus Rivers. Weldwood Lumber improved road conditions and extended road access in the watershed to the Elaho River and various other small tributaries between 1962 and 1965.

Steelhead catch and catch-per-angler-day records for 4 tributaries of the Squamish River are shown in Figure 5.4.

In addition to steelhead, there is an active sport fishery directed at coho in the Squamish watershed. However, the catch levels and level of angler participation are unknown.

5.4 FIRST NATION FISHERY

The native peoples of the Squamish area have utilized salmon and steelhead from the Squamish River for hundreds of years. Chinook salmon are fished in the lower 30 km of the Squamish River. Formal netting permits were first issued in 1913 although no records were kept until 1926. In 1988-1989, the fishery occured one day per week using 18m long set gill nets (Schubert 1993). Permits for steelhead were originally valid between July 1 and December 31. DFO figures indicate that the chinook catch in the fishery has increased since 1990 (1981-89 mean = 279; 1990-96 mean = 1244) although it is generally felt that overall chinook returns to the Squamish River are depressed. These catch numbers are considered to be underestimates of the actual chinook catch level in the Squamish River (Dr. J. Irvine, DFO, pers. commun.).

Figure 5.4 Steelhead catch and catch per angler day in Squamish tributaries between 1982-83 and 1994-95.

A. Catch

2500 Squamish Ashlu Ck 2000 Mamquam Cheakamus 1500

Catch 1000

500

0 1982-83 1986-87 1990-91 1994-95 Year

B. Catch per angler day 3.0 Squamish 2.5 Ashlu Ck Mamquam 2.0 Cheakamus 1.5

1.0

Catch per angler day 0.5

0.0 1982-83 1986-87 1990-91 1994-95 Year

Source: BC MOELP; Steelhead sport catch and angling effort survey, 1994-95 (unpubl.data) 6.0 FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT AND WATERSHED RESTORATION

6.1 SALMONID ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Major Facility

DFO operates the Tenderfoot Hatchery which focuses on the enhancement of chinook, coho, and chum salmon, through the release of salmon fry to the rivers. The hatchery altered the release strategy for chinook fry in 1993. Rather than releasing fry into the Squamish River system, the fish are transported to Britannia Beach where they are placed in holding pens for up to 2 weeks. Therafter they are released either into the Squamish Estuary or Howe Sound. DFO personnel from the Tenderfoot Hatchery have observed a ten fold increase in the marine survival rate associated with the new release strategy. The hatchery does not presently raise steelhead fry. The last steelhead releasee were in 1992 into Ashlu Creek and the Mamquam River, and in 1990 to the Elaho River and Ashlu Creek. The Fish and Wildlife Branch of MoELP manage the steelhead, and have classified the Squamish River and its tributaries as a wild steelhead system. Coho are released in the Squamish and Mamquam Rivers, Ashlu Creek, and Tenderfoot Lake. Chum salmon fry are only released when there appears to be a bad year. During 1991 to 1995, a public involvement program released chum fry into Dryden Creek and Tenderfoot Lake. Pink fry were last released in 1993, and continue to be released on cycle years. Enhancement data provided by the Salmon Enhancement Program (DFO) is listed below in Table 6.1. In 1995/96 the group produced: · chinook smolts 1,600,000 · coho smolts 300,000 · chum smolts 100,000

DFO through the SEP program also operates seven spawning channels within the watershed that target coho and chum salmon. In 1997, Watershed Restoration projects will be developing 4 more channels in conjunction with DFO and the Steelhead Society of BC.

Numerous mark and recapture projects have been initiated by various organizations throughout the Squamish River system. DFO has experimented with electronic radio tagging. BC Hydro, along with the Squamish Nation, have initiated salmon enhancement training projects, as well as restoration projects on the Cheakamus River.

Minor Activities

There are six Public Involvement Programs operating in the watershed. Three of these groups are primarily focused on assessment and habitat restoration, while the others carry out habitat work and also incubate and release small numbers of coho and chum salmon. In this regard, the

North Vancouver Outdoor School operates a small demonstration/teaching hatchery at their facility on the lower Squamish River which produces in the order of 50,000 fry per year.

Streamkeepers Programs & School Projects

There is no formal Streamkeeper group working on the river, but the Squamish River Habitat Task Force coordinates a volunteer group of approximately 20 people who carry out habitat work within the watershed.

Table 6.1 Salmon Enhancement Data for the Squamish watershed

Enhancement of chum salmon in Squamish watershed.

Brood Year Stock ID Release Site Total Released

1991 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 66,667 fed fry

1992 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 117,511 fed fry

1993 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 150,837 fed fry

1994 Cheakamus River & Tenderfoot Creek 106,707 fed fry Tenderfoot Creek Dryden Creek 23,726 fed fry 1995 Tenderfoot Creek Dryden Creek 76,656 fed fry

Enhancement of coho salmon in the Squamish watershed.

1990 Squamish River Squamish River 4,324 fed fry 25,537 smolts 1990 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 57,479 unfed 76,338 smolts Total for 1990 57,479 unfed fry 4,324 fed fry 101,875 smolts 1991 Ashlu Creek Ashlu Creek 57,937 smolts

1991 Mamquam River Mamquam River 56,362 smolts

1991 Squamish River Squamish River 48,727 smolts

1991 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 156,741 smolts

Total for 1991 319,767 smolts

1992 Ashlu Creek Ashlu Creek 41,742 smolts

1992 Mamquam River Mamquam River 44,130 smolts

1992 Squamish River Squamish River 60,516 smolts

1992 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 106,036 smolts

Total for 1992 252,424

1993 Ashlu Creek Ashlu Creek 44,036 smolts

1993 Mamquam River Mamquam River 53,196 smolts

1993 Squamish River Squamish River 44,182 smolts

1993 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 145,993 smolts

Total for 1993 287,407 smolts

1994 Ashlu Creek Ashlu Creek 45,031 smolts

1994 Mamquam River Mamquam River 42,200 smolts

1994 Squamish River Squamish River 57,592 smolts

1994 Tenderfoot Creek Tenderfoot Creek 141,174 smolts

Total for 1994 285,997 smolts

Enhancement of chinook salmon in the Squamish watershed.

Brood Year Stock ID Release Site Total Released

1991 Squamish River Porteau Cove 14,067 smolts right ventral clipped 1992 Ashlu Creek Ashlu Creek 168,280 smolts

1992 Cheakamus River Tenderfoot Creek 199,278 smolts Porteau Cove 190,372 seapen reared 1992 Squamish River Squamish River 214,573 smolts Porteau Cove 219,406 seapen reared Total for 1992 991,909 smolts

1993 Cheakamus River Tenderfoot Creek 76,346 smolts

1993 Squamish River Squamish River 119,004 smolts

Total for 1993 195,350 smolts

1995 Porteau Cove Squamish R Estuary 181,181 smolts

Enhancement of pink salmon in the Squamish watershed.

1993 Mamquam River Lower Paradise 409,754 eyed eggs Channel (instream incubators) 1993 Indian River Cheakamus River 712,268 eyed eggs (instream incubators) Total for 1993 1,122,022 eyed eggs

Enhancement of steelhead trout in the Squamish watershed.

1988 Squamish River Elaho River 29,017 fed fry Ashlu Creek 23,590 fed fry 1989 Mamquam River Mamquam River 22,770 fed fry

1989 Squamish River Elaho River 53,219 fed fry Ashlu Creek 53,221 fed fry Total for 1989 129,210 fed fry

1990 Mamquam River Mamquam River 12,277 fed fry

1990 Squamish River Ashlu Creek 44,000 fed fry Elaho River 43,359 fed fry Total for 1990 99,636 fed fry

1991 Mamquam River Mashiter Creek 2,773 fed fry

1991 Squamish River Ashlu Creek 35,296 fed fry

Total for 1991 38,069 fed fry

1992 Mamquam River Mamquam River 30,540 fed fry

1992 Squamish River Ashlu Creek 24,877 fed fry

Total for 1992 55,417 fed fry

6.2 WATERSHED RESTORATION PROGRAM

There are a number of watershed restoration projects being carried out in the Squamish watershed including general overview assessment work, road stabilization and deactivation projects, hillside and slope stabilization projects, revegetation, installation of stream structures and fisheries enhancement projects. Some of the work was initiated before Forest Renewal BC and the Watershed Restoration Program were established, but are currently being implemented by the WRP. The Squamish watershed is considered a model for other restoration efforts around

the province. WRP projects for 1996 had a value of almost $4 million, and the budget for 1997 projects will be around $5 million.

