Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing-related Issues & News => Topic started by: Dave on March 22, 2012, 01:39:06 PM

Title: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 22, 2012, 01:39:06 PM
I received some bad news yesterday; due to funding shortfalls the nutrient enrichment program on the Chilliwack River system will no longer be administered by the BCCF.  Other rivers affected by this poor, shortsighted decision are the Seymour, Coquihalla, Silverhope and Statlu. Although this program relied heavily on volunteers and financial donations from various groups, it was the BCCF that organized the program and pulled it together. 
This program was science based and proved effective in increasing the size of resident salmonid fry and parr as shown by annual monitoring. Recent increases in char, wild steelhead, resident rainbow and possibly whitefish populations are due in part to this  program.
It was also the only enhancement program for wild salmonids on this the most intensely fished steelhead river in BC.  One wonders what happens to the money collected by the steelhead tag surcharge.
No doubt $$ could again be donated by various groups to extend this another year but what is needed is a long term funding plan.  Hopefully another organization or corporate sponsor will champion this program in the future. 

Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: aquapaloosa on March 22, 2012, 01:44:19 PM
That sucks!

I really support this type of enhancement for select rivers and streams and would like to see it in use more often.

What kind of funds are required for one system?
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 22, 2012, 02:15:49 PM
I understand the budget for the Chilliwack was about 8K.  It really boggles the mind when you consider how much tax money is generated by this fishery.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on March 22, 2012, 04:22:24 PM
I understand the budget for the Chilliwack was about 8K.  It really boggles the mind when you consider how much tax money is generated by this fishery.

Dave, is that the total cost? would that be the same cost were another NGO or society to do the same and would they get permission to do so?

maybe there are other interested folks who could do something. Perhaps some businesses and anglers could chip in to a fund.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 22, 2012, 05:00:25 PM

Dave.

Will try to get some funds donated from the  Fraser Valley Salmon Society at our next meeting in early April. I am sure we can contribute some. ;D

Too bad our governments donot step up to the plate, they never seem to realize how much recreational angling contributes to the economy not to mention the fact that many of us enjoy angling so much during our free time.


Anyone else involved in some groups or know where some funding could be obtained that may be able to help out too?

Please let us know here you can e mail me or Rodney and then we can see if there is some financial support to try and get this off the ground.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: EZ_Rolling on March 22, 2012, 07:18:51 PM
8k is less than a dollar per member right here I am in for more than my share if there is a way Rod could collect the funds


Just a thought

I think this stream work really makes a difference
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 22, 2012, 07:56:00 PM
8k is less than a dollar per member right here I am in for more than my share if there is a way Rod could collect the funds


Just a thought

I think this stream work really makes a difference
Thanks we will see if we get more positive responses and then maybe it can be put together to at least salvage this year for starters.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: typhoon on March 22, 2012, 08:12:52 PM
I'm in.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: gilbey on March 22, 2012, 09:34:11 PM
Im in X2
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Nitroholic on March 22, 2012, 09:39:06 PM
Count me in, I put a few hours in fertilizing the seymour, I'd like to put in more money and time
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: DevonG on March 22, 2012, 11:56:24 PM
I'm in to contribute. We need programs like these!
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 23, 2012, 05:56:35 AM
Thanks to all that have stepped forward so far. We received a positive response from some group this morning that could be a great help to get this going but the more that can offer help as well as funds will be great.  ;D ;D We will keep you posted as this develops over the next month or so.

Please keep offers and ideas coming in on this thread for now.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on March 23, 2012, 09:18:11 AM

posted this on FFBC in responce to some questions asked,
http://forum.flybc.ca/index.php?showtopic=36492&st=0&gopid=430240&#entry430240

I guess my questions are: The program has prooven it's worth in the past, Is there a requirement/benefit to keep it running ? what requirements are need of a body to oversee the continuation of this project, asuming it is still required?
The logistics of the poo placement aside. I suspect site selection and post placement surveys would need to be done who would be resposable?
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 23, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
posted this on FFBC in responce to some questions asked,
http://forum.flybc.ca/index.php?showtopic=36492&st=0&gopid=430240&#entry430240

I guess my questions are: The program has prooven it's worth in the past, Is there a requirement/benefit to keep it running ? what requirements are need of a body to oversee the continuation of this project, asuming it is still required?
The logistics of the poo placement aside. I suspect site selection and post placement surveys would need to be done who would be resposable?

