Search Results

From planting willows in 2019 to running a fish trap in 2020,  to a bridge retrofit in 2022, TUC has been working to help rehabilitate threatened Bull Trout populations in the Tay River for years. But there’s always more work to be done! In 2023, we kept the momentum going with two crossing replacements along a pipeline right of way. At both crossings, the existing culverts were in disrepair, and users were instead driving through the creek at multiple locations. Additionally, due to the wet, boggy soils, users had created many spur trails, avoiding wet areas and mud holes. The trail braiding and multiple fords contributed sediment to the creek, degrading critical habitat for Bull Trout. As this was a relatively well-used recreational trail, TUC felt that replacing the existing culverts with new crossing structures was the best way to address these issues. To that end, in November 2023, one of the crossings was replaced with a new, properly sized, and installed culvert, while the second site was replaced with an Enviro-Span culvert. Enviro-span culverts are open-bottom arch culverts, which allow us to build a new stream crossing without disturbing the streambed, preserving the natural gravel and cobbles in the stream! An enviro-span culvert is being installed over the Tay River tributary. After placing the culvert, the crossing approaches were built back up using local soils. In June 2024, TUC joined forces with the Rocky ATV Society to touch up and plant at these two crossing replacement sites. ATVs are not just for access; they are essential tools for carrying gear, supplies, and people. This trip also marked the maiden voyage for TUC’s new ATV; without it, the work would have required a 5km (each way!) slog on foot while carrying all our restoration tools! The Rocky Mountain ATV Society led the way, navigating challenging trail conditions skillfully. Picture steep slopes, deep ruts, rocks, water—and an exceptional amount of mud. Despite the trail conditions, the sunny weather kept everyone’s spirits high. Together, TUC and the Rocky Mountain ATV Society planted 350 willows, created overland water diversions, and, most importantly, shared our skills and backcountry experiences to gain new perspectives. TUC staff breaking in their brand-new quad—a generous donation from an incredible TUC member! Willow stakes being transported to site by a member of the Rocky ATV Society. A member of the Rocky ATV Society helping move and place trees using his winch. Our backs are happy to let the machine do this work! This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in conservation, proving that together, we can “tread lightly” and achieve significant and lasting positive impacts on our natural environments. TUC thanks Alberta Environment and Protect Area’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program for funding this program. And, of course, thank you to the Rocky ATV Society for their help with the trail rehabilitation and planting!

Have you ever heard of the Rocky Mountain Sculpin? This small, quirky fish might not be the most famous resident of Alberta’s waterways, but it certainly has its own charm. Found only in two watersheds in Alberta, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is a unique species that deserves our attention and care. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. PHOTO CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY What is a Rocky Mountain Sculpin? The Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) is a bottom-dwelling fish typically measuring 8-10 cm long. With its mottled brown and green coloration, it blends perfectly into the rocky streambeds it calls home. Its large pectoral fins give it a distinctive, almost cartoonish appearance, making it a favourite among fish enthusiasts and biologists alike. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. PHOTO CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY Where Can You Find Them? In Alberta, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is restricted to two specific watersheds: the St. Mary River and the Milk River. These watersheds provide the clean, cool, and well-oxygenated water that the sculpin needs to thrive. Unfortunately, this limited distribution makes the species highly vulnerable to habitat changes and other environmental pressures. ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN CANADIAN RANGE. IMAGE CREDIT: NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA Why Are They Threatened? Several factors contribute to the Rocky Mountain Sculpin’s precarious status. Habitat degradation poses significant threats primarily due to agricultural runoff, water extraction, and infrastructure development. Climate change also alters water temperatures and flow patterns, further stressing these delicate ecosystems. As a result, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is currently listed as threatened under Alberta’s Wildlife Act. OHV FORDS IMPACTING THE HABITAT OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. IMAGE CREDIT: ELLIOT LINDSAY Why Should We Care? Despite its small size, the Rocky Mountain Sculpin is crucial to its ecosystem. As both predator (of invertebrates) and prey (think bull trout snack), it helps maintain the balance of aquatic life. Its presence indicates a healthy stream environment, which benefits not just the sculpin but also other species, including those that are more directly important to humans, like trout. BULL TROUT LIKE THIS RELIES ON PREY SUCH AS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCULPIN. IMAGE CREDIT: JONATHAN GOSLING How Can We Help? Protecting the Rocky Mountain Sculpin requires a concerted effort to preserve and restore its habitat. Here are a few ways we can help: Support Conservation Efforts: TUC, along with many partner organizations, is working to protect Alberta’s waterways. Consider donating to or volunteering with groups dedicated to aquatic conservation. Look on Eventbrite to find upcoming events if you’d like to participate! Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Encourage agricultural and industrial practices that minimize environmental impact. This includes supporting initiatives for better water management and reduced chemical runoff. Be water-conscious! Spread the Word: Education is a powerful tool. Share information about the Rocky Mountain Sculpin and its plight with friends, family, and community members. You might encourage the next group of people to take action! The Rocky Mountain Sculpin may be small, but its importance to Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems is immense. By taking steps to protect this charming little fish, we’re also safeguarding the health of our waterways for future generations. Let’s ensure that the Rocky Mountain Sculpin continues to swim in Alberta’s rivers for years to come. For more information on the Rocky Mountain Sculpin and the COTTUS project overall, see our previous blog post ! Thank you to the generous funders who supported the COTTUS project, including the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, through the federal Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk and Alberta Conservation Association’s Community, Education, and Conservation Grants. In‐kind support was also received from the Blackfoot Confederacy through their participation in sampling events and Cows and Fish for assisting with project planning. References: Alberta Environment and Parks. 2023. Alberta Recovery Plan for At-Risk Fish Species in the Milk and St. Mary Rivers. Alberta Species at Risk Recovery Plan No. 45. Edmonton, AB. 45 pp. Barrett, R.T., Teillet, M., Watkinson, D.A., Rudolfsen, T.A., and Gutowsky, L.F.G. 2024. Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) sampling in the St. Mary and Milk River watersheds, Alberta (2022). Can. Data Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 1389: v + 16 p. Canada, O. (2013). Recovery potential assessment of Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.), Eastslope populations, in Alberta. Government of Canada. (2019) Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2019. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Rocky Mountain Sculpin (Cottus sp.) Pacific populations Saskatchewan – Nelson River populations Missouri River populations in Canada 2019. Nature Conservancy of Canada. (n.d.). NCC: Rocky Mountain sculpin. Featured Species. #Freshwater #TUC #StreamCrossing #OHV #Conservation

Landon’s Creek Written By: Scott Puillandre Middle Grand Chapter Executive Before The Middle Grand Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (MGTUC) is a group of community volunteers dedicated to improving water quality and fish habitat in the middle portion of southern Ontario’s Grand River watershed. In 2021, the MGTUC began a rehabilitation program on Landon’s Creek, a groundwater fed tributary of Whiteman’s Creek. Whiteman’s Creek is a regionally important cold-water fishery for both resident rainbow and brown trout, and migratory rainbow trout (steelhead) within the Grand River watershed. Before Of all the tributaries of lower Whiteman’s Creek, Landon’s Creek provides the most critical spawning, nursery, and thermal refuge habitat. Landon’s Creek supports self-sustaining brook trout and brown trout populations above a small dam structure, with the addition of migratory rainbow trout (steelhead) below the dam.  During heat stress periods, Landon’s Creek provides important thermal refuge for trout in the main stem of Whiteman’s Creek. The creek flows through an area of intensive agricultural activity in Brant County Ontario. Over 150 years of continuous cultivation, coupled with removal of fencerows in recent decades has resulted in significant soil erosion. This erosion has caused the degradation of natural fluvial and sediment transport processes, making the stream channel much wider and shallower than it should be. After MGTUC has been working with private landowners to undertake a rehabilitation program for a stretch of Landon’s Creek. With support from their outstanding membership and community volunteers, the Chapter has held a number of worknight initiatives to clear log jams, human made structures, install digger logs and sediment mats. Investing over 500 volunteer hours, the chapter has been dedicated to narrowing the stream cross section, increasing flow, and cooling the stream. Working on an 800-metre stretch of the creek, volunteers have installed 15 sediment mats, 6 cover structures, 3 digger logs, while removing 4 log jams and 1 temporary bridge structure. After The chapter continues to work with landowners upstream while also conducting follow-up maintenance on work already completed #ConservationTUC #Freshwater #TUC #Chapters #Conservation

Rooting for the Future!  Cooling Streams Update By David Fields Preparation is underway for the Spring 2024 launch of our new Cooling Streams program. Gathering in the early autumn heat wave, TUC staff and volunteers from the Speed Valley, Happy Trout, Greg Clark, and Middle Grand Chapters got an early start on Cooling Streams – working together to help the endangered Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus) by planting trees along Irvine Creek, near Fergus, ON. Staff and volunteers discussed how the Cooling Streams tree planting program will be delivered in riparian areas in and near urban and suburban areas, the types of projects, including those involving invasive species removal, supporting endangered species, and to protect or enhance streams in our changing climate. Our Chapter volunteers also participated in demonstration of the planting and monitoring guidelines for the program and provided valuable advice and feedback that will be included in the final drafts of these volunteer tools. Cooling Streams focusses on planting trees and shrubs in riparian areas because our local streams and rivers will require more shade as protection from increasing temperatures and more frequent heat waves, and provide refuge habitat for fish and aquatic species that require cold and cool water temperatures, as well as for terrestrial species that live