Watersheds Canada went on a fishing trip and landed a catch we are proud of. It is not a fish, though – it is better!
We reeled in grant dollars for our plans to push dozens of brush bundles overboard in more back bays, drop offs, and lake points. These woody debris structures will be future hiding and foraging places for bass, pike, perch, and a host of other species. This new funding also helps us get ready to restore walleye and lake trout spawning beds, like this walleye bed from last year:
For charities like Watersheds Canada, fishing for funding can be a catch-twenty-two, particularly casts at corporate sponsorships and grants that end up netting dollars that are restricted to material costs only.
Project associated HR and travel expenses, no matter how lean and transparent, seem to be the ongoing snag when we go fishing for grant dollars. Unfortunately, funds to simply breakeven on operating expenses are a no-fish zone for some grant programs, making it difficult for on-the-ground and on-the-water conservation programs to stay afloat.
The reality is, our fish habitat projects take more than shovels, trees, and stone.
Fish habitat restoration work takes conservation expertise at so many levels. Watersheds Canada’s staff time and travel are carefully budgeted for – just like our equipment and material needs – in order to manage all of the safety checks, logistics, permits, site visits, communications, and evaluation plans. We have over a decade of experience in delivering 40 fish habitat projects in dozens of lakes and rivers, and have no plans to slow down.
Right now, our lakes and fishing futures need you. With the cottage and fishing season now in full swing, Watersheds Canada is keeping our fundraising lines in the water to get more habitat work done. Can you help us in our goal to expand our fish habitat projects this year?
Imagine the future of our fish populations thriving because of the hands-on work you pledged to support. Your donation of $250, $130, or even $80 today will be another fish conservation moment to be proud of when you are on the water this summer.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Pye, CAE
Executive Director