Grant Amount: $150,000
Intake Year: 2025
Region: South Coast
Project Theme: Watershed & Ecosystems Restoration and Monitoring & Assessment
Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN) is leading this project to address salmon passage challenges and restore ecosystem function in the Sarita River, the most culturally and ecologically significant stream in HFN’s ḥahuułi. Logging-related impacts have degraded the river, reducing salmon habitat and food harvesting opportunities for citizens.
Through the Huu-ay-aht Watershed Renewal Program (HWRP), this project aims to support short-term fish passage improvements and long-term recovery. Key activities include identifying low-flow thresholds that restrict Chinook Salmon migration, implementing a community-led response plan to move substrates and deepen habitat, and using LiDAR and hydrometric data to design instream large wood structures that enhance fish passage. The work will help maintain HWRP momentum, support community stewardship, and improve food security and climate resilience through stronger salmon returns.