The 10,000 Wetlands Initiative (Beaver-Based Restoration) at Park Rill Creek

B.C. Wildlife Federation

The B.C. Wildlife Federation British Columbia’s leading conservation organization, made up of volunteers who aim to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of our environment for the benefit of present and future generations. We advocate for anglers, hunters, outdoor recreationists, firearms owners, and recreational shooters. The B.C. Wildlife Federation strives to ensure the sound long-term management of B.C.’s fish, wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in the best interests of all British Columbians. 

As part of the larger B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) 10,000 Wetlands project, this project aims to restore 1,000 m² of critical floodplain and 1 km of stream habitat using low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) techniques at Park Rill Creek. From 2025 to 2028, the BCWF and its partners, including Nature Trust of BC, will install at least five beaver dam analogues (BDAs) and post-assisted log structures (PALS), restoring the degraded stream reach, increasing hydrological resilience by slowing the stream flow, enhancing its capacity to retain water during dry periods, creating rearing habitat and refugia for fish, and improving floodplain connectivity (Bouwes et al., 2016; Weber et al., 2017). Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building with First Nations, NGOs, academia, government agencies, and landowners is integral to the project’s success and as such, includes a workshop on LTPBR techniques and collaborative effectiveness monitoring to ensure long-term success.

This project is the first year of a 3-year request. Approved by Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Board and $30,747.80 was allocated from the South Okanagan Conservation Fund in 2025. The project is expected to complete by January 31, 2026.