The description of Squamish Watershed Restoration Projects provided below has been re-printed with permission from the Spring 1996 Newletter “Watershed News” (Dr. R. Turner, Editor, Geological Survey of Canada).

Watershed Restoration on the upper Squamish River began in 1993 with the Squamish River Habitat Task Force’s grant from BC 21 to do work on Shop Creek, and assess other tributaries of the Squamish. The Habitat Task Force members include the Steelhead Society of B.C. (SSBC), the Squamish Nation, Squamish Rod and Gun Club, the DFO, and Weldwood of Canada - now Interfor.

In the two years since, the Watershed Restoration Program (WRP) has funded the SSBC for fish habitat assessments and restoration activities on Shop Creek and a number of other Squamish River tributaries, with the most visible results on Shovelnose Creek. Salmonid escapements in Shovelnose Creek have been 10% of their historical values since the early 80’s. Debris torrents in the upper reaches, and a storm induced intrusion of the Squamish River into the Shovelnose Creek channel degraded fish habitat. The silt-laden, cold waters of the Squamish River reduced water quality, and diverted flow from the lower 800 metres of the creek. The SSBC, with engineering input from the DFO, constructed a berm to guard against the Squamish inundating the channel except in extreme fall freshet events, and rewetted the lowermost reach. The lower reach was made into an improved spawning and rearing channel, and imediately after the improved channel opened, chinook salmon were seen spawning in it. It has been very well used by spawners and by overwintering fry.

Recently completed on Shovelnose is a small groundwater channel, and the recovery of a tributary channel which was cut off from Shovelnose Creek by the mainline road. Habitat complexing using various techniques is ongoing. The emphasis of the restoration is on species needing rearing habitat: chinook salmon, coho salmon and steelhead trout, as well as cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char. Pink and chum salmon are also targeted as their carcasses provide the system with much needed nutrients, and their fry are food for the rearing species.

A far more ambitious 3-5 year project is now beginning on Ashlu Creek, a major tributary to the Squamish River, with massive potential benefit to fish. The SSBC in conjunction with DFO are planning a 200 m long chinook spawning channel, a 3 km long spawning and rearing channel, a 3 km long rearing channel, and restoration of the main channel. Assessments are beginning now.

Other tributaries the SSBC is active on through the Watershed Restoration Program include Chuck Chuck Creek, where a large shallow pond complex was deepened to 2-3 m and complexed with large woody debris (LWD). On 28.5 Mile Creek, beaver dams are to be enhanced along with the development of channels for spawning and rearing. High Falls Creek is another focus, where flooding is caused by an excessive amount of bedload material coming from the upper reaches of the stream. The SSBC is hoping to develop a plan to reduce the degree of flooding and resulting habitat degradation. 36 Mile Creek is being assessed for restoration

opportunities, and the whole area is being managed for beavers. Beaver dams in Shop, 28.5 Mile, and 36 Mile Creeks will be breached to allow spawning fish to pass. Habitat enhancement on Shop Creek has been completed after 3 years of restoration. Shop Creek was shallow and lacking pools and cover, and habitat was enhanced by the placement of boulder groups and weirs, and by the addition of 100-150 pieces of LWD per km, arranged in log jams in shallow pools. Monitoring of the stability of the structures and of fish abundance will be ongoing.

While the SSBC have been the most active in actual restoration work so far, other groups have major projects in the Squamish drainage as well. As reported in the Summer editon of the Watershed News, The Squamish Lillooet Regional District and the Ministry of Environment (on behalf of the Squamish River Watershed Committee) have taken advantage of WRP funding to do a comprehensive assessment of streams for rehabilitation opportunities. Through the coordination of Brent Moore of BC Environment a team of consultants including a vegetation ecologist, terrestrial vegetation ecologist, aquatic ecologists, a resource biologist, geomorphologist and a hydrologist worked together to assess the habitat impacts of forestry and the ecological basis for restoration opportunities on approximately 25 streams, and to train a First Nations crew in collection of all the necessary data. The team has been very successful and has produced a list of good candidates for restoration, in which habitat loss is the factor limiting fish production. The same approach by the same consulting team has also been applied to the Lillooet drainage next door.

International Forest Products has been involved not only as a partner with the SSBC projects, and as a member of the Squamish River Watershed Committee, but also has a project on upper High Falls Creek. The project is to assess roads and slides as well as the riparian zone and potential fish habitat above the falls.

The Ministry of Forests in Squamish is currently undertaking seven watershed restoration projects within the Squamish watershed. Project activities include hillside and slope stabilization, revegetation, creek rehabilitation, and road deactivation. Presently, restoration work is underway in the Mamquam, Highfalls and Brandywine watershed areas. The Mashiter area, located just northeast of Squamish, was completed early this year. The other proposed restoration location is the Ashlu, while the remaining areas within the watershed area are unplanned (MOF 1996).

The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MoELP) is presently managing seven watershed restoration projects. Funded by Forest Renewal of B.C., the Steelhead Society of B.C., Squamish River Watershed Committee, Interfor, and DFO are assisting MoELP in executing these projects. Project activities include habitat creation and restoration, fish assessments, beaver management, riparian assessments and restoration, water quality assesments and side channel development planning. Details on all MoELP watershed restoration projects currently being implemented in the Squamish River watershed are provided in Appendix 2.

The past and proposed breaches in the Squamish River training dyke to permit water and fish to flow through the Squamish River estuary have been undertaken by DFO to enhance salmon production.

7.0 INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS

7.1 GENERAL

The Squamish watershed is governed by federal, provincial, regional and local government agencies, all of which have their own unique mandates regarding the management of aquatic resources. No single provincial or federal agency has overall responsible for aquatic resource management. As a result, agencies are responsible for specific sectors - parks, environment, forestry, highways, health, etc. and responsibilities between agencies and different levels of government often overlap. The Squamish Nation have their own governing administration which acts on behalf of their people.

Presently, development in the Watershed can be typified as single sector, piecemeal, and undertaken on a reactive (as opposed to a proactive) basis. If sustainability is to be achieved in the Squamish River Watershed, a collaborative, integrated and holistic approach for the management of the watershed needs to be established. A brief sectoral analysis of institutions involved in the Squamish watershed is provided below based on the work of Lacombe et al. (1994). Further information is provided in Appendix 3.

7.2 FISHERIES AND AQUATIC HABITAT

Fisheries and aquatic habitats are under pressure due to increases in population, development, and competing interests. The fisheries sector consists of commercial, recreational and First Nation fisheries. Although commercial fishing was terminated in the Strait of Georgia in the late 1960's, recreational and Native fishing continues. First Nation people have constitutional priority to fish for food, for social/subsistence and ceremonial purposes, while recreational fishing is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks have primary responsibility for the management of fisheries and aquatic habitat. DFO is responsible for marine life, anadromous species, and habitat, while MoELP is responsible for the planning and management of freshwater habitat and fisheries. Co-management involving First Nations people, and provincial and federal agencies, is a relatively new intiative that is highly relevant for present-day fisheries management.

7.3 INDUSTRY

The industrial sector includes a variety of commercial activities, including manufacturing, mining, transportation, hydroelectric power generation, and forestry. These activities cover a large area and affect many aspects of the natural environment. To manage the impacts on land and aquatic habitats, various levels of government issue permits and licenses. The Squamish

Ministry of Forests has jurisdiction over logging and the management of the watershed forest district. The Municipality of Squamish has control over development activity on private or community-owned lands within its boundaries. The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MoELP) provides permits and licenses to industry for industrial effluent discharge, domestic sewage, landfills, etc. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and Environment (DoE) monitor activities which are related to fish and aquatic habitat.

7.4 HUMAN SETTLEMENT

In recent years, human settlement in the Squamish area has increased dramatically because of its proximity to Vancouver, its relatively undeveloped state, and its unique rural and urban environment. Presently, the population of Squamish is approximately 15,000, and the new Official Community Plan (OCP) allows for a maximum of 40,000 people. The Squamish- Lillooet Regional District and local municipal governments are responsible for human settlement in Squamish, Brackendale, and Whistler areas. Continued residential and commercial growth will put pressure on the water resources in the region. The coordination of planning and management of development impacts represents a significant challenge for local and regional governments.

