Submitted to : Salmon River Enhancement Society

Submitted by : Christopher Hall & Dr. David Clements

Submitted from : Trinity Western University

Date: March 13th, 2008

The purpose of this document is to apply for funds for the Salmon River Enhancement Society (SRES) to aid in assessing the Trinity Western University (TWU) ponds’ potential for salmonid habitat. If this assessment proves favourable, then TWU would endeavour to implement those recommendations proposed by this report, (habitat enhancement) and create easier year round access from the pond to the adjacent Salmon River using fish ladders.

”McMillan Lake” is located within Trinity Western University’s Ecosystem Study Area (ESA). It is an area of land that surrounds the majority of TWU's campus. The ESA includes approximately 60 acres of land, of which 27 acres is protected in a covenant agreement as administered by the BC Ministry of Environment, Land and Parks. The ESA was set aside 1998 for the study, preservation and proper management of the environment. The ESA contains some of the best salmon rearing habitat found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, where coho salmon, steelhead, cutthroat trout and the blue listed, (vulnerable) brassy minnow.

McMillan Lake is home to a host of organisms. Originally created as a holding pond for TWU run-off, it has become a very valuable habitat. Fish such as carp and sticklebacks, amphibians, aquatic insects, and aquatic plants provide food for many types of birds. Steelhead and salmon fry inhabit the pond in large numbers at certain times of the year as well. Belted kingfishers, Barn swallows, Violet-green swallows, Song sparrows, Red-winged blackbirds, Black-capped chickadees, and other types of songbirds are often seen in this area. Bald eagles and the occasional Osprey may be seen as well. Pied-billed grebes, Canada geese, and the threatened Great blue herons are a common sight in or near the waters. Even Green herons were once a common sight but have been seen less often in the past few years. Some common ducks include Mallards, Common mergansers, Buffleheads, Lesser scaups, and Ring-necked ducks. As well, beavers, muskrats, river otters and the endangered painted turtle have been observed in the TWU pond.

The Salmon River flows right through TWU and run adjacent to the pond and together forms one of the floodplains found within the watershed. The floodplain is largely dominated by reed canary grass, an invasive species that strongly inhibits the growth of other plants. Sitka and Scouler’s willow trees are common, as well as the Pacific willow, black cottonwood, red alder, and black hawthorn trees. Significant replanting has occurred in this area in March 2000 and another in March 2001 and continues to be maintained by ESA staff. The Salmon River remains the most productive stream in the Lower Fraser Valley for coho and for cutthroat trout (Salmon River Enhancement Society 2007).

The pond was dug in the mid 60’s to act as the final settling pond for TWU sewage waste as well as a fire retention pond. A berm was built around the west side to contain the pond and separating it from the Salmon River. Surface drainage from parts of TWU was redirected to the pond, and well water was redirected into the pond during the summer months to keep its levels high. In addition at some point three culverts were placed through the berm to release excess water from the pond to the Salmon River.

As the years passed, the function of the pond changed. As TWU grew, more and more surface runoff was diverted to the pond. TWU went on public sewer lines in approximately 1992, and the pond was no longer used as a settling pond. The berm became apart of a larger trail system and the pond became known for its aesthetic and scientific qualities. However with the loss of its original function, the overflow culverts and the berm in general have been neglected. Two of the three culverts have since collapsed and sections of the berm are slowly starting to sink. Certain sections of the pond are shallowing out, and the pond’s total water holding capacity appears to be decreasing.

While TWU still relies on the pond for its fire fighting ability in the event of an emergency, the university also recognizes the important role McMillan Lake plays in this part of the Salmon River watershed. The pond is legally classified as salmon bearing, and various species of fish are found in the pond at different times of the year. These fish came to the pond, (or used to come) by TWU’s failing culvert system and by occasional flooding during heavy rains. TWU endeavours to remedy this situation whereby our needs for having a secure, consistent body of water for fire can be met and be environmentally sensitive to the surrounding area by expanding and enhancing the habitat to benefit resident fish populations and the watershed as a whole.

To accomplish our goal we have broken the project into what is anticipated as 3 stages, with stage#1 being pivotal to the entire project. It is this stage that we are seeking funds so we can proceed.

-Stage #1. To assess the ponds’ fish habitat value, with an on emphasis salmonid species. This will be done be collecting data relating to the pond’s size, depth, water quality parameters, inflow and outflows, resident plant and animal species, etc. (A detailed description of the assessment can be found below.) This data will be collected, compiled and interpreted into a report which, the pond current fish habitat is outlaid and recommendations made for improving the habitat to make it suitable for salmonid fish populations. It is our hope that this stage be accomplished by September 2008.

-Stage#2. If stage #1 shows enhanced salmonid habitat is achievable, then planning and consultation will commence on implementing those recommendations made in stage #1. Thus stage #2 entails careful planning to accomplish habitat improvements laid out in Stage #1. It is our hope to then apply for a Pacific Salmon Foundation Grant to help fund stage#3. It is our hope that this stage be accomplished by October 2008.

-Stage#3. Once an enhancement/remediation plan has been laid out, the work will then start by spring 2009, in conjunction with DFO recommendations concerning in stream work.

The data collection outlined in the following section have been arrived at through consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and through general knowledge at Trinity Western University of requirements for salmon habitat and specific concerns related to the pond itself. We are very much open to further input on what exact data is required and hope to consult closely with members of the Salmon River Enhancement Society, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, A Rocha Canada, Pacific Salmon Foundation and others.

C. Mapping sources of water outflow

1. Volume

a. Different seasons

D. Determine Ponds’ Total Volume

1. Different seasons

In order for us to accomplish Stage #1, we need funds to hire a student during the summer months to collect, compile and interpret the data outlined above. We would also require funds for water quality testing consumables. This can be broken down into wages and materials: