Investigations of revegetation strategies using woody species for fish habitat enhancement and aesthetic improvement in the drawdown zone at Buttle Lake, British Columbia

Unnatural fluctuation of water levels of Buttle Lake resulting from its use as a reservoir for hydroelectric power production negatively impacts the growth of shoreline vegetation. This impacted area of shoreline known as the drawdown zone is generally sparsely vegetated and represents a highly modified environment that shares characteristics of both riparian and wetland ecosystems. The recognized benefits of intact riparian vegetation on the productivity of fish habitat in lake or reservoir settings support the implementation of revegetation strategies in the drawdown zone. Aesthetic improvements related to the screening of remnant stumps are potential secondary benefits of established woody vegetation. A research site located at the southern end of Buttle Lake in the Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park was set up to investigate revegetation methods using native woody species. The experimental design included the testing of six seedling species (Tsuga heterophylla, Thuja plicata, Alnus rubra, Lonicera involucrata, Cornus stolonifera, and Salix sitchensis) at three elevations and in two habitat types. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...