7.5 TOURISM AND RECREATION

Outdoor recreation opportunities available throughout the Squamish watershed attract hundreds of thousands of people annually. Prominent attractions include: Whistler Mountain, Stoltmman Wilderness Reserve, Garibaldi Park, and the numerous river systems in the area. The management of these parks, reserves and wilderness areas is carried out by the B.C. Parks (MoELP) and the Ministry of Forests (MoF). The federal Department of Environment (DoE) and MoELP have jurisdiction over wildlife, and the DoE is also responsible for migratory birds and waterfowl habitat. Increases in tourism will undoubtedly put huge strains on these ministries and the environment of the watershed.

7.6 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES

Non-governmental organizations play an important role in the management of the Squamish Watershed. Some of these organizations include the Steelhead Society, Squamish Estuary Society, Soo Coalition, Aware, and the Sea to Sky Outdoor School for Environmental Education. Many of the NGOs are non-profit organizations made up of concerned citizens with common views and goals. They are involved with community groups and fisheries agencies by actively taking part in restoration projects. These organizations have considerable influence regarding Squamish watershed issues.

Currently, many water resource projects and related aquatic habitat initiatives are engaged

federally, provincially, and regionally in the Squamish Watershed. Following is a brief list based on work of Lacombe et al. (1994):

· The Squamish Estuary Management Plan was first drafted in 1979 to guide decision-making in the estuary region. Since 1979, discussions have ensued between federal and provincial government agencies, local industry, First Nations and private land owners to develop a long term management plan for the estuary. At present, the draft document does not have the support of all parties involved.

· The Salmon Enhancement Program - funded by the federal and provincial governments - has been successful in educating the public about the importance of managing and enhancing our salmon resource.

· The Steelhead Society of B.C. is involved in the protection and restoration of river habitats. Currently, they are assisting MoELP in improving the aquatic environment of the Squamish River system. They also take regular inventory of fish stocks throughout the watershed.

· The Howe Sound Round Table is a regular informal forum made up of representatives from a diversity of interests in the region and is dedicated to the on-going dialogue between stakeholders to discuss environmental, social, and economic issues regarding the Howe Sound. Established in 1993, this initiative is well received by communities, experts, local governments and interest parties as a meaningful and important exercise (Watershed News 1996).

· Liquid Waste Management Planning Process (LWMP) is administered by the GVRD and identifies the different sources of liquid waste in an urban environment, determines the nature and magnitude of the associated problems, and provides recommendations and solutions.

· Local Resource Use Plan (LRUP) was established in 1991 by the Squamish Forest District to ensure that forest management plans on the highway corridor consider the forested slopes' visual quality.

· Partners in Protecting Aquatic and Riparian Resources (PPARR) was established to improve the federal, provincial and local governments collaborative efforts at protecting the aquatic and riparian ecosystems at a local level.

· Stewardship of the Water of British Columbia is a vision for new water management, policy and legislation launched by the MoELP. This initiative has provided 8 policy papers, and public hearings in an effort reach their goal.

· The Sustainable Fisheries Foundation is a non profit organization concerned with issues related to salmon management and planning. There intent is provide both incentive and guidance to conserve and restore salmon and their habitats within the Pacific region.

· The Forest Alliance of B.C. is an industry organization concerned about the sustainability of forests and forestry in B.C. They are actively involved in many FRBC projects aimed at improving past logging environments, as well as providing training for unemployed forest workers.

· CORE was a provincially funded commission established to liase with the Cabinet regarding the development of provincial land and resource use strategy.

· Protected Areas Strategy is a provincial initiative aimed at the protection representatives of natural diversity and ecosystems, with the province.

· Integrated Watershed Management Planning (IWMP) is a MoELP and MoF initiative aimed at assisting with the management of land and resources within community watersheds.

· The Squamish River Watershed Committee is an informal committee consisting of representatives of the Squamish First Nation, 3 levels of government, and a variety of non- governmental organizations and regulated interests. These groups have agreed to co-operate in the development and implementation of an ecosystem-based watershed management and restoration plan for the Squamish River Watershed.

· The Resort Municipality of Whistler Wastewater Management Plan Advisory Working Group was established to address the concerns of local residents and residents of Squamish regarding the impacts of Whistler's discharge of sewage into the Cheakamus River.

· Cheakamus River Task Team initiative is to improve conditions of the Cheakamus River below the Daisy Reservoir. Established in 1993, the 5 year goal is to minimize the impact of seasonal flooding.

· AWARE is based out of Whistler and is concerned with water quality issues. This group has established a recycling program in Whistler, and is actively involved in golf course proposals because of their threat to aquatic environments.

· Howe Sound Environmental Science Network is aimed out promoting environmental science research and study within the Howe Sound watershed that will lead to, or support, the implementation of sustainable development strategies and practices. This initiative has the support of government agencies, academic institutions and industry.

· The Squamish Estuary Conservation Society is an organization concerned about commercial and industrial activities, and conservation issues within the estuary. They are actively involved in the Squamish Estuary Management Plan.

· Squamish Rod and Gun Club are a member of the Squamish River Habitat Task Force. The members execute fish habitat assessments and restoration activities throughout the watershed.

B.C. Hydro, along with the Squamish First Nation, has initiated a 5 year rebuilding plan for the Cheakamus River. Since its implementation, this project has seen the removal of 17,800 m3 of sand from the Squamish delta. Further plans include rebuilding the pink salmon stocks on the Cheakamus River, improving the Paradise Valley habitat, and establishing a compensation strategy for improvements to fish and the natural habitat.

8.0 FACTORS LIMITING SALMONID PRODUCTIVITY

8.1 FORESTRY-RELATED IMPACTS

The Forest industry continues to be a dominant force in the economy of the Squamish region. Logging activities affect stream morphology, stream hydrology, temperature conditions, sedimentation rate, large woody debris inputs and distribution, as well as biological production. Most logging-related environmental changes are manifested indirectly in the form of alterations to stream fish habitat quality. Direct effects include the presence of debris dams along streams which can restrict salmon migration up river. Peak flow discharges tend to increase following logging, and stream-bank erosion can produce turbidity and sedimentation. Logging road construction and use can also result in excessive sediment inputs into streams, and, where poorly planned, can cause slope instability. Additional information on logging-related impacts on salmon is provided for Squamish Fisheries Forum participants in a companion document (Levy 1997).

Log transportation and storage activities occur primarily in the Mamquam Channel which is located on the eastern side of the Squamish Estuary. Environmental impacts from log storage and transportation are both physical and chemical. Many of these impacts are the result of wood and bark debris deposition in concert with sediment compaction within the activity area. In most cases, fish are vulnerable to log storage effects through habitat alterations and/or reductions in invertebrate food supplies (Sloan 1996).

Salmonids in the Squamish river watershed concentrate in the lower portions of the watershed below impassable falls (Section 4.3). Much of this area was subject to the first logging within the Squamish Valley, which took place decades ago; such areas are now covered by second growth forest. Future logging in the Squamish watershed which will be directed largely towards the Squamish River headwater areas, upstream of salmon spawning areas. In terms of future logging effects, probably the most serious are the downstream habitat impacts associated with alterations in stream hydrology and sedimentation imputs. The severity and frequency of flooding events can increase as a consequence of logging. In future, it will be important to maintain downstream fish habitat integrity by adopting logging practices which minimise impacts on stream hydrology.

8.2 HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENT AND WATER REGULATION

The construction of the Daisy Dam on the Cheakamus River in 1957 has significantly affected water flows. The mean annual volume of water diverted through the turbines exceeded the licenced amount (700,000 acre-feet per annum) in 32 or 33 out of 38 years of record (Ward et al. 1996). The flow diversion may have had an impact on salmon spawning, although there is little available scientific information. It is reported that flow fluctuations have negatively impacted the survival of chinook eggs and natural spawning environments (Hirst 1991). Steelhead and salmon

47 require sufficient water levels to allow easy access to their spawning grounds. Since 1955, most of the Cheakamus River's side channels and deep holding pools have been lost as a result of flow manipulation (Clark 1981). Coincidentally, pink salmon stocks have gradually been decreasing since the dam was erected in 1957 (Vancouver Sun 1997). However, the linkage between pink salmon declines and hydro development may be tenuous, in view of the observation that highest pink salmon numbers ever recorded in the Cheakamus occurred 3 and 4 generations after dam completion (James Bruce, BC Hydro, pers. commun..). Physical changes associated with hydro operation include increases in channel aggradation upstream from the reservoir, and channel deepening downstream associated with sediment loading.

