Simms Park Project Proposal Notes for Discussion Purposes DRAFT- Sept 22, 2010 Background Project Watershed is interested in projects that will help to restore and protect natural ecosystems in the Comox Valley. Recently there has been an interest in projects in the estuary due to the importance of the estuary to support many types of life. The estuary has been impacted in the past through human development, and is now facing the pressures of further developmental pressures and increased awareness of the implications of climate change on estuarine ecosystems. The Restoration Committee is a working group facilitated by Project Watershed to identify opportunities for restoration projects in the Comox Valley, including the estuary. Past studies done in the estuary by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (1998-2001) and more recently by Project Watershed (2010) were considered by the Restoration Committee to identify priority projects. Simms Millenium Park was one of the projects identified as being high priority with high potential for implementation with maximum benefit to fish, wildlife, and the community. In general, the Simms project was prioritized due to several factors: • Opportunities exist • The project is feasible • There are positive partnership opportunities • There is a strong community involvement and education component Purpose To increased the habitat quality and tidal exchange in the pond and finger of Simms Millennium Park. Rationale Both the pond and the finger are currently used by fish, however habitat quality is low, and tidal flushing is restricted due to the elevations of the culverts. Opportunities: 1. In both the finger and the pond, pull back the slope to create benches at elevations that marsh habitat will thrive. Introduce structures that will trap sediments and accelerate flows in localized areas. Rationale: • Benching will increase habitat for fish at higher tides and reduce the side-slope which is currently a safety hazard in some areas. • Structures, such as LWD logs and root wads, will increase the complexity. • The increased flow, submerged vegetation at higher tides, and shading provided by the structures will increase the water quality for fish. 2. Remove the culverts at both ends of the pond to daylight tidal exchange areas. Lower the invert at each end to facilitate tidal exchange between the marina slough, the pond and the finger. Increasing the frequency and duration of tidal exchange in the pond and finger will provide greater flow and access opportunities to both juvenile and adult salmonids. Rationale: • Increased access to the pond and finger will provide salmon with refuge from seals if designed properly.

It is likely that fish will utilize the habitat, since they have been observed to use it at higher tides when there is access. Currently, the pond allows for juvenile access through the culvert that connects it to the marina slough only at tides greater than 14.5’. At lower tides stranded fish have been observed in the pond. In the finger, fish usage mostly occurs near the confluence with the main river channel where there are higher current velocities. • Tidal channels are typically very productive areas that provide a unique habitat niche for marine plants and animals, and provide access to fish. An example of tidal channel habitat can be observed at the nearby lagoon tidal channel. 3. Restore riparian areas disturbed during machine access to the site required to carry out the proposed works. Enhance historically disturbed areas to restore the diversity of native vegetation and wildlife habitat similar to that provided by undisturbed areas. Rationale: • Riparian areas in estuarine ecosystems are important providers of habitat to wildlife that live near the water, and for the contribution of shade and large organic debris input to aquatic ecosystems. • Although the vegetation of historically disturbed areas adjacent to the finger and pond have grown thick and tall, and do provide an important shade element, they are dominated by alder, which has shaded out many of the original plantings, therefore riparian diversity is low. Diversity is important for ecosystem resilience, and to provide habitat for a wider variety of species. • Excessive leaf fall from the alder into the aquatic ecosystems can also lower oxygen levels during decomposition. • There is a relatively undisturbed area on the west side of the finger that provides an excellent template for riparian restoration prescriptions for the disturbed areas. The vegetation in this area was recently inventoried by Project Watershed, therefore this information can be readily applied for the proposed project. •

Project Feasibility • Funding opportunities o Meets BCRP criteria • One landowner- the public, care of the City of Courtenay • Easy access Partnership Opportunities • Between CoC and PW and BC Hydro Community Benefits • Volunteer opportunities with riparian planting • Educational component as it is high profile • End result will be increased aesthetics one established • Addresses seal issue • Increased opportunities for salmon viewing

Simms Millenium Park. Yellow line shows indicates boundaries, gray indicates culverts, and dashed white line indicates pedestrian walkway.