In October 2024, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) Natural Resources Department began work at Waterloo Eddy Regional Park (a RDCK park) to enhance rare ecosystems that support species-at-risk and restore habitat resiliency.
Numerous factors have influenced the health of the Waterloo Eddy ecosystems, including fluctuating water levels, fire exclusion in the upland dry forest, and recreational impacts, such as ATV access that has increased riparian erosion, soil compaction, soil nutrient loss, invasive species invasion, habitat degradation, and limited important shrub and cottonwood growth at the shoreline.
Situated on the nx̌ʷntk’ʷitkʷ (Columbia River) downstream of snɬuxʷqnm (Castlegar), Waterloo Eddy Regional Park represents an important riparian ecosystem with upland corridor connectivity for wildlife.
This project aligns with Syilx principle of suxʷtxtem – the inherent responsibility as caretakers of the tmxʷulaxʷ, land, and seeks to promote community stewardship, awareness and respect for cultural and ecological values within the park. The ONA team blends Syilx Traditional Ecological Knowledge with western science practices to achieve the goals.
Riparian and Dry Upland Ecosystem Enhancement
In October, 600 native species were planted to help enhance riparian function in hopes to restore the ecosystem in the future. mulx (black cottonwood), kʷrkʷərʼaʔtiɬaʔp (sitka willow), stəktəkcxʷlɬp (red-osier dogwood), and other native species cuttings were harvested along the Columbia River, to be reunited with their ‘family’ at the Waterloo Eddy site. These native species were grown by ONA Natural Resources team under the Native Plant Propagation Project funded by Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP). Dry upland native species such as wəx̌wax̌lɬp (mock-orange), siya (saskatoon), along with other native shrubs and forbs were planted from nursery stock.
Riparian plants play an important role in ecosystem health by helping stabilize banks, reduce erosion from fluctuating water levels, and support healthy aquatic habitats. Dry upland plants would increase the area of plant species diversity that still exists within the park. All the plant species are culturally significant to the Syilx Nation.
Forest Enhancement and Thinning
Treatment was completed at the beginning of November at the north end of the park. This work included the removal of small diameter qʷəqʷliʔt (lodgepole pine) in poor health, a reduction of tree density and the protection and enhancement of understory species, including important cultural species such as skʷlsiɬmlʼx (kinnikinnick), and punłp (Rocky Mountain juniper). In spring 2025, ONA technicians will infill plant with site-appropriate native species to increase stand diversity and structure.
Fifteen long, straight lodgepole pine posts were harvested and donated to Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) in Castlegar to be used as tipi poles. Firewood was salvaged from the project and brought to Pass Creek Regional Park to be used as locally sourced firewood for future campers.
Species-At-Risk
A number of species-at-risk have been identified within the park. qʷəlqʷlsinaʔ (Western screech-owl), nest sites have been identified both across the river and upstream of the Columbia, indicating the value of the habitat the within the park. 3 nestboxes for qʷəlqʷlsinaʔ and ciwcu (Lewis’ woodpecker), as well as educational signs were installed in the park with the goal to increase availability of cavity nesting opportunities and protection of species-at-risk.
Access Management
Prior to treatment activities, the RDCK installed fencing to protect new plants as they establish, streamline access trails for park users and prevent damage to fragile riparian areas from off road vehicles.
Outreach and Community Involvement
Waterloo Eddy is a picturesque and well-used park space for the region and thus a great opportunity to demonstrate ecosystem enhancement, and promote stewardship in the community. Many groups came together to make this a success, including the Grade 4/5 French Immersion class from Twin Rivers Elementary School, and an Invasive Species Removal Day with FortisBC, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS), ONA and RDCK.
limləmt to all those who came together to work on the land
Special thanks to our funders: Real Estate Foundation of BC, Columbia Basin Trust, Regional District of Central Kootenay, and Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program for the financial support to make this meaningful work possible.
Waterloo Eddy Regional Park 2024 UpdatesFor more information, please contact:
Alysia Dobie, tmxʷulaxʷ (Land) Technician Columbia Region – snɬuxʷqnm (Castlegar) | Eastern Territory
250 687 1897