The benefit of continuing this program is increased prouction of river rearing juveniles.  Larger parr have better survival rates than smaller parr.  As I mentioned on Flybc, finding money to purchase the nutrients is not a problem as at least 6 groups are willing to anti up cash.  What is needed is perhaps a single organization or sponsor to administer and organize the program, ie ordering, bagging, storing the nutrients, then organizing the volunteers, and finally monitoring the results by electroshocking above and below the treatment areas.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: BladeKid on March 23, 2012, 12:12:52 PM
In.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on March 23, 2012, 12:25:53 PM
Thanks Dave , that helps clear up some of the EM i'm having to field.

Thinking out loud here, I'm wondering if BCCF would be able to revise there budgets to include the tech survey portion required but leave the logistics of the poo detail to others, not sure just how much savings there would be. This can be done just needs organisation.

I understand the electroshock component is now stricktly controled due to safety concernes. Operators need to be trained and not just  casual helpers? Dave you might have some input.

Don't forget folks, this only one of the streams or rivers.


Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 23, 2012, 01:18:00 PM
I understand the electroshock component is now stricktly controled due to safety concernes. Operators need to be trained and not just  casual helpers? Dave you might have some input.
Correct.  All electrofishers must be certified to do so; my certification is expired but I'm told a qualified electrofisher will be available if this comes off.  Sadly, the BCCF had to relinquish their shocker so feelers are out to borrow one ... I don't anticipate any problems with that.
Again, this program this very doable, for all the rivers involved, just look at the monetary responses to this post.  What it needs to make it work is for some group/agency (say perhaps, the Freshwater Fisheries Society) to administer it.  I'm sure some of those people would like to work on a river for a change ;)
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: scouterjames on March 26, 2012, 07:27:19 AM
i'm in for a couple of bucks!
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: slyrod on March 26, 2012, 10:47:47 AM
im in aswell!
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 26, 2012, 08:31:53 PM
Thanks all that have offered help so far, we have been contacted by FOC so we may have some solutions with a meeting in the near future. We will keep you updated how things go and who will take the lead with this.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 27, 2012, 03:53:50 PM
Today's Chilliwack Progress, thanks to Dave for getting the ball rolling on this.
Keep the offers of help coming in so we can move to the next stage on this.
CAG

Champions needed for nutrient program
 
Published: March 27, 2012 3:00 PM
Updated: March 27, 2012 3:41 PM

I’m passionate about Chilliwack/Vedder River salmon, especially wild steelhead, coho and char. The fact this system continues to produce wild fish being but an hour from almost two million people is amazing.  One reason the C V is still productive and may actually have increasing populations of char, wild steelhead, coho, rainbow trout, and possibly whitefish is the fact nutrients have been added to the upper reaches and selected tributaries to replace the chemical value of carcasses from spawned salmon that historically were more numerous.



Looking like garden fertilizer, these slow release nutrients increase periphyton, the food base of invertebrate (meaning fish food) populations.



The group that ran this science-based program is the British Columbia Conservation Foundation. Their funding was government based with financial and in-house contributions from local advocacy groups like the Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Association, Fraser Valley Salmon Society and the Chilliwack River Action Committee.



Due to a lack of funding, the BCCF can no longer administer this program or for similar programs on other local rivers.



The annual cost on the C/V, the largest and most expensive to service is well under 10 thousand dollars, so consider this: thousands of anglers fish the C/V annually and each pays up to $20 above their basic licence fee for their steelhead and salmon tags; then add in the economic benefits to local Chilliwack business’s who I’m sure all pay taxes, and you begin to see how short-sighted this loss is.



My hope is that some enlightened person from an industry that does well financially from the resource of the Chilliwack/Vedder wild fishery that benefits many businesses in the City of Chilliwack, reads this and decides to champion a "no-brainer' for producing fish and because money is involved, understands this opportunity for some awesome public relations.