and use the riparian zone. While providing shade is a first step, planting trees in riparian areas also helps protect against flooding, protects water quality, increases and protects biodiversity on land and water, and creates corridors that connect different ecosystems that species displaced by the impacts of climate change can use to migrate to a new habitat. Shaded riparian areas are also a refuge for our communities – the shade combined with the high levels of moisture cools the air, providing relief from high temperatures for people, and acting like a neighbourhhood air conditioner! Redside Dace is an endangered minnow species found in the Greater Toronto Area that provides an excellent example of the essential relationship between healthy land and aquatic ecosystems. Major threats to the Redside Dace include excessive stream sedimentation, altered stream flows, increasing stream temperatures, increased pollution, and loss of streamside vegetation – all problems that can be addressed in whole or in part by a healthy riparian area. Our Cooling Streams project on Irvine Creek was designed to provide more shade for keeping the stream cool, prevent streambank erosion to protect water quality against sedimentation, and to provide more streambank shrubs that provide habitat and could host insects that the Redside Dace eats. Adapted to feed mostly on surface insects, the Redside Dace can leap several centimetres out of the water to eat flies! While it does eat some benthic invertebrates, up to 85% of its diet is comprised of terrestrial insects, which rely on a healthy riparian area. Cooling Streams projects that protect stream ecosystems, protect and increase biodiversity, and provide refuge from heat waves and floods are in development now – please reach out to our program manager David Fields to find out how you can get involved – the future is hot and we gotta make shade!

Uncovering the Hidden Beauty of Cutoff Creek; Rebuilding Bridges & Restoring Rivers By: Lili-Maude Craig Cutoff Creek during 2021 sampling efforts Cutoff Creek is a small stream southwest of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Its flows originate from alpine sources in the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains and groundwater exchange from the adjacent Clearwater River floodplain. These consistent sources provide flow with exceptional clarity, which meanders through a picturesque meadow with a backdrop of lush foothills and snow-capped mountains before entering the Clearwater River. Additionally, a trail system that runs along the creek takes you deep into the backcountry of Banff National Park and Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. It isn’t hard to see why this area is popular for motorized recreation! However, these activities without properly designed watercourse crossings can negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem. Cutoff Creek is home to a threatened population of Bull Trout, Alberta’s provincial fish. Two off-highway vehicle (OHV) fords [4], which are unofficial river crossings and seven livestock crossings in a section of the creek negatively impacted critical habitat for this species. These redundant stream crossings had severe erosion [2] issues, resulting in the alteration of the natural stream width, degradation [1] of riparian health and bank stability, and the chronic delivery of fine sediment. Aerial photo of project area showing both OHV fords with several livestock crossings in between. The input of excess fine sediments can reduce the spawning success of Bull Trout. Sedimentation alters the streambed, making it less suitable for nest making, also known as redds [5] and it can also coat eggs, limiting their oxygen intake and threatening their survival. Cutoff Creek has been identified as an important waterbody for fall spawning salmonids [6], with recent observations of redds, spawning activity, and even juvenile Bull Trout. These observations led Trout Unlimited Canada to pursue opportunities to restore aquatic health and establish a more sustainable stream crossing at this location. In 2021-22, TUC was awarded a grant from Alberta Forestry, Parks and Tourism to improve recreational trails in relation to aquatic habitat in the upper North Saskatchewan and Red Deer River watersheds. TUC suggested rehabilitation work at Cutoff Creek would be a good candidate for the funds. Subsequently, Alberta Forestry, Parks & Tourism identified an opportunity for a partnership between TUC, Alberta Forestry, Parks & Tourism, and Sundre Forest Products to install a permanent bridge to facilitate future industrial and ongoing recreational use while eliminating these point sources of sedimentation. In the fall of 2022, a 40-foot industrial bridge was installed, the fords were decommissioned, and damaged banks were rehabilitated using bioengineering, including soil wraps [7] and tree revetments [8]. Riprap [3] was strategically placed on the crossing approaches of one of the fords to block continued OHV use while maintaining livestock passage. TUC is scheduled to revisit the site on May 24th to plant live willow stakes and distribute woody debris along the restored banks. 40-foot industrial bridge was installed over Cutoff Creek. OHV “Ford 1” prior to closure and reclamation. OHV “Ford 1” after closure and reclamation. [1] Degradation: an unintentional decline in quality [2] Erosion: when natural forces like wind, water, and ice gradually wear away and move soil or rock from one place to another. [3] Riprap: layer of large rocks that are put on slopes or near rivers to stop soil or infrastructure from being washed away by water. It helps to slow down the water’s movement and prevent erosion. [4] Fords: Unofficial River crossing [5] Redds: Nest making [6] Salmonids: any of a family (Salmonidae) of elongate bony fishes (such as a salmon or trout) that have the last three vertebrae upturned. [7] Soil wraps: used to separate gravel and soil backfill in a trench, allowing the gravel to remain porous and the soil to stay firm and intact [8] Tree revetments: the placement of native hardwood timber on a riverbank with the objective of preventing bank erosion. #conversation #TUC

