Public Announcement about Kus-kus-sum
Post Sawmill Aerial of Kus-kus-sum by Rick Ward
Aerial of Sawmill in Production
Artist Rendering of Restoration by Robert Lundquist
This will be the first phase of our three phase restoration plan. We will focus on the removal of hard paving (concrete and asphalt) from the surface of the site. Work will start mid-June and carry through to the end of August. In 2022/2023, the site will undergo major earth works and planting.
This first phase will largely be a construction project, with our contractors, Copcan Civil Ltd., working with excavators and other heavy machinery to remove and crush the concrete. Concrete will be crushed for re-sale and re-use. Steel rebar and wiring from the surface will also be recycled. We are committed to reducing waste and the overall footprint of this restoration project where ever possible. To allow for the removal of hard surfacing, we will have to clear some of the vegetation currently growing on site. Any trees removed will be replaced 10-fold upon restoration. Throughout restoration, there will be noise associated with the work being done. We will adhere to noise reduction bylaws and keep construction noise limited to the hours 8am-5pm.
We welcome and celebrate the interest and excitement of the community. If you are interested in observing the work on site, please watch from the river walkway across the Courtenay River rather than parking adjacent to the site or across the road. We want to keep everyone safe, and traffic flowing along Comox Road and we thank you in advance for your understanding.
For those of you looking to learn more about the restoration that will take place, please join us for our public community forum. It will be hosted virtually via Zoom on June 17th at 6:30pm and everyone is welcome. Our Executive Director, Caitlin Pierzchalski, and Senior Staff Biologist, Jennifer Sutherst, will be walking you through our restoration plans and answering any questions.
Thank you so much for your support and interest in Kus-kus-sum, if you have any questions feel free to contact us at projectwatershed@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you at the community forum!
Restoration Partners & Sponsors
Related Posts
Eelgrass Transplant Tying at Ships Point
We’re looking for volunteers to help prepare eelgrass shoots for transplant as part of our upcoming restoration work near Ships Point.
Spring and Summer Forage Fish Sampling
Spring and summer forage fish sampling is starting back up again in May!
Forage Fish Symposium and CFFN AGM
The Coastal Forage Fish Network is hosting their Annual Spring symposium via zoom on April 23, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm. It will be followed by an AGM. This gathering brings together researchers, experts and community science volunteers to share forage fish research highlights and from across Vancouver Island and beyond.
Kus-kus-sum Feature – Spring 2025
As spring kicks off, the first buds are beginning to appear on the newly installed plants down at Kus-kus-sum! Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers this past fall and winter we’ve been able to expand the now thriving tidal marsh and riparian ecosystems to 80% complete.
Spring Invasives Removal at Kus-kus-sum
We are looking for volunteers to assist us with our first weeding event of the spring at Kus-kus-sum to keep the invasives at bay and help our native plants flourish!
How To Report Herring Spawn Sightings on iNaturalist
Want to contribute to community science while walking the beach? Simply snap a photo of Pacific herring eggs or milt (milky-white water) when you come across them and upload your observations to iNaturalist! Keep reading for instructions.