2025 In-Water Structures Project – Kamaniskeg Lake & Negeek Lake
Delivered in partnership with Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners Association, Watersheds Canada restored underwater fish habitat on Kamaniskeg Lake & Negeek Lake in August 2025. In total, 45 woody debris brush bundles were added to the two lakes which will provide critical underwater habitat and spawning areas for native fish species. These bundles are around 6 feet in length with many branches tied together. This will restore underwater habitat for native fish species that use the structures for shade, resting, and feeding. 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 many different species of fish who 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, local fish populations will now thrive thanks to the increased in-water habitat.
This project was generously funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Kamaniskeg Area Property Owners Association, iA Financial Group, and Echo 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 decade, 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/
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