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TUC, Cows & Fish, and Clearwater County staff stack woody debris in Radiant Creek for a PALS. Willow and poplar stakes in the foreground.  Building P.A.L.S. with our Pals-Radiant Creek is a tributary of central Alberta’s Clearwater River, which is considered critical habitat for at-risk Bull Trout. In the recent past, Radiant Creek has flooded out of its natural channel downstream of the Forestry Trunk Road. It is likely the road and culvert or bridge at the time exacerbated the effects of flooding resulting in a flow constriction, causing increased stream velocity – similar to the effect you get when you pinch a garden hose. Due to grazing and trampling of the riparian area and stream bed by cattle and feral horses, this degraded reach of the creek has not been able to recover and is shallower and wider than upstream and downstream reaches. The new (post-flood) channel of Radiant Creek below the Forestry Trunk Road has very little high-quality habitat available for Bull Trout and other fish species and usually becomes very low and warm in late summer. TUC began a rehabilitation project on this reach in 2020 and, working with the local grazing allotment holder, installed enough fencing to exclude the cattle and horses from a 200-meter section of the stream and riparian area. In addition, 20 acres of shrubs were removed from the valley to increase grass cover and offset grazing opportunities lost by shrub encroachment in this portion of the Clearwater valley. Much of the intense use of the riparian area is due to this shrub which limits the grazing areas available to cattle and horses. Shrub encroachment is likely due to the lack of low-intensity fires which would have historically burned these grasslands prior to European settlement. TUC staff installing a bank-attached PALS on Radiant Creek. Since fall 2020, TUC staff and volunteers have planted well over 1000 live willow and poplar stakes within the fenced area to improve riparian health. The stream itself remains wide and shallow with little habitat and structure. To address this, TUC has implemented a “ l ow tech processed-based restoration (LTPBR)” pilot project. LTPBR is a stream restoration concept that uses simple, low-cost structural additions in structurally starved riverscapes. The specific technique used at Radiant Creek is known as Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS). PALS are simulated log jams made by piling logs and branches in the river and pinning them in place with untreated wooden posts. The PALS are strategically placed in order to encourage the stream to meander, create undercut banks, scour deeper sections, and gather fine materials into gravel and sand bars – essentially to mimic and promote the natural process of wood accumulation. The goal is to create complex habitat and stream function using all-natural materials and the power of the flowing water. This process takes time, and the PALS are built to interact with high water events and spring freshets as well as the normal seasonal flows of the stream. Eventually, the untreated posts will rot, and the PALS will transition from man-made structures to lose woody debris in the stream. In 2025 the fencing will be removed after the site becomes more resilient to cattle and horse traffic. During this time, TUC and our partners will continue to monitor the success of the project and make adjustments as needed to ensure positive outcomes, including improved riparian health and function, improved water storage and retention, and year-round habitat for Bull Trout. Completed PALS along a channelized reach of Radiant Creek. Big thanks to Cows and Fish and Clearwater County Landcare staff as well as the volunteers that helped install PALS and plant willow stakes, to Sundre Forest Products for providing woody debris to use in the structures, and the Alberta Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for donating to the project. Last but not least, thank you to the allotment holder who has supported these recovery efforts since the project began. This project is financially supported by Alberta Environment and Parks through the provincial Native Trout Collaborative , funded by the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk and the Alberta Conservation Association .

