[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!

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.