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MILLBROOK –  Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly Trout Unlimited Canada), a national leader in freshwater ecosystem conservation and restoration, is partnering with a visionary landowner to restore a section of Squirrel Creek that runs through a retired cattle pasture. This effort will help to cool this reach of the stream and reset conditions to support the return of Brook Trout, while helping to build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Working with Steven Brackenridge of Squirrel Creek Farm, Freshwater Conservation Canada is restoring the health of Squirrel Creek and returning the retired cattle pasture to riparian forest and wetlands, including planting Sugar Maple trees. These trees are intended to be used by Brackenridge’s great-grandchildren for maple syrup production. Brook Trout are resident to Squirrel Creek, but due to multiple factors, they are rarely seen in this reach of the stream in recent years. Warming of the water is one factor – without shade provided by trees, and an online pond upstream, this reach of stream is less hospitable to coldwater fish species like Brook Trout. Bank erosion and sedimentation caused by cattle entering the stream has fouled fish nesting habitat and has disconnected the stream from the floodplain, further impacting the health of the stream and fish and downstream communities. Streams and rivers overflowing into floodplains is a natural process that helps to mitigate flooding and drought and contributes to the ongoing health of the stream and the fish and wildlife that make it home. “Our Cooling Squirrel Creek project is an excellent example of how rural landowners and conservation organizations partnering together can help to protect and restore our freshwater ecosystems, which also protect our communities from the impacts of climate change,” said Mike McKenzie, Program Manager. “Farmers are important stewards of our lands and waters.” “I can remember catching large Brook Trout in this stream when I was a child, but it has been many years since I have seen one of any size” said Steven Brackenridge. “By commissioning this restoration, I aim for them to return, and to carry on my grandfather’s legacy of caring for the land for future generations.” Freshwater Conservation Canada and Squirrel Creek Farm are hosting a community tree planting event on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1, from 9 am to 2 pm – Link    -30-

Position Summary: We seek a talented and detail-oriented Communications and Content Creator to bring our mission to life through compelling design, storytelling, and digital engagement. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable crafting persuasive copy, producing beautiful layouts, creating graphics and multimedia in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Canva, and managing content across digital platforms. This role will develop high-quality print and digital materials, manage our quarterly newsletter, produce donor stewardship communications, support event promotions, and maintain an engaging online presence. Responsibilities: Design and produce creative materials, including brochures, reports, event invitations, and promotional pieces, using Adobe InDesign (required), Photoshop, and Canva Produce creative content creation beyond graphics, including video editing, marketing materials, presentations, social media assets, and layouts Create visual assets, infographics, and multimedia content to support campaigns, events, and community engagement Ensure brand consistency across all materials Write and edit copy for newsletters, website, social media, donor communications, and marketing materials. Develop engaging stories that highlight our impact and inspire action Collaborate with program staff to translate technical conservation work into public-friendly content Maintain and update website content, ensuring current and visually appealing information Schedule, post, and monitor social media content to increase reach and engagement, updating LinkTree, Eventbrite, and Shopify Create and distribute the quarterly newsletter from concept to delivery Create timely, personalized donor thank-you emails and letters Craft special email campaigns to encourage ongoing support, volunteering, or event participation Support fundraising and community events promotions, including design, copywriting, and post-event follow-up communications Identify shareable partner content from other organizations and Freshwater Conservation Canada Chapters Take on special projects or creative requests that may be outside the typical scope of day-to-day duties Requirements: Legally entitled to work in Canada (required) Proficient in Adobe InDesign (required) Strong skills in Photoshop & Canva, experience in video editing Proven experience writing clear, compelling copy for a variety of audiences Experience designing print & digital marketing materials Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines Ability to prioritize and is highly organized A college diploma or undergraduate degree Ability to learn and adapt to new software and computer systems Detail-oriented, comfortable with deadlines, and excellent time management and communication skills Team player with the ability to work independently, excellent problem-solving skills, critical thinking and sound judgement   Preferred Qualifications: Experience with website content management systems (WIX) Knowledge of social media best practices for nonprofit engagement Familiarity with email marketing and CRM (database software) Basic photography and/or video production skills Skills & Attributes: Collaborative and enjoys working as part of a team Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling and visual communication Interest in environmental conservation and community engagement Success in this Role Looks Like: Communications with donors, volunteers, and community members are consistent and within our organization's timelines Projects are completed on time and on brand (have our look and feel) Collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure that social media and email campaigns generate measurable increases in reach, engagement, and support Ad-hoc and unexpected requests are handled with a professional, can-do attitude, even when outside your regular scope You contribute ideas proactively to improve processes, campaigns, and creative output You are recognized by your team as a reliable, collaborative, and adaptable communicator Work Environment: In office only Occasional work in the field (tree planting, willow staking, etc., to capture digital content) Flexible schedule with occasional evening or weekend work for events Position Title:  Communications & Content Creator (one-year contract with potential for permanent) Location:  Guelph, ON or Calgary, AB Hours:  20h/week or 40h/week (part-time or full-time position available)       Salary Range: $18-$24/hr How to Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume electronically as a single file to  info@freshwatercanada.org with the subject line “Communications & Content Creator Role.”   Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found.

