Raincoast Conservation Foundation, in partnership with Scw’exmx Tribal Council and Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, is leading a project to assess and protect cold water refugia in the Coldwater River, critical habitats for at-risk salmon species increasingly threatened by climate change and warming water temperatures.
The project aims to (1) map the distribution and thermal characteristics of cold water refugia using drone-based thermal imaging and field surveys, and (2) study salmon use of these habitats through snorkel surveys. Findings will inform habitat enhancement, floodplain reconnection, and climate adaptation strategies to support salmon recovery and watershed resilience in Syilx and Nlaka’pamux territory.