Diking on the Upper Stawamus River is causing flooding and sedimentation problems for residents located downstream. During high flow periods, large amounts of sand and gravel are transported downstream and deposited throughout the Squamish Nation's reserve.

8.3 URBANIZATION

The rate of urbanization and the level of development will continue to increase in the Squamish Watershed as long as land prices remain relatively low compared to Vancouver. Lands which were once used for agriculture or forestry are now in demand by many user groups. This urbanization will have many impacts on the environment. Some of these impacts may include, increased flood runoff, increased sewage discharge, leachate from past and present garbage dumps, air and noise pollution, along with additional consumption of water resources.

Combined pollution and water quality degradation from Whistler and the Municipality of Squamish concerns numerous residents in both communities. Sewage effluent discharges into the watershed are bound to increase. Whistler's sewage flows directly into the Cheakamus River. Improvements in sewage treatment plants and other disposal options are being implemented to address these issues.

Road building and road maintenance throughout the watershed is increasing, along with debris flow hazards, increased runoff, and potential flooding. As a result, sedimentation and deposition is rising affecting the aquatic habitat of many rivers throughout the Squamish Watershed. Infrastructure growth and improvement also threaten the quality of domestic drinking water for local residents.

8.4 INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

In the past, the Squamish River estuary has been affected by industry through a variety of operations. The mainstream of the river has been channeled along the west side of the flood plain by means of a dike which effectively restricts access to fish rearing areas on the tidal flats. The mud flats adjacent to the dike are used for log storage. BC Rail has a large rail yard and maintenance area and Star Shipping has a bulk loading facility, a deep sea port and adjacent storage facilities. Other areas support log dumping and additional industrial activity. The area adjacent to the highway has been in-filled and now supports a number of retail outlets.

Continued industrial development within the Squamish Estuary will result in further degradation of the natural habitat. Alterations to habitat and a reduction in invertebrate food supplies may be affecting those salmon stocks which rely heavily on the estuary.

Continued dredging activities within the estuary, undertaken to provide vessel access to sea port facilities, affects both the aquatic and land environments. Natural habitats are altered and various aquatic life is displaced and often smothered. Disposal and storage of this material is often a problem, particularly the mercury-contaminated sediments within, and adjacent to, the Squamish Estuary.

8.5 INSUFFICIENT ESCAPEMENT

Historically, there is indirect evidence that the Squamish watershed produced many more salmon than it does today. This trend is poorly documented by the available scientific data, however, many elderly residents of the watershed verify that historical levels of salmon production were much higher than they are today. DFO scientists have reached similar conclusions: "Consequently, the marked decline in spawning escapement of Squamish chinook is considered strong evidence that chinook production is very depressed; present escapements being less than 10% of pre-1970 levels" (Levings and Riddell 1992).

It is likely that historical habitat degradation and over-fishing are both largely responsible for the present low abundance of salmon in the Squamish River. A key prescription for increasing Squamish salmon abundance is the effective protection of salmon so that the level of escapement to the various spawning grounds can be increased.

A diagnosis of insufficient escapement is hampered by the lack of an explicit and biologically meaningful escapement target for salmon populations spawning within the Squamish watershed. The overall chinook rebuilding objective is to produce double the 1979-82 average escapement, a target of 6000 spawning fish. However, since the 1979-82 escapements were only poorly enumerated due to visibility and assessment problems associated with stream-side visual counts, the present chinook escapement target requires review and evaluation. At present, there are no escapement targets or guidelines for the other salmon species including coho, pink and chum.

Adult salmon population enumeration in the Squamish system is extremely challenging, and there are numerous technical challenges which need to be overcome. In addition, the high frequency of hatchery fish in the Squamish River chinook escapement (as high as 94% in some tributaries) is a cause for concern. Four changes have been observed in the biology of chinook salmon in Squamish (Schubert 1993) associated with an increased return of cultured fish:

· the predominant life history has shifted from stream-type to ocean-type fish and the average age at maturity has declined by a year;

· first generation enhanced chinook exceeded 50% of the annual escapement of several major stocks; · there has been an intermixing of previously discrete stocks; and, · spawners have been redistributed to areas where subsequent production may be limited.

Concerns about such impacts led Schubert (1993) to recommend a review of the status of the Squamish chinook stock, including the role of enhancement in rebuilding. Such a review has not yet taken place.

REFERENCES

Argue, S. Department of Environmental, Fisheries & Marine Services, 1090 West Pender, Vancouver, B.C. Personal communication.

Brierley, G. and E. Hickin. 1991. Channel platform as a non-controlling factor in fluvial sedimentology: the case of the Squamish River floodplain, British Columbia. Dept. of Geography and the Institute of Quaternary Research, SFU.

Brooks, G.R. 1991. Aspects of postglacial sediment supply to the Squamish River. Can. Tech. Rept. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1879. p.252.

Clark, B. 1981. Squamish Steelhead Investigations 1977-79. BC Ministry of Environment.

Clark, B. 1988. The Steelhead Populations in Reach 3 of the Squamish River. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.

D.O.E. 1972. Effects of existing and proposed industrial development on the aquatic ecosystem of the Squamish estuary. Federal Provincial Task Force on the Squamish Estuary Harbour Development. Dept. of the Environment, Fisheries, & Marine Services and Fisheries Research Board. pp.38.

Duff, D. 1997. Steelhead Society of B.C. Personal communication.

Environment Canada. Canadian Climate Data Services. Applications and Services. Pacific and Yukon Region. Personal communication.

Environment and Land Use Committee Secretariat. 1980. Howe Sound: An Overview Study. Province of British Columbia.

Freyman, Liz. 1997. Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks. Personal communication.

Goodings, C. 1997. Goodings Incorporated. Personal communication.

Hirst, S.M. 1991. Impacts of the operation of existing hydroelectric developments on fishery resources in British Columbia. Canadian MS Report Fish. Aquatic Sci.: 2093.

Hoos, L. and C. Vold. 1975. The Squamish River Estuary: Status of environmental knowledge to 1974. Report of the Estuary Working Group, Environment Canada Special Estuary Series No. 2.

Humphreys, R.D., S.M. McKinnell, D. Welch, M. Stocker, B. Turris, F. Dickson, and D. Ware (eds.). 1994. Pacific Stock Assessment Review Committee (PSARC) Annual Report for 1993.

Irving, J. 1997. Squamish Estuary Society. Personal communication.

LaFontaine, P. Weldwood of Canada, Vancouver, B.C. Personal communication.

Lacombe, G., K.Martini, R.Penrose, G.Tamblyn, and M.Verge. 1994. Planning and managing water resources and aquatic habitat in the Howe Sound Watershed: a review and analysis of the institutional framework. School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University.

Lester, H. General Manager, Coast Manufacturing, New Westminster, B.C.

Levings, C.D. Pacific Environmental Science Centre, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans,, North Vancouver, B.C. Personal communication.

Levings, C.D. 1973. Intertidal benthos of the Squamish estuary. Fish. Res. Bd. Can., Man. Rep. Ser. 1218: 60p.

Levings, C.D. 1976. River diversion and intertidal benthos at the Squamish River delta, British Columbia. In: Freshwater on the Sea. S. Skreslet (ed). Proc. from a Symposium, April 1974, Norway. Asso. of Nor. Oceanog.

Levings, C.D. and A. I. Moody. 1976. Studies of intertidal vascular plants, especially sedge (Carex lyngbyei), on the disrupted Squamish River delta. Dept. of Env., Fish. Mar. Serv., Tech. Rep.606: 55p.

Levings, C.D., R.B. Turner, and B. Ricketts. 1992. Proceedings of the Howe Sound Environmental Science Workshop. Can. Tech. Rept. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1879: 261p..

Levings, C.D. and B.E. Riddell. 1992. Salmonids and their habitats in Howe Sound Basin: status of knowledge. Can. Tech. Rept. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1879:65-82.

Levy, D. 1977. Effects of physical disruption of estuarine habitat on juvenile salmon in B.C. Zool. 521 Paper, U.B.C., unpubl. M.S. 9p

Levy, D. 1997. Review of impacts of logging on salmon production. Hatfield Consultants Ltd. Report prepared for the Squamish River Watershed Fisheries Sustainability Forum, Nov. 27-30'97.

Levy, D. A., L. U. Young, L.W. Dwernychuk [eds]. 1996. Straight of Georgia Fisheries Sustainability Review. Hatfield Consultants Ltd. 441p.

Loop, D. 1997. Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Personal communication.