Connect and Protect – Guelph, Ontario By Sara Jose – SWAT Crew Member On September 24th, 2022, Trout Unlimited Canada, in partnership with Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW) hosted the final event of a three-part program located within southern Ontario. Titled Connect & Protect, the goal of this program is to provide space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, and allies to connect with and protect nature, in a space where these communities are otherwise underrepresented. Convening at Marden Park located in Guelph, Ontario. The morning began with learning about the importance of protecting our cold-water resources and the negative impacts of the slowing, over widening, and sedimentation of these cold-water streams. Next, the SWAT crew from TUC led an activity creating a sediment mat using donated old Christmas trees, wood stakes, twine, and mallets. Although the sediment mat was built in a dry area, the area gets flooded in the spring, and the mat will help catch sediment and stabilize the banks then. Participants with their newly built sediment mat. During lunch, participants had the opportunity to connect with each other and share more about their experiences with nature. As well, the group heard from Guelph’s BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library (BOGL) , and learned about borrowing from BOGL, common outdoor gear, their setups, and their uses. Following lunch, Demiesha Dennis from BGOW discussed the importance of having more people from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities involved in conservation work. As well, what the word conservation can mean to different communities, and the intentional and strategic approaches to address the lack of inclusion within the space of conservation. Following the talk, Demiesha Dennis, and Shelly Vo from BGOW led an introductory fly-fishing lesson. Participants learned how to set up their rods, how to tie a fly to a line, and how to cast. Other topics covered included water temperatures and fishing, water safety, and regulations. After everyone had the opportunity to practice casting on land, the group headed over to the pond located at Marden Park to practice their new learned skill by casting into the water. This final event was an immense success, with a total of 22 participants, our largest group yet! A very special thank you to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for funding this program, and to Parkbus’s NatureLink program for transporting participants to and from Marden Park. As well, to Merrell, Claire Kemp Creative, Reddington, and Grand River Conservation Authority for providing prizes and park passes to participants. Finally, a huge thank you to Brown Girl Outdoor World for your help and continued work in changing the representation and lack of inclusivity within conservation. Participants getting ready to fly fish in the water.

Connect & Protect: Mississauga By Patricia Hyunh-Ontario Provincial Biologist On August 27, 2022, Trout Unlimited Canada, in partnership with Brown Girl Outdoor World (BGOW) hosted the first of three events happening this year. Titled Connect & Protect , the goal of this program is to provide space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized Communities, and allies to connect with and protect nature. The morning started off with learning about the negative impacts invasive species have on biodiversity. Next, the folks from Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) led an invasive species management activity to remove invasive common buckthorn . Using weed wrenches, shovels, and loppers, the group was able to clear buckthorn off 150 square meters of land at CVC’s office, including shrubs over 6 feet tall, and hundreds of tiny seedlings. Event participants, and TUC and CVC staff standing by the pile of buckthorn they cleared. During lunch, participants had the opportunity to connect with each other and share more about their experiences with nature. After lunch, Demiesha Dennis from BGOW did a talk on the importance of having more people from Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities involved in conservation work. After the talk, participants headed over to Meadowvale Conservation Area for an introductory fly fishing lesson. Participants learned how to set up their rods, how to tie a fly to a line, and how to cast. Other topics covered included water temperatures and fishing, water safety, and regulations. Participants spent half their fly fishing lessons on land to learn the basics of fly fishing. After everyone had the opportunity to practice casting on land, the group was split into two groups. One group began casting in the water with BGOW while the other group learned about benthic macroinvertebrates (Bugs) and their importance in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with TUC. Participants had a great time trying to catch fish and insects. The first event was a great success. A very special thank you to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for funding this program and to Merrell , Claire Kemp Creative and CVC for providing prizes and park passes to participants! There are still two more Connect & Protect events coming up, register by following the links below: September 17 – Hamilton September 24 – Guelph

