Kleanza Creek Habitat Complexing

The Task

Pathfinder UAV was hired by the North-Coast Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society to complete aerial data collection on a salmon habitat rehabilitation project near Terrace, B.C. NCSFNSS undertook the job of restoring spawning habitat that was impacted by channelization in the 1960’s.

Hours of Flight

11,800

Square Meters

GBs of Data

The Solution

With the combined efforts of fisheries biologists, environmental consultants and engineers a plan was developed to build two full spanning rock weirs in the creek to reduce channel velocities and allow for the deposition of spawning gravels above each weir to increase rearing and spawning capacity in Kleanza Creek. We used our drones to map the area before, during and after construction.

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End Product

With the help of our drones and photogrammetry, NCSFNSS received an aerial overview of the weir construction from start to finish. The maps and models that were produced played an essential role in visualizing the results of the project. The most recent survey data shows the deposition of spawning gravels in front of the weirs, which has increased spawning potential months after the project completion. Pathfinder UAV looks forward to working with NCSFNSS to support fisheries projects and find innovative ways to put drones to use in the fight to save our pacific salmon.