Cherry Creek Studies
The North Okanagan Regional District, in coordination with CRMC, allocated funds for water science and tributary monitoring related activities for Cherryville. The first initiative was a Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping study preformed (October, 2015) on the lower portion of Cherry Creek (from, approximately, Lang Rd to the confluence with the Upper Shuswap). This was completed with the expertise of Ecoscape Environmental Consultants Ltd. and assistance from a local Cherryville technician.
Cherry Creeks’ course, dry-beds and channel morphology was mapped by a in-person traverse with GPS tracking. Features such as fish habitat, erosion, wells, springs and logjams were noted. The new map shows the dynamic, changing nature of Cherry Creek.
The SHIM study showed an area of concern of Hanson Park, Cherryville public park adjacent to Cherry Creek. Supported by CRMC, a bank stabilization project was initiated by N.O.R.D. and continued action was taken by the Cherryville Community Club. Unfortunately, Hanson Park was subjected to flooding in 2020, and some small structures were lost. Maintenance and bank stabilization projects continue.
Plans for the decommissioning of Wilsey Dam continues to advance, bringing the potential for salmon restoration to the Upper Shuswap River and Cherry Creek! A number of areas in Cherry Creek were identified as quality fish habitat. Restoration or conservation of some areas may be considered in the future.