“To conserve, protect, and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations” – this is our mission statement at Freshwater Conservation Canada - and has been since the 1970s. But what does it really mean, and why is it important? We often think of Canada’s freshwater supplies as clean and healthy, but the reality is that many streams and rivers are highly impacted, and only those in protected or remote areas can be considered pristine. Many Canadians have heard that Canada is home to 20% of the world’s freshwater, giving us a sense of comfort that we have plentiful access to this essential, life-giving resource. The reality is that most of our water is considered non-renewable , meaning it is not part of the global water cycle because it is locked away in aquifers and glaciers, for example. In addition, more than half of Canada’s renewable freshwater flows northward into the Arctic Ocean and Hudson Bay, leaving it inaccessible to most of our population, which lives within a few hundred kilometres of our southern border. This leaves much of the remaining supply under heavy demand and stress. But it’s not just about the water. Freshwater ecosystems include the rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes where freshwater is found. An ecosystem is a whole community of living things interacting with each other and their physical environment, consisting of water, soils, rocks, air and other habitat components. Freshwater ecosystems are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting not only aquatic species (like fish and mussels) but also birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, fungi, and plants. But freshwater ecosystems are also one of the most threatened environments due to a multitude of human activities, including dams, diversions, floodplain development, overexploitation, habitat destruction and fragmentation, water use, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Together, these stressors, along with the impacts of climate change, have resulted in a freshwater biodiversity crisis. And despite our wealth of water, Canada is not immune to these threats. In fact, our false sense of abundance may contribute to declines in water quality, availability, and habitat health. A 2022 study that reviewed the conservation status of over 3000 freshwater species in Canada found that nearly 12% of those species were considered “at risk” and another 18% considered “special concern” (at risk of becoming threatened or endangered). Athabasca Rainbow Trout used to be so plentiful that they were excluded from catch limits and minimum size limits in Alberta’s 1949 fishing regulations. In the decades since, their numbers have declined precipitously, such that they are now considered Endangered. Cumulative effects of land use have impacted water quality and ecosystem health in the Athabasca Rainbow Trout home range. Declines in freshwater biodiversity should be a wake-up call, or early warning signal, about the state of our freshwater ecosystems and resources. In addition to the threats to biodiversity, communities increasingly face freshwater-related challenges: from blue-green algae blooms that make waters unsafe to swim in (there are over 130 advisories in Canada at the time of writing this), to water pollution that makes it dangerous to eat fish . From floods that put lives and infrastructure at risk to droughts that threaten food production, stress municipal drinking water supplies, and pose challenges to wastewater treatment, freshwater issues are affecting communities across Canada, and we all bear the costs. These are the reasons there is an immediate need to conserve, protect, and restore these ecosystems and why Freshwater Conservation Canada is stepping up. Our work focuses on water quality and quantity, as well as aquatic communities and their habitats. It includes restoration , native species protection and recovery, and assessment and monitoring to inform action. Wherever possible, we include volunteer opportunities and community engagement, giving folks an opportunity to connect with these spaces and be part of a positive movement. Our work on riverscapes and riparian corridors is building resilience to climate change by planting trees and using low-tech process-based restoration to kickstart the natural recovery of streams that have been impacted by human activity. The results: improved water quality and water security, increased stability, increased native biodiversity, reduced flood and drought impacts, refuge from increased air and water temperatures, improved connection with and understanding of our natural spaces and heritage, and more. Why does it matter? Healthy and functional freshwater ecosystems are essential for more than just fish. These systems supply drinking water, water for industry and agriculture, wastewater treatment, recreational opportunities, food and medicine, and habitat for a plethora of species. They buffer the impact of extreme weather like floods, droughts, and fires and play an important role in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Canada’s freshwater ecosystems, including the spaces they occupy and the species they support, are also part of our Canadian heritage and identity and have spiritual and cultural value that’s impossible to put a price tag on. Although governments play a key role in their protection, we cannot rely on governments alone to protect what is important to Canadians. This is why Freshwater Conservation Canada is here and why we need your help. Land use, climate change, and changes to stream ecology have caused some streams that historically would have flowed year-round to dry up in late summer. Besides the obvious problems this causes aquatic species that live in the water, it also impacts agricultural producers and downstream water users who depend on water availability. How to get involved? Join us! Attend a volunteer event, join your local chapter, hold a fundraising event, or donate to support our ongoing work. Talk to your friends and family about the need for freshwater conservation and restoration, and tell your elected officials that this work is important and worthy of investment. We couldn't do it without our dedicated staff, volunteers, members, donors, sponsors, and funders. We thank you! Continue to learn, be engaged, and don’t give up hope. Action is the antidote – participating in restoration work and learning about freshwater ecosystems is an important way to be part of solutions to the challenges facing our freshwater systems.

