# Cowichan River safety and conservation issues > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cowichan-river-safety-and-conservation-issues > Updated: 2026-08-18T12:45:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Concerns regarding the Cowichan River have centered on both public safety and environmental conservation. In July, Cowichan Search and Rescue issued a warning about a large logjam near Sandy Pool that had grown significantly over the spring. Officials noted the blockage creates a “significant hazard to tubers and all river users” and cited recent drowning statistics on Central Vancouver Island to emphasize the danger. By August, focus shifted toward watershed protection and salmon conservation. Community organizations scheduled the 16th annual Lower Cowichan River Cleanup to remove garbage from the area. Simultaneously, conservationists raised concerns about the impact of recreational fishing on juvenile salmonids, specifically calling for stricter oversight of butterfly nets marketed to children to prevent the accidental death of coho and Chinook salmon during summer droughts. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Cowichan River conservation efforts focus on cleanup and salmon protection Conservationists in the Cowichan watershed are organizing the 16th annual river cleanup and calling for better regulation of nets used by children to prevent the accidental death of juvenile salmonids. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cowichan-river-conservation-efforts-focus-on-cleanup-and-salmon-protection ### 2026-07-23: Cowichan River logjam poses safety hazard to tubers and swimmers A large logjam on British Columbia's Cowichan River near Sandy Pool is deemed a significant safety hazard for tubers and swimmers, prompting CSAR warnings after several recent drownings. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cowichan-river-logjam-poses-safety-hazard-to-tubers-and-swimmers --- Cite as: Cowichan River safety and conservation issues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cowichan-river-safety-and-conservation-issues