Clean Drain Dry Courtesy Alberta Native Trou t Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are one of the biggest threats to Alberta’s waterbodies and native aquatic species. AIS can cause huge damage to our ecosystems; including reduced biodiversity and habitat quality, large economic costs such as damaged infrastructure, and reduced recreational use. Our best defense against aquatic invasive species is prevention — which is why Alberta has been actively promoting preventive measures such as  Clean Drain Dry  your gear. AIS can spread from one waterbody to another through contaminated watercraft and gear. For example, the larvae of highly invasive zebra and quagga mussels called veligers are microscopic and can survive in standing water for days. If this standing water is introduced to a new waterbody, the veligers can easily start a new infestation. Non-native plants, such as flowering rush, can also spread via contamination by small plant fragments that can establish in new areas. Making sure all watercraft and any gear that has been in contact with the water has been cleaned, drained, and dried between waterbodies is important to prevent the spread of invasive species to Alberta’s waters. Before leaving any waterbody, be sure to follow  Clean Drain Dry protocols to prevent the spread of AIS. Start by examining your watercraft and gear and remove any mud, sand, water, and plant fragments. Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your watercraft and gear over dry land away from storm drains, ditches or waterways. Drain all water from internal compartments such as bilges, bait buckets, and any other gear that may contain standing water. Make sure to  Pull the Plug  — all watercraft are legally required to have their drain plug removed while in transported within Alberta. Lastly, dry your watercraft and gear completely between waterbodies. To reinforce the importance of  Clean Drain Dry , Alberta began watercraft inspection stations in 2013 to further support the prevention of the spread of AIS. These stations examine watercraft for aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, preventing their entry into Alberta’s waterbodies. We can all help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species — make sure to  Clean Drain Dry your watercraft and gear between waterbodies! For further information, please visit the Government of Alberta website . You can report any suspect sightings of AIS through the AIS hotline at 1–855–336-BOAT (2628) or on the EDDMapS smartphone app or online . Learn more about what you can do to stand up for Alberta’s Native Trout .

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Fish Home Renovations in Waiparous Creek By Elliot Lindsay-Project Biologist Trout Unlimited Canada Barriers to upstream passage for fish species are ubiquitous, from small hanging culverts to large impassable dams. Across Canada, there are hundreds of thousands of structures preventing fish from migrating into formerly accessible habitats and millions more around the world. TUC recently became a partner of the World Fish Migration Day effort, which seeks to reconnect habitats around the globe and celebrate these efforts. Hanging Culvert on West Tributary to-be Replaced Here in Canada, TUC has been implementing its very own Reconnecting Canada Campaign , with several successful projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, habitat fragmentation is one of several threats facing native trout, grayling, whitefish, and char populations, which have declined due to historical and current land use impacts, overharvest, and angling, climate change, and invasive species introductions. Restoring connectivity to upstream habitat can open many hundreds of meters, or multiple kilometers of habitat for fish to access for feeding, spawning, overwintering, or to escape extremes in flow and temperature. Without access to a large network of streams, populations of fish are at greater risk of genetic isolation and local extinctions from “stochastic” (extreme) events like wildfire, landslide, floods, spills, etc. TUC identified two candidate sites for habitat reconnection in the Waiparous Creek watershed, where Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout populations are hanging on and need recovery action. The two sites are on small unnamed tributaries, the “west tributary” and “east tributary”. Before fish are ready to move back into their new homes, some renovation work was needed to make sure that there is enough suitable habitat for fish to thrive. GRS arch structure on Quigley Creek, installed in 2017 The Ghost Watershed Alliance Society (GWAS) and the Calgary ATV Riders Association (CARA) kicked things off in fall 2019 with planting and bioengineering work at a former recreational off-highway vehicle (OHV) ford, with help from TUC staff. In 2020, TUC launched a broader rehab program in partnership with GWAS and CARA , realigning trail segments located too close to the creek, reclaiming the redundant trail segments, and installing a new timber OHV bridge. TUC also conducted electrofishing inventories in both tributaries to document the present fish community and collected fin clips from over 90 Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Fin clips were sent to a lab for genetic analysis to determine if populations in each stream were genetically pure and free of invasive Rainbow Trout genetics, a necessary consideration to ensure pure strain populations would not be put at risk by the reconnection. Results of the genetic analysis showed that populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout above and below both culverts were genetically similar and showed only trace amounts of Rainbow Trout genetics, likely the result of a historical stocking event somewhere nearby when Alberta was still stocking flowing waters with non-native salmonid species (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout), a practice no longer conducted in the province’s rivers and streams. Rainbow Trout hybridize readily with Westslope Cutthroat Trout making them a serious threat to the genetic integrity and survival of the species, while Brook Trout can compete with Cutthroat Trout, displacing them from their habitat. Before Image of Undesignated OHV Crossing on the East Tributary In 2021, work expanded further to include rehabilitation work along both the west and east tributaries. On the west tributary, a former undesignated OHV ford was decommissioned and reclaimed using the rough and loose soil bioengineering treatment during the field component of a soil bioengineering workshop instructed by Dave Polster and hosted by GWAS and Cows and Fish. Downstream, an