BDA Installations (2024)
Background
In 2024, two sections of Knight Creek were assessed to determine where it would be beneficial to install Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs). Two sections, each named after the landowner adjacent the creek, were selected for this work.
Thomson Reach
The project involved the careful placement of eight BDAs based on site-specific factors and constructed using willow branches, spruce boughs, mud, and rocks, reinforced to withstand freshet flows. Groundwater monitoring was implemented with three shallow wells equipped with HOBO loggers to track recharge and assess the BDAs’ impact. Erosion and sediment control measures, including willow planting and site restoration, were applied to stabilize the streambanks and minimize sediment displacement. The project also includes comprehensive monitoring through drone imaging, groundwater data collection, and regular ESC assessments to evaluate structural integrity, water retention, and streambank stabilization. Proposed enhancements for 2025 include the integration of telemetry for real-time groundwater monitoring and the establishment of performance metrics for BDAs. Ongoing monitoring efforts will continue throughout the open-water season, with plans for further BDA installations at other locations, groundwater well expansions, and telemetry integration in 2025 to further improve data collection and analysis.
Read the full report: Knight Creek - Thomson
Hall Reach
Initially, 29 Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) locations were proposed, but a detailed risk assessment refined the scope to eight structures. These BDAs, constructed during the dry season using natural materials, were strategically placed to maximize ecological and hydrological benefits while adhering to site constraints. Additionally, four groundwater monitoring wells equipped with data loggers were installed to track water retention and infiltration. The project leveraged existing vegetation for stabilization, eliminating the need for erosion control measures, and minimized environmental disturbance during construction.
Read the full report: Knight Creek - Hall
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