Beaver Creek - willow harvesting/planting

Join Freshwater Conservation Canada and Cows and Fish to harvest and plant willow stakes, and rehabilitate degraded creeks!

WHY?

Beaver Creek is an important stream for some of the easternmost populations of unhybridized Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Riparian degradation caused primarily by livestock access and OHV use in and around the stream, have been impacting these threatened native trout populations in the watershed. Freshwater Conservation Canada and Cows and Fish have been working to restore aquatic and riparian habitat in this creek since 2022, through riparian planting, invasive plant species removal, and bridge replacements/OHV trail rehabilitation.

To help speed up the natural revegetation, volunteers will help to harvest and plant willow stakes along Beaver Creek.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING

Volunteers will spend the morning harvesting willow and other riparian plants from the area, and the afternoon planting them. These bioengineering efforts will help stabilize streambanks and vegetate restoration areas, and improve habitat for native species.

Take a photo beside your willow stakes, and come back next year to see how they've grown!

WHEN?

The volunteer event will take place on May 8th, from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Volunteers are welcome to leave earlier if needed.

WHERE?

Volunteers will meet at the Beaver Creek bridge in the Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wnF2g58U7q4wW4if7) at 9:30am.

The planting site is located at 49.81582158365572, -113.95607015365621.

There is cell service when you first enter the PLUZ, but not at the project site. Please have the locations saved to your device before departing. Staff will have inReach devices on site in case of emergencies.

There are outhouses are available at the site.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

All tools and equipment will be provided by Freshwater Conservation Canada. Please dress appropriately for field work and the weather. Gloves will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. In addition, please bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear that will likely get wet and dirty (to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, boots should be CLEAN before arriving on site)

• Clothing and extra layers and socks in case of cold or wet conditions (recommended)

• Water

• Lunch and snacks

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PRINTED TICKET TO THE EVENT?

No.

WHO CAN I ASK IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please call Elliot Lindsay, Restoration Biologist at 403-615-8102 with any questions or concerns. Note there is no cell reception at the meeting place or worksite.

Note: All workdays are subject to cancellations. Please be sure to check your email for any updates!