engineered design was produced for the reconstruction of a heavily incised and degraded channel section near the new OHV bridge. The work will involve the installation of three beaver-dam analogs and is scheduled for September 2022. On the east tributary, a new timber OHV bridge was installed on a designated OHV watercourse crossing, where the existing bridge was too narrow, while another undesignated ford downstream was decommissioned and reclaimed, again using rough and loose and extensive bioengineering (wattle fencing, live staking, brush layering, etc.). After Image of Undesignated OHV Crossing of East Tributary All this work could be seen as renovations, bringing fish homes up to code before they move back in. This leads us to the exciting prospect of opening both small watersheds to unrestricted fish passage for the first time in decades! Engineered designs have been produced to replace both hanging culverts, and TUC plans to replace the west culverts this fall with an open-bottom “geotextile-reinforced soil” (GRS) arch. TUC is also actively fundraising for the east tributary, with the hope that both structures can be replaced this year. Alternatively, the east crossing will be completed in 2023, pending funding. New OHV Bridge Installed on East Tributary Work within this watershed would not be possible without support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk), Alberta Conservation Association, Land Stewardship Centre (Watershed Stewardship Grant), and Alberta Environment and Parks (Native Trout Collaborative, supported by the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk).[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

By Angela Ten Junior Fisheries Biologist Welcome to part three of our aquatic macroinvertebrate series. Part one  provided a brief intro into the world of macroinvertebrates, while part two discussed some non-insect invertebrates. In this article, let’s take a deep dive into some aquatic insects! What’s the Coolest part of a Water strider? Their Wings, of Course! Most people don’t think about wings when they think about water striders. Why would they, when they have such funky long legs and can walk on water? But did you know that water striders can change their wings between generations? Photo credit: Alexander / Flickr This trait is called flight polymorphism , or the ability for water striders of the same species to have variations in their wings and flight muscles, and it allows them to be super adaptable. In one species, adult striders found in summer have short or absent wings, while striders found in the fall have long wings. This is because resources are abundant in the summer, so the striders can often live their whole lives in the same area. Therefore, instead of spending energy developing wings, it makes more sense to spend that energy to grow bigger and reproduce prolifically. However, when resources become scarce in the fall, it is more advantageous to have long wings, so the water striders can fly to multiple different habitats to survive. If they had no or reduced wings in the fall, they are more likely to starve or freeze to death. Water striders with seasonal variation in wing length use day length to determine wing length. When days are long in the summer, striders produce offspring with short or absent wings. But as days grow shorter in the fall, more long-winged water striders are born. Scuba Divers of the insect World! Although aquatic beetles spend most of their time underwater, they actually breathe air, just like us. Most aquatic air breathers, like dolphins and otters, simply hold their breath while underwater. However, aquatic beetles don’t have lungs, so they can’t hold their breath. Instead, they take a bubble of air underwater with them, and breathe from the bubble—kind of like a little scuba tank! Some beetles will carry the air bubble under their hard wing casings, called an elytra. Others utilize tiny hairs over their body to hold a super thin layer of breathable air over their entire body. This layer is called a plastron, and it makes the beetles look shimmery and metallic. Even with a scuba tank, humans need to come up to refill their tanks with air. However, a beetle’s air bubble can actually replenish itself underwater. The large surface area of the air bubble allows it to draw oxygen from the surrounding water into itself, partially refilling it. Most beetles still have to come up to replenish their bubbles eventually, but beetles that can maintain a plastron can stay underwater for their entire life. They’re living a scuba diver’s dream! Nightmare Phantom Midges, and How Their Prey Cleverly Adapts to Them. Phantom midge larvae are named for their ghostly, transparent coloration. While adult phantom midges are harmless, and either eat nectar or nothing at all, their larvae are fierce predators. Their antenna has been modified into a structure resembling a praying mantis’ arms, with long bristles that can unfurl into a basket. These bristles prevent prey from escaping the larvae’s grasp and make phantom midge larvae extremely effective ambush predators. Phantom midge larvae prey mostly on small invertebrates. One of their common prey items called daphnia has an interesting adaptation that only shows itself in the presence of phantom midge larvae. Normally, daphnia have a smooth, rounded appearance. However, phantom midge larvae naturally release chemicals called kairomones . When kairomones are detected in the water, daphnia produces offspring with a spine on the back of their neck. These neck spines make it harder for the phantom midge larvae to maintain their grasp on the daphnia, so the daphnia has a higher chance of wriggling away from the larvae’s hold, free to live another day. Aquatic Insects are the Gift That Just Keeps Giving. There are too many to discuss in just one article, so stay tuned for part four of this series, where we will cover some more aquatic insects. If you have any aquatic insects that you really want us to explore, let us know on our social media channels, Facebook and Instagram !

