The Slocan River Rainbow Trout Enhancement Project
The Slocan River Rainbow Trout Enhancement Project is a requirement of the Brilliant Expansion Project's federal and provincial environmental approvals. The program is intended to compensate for any trout entrainment mortality that may be attributed to the new powerhouse at Brilliant.
The Slocan River was chosen as the site for the project because the rainbow trout population in the Slocan River are a species of local concern. For the past several years, they have been the focus of intensive studies, fishery closures and restoration efforts by provincial resource agencies. Reflecting this concern and based on available biological information, it has been determined that the overall quality of the habitat available in the Slocan River is sub-standard. As a result, habitat enhancement projects in the Slocan River have the real potential to benefit and increase not only the existing river-resident population but also rainbow trout utilizing the head pond (Kootenay River.)
The Enhancement Project was introduced to the public in July 2002 with the first of several open houses in the Slocan Valley, where residents were invited to attend a presentation and offer their comments on the proposed project. Consultation with the public regarding the particulars of the project continued until the summer of 2004 when the final project details were agreed upon.
The habitat enhancement program has evolved into its present form. As of October. 2008, there are 15 in-stream structures strategically placed along the river margins. The process took place over the course of several years and in two phases. A riparian restoration component is also part of the program. On-going monitoring, including scuba surveys, will ensure that the overall goals of the project are being met.
More information on the project is available in the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Newsletters in PDF format:
Footage from the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Project, Feb. 15, 2005 Footage from the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Project, Feb. 22, 2005
The Slocan River was chosen as the site for the project because the rainbow trout population in the Slocan River are a species of local concern. For the past several years, they have been the focus of intensive studies, fishery closures and restoration efforts by provincial resource agencies. Reflecting this concern and based on available biological information, it has been determined that the overall quality of the habitat available in the Slocan River is sub-standard. As a result, habitat enhancement projects in the Slocan River have the real potential to benefit and increase not only the existing river-resident population but also rainbow trout utilizing the head pond (Kootenay River.)
The Enhancement Project was introduced to the public in July 2002 with the first of several open houses in the Slocan Valley, where residents were invited to attend a presentation and offer their comments on the proposed project. Consultation with the public regarding the particulars of the project continued until the summer of 2004 when the final project details were agreed upon.
The habitat enhancement program has evolved into its present form. As of October. 2008, there are 15 in-stream structures strategically placed along the river margins. The process took place over the course of several years and in two phases. A riparian restoration component is also part of the program. On-going monitoring, including scuba surveys, will ensure that the overall goals of the project are being met.
More information on the project is available in the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Newsletters in PDF format:
Footage from the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Project, Feb. 15, 2005 Footage from the Slocan River Rainbow Trout Habitat Enhancement Project, Feb. 22, 2005
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