MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                              October 10, 2019

Watersheds Canada and the LUSH Charity Pot

Kashwakamak Lake – In-Water Fish Habitat Enhancement

Funding from the LUSH Charity Pot has allowed for the in-water fish habitat enhancement in Kashwakamak Lake, about 90 minutes west of Perth in the Township of North Frontenac, Ontario.  The project was completed thanks to Watersheds Canada, and Peter Johnson, Lake Steward, Kashwakamak Lake Association.

Ten bundles of brush were built and deployed on Monday, October 7th. Underwater woody debris is a healthy component of lake environments. Sunken logs, trees, branches, and root balls provide excellent habitat for wildlife, including fish, turtles, birds, invertebrates, and more. Brush piles can provide fish with a food source, as well as shaded areas to rest, spawn, and escape predators.

Building the brush bundles on-shore using brush found around the lake, tying the brush together, and attaching a concrete block.

“This project was a great success because of the teamwork of the staff and volunteers. We are excited to restore habitat for the fish living in the lake”, said Melissa Dakers, Lake Stewardship Coordinator at Watersheds Canada. Melissa organized the event, secured funding and permits, and designed the project.

Deploying the brush bundles into Kashwakamak Lake.

This project is part of Watersheds Canada’s targeted focus on enhancing freshwater wildlife communities in 2019. This lake was identified to have been impacted by fish habitat loss. By working with grassroots partners and volunteers in freshwater areas that are in need of habitat enhancements, the fish and wildlife species living in those ecosystems will be supported. Woody debris was re-introduced to Kashwakamak Lake to improve the fish habitat.

For more information about this project, please contact Melissa Dakers at dakers@watersheds.ca or visit www.watersheds.ca/

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