By Peter Little-Northern Lights Fly Fishers Chapter It’s not hard to understand why the protection of riparian land is a priority for those who spend much of their recreational time walking through it. Fishing is often more about being in those places where trout live than the act of catching them. Perhaps, as Roderick Haig-Brown wrote, fishing is just an excuse to be near rivers! Dogpound Creek at Leask Ranch-Photo Credit Alberta Conservation Association Like many TUC Chapters, Northern Lights Fly Fishers has been actively involved in riparian protection throughout its history. Over the last five years, however, the Chapter has increased its efforts and helped protect 160 acres of riparian land and another 14 acres of upland habitat, which in turn provide benefits to the stream, its water, fish, invertebrates, and biodiversity. All of this work has been in central Alberta’s cattle country along the Raven River and Dogpound Creek, both known for the quality of the brown trout angling they provide. Both streams are popular destinations for Chapter members so there was some self-interest in undertaking these projects! What made the work possible, however, was the funding provided by the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) through its Conservation, Community, and Education grant program. Erecting fencing, especially wildlife-friendly fencing, to keep cattle out of the stream, and providing alternative watering systems, are expensive undertakings. Leask Exclusion Fencing-Photo Credit Alberta Conservation Association Our 2021 project faced some special challenges. What was particularly remarkable was the cooperative effort that made it successful. Northern Lights had an ACA grant approved to protect 12 acres of riparian land on a ranch near the headwaters of Dogpound Creek, but the landowners decided not to go ahead with the work. Meanwhile, the owners of Leask Ranches, Bill and Carolyn, near Cremona, Alberta, contacted ACA for help regarding the damage their cattle were doing to Dogpound Creek – eroding banks, depleting vegetation, and muddying the water of what was otherwise a pristine stretch of a popular brown trout fishery. Steep banks along the Creek made provision of a different watering system a somewhat complex engineering challenge. A cooperative effort began: ACA’s Riparian Coordinator quickly worked out a protection plan, gathered material and labor cost estimates, and arranged a 10-year agreement with the Leasks for them to maintain exclusion fencing; Bill Leask offered to build the new fencing required himself; Northern Lights and ACA worked out an agreement to transfer the previously-approved grant funding for fence materials and a watering system to the Leask project; Mountain View County agreed to provide some cash towards fencing, through its Alternative Land Use Program  (ALUS) , and the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society , aka ‘Cows and Fish’, also stepped in to help. Cows and Fish have been involved with landowners, improvements in grazing, and management of riparian areas for about 20 years. It not only contributed towards the costs of a culvert well, pump, troughs, and solar panels to get water up the bank to the pasture land, but also provided a detailed assessment of riparian health to identify other means for improvement and a benchmark for long term monitoring. We may need volunteers to help plant willow stakes next spring! Standing Culvert Well-Photo Credit Alberta Conservation Association Collaboration accomplished a lot. The creek, its fish, fauna, flora and visitors, the cattle, and the ranchers will all benefit. Northern Lights is now looking for more riparian protection projects for 2022. There’s an added bonus to the pleasure of being able to walk a stream bank and cast a fly in knowing that you’ve made some small contribution to the health of that environment.

