What is clear is that the #KoksilahWatershed is experiencing erratic flow levels throughout the year which is #endangering the health of the entire #ecosystem. , It is also clear that impacts on the #watershed have been accentuated by #ClimateChange. With low elevation, the watershed is losing snow earlier and has more rain in the winter leading to more floods. The current trajectory of the #KoksilahRiver is dire and will impact everyone in the entire watershed.

" #GroundwaterExtraction has the most impact during low flow times of the year, when salmon depend on cooling groundwater inflows for their survival. If wells are drawing from shallow aquifers closely connected to the river, groundwater extraction will immediately reduce in-stream flows. In 2017, 2018 and 2019, in-stream flows in the Koksilah were forecast to become dangerously low, and provincial managers requested voluntary reductions in water use. In each of these years, an order to cease water diversion was under preparation in case voluntary efforts were not enough. In August 2019, a Fish Population Protection Order was issued under the Water Sustainability Act"

Gower, T. & arroso, A.
Tapped Out: A Special Report on Water Scarcity and Water Solutions in British Columbia (2019)

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #Cowichan #BritishColumbia

#Fish & #Wildlife: The #KoksilahRiver supports regionally significant #aquatic #ecosystems and fish species, including #chinook, #coho and #chum #salmon as well as #steelhead and resident #trout. These fish populations are both culturally and economically significant to local First Nations. It is essential to the survival of many species of #birds, #mammals, #reptiles, and #amphibians.

#Farms & #Vineyards: Approximately 15% of the lower watershed supports a significant #agricultural community including many large dairy farms as well as smaller mixed and organic farms. The pastoral landscape is a also a favorite wine-touring route and is a thriving and expanding #RuralTourism business.

Forest: Approximately 73% of the #KoksilahWatershed is Privately Managed #Forest Lands and another 6% is Crown #Forestry Lands.

#Recreation Opportunities: The Koksilah Watershed is home to several parks including the #KoksilahRiverProvincialPark. It is enjoyed by many in the valley as a refreshing place to swim on hot summer days because the water temperature is always cooler than the #Cowichan River. It is also used extensively by white water paddlers, particularly in the winter months.

#BackroadAdventures #VancouverIsland #water #river #Shawnigan #DayAdventure #DayTrip #PacificNorthwest #ProtectWatersheds #nature #VanIsle #Cascadia #PNW #NaturesPower #WaterIsLife #ProtectWatersheds #ProtectNature #Hydro #RiversOfBC #RiversOfVancouverIsland #Indigenous #FirstNations #Historical #CowichanValley