Hoy Creek compensation work underway after affects of Evergreen Line construction

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Looking south:  Work being done along Hoy Creek after the Evergreen Line pillars were put in place
(Photo: Robbin Whachell)

Members of Hoy-Scott Watershed Society visited Hoy Creek just south of the Barnet Highway in early August to view work being done with the fish habitat affected by the Evergreen Line (TransLink) set to begin operations in Coquitlam in 2016.  This area, just north of the CN train tracks is where Hoy Creek merges into Scott Creek, a site that lies adjacent to a busy commercial and industrial zone.

The Evergreen Line project was obligated to replace the fish habitat that was lost during construction. HSWS members were able to view the compensation work (still in progress)  for impact to Scott Creek further upstream as it turns north, an area that has Evergreen line pillars installed, which impacted the stream.  This compensation site on Hoy Creek just above the confluence with Scott was made possible as the Province had purchased the adjacent land to the east with the intent of constructing a 'Park and Ride' space for the transit line.

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Looking west long the Evergreen Line above Scott Creek(Photo: Robbin Whachell)

In its present state, the 100m stretch of stream is a narrow 'chute' that is armoured with much rip rap rock (large pieces of rock that are immovable by the stream under high water flows) which will help prevent erosion of the adjacent bank.  In its current state it lacks natural features such as pools, and woody debris which also create habitat for fish to hold in - either as resting spots for returning adult salmon during their upstream migration, or as rearing areas where juvenile salmon and trout can inhabit.

The compensation work will create two pools, widen the channel,  add large woody debris and streamside native plants to help provide a canopy over the stream, producing shade to keep lower water temperatures in the warm summer months.

As of August 28th, the work has been completed.

(See more photos taken along that area on our Facebook album)

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Looking south-east:  Hoy Creek (left) converges with Scott Creek (right) - Photo: Robbin Whachell

Pacific Salmon Foundation supports Hoy-Scott Watershed Society

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Preliminary work underway at Hoy Creek Hatchery added incubation of chum salmon

We are pleased to announce, that due to the generous support of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, Hoy-Scott Watershed Society will soon be raising chum salmon. 

Preliminary work has begun on an area in our Capilano trough for a new incubation stack, and new piping has been put in place for water to be pumped in from Hoy Creek.

Here's the Foundation's press statement:  The Pacific Salmon Foundation today announced over $8,000 for two Pacific salmon projects in Coquitlam. The total value of the projects including volunteer time and community fundraising is over $22,000. The Foundation’s Community Salmon Program supports habitat stewardship, Pacific salmon enhancement and watershed education, and is funded primarily from sales of the federal government’s Salmon Conservation Stamp.

Both projects are being led by the Hoy Creek Watershed Society at their hatchery:

•  Added Incubation Capacity: Essential equipment will be purchased to support the incubation of chum salmon
   
• Repairs to Live Box and Fish Fence: Funds will go towards repairing key equipment required to capture chum and coho salmon as part of the hatchery production program

“We are pleased to continue to support the Hoy Creek Watershed Society, as their efforts will help the future of chum and coho salmon, “said Dr. Brian Riddell, president and CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

The Foundation’s Community Salmon Program supports community groups, volunteers and First Nations across the province. All give countless hours each year to monitor watersheds, develop and implement habitat rehabilitation projects, and educate communities about the conservation and protection of salmon. The program requires grantees to find matching funds for projects. On average, grantees raise an additional six dollars for every dollar they receive through additional fundraising for donations of in-kind and money at the community level.

The majority of funds for the Community Salmon Program were generated through sales of the federal Salmon Conservation Stamp. The Salmon Conservation Stamp is a decal that must be purchased annually by anglers if they wish to keep Pacific salmon caught in saltwater off of Canada’s West Coast. Currently all proceeds from the $6 dollar stamp are returned to British Columbia through the Foundation, generating about $1 million for community grants annually.

In addition to funds generated from the sales of the federal “Salmon Stamp”, the grants are made possible by Pacific Salmon Foundation fundraising dinners, auctions and donations from individuals, foundations and businesses. Several businesses and foundations also contribute to the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s community salmon program.

“The Community Salmon Program captures the essence of what we are trying to do at the Foundation,” concluded Riddell. “Government, business, First Nations and volunteers all working together – that is the best way to ensure the future of wild Pacific salmon.”

Communities in Bloom judges tour Hoy Creek hatchery

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Seen here are visiting judges Peter Crawshaw and Allison Double (left and right), with HSWS volunteers Robbin and Kyle (center). They are standing in front of the rearing pond at Hoy Creek Hatchery

The City of Coquitlam is competing in the BC Communities in Bloom competition and the Judges for the competition were given a tour of locations around the City on July 23rd and 24th. The 2015 provincial edition of "Communities in Bloom" - a Canadian non-profit organization is committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification of the public realm.

On July 23rd, Hoy-Scott Watershed Society members, Kyle Uno and Robbin Whachell conducted the tour of the facilities explaining the salmon enhancement program, and also showed areas in the watershed where HSWS have put in non-invasive plants, highlighting the habitat restoration work of the Society. 

Visiting judges were Peter Crawshaw and Allison Double, and they were accompanied by Kathleen Reinheimer, Parks Manager and Shannon Wagner, Parks Resource Technician, both of the City of Coquitlam.