5.1 °C (41.18 °F) and between 1981-2010 was 6 °C (42.8 °F). Climate Data Canada considered a high emissions scenario to identify annual average temperature projections. Between 2021-2050, temperatures were found to be 7.5 °C (45.5 °F), between 2051-2080 temperatures were found to be 9.5 °C (49.1 °F), and 10.9 °C (51.62 °F) for the remainder of this century. The average annual precipitation between 1951-1980 was 348mm (13.7 inches). Using the same high emissions scenario, annual average precipitation projections were found to be 4% higher for 2021-2050, 11% for 2051-2080m and 12% higher for the remainder of the century. The data collected does not reflect the entire river, therefore climate can vary across the entire river length. Cultural Significance The Chilcotin River and its tributaries, most notably the Chilko and Taseko Rivers, are significant for the Indigenous people of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. The annual migration of salmon in these rivers are relied upon by the Tŝilhqot’in to sustain their communities year round; as a food resource, cultural staple, and economic subsidy. To ensure salmon come back after every fishing season, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) practice sustainable harvesting and monitor the rivers regularly. However, progressively smaller harvesting outcomes in recent years followed by an assessment done by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has prompted the TNG to shut down their fishery operations for 2021 and presently, fishing in the Chilcotin River has seized. Ecology & Environment Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce biogeoclimatic zone covers 40% of the Chilcotin River watershed. The headwaters of the Chilcotin River are in a Montane-Spruce zone, and the lowest reach where it confluences with the Fraser River is dominated by Bunchgrass. The river also passes through a zone of Interior Douglas-Fir. Over 40% of the watershed area is covered by pine tree species. Biodiversity Salmon The Chilcotin River supports populations of coho, chinook, and sockeye salmon, the first two of which are considered threatened by COSEWIC. Salmon are an important cultural, food, and economic resource for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. Steelhead Trout The Chilcotin River hosts a genetically distinct population of steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). It migrates from the Bering Sea to the Chilcotin River headwaters every other autumn to spawn, making it one of the longest migrating anadromous trout in Canada. The Chilcotin River steelhead has been classified as endangered