Stream flow monitoring supported by the Network is currently underway in 7 locations between Nanaimo and Courtenay.
Tsolum River, Courtney BC
The Tsolum River station was installed in September of 2012 by BCCF and the Tsolum River Restoration Society (TRRS).
This station is located near Todd Road/Michaels Drive, which is several kilometers upstream of the Water Survey Canada gauging station. This station is only monitored during spring, summer and fall for low flow conditions.
TRRS aims to measure flow at the upper (and lower) ends of the farmed area of the watershed to enable the quantification of the loss of water volume to irrigation/water withdrawal which is otherwise poorly monitored. In addition, the ability to share flow measurements in real-time with local and provincial governments during critical low flow periods is an important component of their monitoring goals.
Morrison Creek, Courtney BC
The Morrison Creek station is the newest addition to the Flow Network, installed in September of 2023 by BCCF, ENV and the Morrison Creek Streamkeepers (MCS).
This station is located in Roy Morrison Park near Arden Road. Morrison Creek is an extremely important salmon bearing stream and is home to the Morrison Creek lamprey, a unique species of lamprey found nowhere else in the world.
MCS has previously done extensive flow monitoring in the upper reaches and tributaries of the Morrison Creek watershed. With this station, they are interested in determining the impacts of water license withdrawals in sensitive stream areas and comparing their data to a provincially run station located further downstream.
Wilfred Creek, Fanny Bay BC
The Wilfred Creek station was installed in August of 2018 by BCCF and the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society (FBSES).
This station is located near Hwy 19A and captures most of the Wilfred Creek drainage. This site is challenging to monitor and maintain equipment at because of high discharge and woody debris transport in winter. The Beaufort Watershed Stewards (BWS) have stepped up to help monitor this site during low flows.
BWS are interested in identifying trends in high- or low-flow over time to share information with their community and local governments to encourage better watershed protection by preserving riparian corridors and forested/undeveloped land within the watershed.
Cook Creek, Fanny Bay BC
The Cook Creek station was installed by BCCF and the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society (FBSES) in August of 2018.
A historical flow monitoring station was operated on Cook Creek by FBSES upstream of Hwy 19A, but difficulties with safety and site access prompted the relocation of the station to the current site in 2018.
The Beaufort Watershed Stewards currently operate the station at Cook Creek. Similar to Wilfred Creek, BWS is interested in using flow data to better understand the water balance of the area and to share this information with the local community. This creek supports hundreds of Coho fry and parr throughout the summer, which are frequently seen swimming in the gauge pool.
Grandon Creek, Qualicum Beach BC
The Grandon Creek station was installed in August of 2012 by BCCF and the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers (QBSK). This station is located near Crescent Road West just upstream of a series of concrete weirs constructed by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
Alongside the Flow Tracker, a new “bucket brigade” method has been implemented to monitor this station at low flows. Grandon creek supports cutthroat and coho fry and parr, and some adult spawners have previously been observed in the fall.
QBSK aim to better understand low and high flow conditions to better correlate seasonal timing of barriers to fish passage in Grandon Creek. They are also interested in mapping the creek to identify previously unidentified tributaries and ditches that flow into Grandon Creek, as well as assess summer low-flow refuge habitat and areas for habitat enhancement.
Beach Creek, Qualicum Beach BC
The Beach Creek station was installed in July 23 of 2020 by BCCF and the Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers.
This station is approximately halfway between the headwaters located at Pheasant Glen Golf Resort and the mouth at Hwy 19A. Along the way, the creek passes through residential properties, the Heritage Forest, and another golf course. The logger is mounted on the downstream face of the walking path culvert, which was replaced by the Town of Qualicum Beach in
2015-16.
This is a productive creek for Coho, cutthroat and rainbow trout. QBSK aims to use flow data in combination with fish population monitoring and habitat mapping to better understand habitat use in relation to streamflow, and identify areas for future habitat enhancement projects.
Departure Creek, Nanaimo BC
The Departure Creek station is a new addition to the Network, installed in August 2023 by BCCF, ENV and the Departure Creek Streamkeepers (DCS). This station is located in lower Woodstream Park.
This station is operated by DCS in partnership with the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust. Departure creek provides important rearing habitat for several species of Pacific salmon. Over the last several years, DCS have conducted extensive restoration activities in the creek, including the creation of a side channel for fry rearing habitat. They are interested in better understanding the impacts of these past restoration projects (e.g., changes in flow conditions between the main stem and side channel) to inform the direction of future conservation projects.
Walley Creek, Nanaimo BC
The Walley Creek Streamkeepers have been conducting flow monitoring intermittently for the past several years. They are planning to join the Network in 2024!
Additional Network Partners
- BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
- Regional District of Nanaimo
- Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society
- Friends of Bowker Creek Society
- Golden Rods and Reels
- World Fisheries Trust
- Peninsula Streams and Shorelines
- Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society
Aquatic Research and Restoration Centre
#105 – 1885 Boxwood Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5X9
Community Flow Monitoring Network Project Coordinator Contact
Email: abadger@bccf.com
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We gratefully acknowledge that the Aquatic Research and Restoration Centre is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. We also recognize that project activities are occurring across the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Peoples.
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