You may have heard a few recent developments about coal exploration and mining in Alberta. In fact, there have been several updates since our last article about coal. The latest new development is that the Joint Review Panel for the Grassy Mountain Coal project has completed its review of the project and determined that that the “adverse environmental effects on surface water quality and Westslope Cutthroat Trout and its habitat outweigh the positive economic impacts of the project and the project is not in the public interest”. The panel has denied the provincial permit applications and advised the federal Environment Minister not to approve the mine. This is great news and we, at Trout Unlimited Canada, are pleased with this decision. TUC participated in the public hearings for the project in November and advised the panel to reject the application due to risks to water quality, fish communities, and aquatic habitat. What else has happened? In February, the Coal Policy was reinstated and Alberta Energy launched a survey to kick off a public engagement process. Based on what was heard in the survey, coal exploration projects that had previously been approved were halted in April. The public engagement process is continuing and there are opportunities to share your thoughts on coal policy here . Despite the ruling on Grassy Mountain, there are still several other projects in various stages of the exploration and approvals process. One of the major limitations to the engagement process being led by Alberta Energy is that it is limited to coal development specifically. Although TUC is pleased that the provincial government reinstated the Coal Policy and halted exploration, we maintain that a Coal Policy does not replace land use planning and environmental oversight. The fact that all of Alberta’s stream-dwelling native trout are listed as “at-risk” under provincial and federal legislation is an indicator that existing environmental assessment processes, combined with policy and legislation have not been enough to protect these resources. TUC has continued to correspond and meet with the minister of Alberta Environment and Parks and will continue to stress the importance and need for additional protections to these critical headwaters and habitats – not just from the threats posed by coal development. Recently, the Federal Environment Minister announced that the federal government will conduct an environmental review of any new coal project that could release selenium, a known contaminant that is released from metallurgical coal mines. This came following a Private Members Bill, backed by an 18,000-name petition, which was introduced in the House of Commons by Edmonton MP Heather McPherson. Although the Minister did not agree to a regional environmental assessment of coal mining in the Rockies as requested by McPherson, we are hopeful this additional federal oversight will help to protect our headwaters. Minister Wilkinson also recently confirmed that the Tent Mountain Mine, proposed by Montem Resources should undergo a federal review by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada because of its potential for releasing selenium and the project’s potential impact on treaty rights. Additionally, the federal government also recently announced a new policy statement on thermal coal development. The policy states that “the Government considers that these projects are likely to cause unacceptable environmental effects within federal jurisdiction and are not aligned with Canada’s domestic and international climate change commitments”. While not entirely banning new or expanded thermal coal mines, it will likely make these projects much more difficult to get approval. What can you do? There are still opportunities to be engaged. Continue to educate yourself on the issues and share your thoughts with elected officials. The provincial engagement on a coal policy will continue over the coming months. For more information or to share your thoughts, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/coal-policy-engagement.aspx

Reconnecting Canada: Project Update – Waiparous Creek, Alberta: Trout Unlimited Canada’s ongoing “ Reconnecting Canada ” campaign aims to remove harmful barriers from streams across the country. Suspended culverts at road crossings and other such features not only prevent fish passage, but can also alter the way the stream flows and lead to increased erosion, sedimentation, and warmer water temperatures. TUC identified two crossings over unnamed tributaries of Waiparous Creek, northwest of Calgary, with hanging culverts that prevent fish from moving upstream. Two native fish listed as Threatened under the Species at Risk Act, Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ) and Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ), were found in both streams during electrofishing surveys. While Bull Trout were found below both culverts, none were found upstream – suggesting that these culverts present a complete passage barrier to upstream fish migration. Currently, design options for improved crossings that do not alter fish passage or streamflow are being explored by TUC, and communications are underway with stakeholders who would be affected by road construction. Before anything can be done about the crossings, however, results from genetic analysis must be considered. Trout populations from above and below each barrier were sampled to gain more insight into the populations, especially the Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and samples were sent to the Flathead Biological Station in Missoula, MT for further analysis. Since Westslope Cutthroat Trout can interbreed with Rainbow Trout (which are not native to the area), many Cutthroat Trout streams in Alberta actually contain “Cutbow” hybrids. Tests will determine if the upstream population is genetically pure, in which case reconnecting the stream will need to be considered against the risk of invasion by non-native Rainbow Trout. In the meantime (test results are pending), habitat restoration upstream of the barrier began on one of the two streams in 2020, and problem areas have been surveyed on the adjacent stream for future efforts. TUC, Alberta Environment and Parks, and volunteers from Plains Midstream Canada (PMC), Calgary ATV Riders Association (CARA), and the Ghost Watershed Alliance Society (GWAS), collectively participated in several workdays on this stream in 2020. Reclamation work included upgrading an existing off-highway vehicle (OHV) bridge, deactivating several other non-designated crossings and areas where OHVs could access the stream bed, and planting over 1500 live willow stakes along the bank and along deactivated trail sections. Several other non-designated OHV fords have been identified on the streams that are creating partial barriers, altering streamflow, and introducing excess sediment to the streams. One reach of the western stream is currently flowing down a straight and shadeless historical trail or road rather than in its original meandering channel through tall shrubs, making it poor trout habitat! Options for correcting this problem soon are being explored, including returning the stream to its original channel, or systematically reclaiming the scoured channel into a healthier stream bed with riparian vegetation, cut banks, and bends. This work is planned to resume in the spring, so keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities if you’re available! Funding for these surveys and treatments has come from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, the Alberta Land Stewardship Centre’s Watershed Stewardship Grants, the Alberta Conservation Association, and the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk through a grant agreement with Alberta Environment and Parks, as part of Alberta’s Native Trout Collaborative.

