2022 Farren Lake Brush Bundle Project
Members of the Farren Lake Property Owners Association in Ontario and their families knew fish homes were disappearing on their lake and that they had to take action. Families who had been living on the lake for decades have seen an increase in shoreline development and the subsequent removal of debris from their shorelines. These actions have long-term consequences that people do not always realize, such as deteriorated lake’s water quality, lower dissolved oxygen levels, higher phosphorous levels, less available fish habitat, and warmer water temperatures.
The restoration project on Farren Lake was led by Paul Seidl who was first introduced to Watersheds Canada’s fish habitat restoration projects through a webinar. He presented this project idea at Farren Lake’s 2021 annual general meeting and the majority of members were in favour of introducing this initiative. The restoration took place in 2022: 18 volunteers and Watersheds Canada staff were together on Farren Lake to build 29 new brush piles made of branches and root balls. These brush piles were deployed at 10 locations on the lake. They will become underwater woody debris areas that provide excellent habitat for fish like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, sunfish, and yellow perch, and other wildlife including turtles, birds, and invertebrates.
These natural areas provide protection from predators and the sun, as well as a spot to rest, spawn, and feed. This fish habitat enhancement project was possible thanks to a grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, and strong community support and involvement from the Farren Lake Property Owners Association.
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 nine years, 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/
Thanks to:
Farren Lake Property Owners Association
