2024 In-Water Structures Project – Mink Lake
Delivered in partnership with the Algonquin College – Pembroke campus, Muskrat Watershed Council, and Mink Lake residents, Watersheds Canada led a fish habitat restoration project on Mink Lake, Ontario in October 2024. Twenty piles of woody debris were built on land by fifteen community volunteers and Watersheds Canada staff. After the bundles were built, they were anchored with concrete blocks and then deployed into strategic areas away from boat traffic routes. GPS coordinates were gathered for each spot where brush bundles were deployed and the coordinates were submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for monitoring purposes.
Woody debris like branches and logs are important habitat areas for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, panfish, and walleye in the lake. These fish species use these areas for resting in the shade, hiding from predators, finding food, and spawning. Oftentimes, waterfront communities will remove underwater debris to create “clean” swimming and boating areas. When these natural structures are removed from the lake, it leaves fish without habitat, ultimately leading to the decline of fish populations on the lake. Thanks to strong community support and efforts, fish on Mink Lake now have more habitat and will continue to thrive for generations to come.
This project was generously funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and Ontario Bass Nation. All Watersheds Canada fish habitat projects are completed with applicable permits and approval by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Thanks to:
