Unnamed Tributaries

There are several unnamed tributaries within the Nechako Watershed, many of which are ephemeral. Often, these ephemeral systems provide important watering areas for livestock, but also are important for flood and overland water management during both during and outside drought years. Water held in gullies and these ephemeral channels can help supply aquifers.

Agricultural Partnership - Halltray Farm

NEWSS is working with agricultural land owners in exploring where BDA’s could come into play in non-fish bearing gullies that at one time contributed to stream health through the water it contributed. In 2025, NEWSS partnered with Halltray Farms to install Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) in some ephemeral channels on their property.

Agricultural can benefit from water stored through its contribution to the aquifer. NEWSS is using a shallow well monitoring stations to collect ground water level data for years ahead. The project also included planting willows and other shrubs was done in both 2025 and 2026. This planting is to help build up the riparian zone.

 

The installation of BDAs has helped to retain water in the channel. Here is a before and after image comparison (8 months post BDA installation) of this restoration work and it show positive changes in water retention. Although this is not a fish bearing stream it is water that will filter to the aquifer and clearly demonstrates values to the watershed, wildlife and the farm itself. Click to enlarge the image.