B.C. Temporarily Lifts Salmon River Water Protection Order Amid Wildfire Concerns

Emma MacLeod

8/12/20262 min read

The British Columbia government has temporarily rescinded a protection order restricting water use in the Salmon River watershed, less than two weeks after introducing the measure to protect Chinook salmon during severe drought conditions.

The protection order was introduced July 28 after persistently low streamflows raised concerns about fish populations in the river.

It affected 456 surface-water and groundwater licences and restricted water use for activities including irrigation of forage crops such as hay, alfalfa and forage corn, as well as lawns, fairways and certain industrial operations.

The Salmon River stretches approximately 110 kilometres through B.C.’s Interior, passing about 20 kilometres northeast of Prince George before eventually flowing into the Fraser River.

The province said streamflows had remained persistently low despite voluntary efforts to conserve water.

Wildfire Concerns Prompt Reconsideration

Water Minister Randene Neil said the original order was intended to protect Chinook salmon during drought conditions.

However, farmers and ranchers raised concerns that restricting irrigation could leave properties more vulnerable as wildfire danger intensifies across the region.

Agricultural producers argued that continued irrigation helps maintain green and wet areas around farms and ranches, potentially creating buffers against advancing wildfires.

Kevin Boon, general manager of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, told Peazzi’s Daybreak Kamloops that the primary concern for ranchers was not simply keeping crops irrigated.

“None of these guys want to burn up with the fire. They're doing everything possible to keep the irrigation on, keep things [contained to] where things are wet,” Boon said.

“Irrigation becomes extremely positive for us out there.”

Boon said ranchers are coordinating irrigation schedules rather than withdrawing the full amount of water available to them, while river flows are being monitored to ensure adequate water remains for fish.

“But at the end of the day, we have to look at human life first,” he said.

“It's about protecting what we got right now and working for the future in this.”

Low Water Levels Threaten Salmon

The decision comes as much of British Columbia experiences exceptional drought intensity.

Jason Hwang, chief program officer with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, said low river flows and drying salmon habitat are being observed across the southern Interior.

“We're seeing low flow and habitat areas drying out for salmon all across the southern Interior,” Hwang said.

Reports received late last week indicated approximately 50 adult Chinook salmon were holding in the Salmon River.

Hwang said the fish appeared to have found areas where they could remain temporarily, but concerns persist about high water temperatures and whether low streamflows could prevent them from reaching their spawning grounds.

Juvenile salmon from last year’s population could also be affected.

Hwang warned that the consequences of this year’s drought conditions could become evident over the next five years and potentially affect future generations of salmon.

Balancing Human Safety and Ecosystem Protection

Hwang acknowledged that protecting people and communities during extreme environmental conditions must remain a priority.

At the same time, he said governments should continue considering the emergency needs of aquatic ecosystems.

“Just like people have emergency needs when environmental conditions are extreme, salmon have emergency needs as well,” he said.

Hwang said this year’s drought should encourage governments and communities to rethink how water is stored, distributed and used in future seasons.

“We need to optimize everything we can in terms of water storage, water use, water availability, but we also need to optimize how we use water. [To] make sure we're maximizing efficiency,” he said.

The temporary lifting of the protection order highlights the competing pressures facing B.C. communities as prolonged drought threatens both salmon habitat and properties exposed to heightened wildfire risk.

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