Chehalis River Angler Access Trail
May 2009
An angler access trail has been developed on the Chehalis River jointly by the BC Federation of Driftfishers and the Chehalis First Nation as part of a long-term plan to manage access to the growing salmon fishery in the Harrison Valley. The project includes as project partners the Fraser Salmon and Watershed’s Program, the BC Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts (Managers of recreation sites formerly managed by the Forest Service), and the BC Freshwater Fisheries Society.
The trail provides angler access along the new Chehalis river channel to the river mouth (downstream of the Chehalis River Fish Hatchery). The new channel now accessed by the trail was created when the river topped it’s banks during a flood event in 2004, but a history of angler access problems exists in this area because much of the river access is through private lands, Indian Reserve, DFO lease, and a planned protected Wilderness Area, making it increasingly difficult for local angers to reach the river fishery by land. The initiative protects a “near wilderness” angling experience, of which there are few in the lower mainland, while securing the Band’s new dyke, healing center and cemetery from trespass along the north side of the Chehalis River. In a protocol reached with the Chehalis Band Council and the Federation anglers are restricted from the dyke and are asked to keep to areas south of the dyke for safety, liability and security reasons by Band request.
The trail originates in the Chehalis River campground (100 m downst5ream of the Morris Valley Road crossing) from a 30 car gravel parking area developed for the project. The trail winds through the recreation site, crosses the old riverbed, and follows the new main channel approximately 3 km’s east and downstream to key fishing holes along the Chehalis to its confluence with the Harrison River.
The 3-year $120,000 project includes cutting of the trail, construction of small bridges over flood channels, trail markers, and user-guide signs at the beginning and terminus of the trail, as well as a management agreement that involves several agencies. A large kiosk is being constructed at the parking area, highlighting the purpose of the trail, user liability (use at own risk), and a map. User liability insurance and a future trail maintenance plan have been developed. Planning is ongoing with the Ministry of Environment, as much of the trail will be within the Ministry controlled Wildlife Management Area in the future. Currently the access is secured by a comprehensive agreement between the Band, the Nature Trust, and DFO. An MOU developed between the Band and the Federation of Driftfishers that identifies the current priority for the construction of the trail, but emphasizes the need for long-term plans to deal with access interests to the areas salmon fishery. A grand opening is being scheduled for the fall.
Author
Topic: Chehalis River, June 6th 2010 (Read 1863 times)