Joe Rich Creek Channel Restoration and Watershed Improvements (3 Grants)

2007

$193,340

$51,250

Joe Rich Creek is a major tributary to Mission Creek, located east of the City of Kelowna, upstream of local domestic water supply intakes. The Joe Rich Creek watershed has been affected by development activities on crown and private land, including those associated with Highway 33. Areas of extensive bank erosion, overwidening, riparian clearing, as well as poor water quality (high sediment and coliform counts) and channel dewatering had raised concerns over the health of the system. This multi-year, multi-phase project restored and enhanced significant sections of Joe Rich Creek by establishing riparian planting, erecting livestock exclusion fencing, and installing rock riffle structures to reduce stream energy and improve channel stability, stream shading and long term water quality. In subsequent years, some funding has gone into maintenance of the restoration works, with monitoring showing that the works have been highly successful in achieving their objectives. The project was a collaborative effort with multiple levels of government and stakeholders including:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Lands

• Ministry of Environment

• The Cattleman’s Association (Environmental Farm Plan and Farmland Riparian Interface Stewardship Program)

• Black Mountain Irrigation District

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• Private landowners

• Regional District of Central Okanagan

• City of Kelowna

• Ducks Unlimited

For more information on the Joe Rich project, visit: Joe Rich Restoration