Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel Components of VDS Restoration near Okanagan Falls

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) formed in 1981 as the inaugural First Nations government in the Okanagan and among other functions, works to provide technical fisheries assistance for the Nation and its eight member communities, including the Penticton Indian Band, and acting as a liaison between federal and provincial fisheries agencies and other non-government organizations.

This project will restore a uniform, channelized river section in Okanagan Falls by backwatering Vertical Drop Structure 15 with a nature–like riffle and creating habitat riffles between VDS15-14 to reintroduce a meandering river pattern within the existing dikes. Main goals: 1) restore diversity, complexity, and functionality of ~31,100 m2 of riverine habitat in the Okanagan mainstem, and 2) follow a Syilx TEKK-based vision combined with western science tools to achieve goals. This project takes an ecosystem-based approach, targeting multiple species including Chinook Salmon, Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel and sculpins.

This project is a one-year request. Approved by Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Board and $63,991.41 was allocated from the South Okanagan Conservation Fund in 2026. The project is expected to complete by January 31, 2027.