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Trout Unlimited Canada has teamed up with Parks Canada and the University of Calgary to restore a population of native westslope cutthroat trout in the Hidden Lake and Corral Creek drainages near the Lake Louise Ski Area in Banff National Park. This multi-year project involves partnerships, research along with volunteer signage and education components. The Alberta population of westslope cutthroat trout, which are listed as a Threatened species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), currently occupies approximately 10% of its historical range. A recovery strategy has been drafted by a team of experts that addresses issues facing the species and provides recommendations and steps that could be used to recover the species. This plan is specific to only pure populations within historic native range. Westslope cutthroat trout have faced multiple threats including habitat loss and degradation, competition and hybridization with non-native, introduced species and over-harvest. Only limited populations of pure westslope cutthroat trout remain within their historic range in the province, most often to reaches of rivers above natural barriers such as waterfalls. Introgression with introduced rainbow trout and competition for food and habitat with brook trout has also limited westslope cutthroat trout range and numbers. Brook trout, native to eastern North America, were introduced in water bodies throughout western Canada in the early1900’s in an attempt to bolster angling opportunities. Brook trout mature at a younger age and smaller size and do not live as long or grow as big as native westlope cutthroat or bull trout. Brook Trout were likely introduced into Hidden Lake and upper Corral Creek sometime in the 1960’s and have since eliminated native westslope cutthroat trout from a reach above an impassable waterfall on Corral Creek. Since the introduction of brook trout into this watershed, the natural balance between trout species has been altered. Trout Unlimited Canada, Parks Canada and the University of Calgary have come together to restore the natural balance in this system.

This spring, Trout Unlimited Canada completed the construction phase of the Policeman Creek Habitat Enhancement project in Canmore, Alberta.  The goal of the project is to build upon previous enhancements of overwintering fish habitat within Policeman Creek.  Due to changes in water management and groundwater flows, there has been limited wetted habitat for fish residing in the creek over winter for most of the last 15 years.  Surface water in much of the creek during the winter months has been limited to a few shallow, isolated pools.  During especially dry years, several salvage efforts have been completed in late spring to move fish from drying pools to functional deep water areas where they could survive until runoff. In 2006, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, in conjunction with a local developer constructed overwintering pools in Policeman Creek near the Spring Creek Mountain Village.  Trout Unlimited Canada biologists and volunteers conducted electrofishing assessments within three of these constructed pools in April 2010.  The effort resulted in the capture of 199 fish including 99 Brook Trout, 78 Brown Trout, 19 Mountain Whitefish, and three Longnose Suckers.  The electrofishing assessment demonstrated the importance and functionality of these pools in Policeman Creek in providing overwintering habitat to both juvenile and adult trout during low water years. After two years of planning and baseline sampling including electrofishing and redd surveys, on April 16, 2012 TUC hired a local contractor to excavate five overwintering pools in Policeman Creek.  Felled spruce trees, provided by Spring Creek Mountain Village, were placed in the pools to provide functional hiding cover for fish.  A secondary benefit of the project involved the creation of islands within the creek that will provide quality waterfowl habitat. The next phase of the project includes planting willows and grasses on the islands to promote a healthy riparian zone benefiting fish and wildlife.  The final phase of the Policeman Creek Habitat Enhancement Project will include a multi-year monitoring program to assess fish use of the pools, to ensure the success of the island vegetation, and to evaluate any changes in spawning activity in Policeman Creek. This project was made possible thanks to funding from the Alberta Conservation Association’s Grant Eligible Conservation Fund, the volunteer contribution of the TUC Bow Headwaters Chapter, and advice from Alberta Sustainable Resource Development – Fish and Wildlife Division.

By By Todd Dupuis-Regional Operations Director, Atlantic Salmon Federation Federal Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Keith Ashfield (right), presented Daryl Guignion (left) from the Prince Edward Island chapter with a 2011 National Recreational Fisheries Award for his tireless commitment to conservation and restoration of the recreational fisheries of PEI. Daryl Guignion joined Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) because of his belief and support in TUC’s conservation goals and vision. In addition to his role with the Prince Edward Island chapter Daryl has lent his support and scientific expertise to other chapters including Prince County. Daryl also helped organize and found the Morelle Fisheries Management Coop, a group recognized for its watershed management, habitat restoration and trout and salmon enhancement. Wildlife biologist, researcher, and teacher Daryl Guignion has spent a lifetime working with educators, policy-makers, and community organizations to encourage greater respect and protection for the natural environment. Daryl has devoted much of his own time for four decades to bettering the recreational fishery on Prince Edward Island. He has lobbied over many years for effective legislation and environmental practices to conserve waterways for trout and salmon. Believing that one of the best ways to increase awareness and encourage change is through education, Guignion has made literally hundreds of presentations to school and community groups about major threats to fragile ecosystems. As an associate professor in the UPEI Biology department, he has inspired his students to view their environment through a sensitive lens that strengthens their understanding of how they are affected by the natural world, and how they are totally dependent on it. He has trained many teachers who, in turn educated their students about conservation and preservation of the environment. He was a founding member of the Island Nature Trust. His work to establish the only legislated Conservation Zone in Prince Edward Island along the Morell River is a highlight among the many projects to which he has contributed. By combining his scientific research background, his interest in recreational fish management, his educational capabilities and his ability to see projects through, Mr. Guignion has contributed vastly to the conservation of the natural environment in Prince Edward Island

Trout Unlimited Canada is pleased to announcement the launch of the Duffins Creek Renewal Program with the support of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The launch took place at the Greenwood Discovery Pavilion in Ajax on April 24, 2012. Enbridge Gas Distribution is teaming up with Trout Unlimited Canada to help restore the Duffins Creek watershed. Running from the Oak Ridges Moraine and passing through Ajax, Pickering, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Uxbridge, Duffins Creek is deteriorating due to increased urban pressure, land use practices and climate change. Enbridge Gas Distribution will support Trout Unlimited Canada’s efforts to restore the watershed through environmental stewardship, habitat remediation and environmental education. For more information regarding this important announcement please click here to read the complete media release.