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If you have any questions on the information presented, or require additional report data or attachments, please contact the Report Contact
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The primary objective of this project was focused on population recovery and sustainability. This three year study (2016-2018) has provided sufficient baseline inventory/biological data to assist in future conservation efforts and management plans and to direct a draft prescription for habitat restoration.
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Author: Fernandes, C.; Heidt, K.
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Old Reference Number: UKE-F19-F-2760
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Old Reference System: FWCP Fish Wildlife Compensation Program - Columbia
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Date Published: Mar 2019
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Report ID: 57455
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Audience: Government and Public
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Very little quantifiable fisheries data exists on bull trout population dynamics or life history within the Wild Horse River watershed. The primary objective of this project was focused on population recovery and sustainability. This three year study (2016-2018) has provided sufficient baseline inventory/biological data to assist in future conservation efforts and management plans and to direct a draft prescription for habitat restoration. The project was funded through the BC Hydro Upper Kootenay Ecosystem Enhancement Plan (UKEEP), and aligns with the following UKEEP Actions Plans and Priority Actions: population inventory, prioritize potential stream habitat for stream habitat conservation/ restoration/ enhancement opportunities, and support education and outreach for public awareness of threats and challenges in stream ecosystems.
Specific components of the project included: installation of an enumeration fence on the lower Wild Horse River, identifying and mapping of critical spawning and rearing habitats, providing education and outreach to the local community, raising awareness of the importance of conservation and habitat protection within the watershed, and determining feasibility of future stream restoration efforts.
A Total of 384 out-migrating bull trout were captured in the fence throughout the 3 year project. However; the total number of out-migrating bull trout captured at the fence is not inclusive of all individuals during this period. Significant rain and rain on snow events occurred during October of 2016 and 2017, which caused the fence to breach. As such, bull trout are assumed to have escaped through the fence without being enumerated during this period. Additionally, it is known that some individuals remain in the Wild Horse River canyon upstream of the enumeration fence as late as November, which is post fence removal.
Redd counts conducted via ground enumeration were completed during all three years of the study on the entire Wild Horse main stem, from the confluence with the Kootenay River to its headwaters (including tributaries during the first year). Redd count numbers fluctuated throughout the study period, which is a similar trend to other primary upper Kootenay bull trout spawning systems
As a result of this study, it was determined that the Wild Horse River bull trout population is and remains a significant population within the Upper Kootenay River population. Additionally, the Wild Horse River is now identified as a critical spawning and rearing system for upper Kootenay bull trout and other native species, with significant morphological stability and diversity in the upper watershed and ideal flow and temperature regimes necessary for bull trout spawning and rearing.
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Report Type
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Fish and Aquatic Habitat Information |
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Subject
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Fish Species - Bull Trout - Salvelinus confluentus |
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Region - Kootenay |
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Fish and Fish Habitat - Stock Assessment |
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Program Specific Area - FWCP |
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