Lucey, W.P., B. Moore, B. Jeffs, C.L. Barraclough, K. Congdon, and A. Austin. 1992. Impact on a pristine mountain river of domestic waste waters from remotely located, recreational accelerated, development of a wilderness. Can. Tech. Rept. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1879.

McGowan, C. 1997. Ministry of Forests. Personal communication.

Marshall, D.E. et al. 1976. Preliminary catologue of salmon streams and spawning escapements of Statistical Area 28 (Howe Sound - Burrard Inlet). Dept. of the Environment, Fish. & Mar. Serv. Pac/D-76-4. pp.134.

Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. BC Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC. 330 pp.

Ministry of Forests (Squamish). 1996 Squamish District Watershed Boundary Chart.

Mulholland, M. 1995. Strait of Georgia salmonid escapement analysis. Report prepared for Hatfield Consultants Ltd. by Mulholland, Lang Consulting Ltd. North Vancouver, B.C., 39pp.

Mulholland, M. and D.A. Levy. 1997. Watershed scoping for the Straight of Georgia Fisheries Sustainability Forum. Hatfield Consultants Ltd. Prepared for the Forest Alliance of B.C.

Myers, G. 1997. Environment Canada - Climate Data Services. Personal communication.

Peatt, A. and R. Knight. 1980. Provincial fisheries resources, terrestial and marine mammals, reptiles and amphibians of the Squamish Estuary Management Planning Area.

Prescot, G. 1997. Interfor. Personal communication.

Roarke, Mrs. City Hall, Squamish, B.C. Personal communication.

Schmitt, C., J. Schweigert and T.P. Quinn. 1994. Anthropogenic influences on fish populations of the Georgia Basin. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1948: 218-252.

Schubert, N.D. 1993. Enumeration of the 1988-1992 Squamish River chinook salmon escapement. Can. MS Rept. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 2187: 96p.

Shay, G. 1997. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks-Municipal Permits Division. Personal communication.

Sigma Engineering Ltd. 1996. Squamish River fall and winter flow ramping studies: fall and winter fish use and fish stranding assessment. Prepared for B.C. Hydro Corporate Safety and Environment.

Sloan, N. 1996. Review of log transportation and handling impacts and dredged material disposal. p. 325-344. In: Strait of Georgia Fisheries Sustainability Review. Hatfield Consultants Ltd., West Vancouver, B.C.

Squamish Estuary Coodinating Committee. 1993. Squamish Estuary Management Plan (SEMP) - Draft Plan.

Stathers, J.K. 1958. A geographical investigation of development potential in the Squamish valley region, British Columbia. M.A. Thesis., Dept. of Geol. & Geogr., University of B.C. 194p.

Stawamus-Mashiter Planning Team. 1995. Stawamus River and Mashiter Creek. Integrated Watershed Management Plan.

Sustainable Fisheries Foundation. 1996. Towards Sustainable Fisheries: Building a Cooperative Strategy for Balancing the Conservation and Use of Westcoast Salmon and Steelhead Populations. The Sustainable Fisheries Foundation.

Taylor, T. 1997. Squamish Ministry of Forests. Personal communication.

Tenderfoot Hatchery. 1997. Brian Klassen. Personal communication.

Thornton, Margaret-Ann and J. Gugins. 1996. A Vision for the Upper Reaches of the Mamquam Blind Channel.

Turner, B. 1997. Geographical Survey of Canada. Personal communication.

Vancouver Sun. 1997. "Fish, power collide at hydro dam". June 12, 1997.

Ward, Peter R.B. and H.A. Yassien. 1996. Water releases at the Cheakamus Power Plant: a review of licenced diversion operations. Prepared for: Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks and Department of Fisheries & Oceans.

Water Survey of Canada. 1991. Historical streamflow summary. British Columbia. Environment Canada. Inland Waters Directorate. Water Resources Branch. Ottawa.

Williams, I.V., T.J. Brown, and G. Langford. 1994. Geographic distribution of salmon spawning streams in British Columbia with an index of spawner abundance. Can Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1967: 197p.

APPENDIX 1. CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE SQUAMISH REGION

The following chronology contains an account of urban and industrial development on the Squamish delta and townsite. Most of the review was compiled by Linda Irvine while working at Westwater Research Centre, Univ. of B.C. in 1978, and is re-printed with permission of the author. All historical data are from Hoos and Vold (1975) unless cited otherwise.

Pre-contact 17 native tribes colonized the Squamish River and adjacent watersheds. 16 of these tribes eventually amalgamated as the Squamish Nation.

1873 A cattle trail from Squamish to Lillooet is surveyed.

1875 Cattle are taken over the trail for the first and last time as the trail is too rugged.

The delta meadows are used for cattle pasture by non-native people logging Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce in the area.

1877 The first white settlers arrive in Squamish.

1885 Norwegian immigrants build homesteads which will be eventually destroyed by floods (date of floods unknown).

1889 The first legal survey is conducted due to increased interest in the land. late 1800's to early 1900's Portions of the delta are dyked in order to be used for pasture land and growing hay. Hand logging of small timber stands is common along the river.

1909 The Howe Sound and Northern Railway Co. constructs a 24 km line from tidewater northwards to the Cheakamus River. This railway facilitates the transport of logs to the booming grounds.

1913 The Pacific Great Eastern Railway Co. takes over the Howe Sound and Northern Railway Co.

1915 PGE opens a railway from Squamish to Lillooet.

The growth of Squamish is declining and will maintain this pattern until after World War II.

1916 From this year onwards the PGE (later BCR) owns almost all of the intertidal lands and adjacent deltas.

1921 The Mamquam River cuts a new channel, flowing westward into the Squamish River with only a small portion now emptying into Howe Sound. The new channel is, in part, a result of natural flooding but is aided by man-made training structures (Levings, 1976; Levings, pers.comm.). The former river mouth becomes Mamquam blind channel.

1930 Aerial photographs indicate that a small portion of the Mamquam River still empties directly into Howe Sound (Levings 1973).

1945 The growth rate of Squamish begins to increase again.

1946 Due to the complete diversion of that small portion of the Mamquam River which previously emptied into Howe Sound, the Mamquam estuary no longer exists (Levings, 1973).

1949 A number of disputes arise over land use conflicts. The Squamish Valley Development Committee is formed to settle these disputes and places a "map reserve" over the entire lower valley, freezing all crown land and PGE land holdings.

1954 The Squamish Valley Development Committee is disbanded and the reserve on crown lands within the village lifted. Parcels of land are put up for auction. However, prior to the auction, a dyking requirement study states that a $16,500 expenditure is necessary for adequate flood protection.

1955 A flood in Pillchuk Creek scours 30% of the stream bed resulting in an estimated loss of 40% of the coho spawn. The majority of the chum enter after the flood (Marshall et al, 1976).

1956 The railway from Vancouver to Squamish is complete.

1957 Premier W.A.C. Bennett announces a B.C. government plan to promote the development of Squamish into a seaport. This plan will eventually result in the construction of the training dyke, the dredging of Squamish River and the building of the Squamish Terminals timber dock (D.O.E. 1972).

1957 Construction of Daisy Dam and Cheakamus Power Facility.

1958 The highway from Vancouver to Squamish is complete.

With 145 houses being constructed since the war, the number of homes in the Squamish region totals 390: Brackendale, 30; Squamish Village, 67; Mamquam, 24; Southridge, 24 (Stathers, 1958).

The river delta is still largely undeveloped except for a portion within the village which has been reclaimed by dyking and draining (Stathers 1958).

1962 Canadian Collieries (now Empire Mill, Weldwood of Canada Sawmills) constructs a 22 ha sawmill on the east bank of Mamquam Channel (Lester, pers.comm.). This mill will provide employment for approximately 289 people in 1978 (LaFontaine, pers.comm.).

1965 FMC chemical plant is completed and begins operating in December (Roarke, pers.comm.).

1968 On May 1, Howe Sound (Area 28) is closed to commercial fishing (Argue, pers.comm.).

1969 Herring spawn has not been found in the Squamish estuary since this time (D.O.E., 1972; Hoos & Vold, 1975).

1970 Due to mercury pollution from the FMC chemical plant, all commercial trawl fishing of any type is banned in Howe Sound from Proteau northwards (Hoos & Vold, 1975).

1971 The majority of industrial development occurs on the eastern portions of the delta until this year (D.O.E., 1972; Hoos & Vold, 1975).

Construction of a 4.8 km long training wall begins (Levings, 1973; Hoos & Vold, 1975).