Everyone benefits from spending time outdoors, but access to nature is not always equal. Racialized individuals can experience cultural, economic and physical barriers to accessing natural spaces in Canada. The Connect and Protect program aims to improve these individuals' access to nature and conservation by inviting participants to engage in outdoor conservation and recreation activities while surrounded by their community. This year, Freshwater Conservation Canada is proud to partner with Colour the Trails for our Connect and Protect events across the country. Colour the Trails is focused on improving access to the outdoors for BIPOC living in Canada. They host introductions, mentorships, and clinics in outdoor activities to introduce BIPOC adults to new activities and then help them advance further. They also provide consultation and support to partner organizations working to improve and diversify their communities. Our first Connect and Protect event of the season occurred on a tributary to Waiparous Creek at the end of July 2025. Due to the loss of beavers in the area, coupled with heavy grazing from feral horses and cattle, the creek often runs dry in the summer. The persistently dry conditions at the creek have also caused a loss of willows, making it an unattractive habitat for beavers, and leaving the creek trapped in a cycle of degradation. To address this, Freshwater Conservation Canada has been building beaver dam analogues (BDAs)—man-made beaver dams that perform all the same functions as a natural dam, by slowing down the flow of water in the creek, raising the water level, and refilling groundwater aquifers. The day began with introductions and orientation before diving into restoration activities. Participants then got to work repairing some BDAs built earlier in the year and building new ones. Due to the abnormally rainy July in Alberta, the creek was completely full of water for the first time in years! However, this meant that many of the structures built in early July were now too small and needed to be expanded to accommodate current flow conditions. Some structures had to be quadrupled in size! Thanks to everyone’s hard work and a lunchtime mushroom foray to keep spirits high—we built or expanded four structures during the workday. After wrapping up restoration work, participants walked to a large natural beaver complex upstream of a previous restoration site. These beavers returned to the creek thanks to previous rehabilitation efforts in the watershed, and ending our day here was the perfect way to show participants the impact of restoration work. Freshwater Conservation Canada thanks Colour the Trails  for collaborating with us to make this workday such a success! This event would not have been possible without their support in program planning, development, and coordination. Freshwater Conservation Canada also thanks Enbridge and the Calgary Foundation for supporting the 2025 Connect and Protect program. Photo Credit: Samuel Oke Photo Credit: Samuel Oke Photo Credit: Samuel Oke

The relationship between land and water is vital for sustaining life on Earth. This connection affects ecosystems, human health, agriculture, and even weather patterns. In this blog post, we'll explore various facets of the land-water connection, highlight its significance, and offer practical insights on how to maximize its benefits. The Land-Water Connection Understanding the land-water connection requires recognizing how these two elements interact within ecosystems. Water flows over land, shaping the terrain, supporting plant life, and influencing the habitats of various animals. Conversely, land retains water, influencing groundwater levels and the availability of fresh water in rivers and lakes. Water Cycle Dynamics One major aspect of the land-water relationship is the water cycle. The water cycle explains how water moves between the land, atmosphere, and bodies of water. Evaporation : Water from the earth's surface evaporates into the air due to solar energy, contributing to atmospheric moisture. Condensation : This moisture condenses into clouds, eventually leading to precipitation. Runoff and Infiltration : Water that returns to the surface can either run off into rivers and lakes or infiltrate into the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies. The interplay between land and water in this cycle is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. For example, during heavy rainfall, water runoff can cause soil erosion, while insufficient ground cover may lead to decreased water absorption. The interconnectivity of river systems and terrestrial forests The Role of Soil Soil acts as a vital intermediary in the land-water connection. Healthy soil contains organic matter, minerals, and microorganisms, all of which help retain water. Water Retention : Loamy soils, known for their mix of sand, silt, and clay, can hold substantial moisture while allowing excess water to drain. Nutrient Cycle : Soil health also supports the nutrient cycle, enriching the plants that substantially rely on water. Statistics show that approximately 38% of agricultural lands worldwide experience moderate to severe land degradation. Addressing soil health is crucial for agricultural productivity and ensuring that water bodies remain clean and vibrant. Soil health is crucial for retaining moisture and nutrients Impact on Ecosystem Diversity The relationship between land and water is fundamental for maintaining biodiversity. Aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and wetlands, support various flora and fauna. Habitat Creation : Wetlands provide habitats for numerous species while acting as natural filters for water. Fisheries : Healthy water bodies serve as breeding grounds for fish, impacting local economies. The decline of wetland areas around the globe due to urban development threatens not only the species that depend on them but also the human communities that rely on fisheries and tourism. Protecting these vital ecosystems should be a priority. Wetlands are crucial to ecosystem diversity and health Human Activities and Their Effects Human activities often disrupt the delicate balance between land and water. Industrialization, urban development, and agriculture can lead to pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Pollution : Agricultural runoff containing pesticides and fertilizers can contaminate water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems. Deforestation : Cutting down trees increases soil erosion and disrupts the natural water cycle. It is crucial to adopt sustainable practices. Implementing buffer zones around water bodies and promoting organic farming can help minimize the negative impacts on the land-water connection. Sustainability and Conservation Practices To maintain a healthy relationship between land and water, conservation efforts are vital. Here are some actionable recommendations: Plant Trees : Reforestation projects can help stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and improve local ecosystems. Rainwater Harvesting : Collecting rainwater for irrigation can reduce the demand on local water sources. Wetlands Restoration : Investing in wetland restoration projects can enhance biodiversity and improve water quality. Organizations focused on projects aimed at improving the land and water relationship are critical for preserving these ecosystems. Engaging in local conservation efforts can significantly contribute to these overarching goals. Restoration of forest areas enhances water retention and local biodiversity The Path Toward a Sustainable Future As we continue to understand the intricate connection between land and water, it becomes increasingly clear that sustainable practices are not an option but a necessity. The health of our ecosystems, food security, and even human health are all intertwined in this relationship. Awareness and proactive measures can pave the way for a sustainable future. Engaging communities in conservation efforts and adopting best practices in land and water use are essential. By working together, we can safeguard our planet's intricate systems for generations to come. The connection between land and water is more than just a scientific insight; it is an essential aspect of our lives and the natural world. The more we understand and respect this relationship, the better we can manage our resources and ensure a healthier planet.