Dave Barnes, Sardis

Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 27, 2012, 06:37:03 PM
Thank Chris.
At today's Chilliwack River Action Committee AGM we agreed to donate $1000.00 to the Chilliwack River component of the nutrient enrichment project; here's hoping it comes together.
Thanks to all who have stated they will donate to this cause, but hold your cash for now.  If this comes off, trust me, Chris will be looking for ya like he hunts down Drennans ;D
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: DRP79 on March 28, 2012, 08:40:15 PM
I would be willing to help as well.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Every Day on March 29, 2012, 09:32:54 PM
I'd be willing to throw something in... and volunteer...
Getting out doing the stream fertilization and enhancements are an awesome experience, meet a lot of good people too.
Hope this all comes together.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Rodney on March 29, 2012, 09:40:13 PM
Interesting and pretty exciting to see quite a bit of interests regarding this. Perhaps it is some collab project both FWR and FlyBC can organize with FVSS, CRAC, SSBC to get the job done. Dave, thoughts?
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 30, 2012, 07:36:11 AM
Interesting and pretty exciting to see quite a bit of interests regarding this. Perhaps it is some collab project both FWR and FlyBC can organize with FVSS, CRAC, SSBC to get the job done. Dave, thoughts?
There will be some stumbling blocks to make this happen as when one tackles this type of things politics enter into the equation but a few of us will do our best to make this very worthwhile project happen, thanks to all that have shown interest so far. We will keep you posted if things continue on a positive note.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 30, 2012, 07:41:22 AM
Rod, you might want to talk to Carlo re the SSBC involvement ... so far no one agency or group has stepped forward to lead this but we are still working on it.  As you probably know this program was not supposed to happen this season as it was apparently a 5 year study but I'm told that is not written in stone and as Chris points out, once a program is cancelled they are often very difficult to reinstate.
To lose this program now, with what appears to be better than normal ocean survival rates, would be just plain wrong.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on March 30, 2012, 12:47:00 PM
There is also a time /condition constraints with the C/V due to nature of the Fertiliser.

some are trying to find ways to find funding, that is not easy when often budgets are very tight and funds have already been alocated.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 30, 2012, 02:46:54 PM
There is also a time /condition constraints with the C/V due to nature of the Fertiliser.

some are trying to find ways to find funding, that is not easy when often budgets are very tight and funds have already been alocated.

Very true Sandy and I hope people realize it is not the fault of the British Columbia Conservation Foundation that funding is not available for the admin of these enrichment programs.  Hell, as we both know they support them big time.
Also, this was indeed a sunset program but only because that's how it was originally funded.  I guess I'm tired of seeing studies to defend the science of programs like this when literature searches and common sense should prevail.
Thanks for keeping me in your loop.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Silex-user on March 30, 2012, 08:32:34 PM
Need some fertilizers? I might be able to get some either through donation or can be purchased at cost. I am tied in Agribusiness  industry. I like to help.



Silex-user
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: jetboatjim on March 31, 2012, 01:03:12 PM
again they dont need fert ...the project was for 5 years of fertilizer and now they need to stop and see what happens without .

I know most of the funding for BCCF has run out  but I think without a LARGE funder they will go away like the steelhead.

this is why people need to get involved .

Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on March 31, 2012, 02:49:36 PM
again they dont need fert ...the project was for 5 years of fertilizer and now they think they  need to stop and see what happens without .

I know most of the funding for BCCF has run out  but I think without a LARGE funder they will go away like the steelhead.

this is why people need to get involved .


Fixed it for ya Jim
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 31, 2012, 04:55:23 PM
Need some fertilizers? I might be able to get some either through donation or can be purchased at cost. I am tied in Agribusiness  industry. I like to help.



Silex-user
Thanks very much for this, we will keep in touch.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 31, 2012, 06:05:40 PM
Advantages of fertilization projects for those interested in how this helps river system's fish stocks.
 
http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/library/ffip/Koning_CW1996.pdf
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on March 31, 2012, 07:33:23 PM
http://youtu.be/leSk-35aj8Y
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Schenley on April 01, 2012, 10:58:48 AM
Might I suggest that you get in touch with those useless twits in the Provincial Steelhead Caucus.. So far all I have heard from them is hot air.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: troutbreath on April 01, 2012, 11:57:55 AM
Might I suggest that you get in touch with those useless twits in the Provincial Steelhead Caucus.. So far all I have heard from them is hot air.

http://www.ralphsultanmla.ca/ralph-works/

maybe time to send this porker an email
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on April 01, 2012, 03:55:48 PM
http://www.ralphsultanmla.ca/ralph-works/

maybe time to send this porker an email
•Chairing the Steelhead Summit and Steelhead Caucus, with province-wide goals which include saving the steelhead of the Capilano River.

 Thanks we may ask him about the fertilization projects and see if he has some ideas how to keep these project going.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: speycaster on April 02, 2012, 07:55:42 AM
Gees, I always knew Jet Boat Jim was a bit different, I just did not realize how different until I noticed how he moved in that U-tube video. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: goodguy on April 09, 2012, 06:50:19 PM
hey guys just looking for a little clarification here.....nutrition enhancement.....not the hatchery program right..??  what exactly is the nutrition enhancement program?
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandman on April 09, 2012, 07:15:24 PM
hey guys just looking for a little clarification here.....nutrition enhancement.....not the hatchery program right..??  what exactly is the nutrition enhancement program?

