2024 In-Water Structures Project – Diamond Lake
Delivered in partnership with Diamond Lake Association, Watersheds Canada led a fish habitat restoration project on Diamond Lake, Ontario in September 2024. In total, 20 brush bundles were built on-land, anchored with concrete blocks, and then deployed on the lake in strategic back bays 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 panfish in the lake. These fish species use these areas for resting in the shade, hiding from predators, finding food, and spawning.
With an increase in development along Ontario’s shorelines, naturally occurring woody debris is not entering lakes at the rate it used to. This is often because property owners are looking to create a “clean” aesthetic on their property and in the water by their shoreline. 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. Human-made woody debris structures mimic naturally occurring processes such as dead standing logs or branches falling in the water. Thanks to this community-led project, there is now more habitat for fish in Diamond Lake.
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:
Diamond Lake Association