Welcome to part two of our aquatic macroinvertebrate series.  In case you missed it, Part One provided a brief intro to the world of aquatic macroinvertebrates. In this article, we will explore a couple of non-insect invertebrates. Did you Know that Freshwater Mussels can be Great Anglers? Adult mussels are not very mobile, so they face a challenge when trying to reproduce: how do they spread their offspring far enough to ensure that both the parents and the offspring get enough resources? By going fishing, of course! Freshwater mussels attract fish using a part of their body that stays outside their shell and looks just like a fish. When surrounding fish come to investigate these fleshy lures, the mussel will release a plume of microscopic larvae, called glochidia, toward the fish’s face. The fish dart away, coughing and confused, but it’s too late; the larvae have already attached to the fish’s gills, fins, and skin. The glochidia hang onto the fish for the next few weeks to months, stealing tiny amounts of nutrients from their host, which they use to grow into juvenile mussels. These juveniles can range from the size of a dime to the size of a quarter. When they are ready to leave their host, they break off and settle into the sediment, sometimes hundreds of kilometers away from their parents. Usually, the fish are no worse for wear. Some mussels rely exclusively on a single species of fish to incubate their larvae. As a result, a decline in fish diversity and abundance can directly cause a decline in freshwater mussels as well. This is a major problem in Ontario, which boasts the highest diversity of freshwater mollusks in Canada. Unfortunately, over 65% of the province’s freshwater mussels are endangered, partly due to losses in host-fish species, as well as habitat loss, pollution, and competition from invasive species like zebra mussels. If you want to get involved with native mussel conservation, consider downloading the ClamCounter App  for iOS or Android . Developed by the Toronto Zoo and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this handy little app lets you report your freshwater mussel sightings, learn about mussels in your area, and help biologists develop conservation programs. Horsehair Worms and Zombie Bugs Horsehair worms are parasitic animals straight out of a horror movie—if you’re an invertebrate, that is. As larvae, horsehair worms are harmless, and simply sit and wait to get eaten by an insect. Generally, each species of horsehair worm parasitizes only one type of insect; for example, one species will only parasitize crickets, while another will only parasitize beetles. If the larval worm is eaten by its correct host species, it can change into its parasitic form. If it is eaten by the wrong host, the worm waits for its current host to be eaten by its correct host, and then changes forms. Talk about patient! Once the worm is inside its host, things get freaky. It releases chemicals called neurotransmitters that influence the insect’s brain and changes its behavior. One worm species will make crickets stop calling so that they are less likely to be eaten by a predator. This improves the odds that the worm can grow to maturity. Once the horsehair worm has grown enough inside its host, it compels the insect to seek water, and jump to its watery grave. Then, the adult worms will emerge from the insect, wriggling out of a hole in its body, and look for a mate to start the life cycle all over again. If you’re worried, don’t be! Horsehair worms cannot infect vertebrates, such as mammals, amphibians, and birds. Whew! Leeches: Sucking Blood for Science Recently, scientists have been looking to leeches as a potential tool for monitoring biodiversity. Why? Because of what they eat! There are three main types of leeches: predatory, which hunt other invertebrates, fluid/tissue feeding, which feed on the internal fluid and soft tissues of invertebrates, and blood-feeding, which suck the blood from vertebrates. By identifying the leech species, then analyzing the DNA in its stomach contents, we can determine whether an animal or invertebrate is present in its area, based on whether its DNA was found in the leech’s stomach. This technique is called iDNA, or invertebrate-derived DNA. Leech iDNA is a relatively new, but promising technique for monitoring aquatic biodiversity in Canada. iDNA lets scientists assess fish, animal, and invertebrate populations without having to harass or kill the species of interest. This is especially important when scientists are looking for rare and elusive species that are difficult to catch. Additionally, using iDNA will also allow scientists to learn more about leeches, which are extremely understudied in Canada. Everybody wins! Invasive crayfish and their rise to infamy While Canada is home to several species of native crayfish, invasive crayfish have become an issue in recent years. In Ontario, the aggressive Rusty Crayfish have contributed to the decline of native crayfish. They feed voraciously on aquatic vegetation, out-competing native crayfish for food, and reducing the amount of spawning and nursery habitat for fish. At a large adult size of 10 centimeters, it is too big to be eaten by most native fish. Additionally, when faced with a potential predator, Rusty Crayfish will take an attack stance with its big, reddish claws raised above its head—quite the intimidating display for such a little critter! This often scares off any would-be predators, allowing them to colonize new areas with minimal competition. Once invasive crayfish gain a foothold in a new area, they are almost impossible to eradicate. Thus, it is important that we all help prevent their spread. Learn to identify any invasive species in your area, and never transport crayfish between bodies of water. If you spot a crayfish that you suspect may be invasive, make sure to take a picture and report it and the location where it was found through this directory . Another helpful tool for finding mapping, and tracking invasive species is EDDMaps . Thank you for doing your part in preventing aquatic invasive species! We’ve only scratched the surface of the world of aquatic invertebrates. There are many more types of non-insect invertebrates that we couldn’t cover in this article, like scuds, true worms, and snails. If we missed your favorite, give us a shout on social media and tell us about them! Hungry for more? Join us in a couple of weeks for our next installment of this series, where we will explore some aquatic insects!