Raven River - Conservation Opportunity

[kemo99]

Don Andersen from the Central Alberta Chapter of TU sent us this request. Please reply if you would like to help out.

 

Central Alberta Chapter of Trout Unlimited is looking for some volunteer labour for either August 11 or 12 to help

install instream devices. Expect that it will take 6 or us about 4>6 hours.

Any chance you have some "eager" volunteers?

Copy of the cover letter sent to Dept. Of Fisheries and Oceans below

that describes the proposed work.

Received the "Letter of Advice" from them this week so now I can plan

the work.

regards,

 

Don

 

Subject: Installation of Instream Devices [ willow bundles ] to protect trout swim up fry

 

Dear Sir:

The Central Alberta Chapter of Trout Unlimited is requesting permission

of your agency to repair and/or install as required willow bundles into

a small side spring to the North Raven River. The spring is <> 400

meters in length and is used by brook trout for spawning. Previously,

the Central Alberta Chapter installed willow bundles in this spring when

the major works were undertaken in 1997 to narrow, deepen and stabilize

the silt from the agricultural activities previously located along the

stream. It was hoped that the willow bundles previously installed would

last until the natural willows now growing along the banks matured and

died. Unfortunately, the bundles did not last quite long enough. It is

hoped that natural vegetation will supplement and finally replace the

willow bundles installed in 2012 over the next 10 years.

SRD, during a one day "snap shot" of fish use in this area in 2011,

identified the lack of cover as a possible constraint to fish reproduction.

Why do the project: This spring creek has very little "instream" cover

naturally as most of the trees were killed when the farmer feed his cows

in this area. Although the stream has been fenced to exclude cows for a

number of years, the willows along the bank have not yet reached the

"falling" down stage which would naturally provide the instream cover

utilized by swim up fry.

Where: The actual project is located within the Ecological Easement on

NW-17-37-5-W5. The spring is <>400 meters long and is heavily utilized

by Brook Trout for spawning activities. The spring flows into the North

Raven River near the SE edge of the Ecological Easement.

When: The work will be undertaken between July 1 and August 31, 2012

What is to be done: Replace or repair as required willow bundles within

the spring.

What will the willow bundles look like: The bundles will be composed of

decadent willows located back from the stream edge. The willow will be

cut at ground height to stimulate new growth for moose fodder. Each

bundle will be held with two bands of #9 iron wire. The wire will be

attached to the stream bed utilizing "T" posts. Each "T" post will be

driven below substrate to ensure as much as possible negligible frost

heaving. Each bundle will be <> 12" in diameter which will ensure that

the bundle is below water level thereby reducing rotting. The "branch"

end of the bundle will be "fanned" out to provide as much cover for the

fry as possible.

1 of 2

2

 

How many will be required: In order to provide adequate cover it is

anticipated that approximately 15>25 willow bundles will be placed into

the spring.

If there are any questions about the proposed project, please feel free

to <post here>

[Michael Dell]

I will volunteer for this.

[dipperdan]

Sounds like it could be interesting, the boss says, ok.

[jfisherman]

Ken, Greg here, I am willing if anyone would like some company along the way. If anyone is amenable to said company, please phone me at 780 756-0897 or e-mail me at jsterp1@shaw.ca.

[Don Andersen]

Guys,

 

First off - thanx Ken for posting this.

 

Second - need 7>8 -- looks like were getting close - I figure about 10 and I'll start a back up list. Over the next while, I'll post all the names of folks who expressed an interest in helping.

And we will select either August 11 or 12.

Figure that 8 or us should do it in <>5 hours.

 

And Lastly - my thanx for helping out.

 

If there is enough interest, perhaps a larger project will be done 2013 - need instream cover in the lot of places on the Stainbrooke and Leavit Properties.

 

regards,

 

Don

[SnoWolf]

Count me in.

 

Jim

[Don Andersen]

Folks,

 

As it seems like I might be about the only person in cyber space who retained his own name and frankly I haven't a clue who the nick names are:

 

Would you please send me an email to my "real" email address at

 

donandersen@bamboorods.ca

 

With your nick name so I do know I didn't miss you and

 

your real name

real email

real phone number.

 

I promise not to share the info with purveyors of various goods/services.

 

 

regards,

 

 

Don.

[Don Andersen]

Folks,

 

 

Well we did the deed today with volunteers from Edmonton TU/NLFT, Wetaskiwin, Red Deer TU and others from here and there.

We placed <>20 bundles of willows. Worked from 10>1. Had lunch and some went fishing. A good time, great cause and the little fishes will thank you for your efforts.

 

Pictures to be sent to Ken for TU/NL's site.

 

regards,

 

 

Don

[SnoWolf]

Thanks for all your efforts and the history lesson Don. It truely is a worthwhile project.

[dipperdan]

Thanks Don , to you and all in the past that have contributed to keeping Staufer from declining to a cattle watering hole.

It was great to hear about how this wonderful creek has been nurtured to what it is today. Thanks to those who came out and helped it made it much more enjoyable .

[dipperdan]

Thanks Greg for the photos , here are a few more.