Kus-kus-sum: End of Season Wrap-up
Heron on the wall at Kus-kus-sum ~ C. Holbrook
Saltmarsh planting ~ C. Doucet
Rain water draining off Comox Road ~ C. Holbrook
High water at Kus-kus-sum ~ Lori Kublik
Now that we have put the Kus-kus-sum site to bed for the winter, we wanted to give you all a little update on how things progressed this season – lots happened!
Last summer our construction crews completed regrading approximately 7,000 m² of tidal marsh area (saltmarsh zone) and 2,000 m² of riparian area (trees and shrub zone). We encountered approximately 840 tonnes of creosote and hydrocarbon contaminated soils and were able to remove them from the site and transport them to a registered disposal facility in Campbell River.
This fall, with the help of volunteers, we planted approximately 2,500 plants. Another 1,000 or so plants remain on site and we’ll be hosting volunteer events in the spring to get them in the ground. This puts the project at approximately 80% complete by area (not including wall removal/logistical challenges).
The restoration team is beginning the planning phase for removal of the steel retaining wall. This involves getting the required permits in place and conducting a bathymetric survey of the Courtenay River to determine when and how a tug and barge will be able to reach the site. The wall will be removed by an excavator with a special vibrating attachment that sits on the barge.
During the winter the site will often appear mostly underwater due to high tides. This is how the site is supposed to function and will be the state of things when the wall comes down. During hightide events the lower elevations where the saltmarsh plants are situated will be flooded, these plants have adapted to saltwater and being under water for periods of time.
The lower elevations were specifically created for these saltmarsh plants and the upper elevations for trees and shrubs. The tree and shrub area was built 1 -2 meters above the previous ground level so it will remain above the highwater line, creating a living berm that helps to protect Comox Road from high tides and flood events. In high rainfall events or storm events the rocky channels on the site will allow rain or flood waters to drain away from the road, helping to keep the road drivable.
Stay tuned for more updates and volunteer opportunities this coming spring!
Kus-kus-sum Project
Information for post provided by:
Jeff Skinner
Restoration & Monitoring Manager