Impact of Proposed Legislative Changes on Endangered Species As you may have already heard, the Ontario government has introduced a bill that would significantly reduce environmental protections, including those for endangered species. Among other things, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act” would repeal the existing Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has aimed to protect and recover at-risk species since 2007, and replace it with the Species Conservation Act (SCA). Ostensibly meant to maintain species protections while “reducing red tape,” the new Species Conservation Act is poised to shift how the Province treats endangered species and the habitats they rely on. The changes proposed in this legislation raise serious concerns. Key Proposed Changes to Environmental Protections The new bill would introduce significant alterations to existing protections. Here are some key changes that have been proposed: Narrowing of Habitat Definitions : The definition of habitat would shift to refer only to an animal’s immediate dwelling place, such as a nest. This means protections for rare plants would extend only to the individual plant’s roots, rather than the broader ecosystem in which they thrive. Harassment of Species : The bill aims to remove the prohibition on “harassing” species at risk. This could allow actions that scare animals away from their preferred nesting locations. As a result, habitat protections might not be triggered, leading to increased risks for vulnerable species. Permit Removal for Harmful Projects : The requirement for permits for projects that could harm species at risk would be eliminated. Instead, an online registration system would be introduced. This change would undermine the ability of the government’s environmental experts to review plans. Without this oversight, the potential harm to species is likely to increase. Elimination of Recovery Strategies : The bill would also remove the requirement for provincial recovery strategies and management plans aimed at protecting species at risk. This lack of structured responses could exacerbate the threats these species already face. Increased Power for Industries In addition to the Species Conservation Act, a separate proposed bill called the Special Economic Zones Act would also allow industries to bypass provincial laws and municipal bylaws. This at-risk approach disregards the due process under which those laws and bylaws were originally created. Such a framework would give industries unprecedented power to operate without sufficient environmental oversight. The Call for Rethinking Environmental Protection Freshwater Conservation Canada is calling on the Ontario Government to reconsider this proposed legislation. When the Endangered Species Act was created, the Province of Ontario demonstrated true leadership. They recognized the ecological, social, economic, and intrinsic value of biological diversity for future generations. The ESA takes a science-based approach. It considers the life history and ecology of various species. This approach is particularly crucial for many species that rely on freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic and amphibian species are already identified as being at greater risk of extinction due to their reliance on multiple habitats throughout their life cycles. The Importance of Strong Environmental Protections It was acknowledged in 2007, and we are reminded today, that environmental protection and strong economies can coexist. We do not have to choose between one or the other. Strong environmental regulations enable sustainable development. They ensure that we protect biodiversity while allowing economic growth. Take Action: Share Your Voice The Province is accepting comments on the proposed legislation until this Saturday, May 17th, at 11:59 PM. Your voice is vital in shaping the future of environmental protections in Ontario. Comments can be submitted here . Support your local wildlife and ecosystems. Our natural environment deserves protection, and you can help influence decision-makers by expressing your concerns. The legislative changes proposed could have long-term consequences for countless species. In conclusion, we must rally together to protect our environment. The fight for conservation has never been more critical. Ensure that the future we leave behind supports both wildlife and a thriving community. Your actions can inspire change. Together, we can safeguard Ontario's rich biodiversity.

