By David F. Rooney
The Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club has received written confirmation of the BC Fish and Wildlife Compensation Committee’s approval of its proposal to improve kokanee spawning habitat at Bridge Creek.
Club President Gary Krestinsky said the project will receive the $18,000 it had applied for.
“The work is comprised of hand-cleaning the creek of garbage, then cleaning out the old gravel with machinery and replacing it, Krestinsky said. “All machinery will be inspected and maintained prior to conducting any worksand all requisite permits will be approved prior to any work taking place.”
The Revelstoke Rod & Gun Club would like to thank Angus Glass of the Ministry of Environment (MOE), Karen Bray of BC Hydro, Cory Legebokow of the MOE, the City of Revelstoke, Mr. Sam Olynyk, the Rotary Club, School District 19, and the North Columbia Environmental Society for supporting this project.
“We believe that this project and all the organizations that co-operate to put on the annual Kokanee Festival will greatly benefit the education and enjoyment of the children of Revelstoke and other local citizens for many years,” Krestinsky said.
A few local residents regard an active spawning channel at Bridge Creek as a major bear attractant and over the last two years at least one person has actively sabotaged the channel entrance in an attempt to prevent the redfish from swimming up the fish ladder from the Illecillewaet River to spawn in the creek. Rod & Gun Club members discovered and removed both barriers. While the first barrier was discovered too late in 2013 to benefit any of the fish, last year’s barrier was removed in time for at least a few kokanee to make it to the spawning beds.
A successful rehabilitation of Bridge Creek will doubtless be welcomed by the thousands of Revelstoke children and adults who appreciate an active spawning ground as one of the true natural benefits of living where we do.
