2025 Kamaniskeg Lake Restoration Project
A historic lake trout spawning bed was washed and restored on Kamaniskeg Lake in August 2025. This involved the manual sweeping of silt and algae off the spawning bed rocks by volunteers and then the use of a power washing hose.
Some reasons increased siltation may be observed on a lake can include increased flooding, alterations are made to a stream or culvert, or there is an increase in urbanization and nearby development. Removing silt was necessary because trout are a very sensitive species and when silt covers the eggs it prevents them from being adequately oxygenated. This increases embryotic (early stage development) trout mortality.
This project was possible because of funding provided by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners Association, iA Financial Group, and Echo Foundation. All Watersheds Canada fish habitat projects are completed with applicable permits and approval by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
In partnership with grassroots organizations and local volunteers, Watersheds Canada has completed many fish habitat restoration projects across Eastern and Central Ontario over the past decade, including walleye spawning bed enhancements, cold-water creek enhancements, trout spawning bed enhancements, and in-water habitat enhancements through the deployment of brush piles (woody debris). If you think your Ontario waterfront community could benefit from a fish habitat enhancement project, please check out the free Fish Habitat Enhancement Toolkit: Watersheds.ca/download-the-fish-habitat-enhancement-toolkit/
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