Concerns over proposed gravel pit near Bighill Springs Provincial Park. Trout Unlimited Canada recently became aware of a proposed gravel pit in the area of the aquifer that feeds the springs of Bighill Springs Provincial Park , a major contributor to Bighill Creek, a small creek flowing through Rocky View County and the Town of Cochrane, AB. Over the past several years Trout Unlimited Canada has participated in riparian restoration activities along Bighill Creek, along with community members and partners. We have also conducted educational fish sampling demonstrations along the creek during community events. In recent years, Trout Unlimited Canada has worked closely with the Bighill Creek Preservation Society , conducting a fish sampling program including multiple sampling sites along Bighill Creek, and has provided support developing and implementing a stream temperature monitoring program. The springs and creek support a diverse fish community of both native and naturalized species, provides a relatively unique urban small creek trout fishing opportunity between the Ghost and Bearspaw Dams, provides a treasured visitor experience at the provincial park to view the unique springs and associated geological formations, and is a valuable feature within the Town of Cochrane. TUC is concerned that the gravel mining operation proposed by Mountain Ash could have potentially negative effects on the aquifer that feeds the springs and creek. Removal of a large volume of material in this location may reduce the filtering capacity of the overlying sediments which could negatively affect water quality and flow and impair the health of the system. TUC supports the Friends of Bighill Springs Provincial Park and the Bighill Creek Preservation Society in calling for Rocky View County council to reject the proposed bylaw change that would facilitate the Summit Pit from being developed as proposed, and to consider a protective buffer around the springs to restrict sand and gravel mining activities in the interest of ensuring the long-term protection of water quality and flow of the springs within Bighill Springs Provincial Park which are a major contributor to Bighill Creek. Rocky View County is holding a public hearing on a proposed bylaw change related to this gravel pit development on March 2, 2021. If you would like to participate in the hearing, comments can be submitted via email  on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 starting at 9:00 am . Video/audio presentations can also be uploaded here ; the deadline for those is Monday, March 1st, 2021 at 12:00 pm . For guidelines on submitting an e-mail during the hearing or uploading an audio or video recording, visit the Rocky View County website . More information on the Master Site Development Plan for the Summit Pit can be found here .