In March dredging of the Squamish River and West delta begins. A 105 m wide trench is dredged to an elevation of -1.5 m for a length of 1.62 km northwards from the river mouth. A dredge spoil pile is begun and covers 14.1 ha by the time it is no longer being used in 1971. During construction of the timber docks a portion of the pile spills over the marsh covering 2.6 ha of vegetation to a depth of 5 to 20 cm (D.O.E., 1972; Levings, 1973; Levings, pers.comm.).

Construction commences on the timber loading dock (Levings, pers.comm.).

1972 In late summer the 18 ha timber loading dock is completed (Hoos & Vold, 1975; Levings, pers.comm.).

In June the training wall is complete and a culvert is installed between the river and the central basin, allowing limited flow (<5 m3 /sec) during peak runoff (Levings, 1973; Hoos & Vold, 1975; Levings, 1976). The training wall restricts the flow to the west arm and blocks several flood channels which drain into the east arm of the Squamish River. A "venturi effect" results, causing considerable scouring of the west delta. The east arm of the Squamish River becomes the central basin, which now receives fresh water largely during freshet only (Levings, 1973; Hoos & Vold, 1975; Levings, 1976; Levings, pers.comm.).

Mamquam Channel is dredged annually until this time, with the sediments being dumped off the delta front beyond the 20 fathom line (Hoos & Vold, 1975).

After completion of construction in 1972 the intertidal portion of the delta is 285 ha (Levings, 1976).

Public concern about the effects of development on the environment prompts the federal Department of the Environment to analyse the ecological impact of existing and proposed development on the Squamish estuary (Hoos & Vold), 1975).

1973 The bulk loading terminal handles 500,000 tons of forestry cargo (Levy, 1977).

1975 The area disturbed by the dredge spoil spillage of 1972 has not fully recovered, however, sedge plants are beginning to grow through the sediment (Levings & Moody, 1976).

1976 No marked change in the vascular plant communities on the central is observed, even thought the distribution of fresh water has been modified by the training wall. However, an estimated 30% of the estuarine vegetation is permanently eliminated by land fill for industrial development (Levings & Moody, 1976).

Summary of Marshland Loss

Structure/Delta Date Hectares Lost (ha) Source

Empire Mill, 1963 22 Lester, pers.comm. Mamquam

FMC chemicals, east 1965 25 from map (planimeter)

Spoil pile, central 1971 14 D.O.E., 1972

Timber dock, east 1971 17 D.O.E., 1972

Scouring, west 1971 6 D.O.E., 1972

TOTAL LOST (ha) 64

-original size of delta: ca 340 ha (measured from map with planimeter -intertidal portion of delta after 1972 construction: ca 285 ha, (Levings, 1976).

APPENDIX 2: MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

Updated: January 1997

Watershed: Shovelnose Creek Funding Year: 96/97 District: Squamish Program: WRP Project #: VA-13-96-0018 Budget: $220,099 Project Type: Fish habitat restoration Status: Multi-year

Proponent: Steelhead Society Hab. Rest. Corp. Contract Monitor: Dianne MacQueen Contact: Jan den Dulk Monitor Phone #: 582-5368 Contact Phone :#: 708-9793 Contact #: CWRP97-24

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

For the 96/97 year:

Continue and complete projects carried over from the 95/96 year, plus new projects.

New projects:

Berm construction - 2 berms to be constructed to direct the Squamish River away from Shovelnose, as floods reactivated a Squamish River side channel flowing into Shovelnose Creek.

Groundwater Channels - 3 groundwater channels to be constructed in the remnant Squamish River side channels that are isolated through berm construction. Habitat will be complexed with pools and riffles, boulder clusters and LWD.

Main Channel Restoration - a continuation of past work, in portions of channel not yet addressed.

Boulder Clusters, habitat reefs and anchored LWD will be installed to provide cover.

Project Description:

Various methods of habitat complexing and habitat creation in this tributary to the Squamish River.

Shovelnose once was a very important contributor to Squamish fish production, as the mainstem is too turbid and cold. Debris torrents, flooding and Squamish River intrusion

degraded Shovelnose habitat and this project aims to restore, complex and enhance habitat via side channels, groundwater channels and main channel complexing.

Linked Forest Renewal projects In Watershed:

VA-13-96-0198-Interfor has a proposal for the Squamish River watershed, and will likely focus on Shovelnose Creek for upslope assessments in 96/97.

Results:

The Shovelnose watershed restoration project began in 94/95, and included 3 sub-projects. An addition was made to a berm (constructed in 93/94 with funding from BC21 and CSERF, to keep the Squamish river from intruding on Shovelnose Creek again), to further protect Shovelnose Creek from the Squamish River. Secondly, assessments were conducted to determine the magnitude of slides and potential for remedial action on the hillslopes within the watershed and determine the feasibility of stabilizing 1km of the channel. Recommendations were that no work be attempted. The final project was the recovery of the lower 800m of Shovelnose Creek, which had previously been cut off due to a large debris jam at the upper end. In the 95/96 project year an isolated tributary creek was recovered and transformed into a pond for winter rearing habitat for coho as well as the creation of a groundwater channel paralleling the isolated tributary creek for spawning and rearing habitat. The other two sub- projects, the creation of a groundwater channel in a remnant Squamish River flood channel, and construction of opposing wing deflectors within the lower section of the main channel to provide flood habitat, were postponed until summer 1996 due to the late date of funding. A few experimental habitat structures were installed in the main channel to test designs. Nutrient addition in a joint project with MELP was also carried out.

In the 96 field season, work carried over was completed. The planned groundwater (spawning and rearing) channel was constructed, as were 6 opposing wing deflectors in the main Shovelnose Channel. Planned 96/97 work that was carried out was: another groundwater channel was constructed (2 were constructed in 96 field season), and 2 berms were constructed. Both groundwater channels were complexed with LWD. All areas disturbed during restoration were seeded with grass and planted with approximately 5,000 coniferous trees. Plans for a 3rd groundwater channel and further LWD placement were postponed until 97 due to arrival of spawning Chinook. The newly created complex mainchannel habitat, and the Shovelnose extension channel were well utilized by Chinook spawners - no Chinook had been observed in these sites prior to restoration.

Recommendations from Proponent:

Continue work in a carry over to 97/98, and new plans to be submitted

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: JANUARY 1997 Watershed: Squamish Funding Year: 96/97 District: Squamish Program: WRP Project #; VA-13-96-0019 Budget: $222,585 Project Type; Fish habitat assessments and Status: Multi-year restoration, beaver management. Riparian assessments and restoration.

Proponent: Steelhead Society Hab. Rest. Corp. Contract Monitor: Diane MacQueen Contact: Jan den Dulk Monitor Phone #: 582-5368 Contact Phone #: 708-9793 Contract #: CWRP97-23

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

For 97/98 year:

Shop Creek - Pilot project to restore coniferous vegetation within the riparian zone (planting of approximately 1,000 cedar trees 1-2 m in height, dug up transported from nearby roadsides).

28.5 Mile Creek - Complete channel and pond complex project carried over from 95/96 year. New 96/97 additions to this project are: construction of a groundwater channel at the Northern end of the pond, and habitat restoration (complexing) of the 500 m of the main channel below the new channel and pond complex (installing boulder clusters and LWD).

High Falls Creek - Groundwater channel to be constructed between braided section of High Falls Creek and the mainline logging road. Spoil material will create a small berm between the side and main channel, and LWD will be added.

36 Mile Creek - Prescriptions are to be developed for restoration in the 97/98 year.

Beaver Management - Beaver dams will continue to be removed to allow access to upstream reaches by juvenile and adult salmonids.

Riparian Assessments - In January 97 it was decided to amend the contract to use the unspent monies on full riparian assessments on Shop, 36 Mile and 28.5 Mile Creeks.

Project Description:

Restoration of Squamish River tributaries - assessing and then (re)creating and complexing habitat in 5 tributaries important to Squamish River fish production (Shop Creek, High Falls Creek, 28.5 Mile Creek, 36 Mile Creek, Chuck-Chuck Creek). Beavers are also "managed" in these tributaries.

Linked Forest Renewal Projects In Watershed:

VA-13-96-0001, Interfor's project on High Falls Creek, assessed the fish and riparian habitat of the creek above the barrier which was the upper limit of the Steelhead Society's assessment on High Falls Creek (fish presence was not found). In the upslope part of this same project, a major slide has been assessed in 95/96, and road rehabilitation plans begun. Rehabilitation of the slide in 96/97 will address the major problem in High Falls Creek: sediment loading.

