Vaseux Floodplain re-engagement at Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area

During the mid-1950's the Okanagan River was channelized, severely impacting the health of the Okanagan River watershed. In the early 2000's, the Okanagan Nation Alliance initiated the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative to return portions of the channelized Okanagan River to a more natural state and regain some of the lost habitat quantities and qualities. 

The project goals of the Vaseux Floodplain Re-engagement Project are to use a phased, adaptive, ecosystem-based approach to restore the ecological function and resilience of approximately 5 ha of floodplain, conserve and/or minimize impacts to existing site values and engage the community in a land-based learning environment. The construction design accounts for the habitat preferences of Chinook and indigenous amphibians and avoids introduced invasive species habitat preferences.

The project will involve excavation and re-contouring to create a floodplain that connects to the river via a culvert through the dike. An amphibian pond will be created adjacent to the floodplain. Native riparian vegetation will be planted to create riparian habitat for songbirds and other wildlife.

The proponent has applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada for a Species at Risk Act permit under section 73(3).

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Latest update

01-13-2025 – Environment and Climate Change Canada and Department of Fisheries and Oceans have determined that the proposed Floodplain Re-engagement at Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Contacts

Protected Areas
Environment and Climate Change Canada
René McKibbin, Protected Areas Coordinator
Canadian Wildlife Service
5421 Robertson Road
Delta, British Columbia V4K 3N2
Telephone: 604-379-3495
Email: rene.mckibbin@ec.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Remediation and conservation

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2024-10-09

  • Proponent

    Okanagan Nation Alliance

  • Authorities

    • Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    88926

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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