Written by: Angela Ten, Management Biologist As part of TUC’s Reconnecting Canada  campaign, we have been working to replace a set of hanging culverts on two tributaries to Waiparous Creek since 2019. We refer to these creeks as the Whispering Pines East and West tributaries, since they cross a road owned by the Whispering Pines Bible Camp. These creeks are home to native Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) and Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisii ), which are both species at risk. In 2022, we successfully replaced one set of hanging culverts on the Whispering Pines West tributary, so this year, our goal was to replace the set on the East tributary! Before: the four hanging culverts on the Whispering Pines East Tributary. Imagine jumping up that as a fish! Culverts are “hanging” when there is a gap between the bottom of the culvert and the top of the stream it flows into—kind of like a mini-waterfall. Just like a natural waterfall, hanging culverts can be a barrier for fish movement, as fish may be unable to jump high enough to close the gap between the stream and the culvert. When this happens, populations on the upstream side of the culvert become isolated from the rest of the creek. Problems associated to this isolation are amplified when the upstream part of the creek is particularly small, like it is in Whispering Pines East. Imagine that you and 100 other people living in a single apartment building. There is enough food and water for everyone and one room for each person. The doors to the apartment building only work one way; no one new can enter the building, and if you ever leave the building, you can’t come back in. Things are fine at first—but then a fire destroys 10 of the rooms, and the rooms cannot be repaired. What do you do? Some people share their rooms, but they often get into fights over the lack of personal space. Others have no choice but to leave. A decade passes, and you have kids in the apartment! There is enough room for the kids for now since they’re small, but space will be an issue once the kids grow up. The kids also need some space to play; the apartment has a small playground, but there are other families with kids, too, and not enough space for everyone. What do you do? Do you leave, or stay and fight for the limited space in the apartment and playground? This Westslope Cutthroat Trout was found on the upstream section of the Whispering Pines East culvert These are examples of some of the struggles that fish living in small, isolated populations face. A flood or drought that damages part of their habitat could lead to the death or displacement of a significant amount of fish. Sometimes, the remaining habitat is not suitable for all age classes of fish. Additionally, since no new fish can enter this population, the fish in the system can become more and more related to each other over time, causing issues with inbreeding (when relatives breed with each other) that can harm the population’s genetics. At the Whispering Pines East tributary, the road was also causing a significant amount of sediment to be deposited into the stream when it rained. Since the valley here is so steep, the creek crossing was the lowest part of the road. As a result, whenever it rained, water would flow down the compacted road surface from both sides, picking up sediment as it went, before dumping this muddy water into the lowest part of the slope—the creek. This muddy water makes it hard for fish to see, and breathe and can bury their eggs, which are usually laid in loose gravels. All this means that if we want to protect and conserve the native, at-risk trout that live in the Whispering Pines East tributary, we have to do something about these hanging culverts. The old culverts on a rainy day. Note how the water coming out of the culvert is clean, but the running down the slope into the creek is muddy; that all came from the road! And in September 2023, we did! After several years of fundraising and hard work, we were finally able to begin the process of replacing the hanging culverts with an open-bottom arch. The process and results for the work at the east tributary is similar to that of the west tributary Since the creek would have to be dewatered to minimize the impacts of construction on the creek, TUC staff installed nets to exclude fish from the dewatered area, performed several fish salvages within the dewatered area, and moved the captured fish to a safer spot in the creek. The creek was then pumped around the construction area. To prevent the issues with the road from happening again, a significant amount of gravel was used to eliminate the dip in the road and lift it out of the valley. Moving and packing down all this material took a lot of time, so construction for this culvert took over 3 weeks to complete. With construction complete, all that’s left is to restore the adjacent riparian area with some tree planting and woody debris distribution. This process was started in October 2023, and will likely continue for another year or two as we monitor the site. If you’re interested in getting involved with this project, and seeing this enormous arch for yourself, keep an eye out on our Eventbrite and social media pages for riparian planting volunteer opportunities in spring and fall 2024! The new open-bottom arch, with happy TUC staff! This project was financially supported by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas through the Native Trout Collaborative, the Alberta Conservation Association, the Calgary Foundation, the Bow River Basin Council, the Ghost Watershed Alliance Society, the Samuel Hanen Society for Resource Conservation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, TC Energy, and the Alberta Fish and Game Association. In-kind support was gratefully received from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors through gravel donations. Finally, TUC thanks the Whispering Pines Bible Camp for making the road available for construction, and for their continued support of work on this creek.

Winter is the season for love. Nothing is more romantic than cuddling up with your partner to shelter from the cold. Don’t agree? Ask the burbot! Burbot ( Lota lota ) are the only freshwater members of the cod (Gadidae) family. They’re sometimes called Ling, or Ling Cod. They can be easily identified by their long, eel-like bodies and a single barbel  on their chin. Note the barbel on this young burbot’s chin In the winter, most fish hunker down from cold, but for burbot, this is the perfect time to get frisky! To prepare for their sub-zero courtship, burbot spend much of the fall and early winter bulking up. One organ that grows in preparation for spawning season is their swim bladder ! The swim bladder is a gas-filled organ in fish that regulates their buoyancy, or their position in the water column. This may seem like it has nothing to do with reproduction, but burbot also use their swim bladder to make sounds! Burbot have drumming muscles that beat on their swim bladders and create rapid, low-pitched vocalizations that sound like a motorcycle revving. These burbot could form an amazing drumline! Vocalizations in burbot are not well-studied, but scientists believe that drumming is a spawning behaviour in burbot, since the organ grows leading up to the spawning season. In Atlantic Cod, males that can drum louder and longer are more successful at attracting mates; this may be true for burbot as well. Between December to May, lake-dwelling burbot migrate at night to shallow waters and small streams to spawn. Since spawning occurs at night when visibility is poor, burbot do not develop any visual cues for spawning, like changes in colour or size. This is another reason why drumming may be a key part of their spawning rituals, since you don’t need to see to hear! Burbot are well camouflaged year round While many other fish will defend mates or territories during the spawning season, burbot are relatively peaceful fish, and do not fight with each other. Instead, dozens of individuals will come together in a big, squirming burbot ball to spawn. Female burbot in these spawning balls may release up to 3,000,000 eggs each! After spawning, these small eggs are carried with the current until they settle to the bottom of the lake or stream, and hatch 1-3 months later. After another 2-8 years of growing, these burbot will be ready for some winter loving of their own!

