2024 In-Water Structures Project – Papineau Lake
Delivered in partnership with the Papineau Lake Community Association, Watersheds Canada led a fish habitat restoration project on Papineau Lake, Ontario in August 2024. Twenty piles of woody debris were built on-land by over 20 community volunteers of all ages, 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, and northern pike 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 Papineau 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.
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:
Papineau Lake Community Association
In the News
“Community restores fish habitat in Papineau Lake”. The Madawaska Valley Current, 5 September 2024.