Stream Temperature Monitoring: Maintaining Cold Water Environments is a Hot Topic In many parts of Canada, native trout, char, salmon, and grayling populations have suffered severe declines in both distribution and abundance within only a few decades. In Alberta, for example, these declines have led to populations of Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus) and Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ) being listed as threatened while Athabasca Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) has been listed as endangered under the Federal Species at Risk Act. Alberta’s Arctic Grayling has also shown significant declines leading to their provincially designated sensitive status in Alberta. In southern Ontario, native Brook Trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) also has shown contraction in both range and numbers. Both Pacific and Atlantic Salmon are considerably diminished from former numbers with several populations being listed as either endangered, threatened, or special concern under the Federal Species at Risk Act and/or by COSEWIC. The origins of these declines are often associated with the cumulative effects of increasing industrial, agricultural, and recreational activities and land use, hybridization and competition with invasive species, and climate change. Aquatic parasites and diseases such as whirling disease present another threat to these populations. One big stressor facing many of our native fish is increasing water temperatures. In Ontario for example, many small dams and increasing urbanization has led to stream temperatures warming remarkably faster than prior to these developments, often resulting in streams no longer being suitable for fish species that rely on cold water like Brook Trout. Climate change is also reducing aquatic environments’ resilience. Many of Canada’s native fish species thrive in a narrow niche of coldwater ecosystems leaving them quite susceptible to any changes in these fragile temperature regimes. For example, Bull Trout tend to thrive in environments around 12° C and if water temperature often exceeds 18° C it is unlikely that Bull Trout will continue to persist in that environment. In order to recover depressed populations of native fish, it is imperative that we ensure aquatic ecosystems are as resilient as possible to be able to buffer changes in air temperature. Water temperature monitoring is a strategy employed in many water bodies to help us understand if they are healthy. There are a variety of temperature monitoring tools but one we often use is the HOBO TidbiT water temperature data loggers which can be left in-stream for months at a time and record water temperature at a predetermined interval (example: every 30 minutes) and store the data inside the device. Depending on the type of logger used, sometimes we use a specially made housing for the logger. For example, many groups in Alberta commonly install loggers into a screw-on PVC end cap with holes drilled into it, then either use epoxy to attach the housing to bedrock or to a piece of rebar which is pounded down into the stream bottom. These data loggers are able to last in cold water conditions for several years on a single battery. When it is necessary to download the data, some devices use Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly transmit all the data directly to a nearby smartphone or tablet. Some loggers need to be physically plugged into a computer. After downloading the data from the loggers, they can be further analyzed to help answer specific questions about the stream or watershed. In Alberta, stream temperature data can also be uploaded to the provincial Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) database where they are publicly available. Stream temperature data can then help to inform decisions on fisheries management, habitat restoration, or disease risk. Stream temperature may influence the continued suitability of habitat for native fish in the face of changing climates; this may help inform future restoration stocking efforts or other recovery or management actions. Water temperature data can also be used to confirm the sources or areas where a watershed’s “fever” originates which can help guide restoration work. Stream temperature data are also used in areas where restoration work has been applied to monitor the effects of the work.

Catch and Release Reminders-As travel plans have been interrupted for many this summer, a lot of people are looking at activities to do close to home. Fishing is a great way to get out in nature and you usually don’t have to travel too far to find fishable water. So as we settle into a bit of a different summer, it’s a good time for a refresher on safe catch and release practices. Catch and release fishing has become increasingly popular, both as a voluntary practice used by anglers but also as a regulatory tool put in place by fisheries managers. Catch and release regulations (also known as zero bag limit) are put in place to help fish populations recover if they have been overharvested, or where populations are limited for another reason. The survival of released fish depends a lot on angler behaviour, as simply releasing a captured fish does not guarantee its survival. Here are a few “best practices” to follow to help give released fish a better chance of survival so they can grow and reproduce and contribute to a sustainable recreational fishery: Follow the local regulations (be sure to check for seasonal closures and bait bans) Keep fish wet and avoid exposing them to air – air exposure is harmful to fish and increases the risk of post-release mortality (a net can be a big help here). Avoid fishing during periods of low flow or high water temperature – warmer water holds less oxygen than cold water and can increase stress on fish (optimal temperature for many trout species is around 15° C). or walleye and perch, consider depth – when captured in deep water (>7 m), their swim bladders cannot adapt quickly enough to the change in water pressure and their chance of survival is limited. Choose appropriately sized gear and avoid “playing” the fish too long – an exhausted fish will have a harder time recovering and surviving. Consider barbless hooks and artificial lures/flies (i.e. avoid bait which can be ingested more deeply making the hook harder to remove from the fish) Regulations set what is legal in your jurisdiction but ultimately it is up to you, the angler to decide when and where to fish, for how long, for which species, and what else you can do to be a responsible angler. The above list is a good start but there are other resources available to help you. For more information, check out Keep em Wet or provincial resources such as those from Alberta and British Columbia for example.