By Lili-Maude Craig, Fisheries Technician, and Evan Tichonuk, Fisheries Technician In spring, while mindlessly swimming down the Oldman River in southern Alberta, you followed the flow of water through the unscreened headgates of a diversion on the river. This diversion conveys water into an 88 km long irrigation canal that supplies water throughout the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District. You moved downstream through the gate of a check structure and unintentionally made a home of a deep pool below it. Since you were unable to make your way back upstream, you spent all summer here in the canal. It is now October, an unseasonably warm October that has you oblivious to the changes soon to come. Canal operators are preparing to close the headgates of the canal to ensure they can conduct regular maintenance during the winter months and prevent damage to the structures from ice jams. When the headgates are shut, water is no longer being supplied to the canal, and water levels drop as the canal continues to drain. Seeps and precipitation will still provide the canal with water, though not enough to sustain those left stranded like you throughout the winter. A few days go by, and you and several hundred other fish congregate in the deepest section you can find once the flow to the canal is finally cut off. You watch as others get picked off by gulls and larger fish, hoping neither becomes your fate. Lucky for you, a group of people with tubs, nets, and what you can only describe as “proton packs” from “Ghostbusters”, make their way down the banks and into the canal. They begin to wade towards you, and before you know it, you undergo “galvanotaxis” and are scooped out of the water by a swift netter, placed into a tub and transported out of the canal to be processed. You are then identified to species, counted on a tally sheet, and put into an oxygenated holding tank before being released back into the Oldman River. You are a 52 mm Spoonhead Sculpin, one of 1,294 fish captured from “LNHC 2” on October 14th, 2022, during Trout Unlimited Canada’s annual Fish Rescue. A total of 21,365 fish were rescued across all sites at the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal; across all of the four irrigation canals sampled, 72,055 fish (except aquatic invasive species) were rescued and released back into their source rivers. For comparison, that is almost as many fish as caught in 21 years of Fish Rescue at the Western Headworks Canal (74,804) and nearly 20,000 more fish than what has ever been captured in 17 years of rescue efforts at the Waterton-Belly Diversion Canal (55,231). A total of 1,079,668 fish have been captured from 1998 to this date. Crunching the NumbersSpeciesWHCCBRHCLNHCWBDTotalPercentage of total (%)Sportfish BLTR004040.0%BNTR279281,025171,9972.8%BURB04279850.1%LKTR000110.0%LKWH1026786810.9%MNWH3,2762,5854,5843210,47714.5%NRPK002613390.1%RNTR11,28056531,8492.6%YLPR801200920.1% Total Sport Fish3,3854,8096,20882315,22521.1%% Sport Fish8.3%55.1%29.1%63.7%Non-Sportfish BRST622370920.1%EMSH007070.0%FTMN4075811240.2%LKCH4421037388331.2%LNDC7822,1688841063,9405.5%LNSC2,5829783,1672216,9489.6%MNSC2319143590.1%PRCR340070.0%PRDC300030.0%SPSC3770438318461.2%TRPR32113741110.2%WHSC1,85562310,2462612,75017.7% Total Non-Sportfish6,1723,92115,15747025,72035.7%% Non-Sportfish15.2%44.9%70.9%36.3%Unknown UNKN31,11000031,11043.2% Total Unknown31,11000031,11043.2%% Unknown76%0%0%0%Total40,6678,73021,3651,29372,055100.0% This year, sportfish made up 21.1% of the total Fish Rescue catch. The most abundant sportfish species encountered were Mountain Whitefish, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout, accounting for 14.5%, 2.8%, and 2.6% of the total catch, respectively. White Sucker and Longnose Sucker were the most abundant non-sportfish species, representing 17.7% and 9.6% of the total catch, respectively. Approximately 43.2% of fish rescued could not be identified. These unidentified fish were captured at the Western Headworks Canal, where there were significantly higher than anticipated volumes of fish. They needed to be transferred en masse, by hand, back to the Bow River due to time constraints. These fish were therefore recorded as “unknown” species. Featured Fish Records were broken this year when a 1,001 mm Lake Trout was caught at the Waterton-Belly Diversion Canal (WBD). This Lake Trout is the biggest fish ever recorded in Fish Rescue history. Other impressive catches from this year’s rescue efforts include a 750 mm Bull Trout (one of four captured at the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal), a 710 mm Northern Pike, and a 685 mm Burbot. A 346 mm Prussian Carp was caught at the Carseland-Bow River Headworks Canal, the largest of this species captured at a Fish Rescue to date. Let’s not forget the monster Trout-perch measuring 85 mm that was also caught at the WBD canal (unfortunately outshone by the Lake Trout). Volunteer Abundance Over ten days of fieldwork, 137 volunteers contributed 1093 hours of effort. Fish Rescue has been able to take place year after year, largely because of the help provided by dedicated volunteers. New volunteers, volunteers joining for multiple days of rescues, and volunteers who have participated in this project for numerous years all play a significant role in minimizing the impacts of fish entrainment in southern Alberta’s irrigation canals. TUC is also grateful for the Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AAI) staff who assisted with the 2022 Fish Rescue. This includes support in the field with fish capture and processing, fish holding and release, and providing space to decontaminate gear to prevent the spread of whirling disease and other aquatic invasive species. Thank you to all involved in making the 24th Annual Fish Rescue possible! We hope to see you again next year! Photo Credit: David Bradford

