Each year, the riparian ecosystem of the Little Qualicum River is enhanced by the transport and distribution of salmon carcasses along the upstream banks of the river. Over a two day period, volunteers collect salmon carcasses from the river at the fish hatchery, load them onto a truck with the assistance of a conveyor belt and unload them at a number of locations further upstream. The carcasses provide valuable nutrients for aquatic species and insects which in turn provide food for young fish. Over 28,000 pounds, or fourteen tons, of carcasses were distributed in this way in November, 2011. To read the full story, click here.
Beach Creek
The lower sections of Beach Creek flowing through the Memorial Golf Course are in sandy soil subject to erosion and sedimentation. Improvements to the stream have included the installation of large woody debris (LWD) at key points to help create pools and provide protection for fish, and the placement and anchoring of native tree trunks along erosion prone banks. Native plants such as ferns and salmonberries have been planted on the banks to provide vegetative cover.
Planting
Hundreds of young trees have been planted over the years on both Beach and Grandon Creeks to provide shade and reduce water temperatures for fish. In the longer term, as the trees mature, their root systems will stabilize the soils of the riparian zones and reduce erosion and sedimentation. Native species which have been planted include cedar, hemlock, spruce and fir.
Each year, the riparian ecosystem of the Little Qualicum River is enhanced by the transport and distribution of salmon carcasses along the upstream banks of the river. Over a two day period, volunteers collect salmon carcasses from the river at the fish hatchery, load them onto a truck with the assistance of a conveyor belt and unload them at a number of locations further upstream. The carcasses provide valuable nutrients for aquatic species and insects which in turn provide food for young fish. Over 28,000 pounds, or fourteen tons, of carcasses were distributed in this way in November, 2011. To read the full story, 
The lower sections of Beach Creek flowing through the Memorial Golf Course are in sandy soil subject to erosion and sedimentation. Improvements to the stream have included the installation of large woody debris (LWD) at key points to help create pools and provide protection for fish, and the placement and anchoring of native tree trunks along erosion prone banks. Native plants such as ferns and salmonberries have been planted on the banks to provide vegetative cover.
Hundreds of young trees have been planted over the years on both Beach and Grandon Creeks to provide shade and reduce water temperatures for fish. In the longer term, as the trees mature, their root systems will stabilize the soils of the riparian zones and reduce erosion and sedimentation. Native species which have been planted include cedar, hemlock, spruce and fir.