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Jerky Creek Fish Access Restoration
Objectives To reestablish fish passage at two road crossings in the Jerky Creek basin while considering the expected lifespan of the roads at these crossings. FRBC Region/ MELP Region/ MoF Region Cariboo/Cariboo/Cariboo Author Michael Parker Proponent Weldwood of Canada Ltd. Williams Lake Division Watershed Jerky Creek. Location Jerky Creek is a tributary to Beedy Creek in the Beaver Valley watershed. The area lies some 60 km North of the city of Williams Lake in the Williams Lake Forest District. Introduction Two sites on the same system limited fish access of the target Rainbow Trout populations to the upper 3.2 kilometers of stream. The lower crossing is only expected to be in use for approximately another 5 years, and therefore the challenge was to evaluate the costs associated with various types of structures and decide what expense could be balanced against the gain of habitat. It is expected that this lower crossing will be deactivated in the future. Assessments and Prescriptions Overview and Level 1 FHAP and Riparian Assessments were completed in Beedy and Freddy watersheds (of which Jerky Creek is part) during 1997-98 by Aim Ecological Consultants. There were a few riparian concerns associated with private agricultural lands, and no major habitat impacts. Two Jerky Creek crossings however were identified as limiting access to a large portion of that watershed. Rehabilitation Work Two Jerky Creek mainstem crossings were replaced with round culverts that were sized to accommodate the 100 year flood, and embedded 20% into the stream bed. Although, elliptical culverts are typically preferred for crossings of the size encountered to meet Q100 flows, the costs associated with the elliptical design were not felt to be justified given the anticipated deactivation of the crossings in five to seven years. Realignment with the natural stream, establishment of low gradient placement, armouring around the tailwater area, and embedding and loading the culvert with substrate were all factors that were employed to ensure fish passage for the life of the structures. Cost Summary
Restoration Results In total an additional 3.2 kilometers of stream habitat and two small pond areas are now accessible to all lifestages of the target species Rainbow trout. The first culvert gained 1.2 kilometers to the upstream culvert, which gained an additional 2 kilometers plus some additional uncalculated tributary habitat. Proposed Work No additional works are planned within this watershed based on the low priority assigned by preliminary assessment of the impacts, and confirmed by Ministry staff site visits. For Further Information contact: Brian Chapman Or Karen Campbell
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