Check out the video posted above.  It is about enhancing the nutrients (that is where the fertilizer comes in) in the stream to provide a "boost" to the ecosystem.  More nutrients in the water=more food for the insects in the water=more food for the juvenile salmonids.  Well fed juveniles are going to be stronger and healthier and have a better chance of survival.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on April 10, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
http://www.bccf.com/steelhead/graphics/ppt-ward/WardMcCuSlan02.pdf
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on April 10, 2012, 07:38:28 PM
Thanks Sandy for the link. Apparently a meeting with some of the players is on the process of being set up next month to discuss the situation on the Chilliwack Vedder.

I am going to ask this week if the Fraser Valley Salmon Society will commit some money to this project if it gets off the ground.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on April 10, 2012, 09:42:34 PM
Thanks Sandy.  More fuel for this fire.
Chris, we both know the FVSS are willing participants and have a few thousand $ needing a worthy cause, as does the Chilliwack F&G club.  Add those $ to the 1K CRAC has agreed to spend plus the online offers from FWR members  :)  The money to do this project is there; always has been.
But the heavy snowpack that may cause a longer than normal freshet may negate any nutrient benefits this season, especially after a strong pink salmon run in the upper Chilliwack.
That said, there are huge opportunities for doing "non treatment studies" that will show future funders this program is essential for salmonid production in this nutrient deficient watershed, and these studies will of course need funding ....
I have agreed to facilitate a meeting with the above groups, along with the BCCF, MOE, DFO, and perhaps a few other players, and we will do what we can with what we have.



 
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandy on April 12, 2012, 12:37:29 AM
sounds like a good plan Dave, No point wasting the fertiliser and it makes sense to take the opportunity to do some science, hopefully folks will understand that it is a needed component of any program .
what's encouraging is if this can be organised on the Chilli, maybe adoptions could be organised on other needy flows.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2012, 02:23:21 PM
Well, it's taken longer than I anticipated but the ball is rolling for a long term committment to this nutrient enrichment program on the Chilliwack.  A meeting of interested groups and agencies has been organized for mid May and Fred Helmer from Fred's Custom Tackle in Vedder Crossing has offered to take administrative control.  Fred has contacts throughout the sportfishing industry and has pledged to make this program a reality.  Kudos to him for stepping up.

For this to work, funding is needed.  There will soon be opportunities to donate to this cause so all you people that previously offered $$ will get the chance ;)
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: chris gadsden on May 01, 2012, 03:09:06 PM
Good work Dave.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Sandman on May 01, 2012, 07:29:26 PM
Well, it's taken longer than I anticipated but the ball is rolling for a long term committment to this nutrient enrichment program on the Chilliwack.  A meeting of interested groups and agencies has been organized for mid May and Fred Helmer from Fred's Custom Tackle in Vedder Crossing has offered to take administrative control.  Fred has contacts throughout the sportfishing industry and has pledged to make this program a reality.  Kudos to him for stepping up.

For this to work, funding is needed.  There will soon be opportunities to donate to this cause so all you people that previously offered $$ will get the chance ;)


Right on man, thanks for continuing to plug away at this. There seems to be some real tangible benefits to this program, judging from the reports of the last couple of years, so it is great that it may have a chance to continue.
Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: Dave on May 16, 2012, 02:52:57 PM
Well, perhaps it's time to rename this post to “Good news for Chilliwack steelhead” :)
Yesterday, at Fred’s store, we met on this subject and had representation from the BC Conservation Foundation, the Chilliwack River Action Committee, the Chilliwack Fish and Game Protective Association, the Fraser Valley Salmon Society, the Fraser River Salmon Table, the Steelhead Society of BC, the BC Federation of Driftfishers, FOC, and the BCFLNR . The outcome was extremely positive, with financial and in kind government contributions promised.  Due to the probability of an extended freshet on the Chilliwack that will negate the positive benefits of nutrient enrichment, all in attendance agreed this year it would be best to monitor the effects of no nutrient additions.  Having this additional information will improve future funding proposals.
It was good to see all the above groups, along with Fred and Jason, pulling together to make this program continue.


Title: Re: Bad news for Chilliwack steelhead
Post by: James on May 16, 2012, 02:58:08 PM
It is nice to hear positive things about the vedder/chillwack river . Too often the river gets mentioned in negative ways .

Great to hear and good work .  ;D