Class 2 Backpack Electrofishing Course: Registration is Open! This one-day course will certify participants in backpack electrofishing. Backpack electrofishing is a widely used method for fish population monitoring and assessment. Instruction will be provided by a Class 1 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) certified instructor and meets OMNRF policy standards. The topics covered will include protective equipment, safety procedures, and backups or fail-safes. The course will also include the fundamentals of electrical theory. Participants will be required to demonstrate safe electrofishing practices in the field during a practical training session in a local stream. A Letter of Completion for the training (good for 3 years) will be provided to prove certification. Class 2 certified personnel, after 3 days of apprenticeship under a certified backpack crew leader, are able to train their own backpack electrofishing crew (netters). A pass of 70% is required on the written exam. Participants are also required to independently obtain their Standard First Aid and CPR Certification. Apprenticeship opportunities will be available with Trout Unlimited Canada throughout the summer and/or fall. Course Details: When: April 21st, 2020 Where: Trout Unlimited Canada Ontario Office- 100 Stone Road, Guelph, Ontario Cost:     $450 plus tax* *A limited number of discounts are available for students and existing TUC members Please click here to register. Please call (519) 763-0888 or email for further details.

Birdies for Kids-For six straight years, the Shaw Charity Classic has set a record for charitable giving on the PGA TOUR Champions. In 2018, the tournament raised over $12.3 million shattering its previous 2017 record of $8.3 million. In 2019, the tournament is aiming to set another record, as it provides contributions to charities across Alberta. Shaw Birdies for Kids (BFK) presented by AltaLink is a program designed to help raise funds for local charities. When you make a donation to Trout Unlimited Canada through the BFK program, 100% of your donation comes to TUC, and the exciting part of BFK is the matching pool! For your generous contribution, up to 50% will be matched and go directly to TUC, where we can continue our mission to conserve, protect and restore Canada’s water resources. Would you like to attend this great event? For every $50 donation you make before August 19, 2019 , you will be entered to win a pair of tickets to see golf’s champions in action. Draw to take place on August 20, 2019 . Please make your online donation today . For other payment methods, please visit the Shaw Charity Classic website . Donations must be made by September 1, 2019, to qualify for the donation match.

Project Follow Up: Girardi Creek Habitat Restoration Girardi Creek is a small mountain stream located just west of Coleman in Crowsnest Pass. It originates from snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains and roars through the surrounding landscape as a high gradient stream before it enters the Crowsnest River. Girardi Creek contains critical habitat for threatened native Westslope Cutthroat Trout. According to the provincial Westslope Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan, the Girardi Creek population is one of only an estimated 51 populations of genetically pure Westslope Cutthroat Trout left in Alberta. Historically there had been up to 274 streams and rivers which contained populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Therefore, the conservation and protection of these populations are of the utmost importance to the continued persistence of Westslope Cutthroat Trout in our landscape as it is likely not realistic to recover many of these lost populations. One major issue that threatens the continued survival of this isolated native trout population is sedimentation. Although sedimentation and erosion are natural processes, they can be accelerated because of human impacts on the landscape. Sedimentation can come from roads, trails, and loss or removal of riparian (shoreline) vegetation. Naturally slumping banks can also contribute an increased sediment load to a stream which negatively affects sensitive fish habitat. Healthy and robust fish populations are resilient to random events like floods, fires, and slumps; if a population gets “knocked down”, it can be naturally recolonized from other connected populations. However, where there is no longer connectivity to other populations, these isolated populations are much less resilient to natural (or human-caused) disturbance. Girardi Creek was identified as a candidate stream for fish habitat restoration by Alberta Environment and Parks through the Southern Alberta Fish Habitat and Sustainability (FISHES) program. A naturally slumping bank was identified as an area that was potentially contributing increased sediment to the watercourse and negatively impacting fish habitat. In fall of 2018 action began along the creek in order to remediate this issue. Trout Unlimited Canada staff along with project partners and volunteers planted live willow stakes and constructed brush layers in order to stabilize the eroding bank and reduce its sediment delivery into the creek. The project was recently revisited in May of 2019, and the plant community was already starting to show signs of revitalization. The live willow stakes planted last fall had fresh new green buds sprouting out, and the soil surrounding the area had native plants naturally returning to stabilize the former bare ground. During this site visit, future rehabilitation opportunities were also identified along the creek. For example, there may be opportunities to improve livestock management and reclaim undesignated trails to protect the creek and reduce sediment and nutrient loads. TUC looks forward to continuing to work with other partners and stakeholders to ensure that our native fish species can be protected in a sustainable way in this watershed.