Results:

In 1993 a pond was constructed on Shop Creek to create winter rearing habitat for coho salmon (DFO designed the pond, and Weldwood - now Interfor - supplied the machinery). Later in 1993 the SSBC began restoration of the main channel of Shop Creek and conducted preliminary assessments of the tributary creeks with funding via CSERF. During 1994/95 rehabilitation (habitat complexing) was conducted on Shop Creek and assessments were conducted on Chuck-Chuck, Coho, and High Falls Creeks.

The 95/96 year of Shop Creek restoration included the installation of debris jams composed of large logs and root wads, as well as nutrient addition in ajoint project with MELP.

Restoration work conducted on Chuck-Chuck Creek was the construction of a large pond for winter rearing habitat for coho - which was filled with LWD, and the edges were seeded with grass.

Beaver dams were removed from several tributaries to allow for fish access to spawning and rearing habitat.

Other projects planned for the Squamish River were postponed until summer 1996 (28.5 Mile Creek restoration and assessments and restoration planning on High Falls and 36 Mile Creeks)

The 96/97 year so far saw project plans developed and completed for Shop, 28.5 Mile Creek and Highfalls Creek. Approximately 5,000 Douglas Fir and Cedar were planted on 28.5 Mile creek and Shop Creek groundwater channels and over winter pond.

In 28.5 Mile Creek a large pond complex was constructed to replace ponds impounded by beavers. An outlet channel was constructed to allow for creek discharge and fish access. A debris jam was constructed at the mouth of the outlet channel to discourage beavers from constructing new dams which may become barriers. An 800m groundwater channel and pond complex was constructed upstream of the ponds on 28.5 Mile Creek. Spoil material was used to construct a berm between the Squamish and the new channel and the disturbed areas were seeded with grass.

A groundwater channel and pond ( approximately 150m in length) were constructed on High Falls.

Spoil material was used to construct a small berm and disturbed areas were seeded with grass.

Recommendations from Proponent:

Continue with the projects carried over to 97/98. Conduct riparian assessments and make prescription.

Final work plans are to submitted for 97/98

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: JANUARY 1997 Watershed; High Falls Creek (Squamish) Funding Year: 96/97 District; Squamish Program; WRP Project #: VA-13-96-0001W Budget: $5,000 Project Type: Fish and Riparian habitat assessment Status: Single year, carryover to 96/97

Proponent: Interfor (Empire Div.) Contract Monitor: Diane MacQueen Contact: Gord Prescott/David Doubek Monitor Phone #; 582-5368 Contact Phone #: 892-5244 Contract #: CWRP 96-27

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: for 96/97: to ascertain fish absence above the falls

Project Description:

Assessment of upslope and instream logging impacts on High Falls Creek, which is a tributary of the Squamish River with anadromous fish use in the lower reaches. The fish and riparian assessment was for the reaches above the impassable waterfall. Before the study no information was available about fish presence. The main problem on High Falls Creek is sediment transport and in filling of important fish reaches downstream due to a large landslide connecting directly with the creek in the upper reaches.

Linked Forest Renewal Projects In Watershed:

Interfor has a major upslope component to this project, which will address road deactivation and make slide stabilization a priority. The Steelhead Society of B.C. has a fish habitat assessment on the lower reaches of High Falls, and has assessment/enhancement projects on several tributaries of the Squamish.

Results:

No fish were found but the $5,000 added to the budget was carried over for a second round of electrofishing in late summer 96 to confirm fish absence. The riparian assessment concluded that the slide was the main problem, and this is being addressed by the upslope component of the project. As well, riparian function has been lost in large section of one reach and the

channel has widened considerably. The results from the 2nd fish presence survey have not yet been provided to MELP

Recommendations from Proponent:

The consultant and MELP recommended no restorative work be done, at least for the time being, as the slide is being addressed, and the other options of riprapping and restoring riparian function to the problem reach is not high priority in the overall Squamish watershed.

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: JANUARY 1997 Watershed: Squamish Estuary Funding Year; 96/97 District; Squamish Program: WRP Project #; PA 96 333 Budget: $50,000 Project Type: fish habitat restoration Status: single year Proponent: DFO Contract Monitor: Diane MacQueen Contact: Matt Foy Monitor Phone #: 582-5368 Contact Phone #: 666-3678 Contract #: contrib. agreement

Project Objectives:

To improve access for juvenile fish to the inner portions of the Squamish River estuary, by placing culverts through the training wall.

Project Description:

The estuary was reduced in size when the training wall was constructed in the 70's (to protect Squamish townsite/industry). Not only has the wall resulted in a significant loss of habitat but has also prevented fish access to the central portion of the estuary. The 2 or more sets of culverts to be installed will ensure that river flows are restored, and will benefit juvenile pink, chum and Chinook salmon.

Linked Forest Renewal Projects In Watershed:

VA-13-96-0198, Interfor's proposal for the drainage. Will address upslope concerns in some drainages of the Squamish Watershed (to start assessments in 96/97).

VA-13-96-0018, Shovelnose Creek, VA-13-96-0019 Squamish River (several tributaries),

VA-13-96-0020 Ashlu River: these are fish habitat enhancement projects by the Steelhead Society in the drainage, and information is shared where appropriate.

VA-13096-0001, Interfor's project on High Falls Creek, addressing instream and upslope concerns (a tributary of the Squamish).

VA-13-96-0311, Mamquam River, by M&B, addressing upslope concerns

PA-13-96-0332, Mamquam River, by DFO, building a side channel

PA-13-96-0331, Cheakamus River, by DFO, building a side channel.

Results: no results reported

Recommendations from Proponent: n/a

Reports Available (location): n/a

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: January 1997

Watershed: Cheakamus Funding Year: 96/97

District: Squamish Program: WRP

Project #: PA 96 331 Budget: $50,000

Project Type; fish habitat restoration Status: multi-year

Proponent: DFO Contract Monitor: Diane MacQueen

Contact: Matt Foy Monitor Phone #: 582-5368

Contact Phone #: 666-3678 Contract #: contrib. agreement

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

96/97:

To develop a river intake channel and a pond and groundwater channels for future years:

To improve an additional 5 km of off channel habitat in the downstream reach of this side channel.

Project Description:

Project aims to continue to identify and develop off channels sites. This site on the North Vancouver Outdoor School property already has several groundwater channels and side channels done by DFO.

This project is a continuation of that work.

These sites are important because of the instability of the mainstem.

Linked Forest Renewal Projects In Watershed:

VA-13-0103W: Squamish Watershed - MELP and Squamish Watershed Committee are co- proponents.

Projects has identifies and assessed Cheekeye and Brohm Creeks, both tributary to the Cheakamus. They were assessed for fish habitat, riparian habitat, channel and water quality. Results being compiled now.

Results:

Intake and channel and pond were completed.

Recommendations from Proponent;

To continue with project plans. To complex the newly developed channel.

Reports Available (location);

n/a

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: MARCH 1996 Watershed: Ashlu River Funding Year; 96/97 District: Squamish Program: WRP Project #: VA-13-96-0020 Budget: $400,000 Project Type: watershed assessment, fish habitat Status: Multi-year assessment, side channel development planning

Proponent; Steelhead Society Hab. Rest. Contract Monitor: Diane MacQueen Corp./DFO Contact: Jan den Dulk Monitor phone #: 582-8368 Contact Phone #: 708-9793 Contract #: CWRP96-34

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: for 96/97

To design a feasible river intake, and to define and complex the side channels to be rewetted by this intake. This project will go ahead only if intake is deemed feasible and if Interfor agrees to side channel work on their private land.

To assess fish habitat, channel stability and riparian habitat.

Project Description:

Steelhead Society is partners with D.F.O. to design and implement a massive side channel project. This project includes improvement of an existing channel and rewatering of 2 disused side channels.

Improving the existing channel offers the opportunity of providing stable off channel spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon, something that is not often possible due to the flow requirements of this species. D.F.O. is in charge of the intake and SSHRC would define and complex the side channels for spawning and rearing.

Fish, channel and riparian assessments will be completed and it is expected that riparian prescriptions will be needed and could be implemented in spring of fall 1997.

Linked Forest Renewal projects In Watershed:

VA-13-96-0198: Interfor has a proposal for the Squamish River watershed, and will likely focus on Ashlu Creek for upslope assessments in 96/97.