The Strategic Watershed Action Team (SWAT) program is a clean water project created to help improve water quality through the development and restoration of natural infrastructure in southern Ontario. Over the last 10 years the program has been run under different funding to meet various program objectives. During the 2022-2023 season, the team implemented low-impact stream rehabilitation measures such as bioengineering, riparian plantings, and stream clean-ups. As well as create in-stream habitat, restore stream meander, and perform community electrofishing surveys. These projects were funded through in-kind donations and supporting grants. The projects completed in 2022-2023 were achieved by working in collaboration with Trout Unlimited Canada Chapters, communities, and partners. Test 2 Figure 1: Strategic Watershed Action Team (From left to right: Heidi, Mike, Chris, and Sara) In the 2022-2023 season, the Strategic Watershed Action Team (SWAT) consisted of four members (See Figure 1). The SWAT crew was led by Christopher Borowski, the crew members were Michael McKenzie, Heidi Poca, and Sara Jose. Over the course of the 2022-2023 SWAT season many different project types were completed by the crew. Below is a table featuring the metrics achieved by the SWAT crew this season, and a couple highlighted projects completed by the SWAT crew. The Town Pond Dam Sediment Mat Project: The Town Pond Dam was a concrete and earthen dam on Armstrong Creek, a tributary of the Rocky Saugeen River. In the spring of 2020, the dam was removed to allow for the connection of the Rocky Saugeen River habitat with the cold-water tributary Armstrong Creek. As the stream continues to carve a path through the sediment left behind from the pond, it has begun to split into multiple channels (See Figure 2). A sediment mat was installed within the left most channel facing downstream. The goal of this mat is to slow the flow and catch the sediment moving through this channel to concentrate flow into one channel. This sediment mat was made using 170 donated Christmas trees that were to TUC, along with wooden stakes and natural twine. This installed sediment mat will assist in defining the centre channel, by increasing flow and scouring the centre channel to improve connectivity (See Figure 3). Figure 2: Town Pond Dam Site Pre-Sediment Mat Figure 3: Town Pond Dam Site Post-Sediment Mat Ancaster Creek Wing Deflector: Ancaster Creek is a stream home to various cold-water species. Ancaster creek runs through a forest which has been heavily influenced by human activities causing significant deregulation in flow, over widening of sections, and woody debris jams forming . While some woody debris jams are good, in this context it increases the warming of the creek by slowing the water and causing sedimentation. Some areas were becoming so blocked that flooding was occurring and the stream was rerouting trying to form a new channel (See Figure 4). Clearing woody debris jams is important to the last few surviving cold water species present in Ancaster Creek, who may become locally extinct if they cannot find cool enough water to hide in. SWAT and the Hamilton Conservation Authority were able to restore 3170m2 of stream. Excessive woody debris jams were removed, immediately improving the flow of water, and removing any barriers that prevented fish passage. A wing deflector was also built to improve connectivity and to help create a more defined channel (See Figure 5). Figure 4: Ancaster Creek Channel Rerouting Figure 5: Ancaster Creek Post Wing Deflector Trout Unlimited Canada and the Strategic Watershed Action Team would like to extend our sincere thanks to Environment & Climate Change Canada for the opportunity to complete this important work using the EcoAction Community funding grant.

In August and October 2023, Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) held four workdays with Canon Canada as part of Canon’s national Branch Out program and TUC’s Corporate Environment Day program. Events were held in Calgary, Edmonton, Brantford, and Richmond and led by TUC staff with support from local partners. TUC is grateful for the continuing support provided to TUC through the Branch Out program as it helps us to achieve our mission of conserving, protecting, and restoring Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and resources. Below is a summary of the activities completed and the outcomes of the 2023 program. Calgary, AB: On August 21, Canon staff participated in invasive weed pulling at the mouth of Nose Creek and next to the Bow River on the Bow River Pathway. The Bow River is an important waterbody that is home to many native species of fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, and plant species. The Bow River Pathway is used year-round by recreationalists that can enjoy aesthetically pleasing views of nature and the city. Unfortunately, the Bow River Pathway is overrun by non-native and invasive plant species, including common tansy and burdock. Over 20 employees from the Calgary Canon team worked hard to cut, pull, and bag these noxious weeds. An area of approximately 2000 m2 was covered, and 50 large bags of invasive plants were collected and sent to be disposed of properly by the City of Calgary. Richmond, BC: On August 24, Canon Canada staff cleaned up garbage in Tait Riverfront Community Park, Richmond. The park is next to the Fraser River that is home to a myriad of native plant, mammal, and fish species including salmon and sturgeon. Picking up garbage in this area helps to preserve the park’s natural beauty and reduce the amount of litter that enters the river and eventually into the Pacific Ocean. The Canon Richmond team cleaned 1.3 km of shoreline along the Fraser River including over approximately 1000 cigarette butts that were collected and disposed of properly. Brantford, ON: On August 28, staff from Canon Canada’s London, Hamilton, and Kitchener offices came together at the Apps’ Mills Nature Centre on Whiteman’s Creek. This river is an important spawning system for many migratory fish species; however, the surrounding forest was being colonized by invasive Buckthorn, which out competes other native and beneficial plants and can lead to increased erosion which is harmful to fish habitat and water quality. The volunteers from Canon successfully cleared 3700 m2 of forest of Buckthorn, ranging from small, freshly sprouted saplings to mature individuals over 15 feet tall. This work has prevented Buckthorn from taking over the forest and helps to preserve the health and biodiversity of the Nature Centre. This event also provided an opportunity to recognize the Ontario Trillium Foundation, who has provided financial support enabling Trout Unlimited Canada to develop and grow our Corporate Environment Days program. Local MPP, Will Bouma, was in attendance and shared some words of encouragement for the volunteers at the start of the workday. Edmonton, AB: On October 3, Canon Canada’s Edmonton staff planted native trees and shrubs with TUC and the City of Edmonton’s Root for Trees program. The tree planting took place next to Whitemud Drive Northwest, in the community of Lymburn. The site is on a slope that was built as a noise barrier from the road. The site is filled with non-native grasses that have taken over. The goal of the project is to revegetate the slope with the benefits including wind break, noise reduction, natural aesthetics, providing habitat for wildlife, and reduction of water runoff. Canon helped plant 153 native plants in an area of approximately 500 m2.

