2024 In-Water Structures Project – Baptiste Lake
Delivered in partnership with Baptiste Lake Association, North Hastings Community Fish Hatchery, and Bancroft Area Stewardship Council, Watersheds Canada led a fish habitat restoration project on Baptiste Lake, Ontario in September 2024. Thanks to the hard work of over 10 community volunteers, 20 brush bundles were created on-land, anchored with concrete blocks, and then deployed into strategic back bays via small boats. 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, walleye, and yellow perch in the lake. These species use these areas for resting in shade, hiding from predators, finding food, and spawning.
Recent trends in waterfront living have seen the removal of on-land woody debris, such as fallen logs, dead standing trees, and overhanging branches, all which would eventually end up in the lake. When these natural structures are prevented from entering the lake, it leaves fish without habitat, which can ultimately lead to the decline of fish populations on the lake. Thanks to strong community support and efforts, fish populations on Baptiste Lake will now thrive thanks to the increased in-water habitat.
This project was generously funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Ontario Bass Nation, Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters (OFAH) Community Conservation Fund, and iA Financial Group. 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:
In the News
“Watersheds Canada deploys brush bundles on local lakes”. Bancroft This Week, 17 September 2024.
“Bringing the ‘fishsticks’: Watersheds Canada works with local lakes to improve fish habitats”. My Bancroft Now, 25 September 2024.