Murray Creek
Background
Murray Creek is situated on the north bank of the Nechako River, and is one of the larger tributaries to the river. The Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project is a volunteer run project that focuses on rehabilitating Murray Creek for the improvement of water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and access for salmon spawning. A number of projects have occured on Murray Creek over the past several years, and the information is presented here. NEWSS members have lead field trips along Murray Creek to promote awareness and education about the creek and projects. The Murray Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project was formed in 2008, although it had been on the radar of club membership for over 30 years. The objective was to understand how to facilitate the restoration of a stream within the Nechako Valley by working with the landowners in a cooperative and conciliatory way that would benefit the landowner and provide an atmosphere that would result in water stewardship practices that created and restored a healthy ecosystem.
This image of a shaded Murray Creek shows how habitat restoration work over the years has shown success!
Since we have been operating, the investment by private funders, landowners and agencies has been in excess of $300,000.
The initial target was to get 70% of the landowners on side within the term of the project and we have exceeded this within the first five years time. Not all landowners will participate on this project but that we will have projects on the majority of private land within the life of this initiative. The farming and ranching community understands the need to adapt their programs to include Environmental Farm Planning (EFP) and to be wise users of the water resources. Our experiences on the Murray Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project have demonstrated how we can work together to meet these objectives.
About the Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project
The Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project brings together land owners, businesses, schools and environmental stewards that collaborate to rehabilitate Murray Creek. We hope to increase the number of salmonids that inhabit Murray Creek, as well as improve water quality to create a healthy ecosystem. This will in turn contribute to the health of the Nechako River and the salmon and white sturgeon that spawn at the mouth of Murray Creek.
The Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project has been well received by most of the land owners along the creek, as well as members of the community and governments.
Purpose and Objective
The purpose of this project is to enhance the habitat along Murray Creek for the benefit of all users, fish and wildlife and to facilitate the process of the agricultural community voluntarily working towards water stewardship throughout the Nechako Watershed. The objective is to understand how to work corroboratively with the community along Murray Creek to facilitate the rehabilitation of the stream while ensuring that the majority of the funds required are raised from outside sources.
Funding & Projects
To date the Murray Creek Rehabilitation Project has secured funding and in-kind contributions that have gone towards a number of in-stream works projects including fencing off the stream, off channel watering, bioengineering to stop erosion, replanting the riparian zone, and replacing inadequate culverts to be fish friendly. As well as educational field trips for elementary and secondary school students, public education, and research (UNBC Graduate study in Community & Watershed Health).
As the Murray Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project has moved forward over the years we have developed tremendous support from many individuals, agencies and organizations throughout the province. Much of this support has been in the form of funding, while other support has been more collaborative in working on the larger outcomes of bringing water stewardship and education to the Nechako Valley. Our partners and collaborators include School District 91, University of Northern BC, BC Cattlemen's Association, Nechako Valley Regional Cattlemen's Association, Fraser Basin Council, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fraser River Action Plan, Ministry of Environmental, Nechako White Sturgeon Community Working Group, and Nechako Fisheries Conservation Program.
One major supporter of rehabilitation work on Murray Creek has been Richard Martens, a long-time rancher in the area. Murray Creek flows through much of Martens' property and his dedication to stewardship and rehabilitation to long sections of the creek has not been overlooked. In 2015, Richard received the Cattlemen's Environmental Award. Congratulations - well deserved!
Read more about our partners and collaborators »
Project List
East Murray
Beaver Dam Analogue Installations - 2024 to 2025
The objective of this landowner was to create a riparian zone for snow interruption (to capture snow and create areas to collect snow for slow release in the spring). Several BDAs were installed on this creek to slow flow and hold water in place, to support new riparian growth and move water down into the aquafer.
McIntosh Creek
Culvert Replacement Failure 2023
McIntosh Creek is a tributary in the Murray Creek complex. Attempts have been made to make improvements at a road crossing where one culvert was inadequate, but despite there being three culverts at this crossing now, their orientation and size still impact river hydrology and fish passage.
Rock Placement
2022
Angular rock, roughly the size of cobbles (64mm – 256mm at intermediate axis), was placed along a section of eroding bank of Murray Creek.
Ecosystem Assessment
Assessment done in 2022
Findings in this report provide a comprehensive view of Murray Creek Watershed's current conditions. This knowledge serves as a cornerstone for informed decision-making regarding this remarkable natural resource's stewardship and sustainable management.
Fish Habitat Enhancement
2019
Multi-year project to restore fish habitat are several locations along Murray Creek.
High Spring Run-off and Culvert Management
2018
The winter had high snow accumulation, which resulted in a major spring runoff. The high water experienced in 2018 provides evidence that proper culvert management is important for stream restoration and stream health.
Channel Creation at Larsen Road
2015
The culvert on Murray Creek at Larsen Road was replaced and channel downstream of the culvert was re-establishment from its historical channel.
BC Interior Stewardship Workshop
2013
The Ninth Annual BC Interior Stewardship Workshop was held in Vanderhoof in May 2013.
Culvert Assessment and Projects
2011 and update in 2014
A comprehensive culvert assessment was done at all road crossings on Murray Creek in 2011 leading to multiple projects to make improvements to road crossings long Murray Creek. The 2011 and updated 2014 reports available.
Demonstration Site Creation
2010
Multiple projects occurred in 2010 along a section of Murray Creek now referred to the Demonstration Site. This site will be monitored for years to come to show improvements to riparian habitat from restoration work.
Bridge Replacement
2009
Personal Bridge was continually having its foundations washed out and landowner had to go into the stream almost annually to reset foundation. Full report available.