VA-13-96-0103: MELP; in this project for the overall Squamish Watershed, Ashlu Creek was identified as a good candidate for restoration. Work on the Ashlu will be done under the project with the Steelhead Society, though any relevant information from project #103 will be shared.

Results:

An hydraulic study was done by Hay and Co., which rejected the initial plan for the intake that would have been at the upstream end of a river channel formed by an island. The current idea is for the intake to be at the side of this channel and to guarantee flow to this channel by blasting a notch in the riverbed at the upstream end ( where the original intake was to be.) A pseudo-CWAP and geomorphologic study was also carried out, the results of which have still not been provided to MELP. At this time the disused channels are being mapped using GPS, to provide a map with which discussion can be had with Interfor.

Recommendations from Proponent;

To develop side channels if feasible.

MELP WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT SUMMARY

UPDATED: JANUARY 1997 Watershed: Squamish Funding Year: 96/97 District: Squamish Program: WRP Project #: VA-13-96-103W Budget: $410,000 Project Type: riparian, fish, channel and water Status: single year (MELP) quality assessment

Proponent: MELP Contract Monitor; Brent Moore Contact; Brent Moore Monitor Phone #: 582-5246 Contact Phone #; 582-5246 Contract #: CWRP96-18, CWRP96-23, CWRP96- 30, CWRP97-08, CWRP97-12, CWRP97-27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 FRP Contact: Diane MacQueen FRP Contact #: 582-5368

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

for 96/97

To conduct fish, riparian, channel and water quality assessments in drainages previously identified by a conditional assessment of the Squamish Watershed. To provide training and employment opportunities to displaced forest workers and First Nation.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A holistic, systematic approach to restoration over the Squamish watershed. All existing information regarding physical, biological and chemical components of the overall Squamish River was drawn together and information gaps addressed by field sampling. A team consisting of a resource biologist, aquatic ecologist, biologist trainer (who trained the First Nations field team), a geomorphologist, hydrologist and vegetation ecologist worked with first Nations trainees in collecting field data and assessing the drainage. In year 2 (96/97) the sub-basins identified for assessment were Cheekeye River, Pilchuk Creek, Cloudburst Creek, Evans Creek, Brohm Creek, Chance Creek and Crawford Creek. A pilot project was also planned for riparian planting.

Linked Forest Renewal Projects In Watershed:

VA-13-96-0198, Interfor's proposal for the drainage. Will address upslope concerns in some drainages identified in this project (to start assessments in 96/97).

VA-13-96-0018, Shovelnose Creek, VA-13-96-0019 Squamish River (several tributaries),

VA-13-96-0020 Ashlu River: these are fish habitat enhancement projects by the Steelhead Society in the drainage, and information is shared where appropriate.

VA-13096-0001, Interfor's project on High Falls Creek, addressing instream and upslope concerns ( a tributary of the Squamish)

VA-13-96-0311, Mamquam River, by M&B, addressing upslope concerns

PA-13-96-0332, Mamquam River, by DFO, building a side Channel

PA-13-96--0331, Cheakamus River, by DFO, building a side channel.

PA-13-96-0333, Squamish Estuary, by DFO, rehabilitating the estuary for rearing pink and chum and Chinook salmon. PA-13-96-0333, Squamish Estuary, By DFO, rehabilitating the estuary for rearing pink and chum salmon.

Results:

First Nations and displaced forest worker crews were trained. Each Crew specialized in one of the 4 assessments, and the 7 sub-basins were assessed for fish, channel, riparian and water quality. The data they collected is now in draft report form and comments are being solicited on the preliminary prescriptions form the fish, riparian and channel assessments. Water Quality data are still not available. A pilot project was carried out in Chance Creek, where one hectare of riparian area was planted with alder whips.

Recommendations from Proponent:

Major restoration activities planned for 97/98 are riparian planting, channel modifications, and continued fisheries data collection (most fish habitat restoration will be done in future years). Riparian efforts would include ground preparation, seedling planting, live staking and transplanting of selected plant species in riparian zones identified in 96/97 prescriptions. Channel modifications would include removal of wood waste in the floodplain, removal of logjams, scalping of gravel bars, rebuilding stone lines in channels, stabilizing eroding banks and establishing fisheries channels. Continued data collection would include fish presence/absence determinations, sampling in the major lakes, fish gut analyses, benthic invertebrate and substrate complexity characterizations and inorganic nutrient dosing.

APPENDIX 3: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN THE SQUAMISH WATERSHED

74 INDUSTRY

HYDRO MANUFACTURING FORESTRY TRANSPORTATION MINING ELECTRIC

Temporary Mine Hazardous Effluent Landfill Foreshore Leases Management & Highway/ Development Dredging Water Zoning (e.g., Log Booms) Working Plan Ferry BC Utilities Waste Discharge Permit Roads Review Process Licenses Commission

DoT MoTH MoELP MoELP MoELP MoELP MoF MoELP Regional Coast Environmental MoEMPR Environment Environment Water Environment (Approval) Lands District Branch Protection Protection Management Protection Guard

Ocean Monitoring Dumping MoELP DFO MoELP

Ministry of DoE EEM DoE Municipal Program Affairs (Appeals)

GS 689:05\23\97

FISHERIES

RECREATIONAL / ABORIGINAL ENHANCEMENT COMMERCIAL

DFO Aboriginal DFO Salmonid MoELP Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Branch Enhancement Program Branch Marine

Freshwater DFO

Effluent Commercially Management Enforcement Discharges Effluent Fishery landed for Management Enforcement Discharges Closures sale

Anadromous Anadromous Anadromous (Salmon) (Stellhead & Cutthroat) Non-anadromous

MoELP MoELP MoELP DFO MoELP Fish DFO Envir. Conservation Envir. DoE Operations and Wildlife DFO Operations DFO RCMP Protection Br. DFO MoAFF Officer Protection Monitoring Branch Branch Branch Permitting Servicet Branch monitoring

DoH Tissue analysis

GS689:05/23/97

75 HABITAT

ESTAURINE

SEMP MARINE Squamish Estuary Management Plan

Water Column Benthic & Intertidal Discharges to Sea Ownership

Ocean Ownership Management Effluent Spills Dumping

MoELP MoELP DFO DoE DoE MoELP MoELP Environment Environment DoT Operations Environment Environment BC Lands BC Lands Protection Protection Coast Guard Branch Canada Canada Branch Branch

GS689:05\23\97

FRESHWATER HABITAT

FORESTRY OTHER HUMAN ACTIVITY ACTIVITY

Monitoring & Enhancement

Forestry Plan Forestry Plan Approvals Referrals

MoELP Regional & MoELP MoF DFO BC Environment & Municipal DFO BC Environment BC Lands government

GS689:05\23\97

76 TOURISM AND RECREATION

Terrestrial Freshwater

MoELP DoHW MoH MoF DFO Promote MoELP Protect Protect Manage & Provide Protect Fish Recreational Protect Fish Population Human Human Recreat. Opport. Population Activities Health Health

Tidal

DoHW MoH MoELP DFO DoT MoT Protect Public's Protect Protect Promote Protect Fish Protect public's right to Human Human recreational population right to navigation flotation Health Health activities

GS689:05\26\97

77 HUMAN SETTLEMENT

Water Quantity Water Quality

MoELP MoMA MoH License Water Legislation Establish Allocation and financial support standards Water

Drinking Water Sewage Disposal

Reg. Dist. or MoELP, Envir. Health Units Health Units Munic. Water Purveyor Protection Br. Monitor water Issue permits Ask for permit Issue permits, quality Monitor Propose projects Monitor

Water Purveyor Owner of Provide sewage system potable water Maintenance

GS689:05\26\97

78 DFO-PACIFIC REGION

Operations Science Management Small Craft Personnel Green Plan Salmon Program, Inspections Controller Communications Branch Branch Services Harbour Enhancement Planning & Branch Branch Branch (Formerly Program Economics Fisheries)

Conservation Habitat Fisheries Aboriginal & Protection Managerment Management Fisheries Fraser River Sector Sector Sector Division

Fraser South

N.B. Organizational framework as of February, 1994.

Steveston Mission Chilliwack Langley Field Office

Vancouver Squamish Steveston

GS689:05\26\97

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LANDS & PARKS

BC Crown BC Environment BC Parks Lands

Planning & Environmental Water Fish & Conservation Pesticide Assessment Protection Management Wildlife Officer Service

Fish Wildlife Habitat

GS689:05\26\97