Construction work at the popular Airpark Walkway on Tuesday, April 7 will result in a temporary closure of part of the airpark loop from 12:30 to 3:30 pm.
Project Watershed will be on site digging test holes in preparation for a new culvert being installed in mid-June. Due to the size of the equipment being used and the narrowness of the walkway, pedestrians will be blocked access to the water side of the Airpark loop. The walkway running behind the hangars on the west side of the Airpark will remain open.
Project Watershed staff will be on site to direct pedestrians and provide information on the project.
The future culvert will connect the Courtenay River to the top of the lagoon, re-establishing river flow through the lagoon area. This will restore the lagoon closer to its historical condition.
Jennifer Sutherst, acting estuary coordinator for Project Watershed, advised the eventual culvert installation will greatly improve fish habitat. “The culvert will provide flushing and nutrients for fish, in particular it will become excellent rearing and foraging habitat for juvenile salmon,” noted Sutherst. “It will also provide some refuge from predators for the fish.”
The culvert project will be possible thanks to funding from the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action, and the City of Courtenay.
For more information, please contact Project Watershed at 250-703-2871 or email [email protected]
