Stoney Creek
Stoney Creek is situated on the south bank of the Nechako River just upstream of Riverside Park in the community of Vanderhoof. Stoney Creek was once a thriving rainbow trout and chinook salmon creek. At one time (account is from 30 years ago), juvenile Nechako white sturgeon were caught as bi-catch of the chinook fishery in the creek. Stoney Creek is also an important traditional area for Saik'uz First Nation.
Stoney Creek flows out of Nulki Lake, roughly 20 km south of Vanderhoof. The creek flows through the Saik'uz First Nation Reservation, north toward the Nechako River. There is a series of natural falls on Stoney Creek that cascade over the steep valley wall of the Nechako River valley (PHOTO: UPSTREAM VIEW OF ONE OF THE SERIES OF FALLS ON STONEY CREEK. PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROBERGE). Below the falls, Stoney Creek flows through agricultural, forested and residental landscapes. The lower roughly 5km of Stoney Creeks flows within the municipal boundary of the District of Vanderhoof. The riparian zone is heavily altered along much of its length within the municipal boundary.
The Vanderhoof Community Trail loop follows the lowest section of Stoney Creek - named the Stoney Creek Nature Trail. There is a foot bridge over Stoney Creek. This location is a great place to see trout. There are interpretive signs along this section of the creek that speak to invasive species, cottonwood trees, floodplain habitat and fish habitat.
Goldie Creek is a tributary of Stoney Creek - click here to view information and restoration projects on Goldie Creek.
Restoration Works
Work on Stoney Creek started in 2013 with a watershed assessment. From 2013 to 2016, there were five major project areas within the lower 5km of the river. Coastal GasLink has been a major funder that has enabled NEWSS to carry out this important rehabilitation work.
Watch this video that summarizes the work completed on Stoney Creek in 2015 that was partially funded by Coastal GasLink.
Project List
Stoney Creek - Beaver Activity (2023)
Since 2023, beavers have moved back into the lower reach of Stoney Creek and are changing the flow pattern.
Stoney Creek - Lower Reach (2016)
A variety of habitat restoration methods were used in the lower reach, between the confluence and the walking bridge on Stoney Creek.
Stoney Creek - CN Railway Crossing (2015)
Working with CN Rail, works were completed to improve fish passage under the CN Railway crossing.
Stoney Creek - KP 2+900 (2015)
Replacement of a private road crossing near the L&M Lumber property within the District of Vanderhoof boundary.
Stoney Creek - KP 2+450 (2015)
At this section of Stoney Creek, the natural channel had virtually disappeared because of the accumulation of silt and debris from upstream stream bank erosion.
Stoney Creek - KP 2+175 (2014)
This site was identified to have minimal fish habitat. Restoration work included placing logs and boulders to improve habitat.
Stoney Creek - Preliminary Works (2013)
Preliminary works on Stoney Creek including soil sampling and habitat assessment to determine areas for restoration work.