Alouette River Management Society (ARMS) is to begin habitat restoration at Coniagas Channel.
Coniagas Channel is a previously constructed rearing channel connected to the South Alouette River.
According to the environmental society, the channel has gradually become disconnected due to the buildup of sediment and invasive reed canary grass, which has reduced the quality of rearing habitat for juvenile salmon.
This restoration project will help reconnect the channel and improve critical habitat for young salmon as they grow before heading to the ocean,” said the society.
Work will begin with fish salvage operations to safely relocate fish before construction begins and the removal of accumulated sediment using an excavator to restore water flow.
Then large woody debris will be installed to create shelter and improve habitat complexity.
Later in September there will be native tree and shrub planting, along with protective beaver caging.
“Healthy side channels like Coniagas provide essential refuge, food, and shelter for juvenile salmon, making them an important part of a thriving watershed,” said the society, who wanted to recognize the financial contributions of the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
“Their support is making this important habitat restoration project possible, helping to restore and protect critical salmon habitat for years to come,” said ARMS.