Enhancing the downstream riffle raised the water level of the pool to improve fish passage. Reconnecting Caton Creek-A few years ago during our annual Fish Rescue, one of our volunteers was surprised that we were rescuing all of the fish from a draining irrigation canal. In particular, he said, “this isn’t Suckers Unlimited, it’s Trout Unlimited” and asked why would we rescue suckers. This was a good opportunity for our staff to mention that our interest is in the fish community, not just trout. Although they aren’t considered a sport species outside of the micro-fishing community, minnows and suckers play an important role in the ecosystem. In fact, while many of our habitat rehabilitation projects are indeed focused on native and naturalized trout and trout habitat, we recently completed a project in southwestern Saskatchewan where the target species is the humble Plains Sucker (Pantosteus jordani). The Cypress Hills of Southwestern Saskatchewan are a unique geographical feature in the prairies. Untouched by the last glaciation, the highest elevation in the Cypress Hills is actually slightly greater than that of the Banff townsite. The region receives more precipitation than the surrounding prairie. Precipitation soaks into the ground emerging as the springs that feed coldwater streams which flow into the Frenchman River. These streams are cold enough to support trout which have been stocked in the area for recreational fishing opportunities. They also provide habitat for Plains Sucker (formerly known as Mountain Sucker ). The Milk River population of Plains Sucker (which includes the Milk River in southeastern Alberta and the Battle and Frenchman River watersheds in southwestern Saskatchewan) were recently listed on the federal Species at Risk Act as “Threatened”. This population faces a variety of threats including water management and irrigation, agricultural and livestock practices, and habitat fragmentation. During construction, water quality was monitored to ensure too much sediment was not released downstream. As part of our national Reconnecting Canada initiative, TUC is working with partners to improve conditions at stream crossings (like culverts) where fish passage barriers exist. Man-made barriers can completely or partially block fish passage. A research document published by Fisheries and Oceans Canada suggested a hanging culvert along Caton Creek was one such barrier for Plains Suckers. While culverts are commonly used to convey streams under roads, over time (or where poorly installed or undersized), scour at the outlet can cause them to become perched, blocking upstream fish movement. Sometimes it is feasible to replace problem culverts with a larger or embedded pipe or install open-bottom structures such as arches or bridges. However, sometimes there are feasibility or cost barriers to these large-scale projects. Alternatives to full replacement can include modifications to the stream or culvert to improve connectivity. This was the approach taken to improve connectivity at Caton Creek. In late 2018, TUC worked with a local construction contractor to augment a riffle downstream of the culvert outlet to raise the water level in the outlet pool by about 20 cm. This is enough to reduce the hang height of the culvert making it easier for fish to travel upstream. In the coming years, TUC will be back to evaluate the project and explore other opportunities to help recover Plains Sucker in this unique part of the world. Thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk and Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Fish and Wildlife Development Fund for supporting this project. The design was completed by Matrix Solutions and construction was completed by Davis Excavating. Thanks also to TransCanada Corporation for supporting this project as part of our national Reconnecting Canada initiative.

