2024 Carson Lake Restoration Project
Delivered in partnership with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters – Zone E and Carson Trout Lepine & Greenan – Lakes Association, Watersheds Canada restored creek habitat on Carson Lake, Ontario to benefit local brook trout populations. Through the planting of native plants, and the installation of coir logs and bareroot native plants, a corridor of critical brook trout habitat was restored in fall 2024.
The location and project type were selected because of the damage done from severe storms over the last two years, resulting in mass slumping of the shoreline, as well as the loss of large trees. The cold-water creek restoration began with the planting and stabilization of the shorelines of this creek. These plants will provide the necessary shade to keep the spring-fed creek cold for brook trout populations. Their extensive root systems will provide stabilization of the shoreline, help prevent erosion during flood events, and decrease siltation of the creek.
The second phase of this project saw the installation of coir logs, a natural form of erosion control made of fiber rolls. These logs were placed at the base of the eroded slope to prevent scouring from currents and ice push. Bareroot stock was placed in and around the logs to further stabilize the shore and prevent further erosion.
This project was generously funded by Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters – Zone E, J.P. Bickell Foundation, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Foundation’s Community Conservation Fund, iA Financial Group, and Ontario Wildlife Foundation. 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:
J.P. Bickell Foundation
In the News
“Lakefront property owners help restore Carson Lake trout habitat” The Madawaska Valley Current, 19 December 2024.