Earth and Environment

Crossing Enhancements on Beaver Creek at Historic Fort Ellice

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Community of St. Lazar, Manitoba

A rock ramp was constructed downstream of the new crossing

The newly constructed rock ramp taken from the crossing

The Beaver Creek crossing prior to construction

Aerial view of the crossing prior to construction

Aerial view of the new crossing in winter

A downstream view of the added rock ramp

The Crossing Enhancements on the Beaver Creek project aimed to reconcile human infrastructure with the natural environment at the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Fort Ellice property. The project focused on modifying a concrete ford crossing that impeded fish migration on Beaver Creek, to enhance bi-directional fish passage, maintain structural integrity and minimize ecological disruption.

Collaborative efforts led to the development of a rock ramp, that balanced technical feasibility, ecological sensitivity and regulatory compliance. The rock ramp now serves as a success story for future leaders and caretakers of the land and exemplifies sustainable conservation that combines sound engineering with environmental stewardship.

Project Highlights

Modified the existing concrete ford crossing to reduce hydraulic barriers to fish movement
Constructed a naturalized rock ramp to enable bi‑directional fish passage
Configured ramp geometry and rock gradation to maintain crossing stability while minimizing habitat disruption