Case Study: McClure Creek

At McCallum Farm on Vancouver Island, targeted riparian restoration along the Millstone River and its tributary, McClure Creek, is helping protect vital salmon habitat while supporting working agricultural lands.

Between 2024 and 2026, partners restored more than 260 metres of streambank through invasive species removal, bioengineered bank stabilization, dense native planting, and fencing to reduce livestock impacts—improving erosion control, habitat complexity, and long-term ecosystem resilience. Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management are ensuring these restored riparian areas can better withstand flooding, drought, and climate stressors while supporting species at risk

These actions were funded by the Scaling the Implementation of Riparian Restoration (SIRR) program, utilizing a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) model, delivered by IAF.

 

The riparian areas throughout this farm were selected for restoration work due to the ecological importance of the watercourses to salmon and their vulnerability to both seasonal flooding and summer drought. This farm is located the Millstone River watershed and contains a stretch of the mainstem and McClure Creek (a tributary of Millstone river). The Millstone River watershed is recognized as a watershed of importance for salmon enhancement by the Regional District of Nanaimo (Priority 1 restoration area). 

In addition to salmon, the site also supports several Species at Risk, including the Dun Skipper butterfly (Euphyes vestris), Rough-leaved Aster (Eurybia radulina), and Common Wood Nymph (Cercyonis pegala). 

The agricultural property produces beef and forage crops. Restoration work focused on two key areas:

1. A forested reach along McClure Creek, where streambanks have been impacted by erosion and livestock access.  
2. A riparian field adjacent to the Millstone River mainstem, which historically lacked fencing and was subject to livestock interference within the watercourse. 

Over the past year, restoration efforts have focused on improving riparian health, stabilizing streambanks, and enhancing fish habitat across these priority areas. 

Millstone River: Site Assessment and Restoration Approach 

The Millstone River reach was assessed in April 2024 to evaluate fish habitat potential and identify restoration opportunities. The assessment identified several key challenges: a sloped agricultural field drains toward the riparian corridor, contributing to areas of bank undercutting. Himalayan blackberry had become heavily established along the perimeter of the reach, damaging fencing and limiting the establishment of native vegetation. In addition, canopy cover was limited in several sections, invasive species were widespread, and streambanks showed signs of instability. 

Water levels within the reach were also relatively shallow (generally ess than 0.5 m), and seasonal connectivity with adjacent waterways appeared limited. While some trees had established along the banks, the riparian corridor was largely dominated by invasive blackberry. 

To address these issues, the RPBio identified several restoration actions, including: 

• Removal of invasive Himalayan blackberry and establishment of native groundcover composed of grasses and forbs. 
• Planting of native woody riparian species, including red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), and willow (Salix spp.) along approximately 1,600 m² of streambank. 
• Application of bioengineering techniques to stabilize undercut banks using live stakes of willow or red-osier dogwood. 
• Installation of erosion control fabric on steep slopes to support soil stability (approximately 100 m²). 

 

McClure Creek: Site Assessment and Restoration Approach 

A second assessment conducted along McClure Creek in April 2024 revealed similar conditions. The surrounding agricultural field drains toward the creek, contributing to bank erosion and localized undercutting. Himalayan blackberry was again dominant along the riparian corridor, and damaged fencing allowed livestock to access portions of the creek. 

Water levels were shallow and seasonal hydrological connectivity appeared limited. Banks were moderately unstable and invasive species were present throughout the riparian zone. 

Restoration actions identified for McClure Creek included: 

• Removal of invasive species within the riparian corridor. 
• Establishment of native groundcover across exposed soils using grasses, forbs, and sword fern, supported by erosion control fabric on steeper slopes. 
• Planting of native shrubs and trees such as willow, elderberry, and salmonberry along the streambank and floodplain. 
• Naturalization of flood protection features through riprap stabilization combined with native planting. 
• Relocation of fencing outside the flood-prone area to protect new plantings. 
• Exploration of low-tech process-based restoration techniques to slow water flows and prevent bank undercutting. 
• Targeted bioengineering treatments on steeper banks to improve long-term stability. 

 

Restoration Work Completed 

Between 2024 and 2026, restoration activities were successfully implemented across three priority areas: 

• 160 linear meters of streambank restored, representing a total area of 1,000 m2 of the Millstone River mainstem, 
• 100 linear meters of the McClure Creek streambank, and 
• Planting along the McClure Creek riparian slope. 

A collaborative working relationship was established with the landowner to determine priorities, sequence restoration activities, and coordinate access to the site. 

At the Millstone River mainstem, extensive removal of Himalayan blackberry was undertaken to prepare the riparian corridor for native vegetation. Over 600 native ferns, forbs, shrubs and trees were planted in high density throughout the area, while bioengineering methods were used to stabilize eroding banks along the creek. Extensive mulching and planting of open riparian areas helped accelerate riparian recovery, while permanent fencing will protect streambanks from livestock impacts. Invasive species management will continue while native vegetation becomes established. 

On the McClure Creek slope, crews installed over 200 native shrubs and ferns to stabilize soils and develop root structure across a steep slope that had historically shown poor natural regeneration. This was supported by the additional seeding of native erosion control seed blends to stabilize soils and reduce erosion. Monitoring of plant survival will continue, along with dense seeding of exposed soils and adaptive erosion-control measures. 

Along the McClure Creek riparian bank, crews have undertaken additional invasive species removal and supplemental planting upstream of earlier restoration work. Temporary fencing was installed to protect riparian vegetation and support plant establishment, with the goal of improving fish habitat conditions and enhancing long-term creek stability. 

Across all restoration areas, planting efforts are focused on erosion-prone and low-vegetation zones, supported by fencing and protective measures to ensure long-term riparian function, habitat quality, and ecosystem resilience. 

All treatment areas have been reinforced with heavy mulching, helping conserve soil moisture, suppress invasive species regrowth, and support the establishment of a diverse native riparian plant community.