Atlantic Salmon Fish Species Management-With another field season around the corner and many stream rehabilitation projects on the horizon across the country, we felt it was timely to re-emphasize TUC’s priorities when it comes to our Fish Species Management policies. First and foremost, when prioritizing projects, we aim to focus on those that support existing native, naturally reproducing species within their natural habitats and range. Each region of Canada has a unique mix of locally adapted native species and stocks, many of which have been altered, modified, or lost since European settlement.  Protecting what is remaining and restoring what has been lost is a major focus for TUC and can be considered one of our contributions to Canada’s native biodiversity. In Ontario and eastern Canada, our focus tends to be on Brook Trout ( Salvelinus fontinalis ) given they are an existing native coldwater species with immense ecological importance that also acts as a crucial indicator for overall environmental health within a system.  TUC also collaborates with partner organizations on the reintroduction of other historically abundant native species, such as the Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar ) that have been extirpated from Lake Ontario since the 19th century. The Bring Back the Salmon program involves stocking in targeted locations, to help re-introduce these fish to their natural range. In western Canada, many of the native coldwater species are also listed as threatened.  Over the years, TUC has dedicated much of our work on the rehabilitation of aquatic habitat quality and quantity for species such as the Westslope Cutthroat Trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi ), Bull Trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ), Arctic Grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ). These species are threatened by many of the same habitat-related issues which should be addressed strategically on a regional basis, as often their habitats overlap with each other. Arctic Grayling TUC’s secondary management priority includes introduced species where they currently exist as naturalized populations.  TUC supports initiatives focussed on naturalized populations where they do not conflict with or threaten the physical, biological or genetic integrity of native fish species.  An example of this approach is the Mallard Point project in Calgary, AB.  This was a large-scale bioengineering project along a side channel of the Bow River, completed in 2015. The Bow River is a world class Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout fishery.  Large woody structures and trees and shrubs were planted to stabilize a slumping and unstable bank, creating habitat and cover for fish, and preventing excess erosion and sedimentation.  Despite this stretch being within the historical range of Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout, these species no longer inhabit this reach for a variety of reasons. As such, improvements to habitat along the Bow River in Calgary benefit the overall aquatic community which includes native fish species such as Mountain Whitefish ( Prosopium williamsoni ) and Northern Pike (Esox lucius ) as well as highly-sought after naturalized species, like the Brown Trout ( Salmo trutta ) and Rainbow Trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ). Lastly, we support the development of new fisheries using non-native or naturalized stocks, where there is evidence no social and/or ecological conflicts exist.  Overall, restoring or protecting habitat so that fish can reproduce successfully on their own is the most cost effective and ecologically sound approach to fish community management. A focus on habitat also provides broader values such as clean water and resilient rivers and streams that benefit communities for future generations.

River Snorkeling-The best way to see the fish is to be the fish! Fisheries biologists often carry out snorkel surveys to assess aquatic habitat and fish populations, survey stream reaches for specific fish species, or document fish during important life stages such as spawning, overwintering, and early rearing. While electrofishing and other capture methods are extremely useful and widely used tools for fisheries biologists, in some situations snorkeling can present a useful low impact alternative as fish don’t need to be captured or handled and stress can be minimized. In addition to its place in fisheries science, snorkeling can also be a great recreational activity. If you are a capable swimmer and interested in seeing your local water bodies in a whole new light, you should consider calling a friend, donning masks and snorkels (and probably wetsuits) and diving into the underwater realm of river snorkeling. Snorkeling is a great way to see aquatic habitat in a new light, and a chance to observe underwater critters carrying out their day-to-day activities in their natural setting. In addition to the tried and true fishing and swimming holes in your area, chances are that even the smallest and seemingly emptiest creeks are teeming with species you have probably never seen. Better yet, small creeks and side channels that are hardly deep enough to swim in are also the safest and best places to wet your feet in the hobby before moving up to larger creeks and rivers which can be dangerous even for experienced snorkelers. Notions of sports fish being the only “cool” fish quickly fade away after watching suckers graze peacefully on the stream bed or a school of whitefish shimmering in the scattered sunlight. A whole spectrum of minnows, sculpins, darters, and other tiny fish too small for the sports angler to target and mostly unknown to the general public display a rainbow of spawning colors and a myriad of fascinating behaviors that would be at home in a big budget nature documentary. Sports fish make great subjects for observation too, and spending some time underwater might challenge some of the ideas you have about the character and habits of your favorite species. Don’t know anyone who wants to spend their afternoon crawling or swimming around in your local creek? There is a growing community of river snorkeling enthusiasts around the globe, and chances are there is someone in your area who might be able to introduce you to the hobby or join you on your outing, perhaps even a member of your local Trout Unlimited Canada Chapter . Regardless of where you choose to explore or how long you spend in the water, we promise that you will be wet, probably cold, and much more appreciative of our amazing freshwater resources. If you are considering river snorkeling, be sure to go with a buddy. Know what to expect in the stream you are snorkeling in, and develop some good safety habits such as trip planning and check-in procedures. There are also courses available in swift water rescue as you progress from knee-deep creeks to larger rivers. Don’t let larger aggressive water intimidate you. There is a lot to see in small, gentle creeks!