Restoring Riparian Refuges: Part 1 – Building Resilience to Climate Change Climate change is a present and growing threat to our ecosystems and coldwater streams across Canada. The impacts of climate change can include reduced snowpack, which will result in reduced volume and altered timing of peak stream flows; more frequent and more severe flood and drought events; higher water temperatures that will threaten coldwater species like trout; and changes to soil moisture and groundwater recharge that influence stream flow rates. These and other expected impacts of climate change can place additional stress on streams and riparian habitats that have already been degraded by development, logging, and agricultural practices. Intact riparian zones are highly productive ecosystems, which provide essential services and resources for both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These services include food and habitat, sediment and nutrient capture, water temperature regulation, and so much more. The trees and plants found within riparian zones are adapted to natural disturbance, such as spring floods and summer low-flow periods, which makes these ecosystems potentially more resilient to the expected disruptions from climate change. The built-in resilience of riparian ecosystems makes them ideal candidates for protection and restoration to serve as refuge for vulnerable wildlife and plant species, while also helping human communities adapt to climate change. How Riparian Zones Can Be Climate Change Refuge Corridors – Riparian areas connect land and water ecosystems, and they also connect upland ecosystems with those downstream. Wildlife and plants have evolved within habitats that have particular resources, such as food, microclimates, and relationships with other organisms. As habitats are disrupted, species may be pressured to migrate to other areas that can meet their needs, but there may be natural or human-made barriers to their movement. The connectivity that riparian zones offer may provide migration pathways for animal and plant species as they move to more suitable habitats. Thermal Refugia (Heat Buffers) – On a hot day, you may find yourself drawn to shady spaces and waterbodies. Likewise, riparian areas act as heat buffers for plant and animal species, providing refuge from higher temperatures. The higher water content found in riparian areas absorbs heat while trees and other vegetation shade streams and rivers from sunlight, which, along with ground water inputs keeps the water cool for temperature-sensitive species like trout. Builds Biodiversity – In connecting land and water ecosystems, riparian areas make each more productive and support many different plant, animal, and insect species. For example, terrestrial plants trap sediment during floods by slowing water flow and allowing the sediment to settle in place, this in turn adds nutrients to the soil and improves conditions for tree and plant growth. The streamside trees and shrubs in turn provide woody debris for aquatic invertebrates and these emerging aquatic insects provide food for birds and bats. Intact and restored riparian areas have many of these mutually supportive land/water relationships that can increase the likelihood of species survival in the face of climate change disruptions. Protects Biodiversity – Riparian zones are also structurally complex, that is the various plant communities form several different layers that can include ground cover (moss, ferns), low and high shrubs (Red-osier Dogwood, Bebb’s Willow), tree understory (Sassafras, Ironwood), and tree over story (Cottonwoods, Black Willow). The many layers present in a healthy riparian area provide habitat niches for a diversity of wildlife and insect species. For example, bird species like American Woodcock can be found on the ground hunting for worms among tree roots, while Wood Thrushes and Northern Cardinals seek out food in the shrubby understory, Northern Flickers and Red-headed woodpeckers seek out or create nesting cavities in the low tree canopy layer, and Blue Jays and Eastern Wood Peewee establish nests in the highest canopy layer. The more complex the structure, including age difference as well as vertical layers, the more diverse the wildlife a riparian area (or forest) can accommodate. A structurally complex riparian zone can also act as a barrier to invasive species by denying them a niche to infiltrate and shading out non-native pioneering species. As we have seen, healthy riparian zones hold great potential to provide refuge from the present and anticipated impacts of climate change by their inherent resilience to flood and drought, their connectivity between land and water and upland sites to downstream sites, their many and complex relationships between aquatic and terrestrial species, and their structural complexity providing habitat for a wide diversity of wildlife species and acting as a barrier to invasive species. In future installments we will look at other ways restored and intact riparian areas can mitigate and provide refuge to the impacts of climate change, and how they can help protect human communities from these threats.