They are the unsung heroes of Niagara’s ecosystem. The Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada is working hard to get waterways in the region back to a fishing hot spot for anglers.
The chapter began in February of 2012, when six people who were concerned about the conditions of streams and creeks in Niagara.
In just a short time, they’ve discovered numerous problems within the area, many of which are in residents backyards.
With help from students in the Niagara College Environmental program, almost every waterway has been mapped. With this information, they’ve discovered many of the man-made ponds are creating havoc among fish spawning cycles.
The chapter has taken a proactive approach to three residential properties along Metler Road in Pelham, in what has become a silent game-changer in the ecosystem.
“Most of these ponds that have been built there, the water flows over the top and out,” President of the Niagara chapter, Dennis Edell, said. “The problem with that is it sends the warmest water downstream, changing the entire waterway.”
With the water warming up in the Twelve Mile Creek, spawning of fish decrease. Especially in the brook trout population, who need the cooler water to breed.
Edell says the changes are quite simple.
Volunteers will be headed to these ponds to replace the top-draw dams with bottom-draw dams, allowing for cooler water to pass through.
“We’d like for Short Hills to be a great public fishery again. These steps are going to help create that.”
The Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada also works alongside Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority to monitor many other aspects of the stream. Together, they’ve discovered the Twelve Mile Creek is the only stream that runs all throughout the year, as most are run-off creeks that dry up in the summer.
Edell says many residents do not understand the impact a single waterway can have on the larger picture. When residents change land – cutting down trees, divert waterways, over using water sources – it takes a toll on the environment.
“It will improve the aquatic health of the whole system if people are aware of the problems in their own backyard.”
While the organization aims to change, sometimes they also have to wait.
Trout Unlimited Canada members began planning the project in January, but delays have postponed the build. Their hope is to get in the water in November.
“Everything is a learning experience. But it’s important in preserving the very unique ecosystem here in Niagara.”
Those interested in joining the Niagara chapter can contact Edell at 416-918-4448. For more information on Trout Unlimited Canada, visit www.yellowfishroad.org.
