Joe Rich Creek Watershed Restoration
One of the major restoration projects undertaken by the RDCO is in Joe Rich Creek.
A tributary to Mission Creek, this stream is of concern because it has been affected
by development activities on crown and private land, including Highway 33. Along
the creek, areas of extensive bank erosion have been identified and poor water quality
raised concerns over the health of the system.
Where is it?
Joe Rich Creek follows Highway 33 from the community of Joe Rich to the Big White
turnoff. It follows the Big White turn off into the Okanagan Highlands. The creek
provides habitat to resident rainbow trout, as well as those from Mission Creek.
Getting everyone involved
The diversity of stakeholders participating in the Joe Rich Creek process is essential
for the development of effective, inclusive management strategies aimed at protecting
water quality, conserving fish and wildlife habitat and planning sustainable rural
communities.
- Combating invasive weeds (such as knapweed, thistle and purple loosestrife)
- Replanting native species along creek corridors
- Assisting with the Urban Instream Enhancement Program, which will help improve instream
fish habitat at close to 30 locations along Central Okanagan streams
- Maintaining past restoration and enhancement sites
Progress Report
During 2008, the Regional District and City of Kelowna continued working on
the Joe Rich project. This includes a monitoring program and additional planting
of the site. The monitoring will ensure all instream and bank structures are
doing what they were meant to do (stabilize banks and protect bank integrity) as
well as document riparian growth. Additional plantings and seeding
were
completed as required to improve the overall site regeneration and success.
The project was officially completed in 2007 as the Regional District and City of
Kelowna Watershed Restoration Crew, along with a number of other key partners came
together to improve a section of Joe Rich Creek.
View News Release and Photos . This phase saw the installation of 4.5 kilometres
of livestock fencing and two restricted livestock access crossings. As well,
14-instream rock riffle structures were installed and at more than 50 locations
along the creek, steep and eroding banks have been rebuilt and planted with over
1,000 plants. View
Project Completion Information
During the spring of 2004, the Regional District and partners cooperatively completed
another project to improve a section of the creek.
View information and photos on this project.
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