A new protection order aims has come downstream to safeguard salmon.
As severe drought conditions continue to affect river levels in the Thompson Okanagan region, a fish population protection order will help protect endangered chinook salmon in Salmon River by temporarily restricting water use for forage crops and identified industrial purposes.
Government, local communities, farmers and partners have been working together to support water conservation and voluntary irrigation schedules. Despite significant efforts, Salmon River has had persistent low streamflow that are threatening the survival of spawning chinook populations.
“During the past week, flows have been well below the minimum flow threshold required to support fish population survival and continue to pose a significant risk to fish survival,” said the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.
Effective July 28, 456 surface-water and groundwater licences and transitioning groundwater users in the Salmon River watershed are affected by the order to stop using water for irrigation of forage crops as well as lawns, fairways and garden industrial purposes. Forage crops include grass for hay, alfalfa and forage corn. They are some of the most water-intensive agricultural crops.
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Affected water users will be contacted directly with a copy of the signed order. Affected licence numbers and application numbers for transitioning groundwater users are identified in the orders.
“The order is made under the Water Sustainability Act to protect the survival of fish populations. Provincial staff are monitoring the situation and working to balance water uses with environmental flow needs. An order may be repealed if streamflow recovery is sufficient to protect the survival of fish populations,” explained the Ministry.
The Ministry reassured that there is supports for farmers.
“Programs are in place to offer support for crop failure owing to drought as well as income declines and increased costs. Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff are available to help producers with their questions or claims,” it said in Tuesday’s release.
Any farmers or ranchers directly affected by the current drought are encouraged to contact the AgriService BC line at 1-888-221-7141.
“In recent years, the province has worked with farmers, ranchers and business organizations in the Salmon River area to find long-term, proactive solutions to improve water security in drought-prone watersheds,” added the Ministry.