Okanagan River Restoration Initiative Phase 1 (ORRI)

Helicopter Photography Survey 2012.

You may have noticed a low flying helicopter traveling over the ORRI site Thursday morning.  This was part of an ongoing aerial survey of the ORRI site and the Okanagan River in general.

These surveys provide:

• A broad picture of the river

• Documentation of planned and naturally occurring  aquatic changes

• Tracking of plant growth

Restoration Work has:

Provided critical habitat for salmon and trout in the river’s new pools and riffles.

Deposited fine sediments on the floodplain, improving water quality and fish spawning areas

Promoted riparian plant growth which provides shelter, food, and nesting sites for birds and mammals, including endangered yellow breasted chat and the Western screech owl while shading the river’s edge which cools the water and provide fish with cover, helping them hide from predators.

For more information please contact:  Lee McFadyen, ORRI Public Relations, 250 499 5404 – mariposaorgf@hotmail.com