RESTORE THE SHORE
CENTRAL ESTUARY RESTORATION PROJECT
Involves upgrading existing undersized inefficient culverts on the training berm with large fish friendly box culverts. Two of these box culverts were installed in 2020 and 2021. Analysis for additional culverts further north on the berm is ongoing in 2024 with the hope of replacing Culvert 1 in fall 2024.
Modified 850m of the lower training berm to significantly reconnect the river and the lower central estuary. Work was significantly completed May 15 2023 with active sedge and grass planting continuing in the summer, and some minor alterations to continue through the fall 2023.
Aims to install flow control devices under the rail spur line to Squamish Terminals to re-water historical channels. Preliminary engineering analysis begins fall 2023.
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
Replacement Culvert #1 starts Sept 16, 2024
Road closure Sept 16-Nov. 15, 2024
Culvert #1 replacement starts Monday, September 16 and will continue until mid November. The road to the river dyke will be closed to the public for safety during the construction phase.
This work is similar to the replacement of two other culverts in 2019 and 2020 where two undersized culverts we're replaced with large fish-friendly concrete box culverts. Looking forward, the project plans to replace one more undersized culvert in Spring or fall 2025.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
For more information about public access to Pepehím and windsports, please visit the District of Squamish website.
CERP At A Glance
The Restore the Shore project (aka Central Estuary Restoration Project) is a partnership between the Skwxkwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Squamish River Watershed Society (SWRS) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The project is generously funded by partners including the Coastal Restoration Fund, Pacific Salmon Foundation, Healthy Watersheds Initiative and the BC Hydro Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP).
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Restore The Shore
WHAT WE DO
Restoring the estuary for future generations
THE RESTORE THE SHORE PROJECT
Over 3,650 square kilometers of coastal rainforest drain into the Skwelwil'em Squamish estuary, which is created by the flow of the Squamish River into Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound. The Restore the Shore project is re-naturalizing over 144 hectares of this valuable estuarine habitat - equivalent to the size of over 200 soccer fields - for endangered Chinook salmon and the interconnected ecosystems that they support.
WHY ARE ESTUARIES IMPORTANT
The project aims to restore vitally important estuarine habitat for endangered Chinook salmon. Salmon stocks have plummeted from 100,000s to 10,000s as the estuary provides a safe haven and protective nursery for juvenile Chinook, along with the interconnected ecosystem including endangered Southern Resident orcas, eagles, bears, dolphins and birds. It is also an act of reconciliation for the Skwxkwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), the original stewards and knowledge-keepers of this land, and the wildlife that has thrived here in the past.
WHAT THIS RESTORATION PROJECT INVOLVES
The restoration measures for Restore the Shore build on 20 years of habitat restoration in the estuary, and are informed by the SRWS’s monitoring program to address the ongoing impacts of the training berm and rail spur line in the estuary. They were developed by the SRWS in consultation with project partners, the Skwxkwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.