Chilako River
The Chilako River flows north into the Nechako River, approximately 30km west of Prince George. It is also called Mud River, due to its murky water. The Chilako River is a significant tributary of the Nechako River. This 6th-order river is an essential salmon spawning habitat, but its ecosystems have undergone severe alterations due to human activities and natural disturbances.
About Chilako Restoration Initiative
On November 27, 2013 NEWSS attended a meeting at the Beaverly Fire Department regarding the Chilako River. At the meeting there was expressed community concern for hydrological impacts across private and public land as a result of current watershed conditions (natural and anthropogenic). The level of equivalent clear-cut area (from all sources) was estimated to be approximately 60% in the Chilako watershed.
Since 2013, NEWSS has been engaged in restoration projects on the Chilako to support increasing the stream bank and habitat complexity of some of the most impacted reaches of the river.
Project List
Chilako River Drone Imagery (2021)
An interactive map and explanations of the various restoration methods used in Chilako Creek are captured in this project. Using drone imagery, a comparison is shown between pre-restoration in 2016 and post-restoration in 2017.
Willow Planting (2021)
Continuing on the work from the year before, new sections of the Chilako River were planted with willows.
Willow Planting (2020)
Willows were planted to help maintain bank structure and prevent further erosion.
Lower Chilako Restoration (2016)
NEWSS and UFFCA have partnered on two projects in 2016 to stabilize the erosion of the Chilako.