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Meet the Mountain Whitefish: a quiet star of our rivers. The Mountain Whitefish , Prosopium williamsoni If you spend time around rivers or mountain lakes in western North America, there’s a good chance you’ve been near a Mountain Whitefish —even if you didn’t know it. They might not be as flashy or well-known as trout or salmon, but Mountain Whitefish play an important role in keeping our freshwater ecosystems healthy. A juvenile mountain whitefish surveyed by FCC. Photo credit: Matt Wallace Mountain Whitefish have a sleek, silvery body with a bronze or light brown back. They have a small, toothless mouth tucked under a pointy snout—this type of mouth is called “subterminal”. Other distinguishable characteristics include having large scales. Their diet mostly consists of the larvae and pupae of small aquatic insects that live on or near river and lake bottoms. Now and then, they’ll grab insects floating near or just under the water’s surface. Whitefish use their fleshy snout to flip rocks and to root around for food tucked away beneath cobbles and gravel. Their torpedo-shaped body and stabilizing fins help them hold steady in fast currents where many other fish would struggle. Distribution of Mountain Whitefish in Alberta. Image Credit: Nelson and Paetz (1992) Location and Distribution These fish are found across western North America . In Alberta , they live in clear, cold mountain streams and lakes. Some Mountain Whitefish stay in one spot all year, but many move between different areas depending on the season. They usually have separate spots for: Feeding  in the spring and summer Spawning  (laying eggs) in the fall Overwintering  during the cold winter months Spawning Traditionally occurs between late September and November . During this time, groups of Mountain Whitefish move into shallower parts of lakes or streams. Unlike trout, they don’t dig nests (redds) for their eggs. Instead, they scatter them over gravel, and the eggs stay there through the winter. Over the winter, they develop and eventually hatch around March ! What makes them important? Mountain Whitefish are known as an indicator species . That means their presence can tell us about the health of the ecosystem. Because they live in so many different freshwater environments and have relatively stable populations, scientists use them to monitor environmental changes. In short, if Mountain Whitefish are thriving, it’s a good sign the rest of the ecosystem is doing well, too. Bull Trout: Predators of Mountain Whitefish. Photo Credit: Adam Peters These fish are also an important food source for Bull Trout, one of Alberta's native trout species. As Bull Trout are classified as Threatened in Alberta, it’s crucial that we protect and conserve the ecosystems that both of these fish live in. So, while they may not be the most famous fish in the water, Mountain Whitefish definitely deserve some attention. They're an important part of our natural world and a reminder of how all species—big or small—play a role in keeping ecosystems balanced. References Kranzfelder, P., Anderson, A.M., Egan, A.T., Mazack, J.E., Bouchard, J., Rufer, M.M.,  Ferrington, J. 2015. Use of chironomidae (Diptera) surface-floating pupal exuviae as a rapid bioassessment protocol for water bodies. JoVE. 101: e52558–e52558. Nelson, J.S., Paetz, M.J. 1992. The fishes of Alberta. 2nd ed. University of Alberta Press. 248-252. Popowich, R.C. 2005. Determining Bull Trout habitat and prey selection using snorkel surveys and stable isotope analysis. M.Sc . Thesis, University of Edmonton, Edmonton, AB. 62. Siddig, A.A.H., Ellison, A.M., Ochs, A., Villar-Leeman, C., Lau, M.K. 2016. How do ecologists select and use indicator species to monitor ecological change? Insights from 14 years of publication in Ecological Indicators. Ecol. Indic. 60: 223-230.

Decades of industrial activity, livestock grazing, the presence of feral horses, and recreational use have influenced Radiant and Elk Creek, two tributaries of the Clearwater River in Western Alberta. These activities degrade riparian areas and instream fish habitat that support native fish species, including Bull Trout, which are currently listed as threatened at the federal and provincial levels in Canada. Since 2019, Freshwater Conservation Canada has led restoration efforts to improve habitat in these creeks. Efforts have followed low-tech process-based restoration principles (LTPBR), which involve hand-building structures to promote stream-floodplain reconnection and habitat recovery. A combination of Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs) and Post Assisted Log Structures (PALS) was installed on the two creeks to mimic natural wood accumulation and beaver dams. One of our PALS on Radiant Creek In the 2024 field season, we saw new silt and gravel deposits and erosion surrounding the PALS built in previous years. One of the project's goals is to reconnect streams to their floodplains, and targeted erosion is an important step toward that goal. These PALS and the hydraulic processes A bank attached PAL They create and contribute to increased channel complexity and a wider variety of aquatic habitats. In 2024, eight more PALS and four BDAs were built on Radiant Creek, and four BDAs were built on Elk Creek. In 2025, we amplified the benefits of this work by repairing structures and planting live willows on the stream banks. At both Radiant Creek and Elk Creek, an exclusion fence was built to keep livestock and wild horses out of the project site. Wildlife cameras were also set up to monitor stream height changes induced by several spring snowfalls and to observe any animals that had entered the project area through an open fence. In the 2025 field season, we repaired broken panels along the exclusion fence and downloaded the data from the wildlife cameras. We were excited to see two beavers swimming by one of the BDAs that we had built! They have completely taken over many of our structures, which have since grown. Trail camera footage showing a beaver near one of our BDAs! The beaver is in the middle of the creek on the left side of the BDA. Every year since the implementation of the PALS and BDA structures, we have conducted a fish survey at Radiant Creek to assess changes in the fish community over time. When this study was first conducted in 2021, only two Brook Trout were captured within the project area. When we repeated this study in 2025, our staff caught one Bull Trout, fourteen Brook Trout, and three Longnose Dace. We are happy to see that the structures we have built are providing good habitat for the threatened Bull Trout at the restored site! The Bull Trout we caught in the Radiant Creek restoration area Much of this restoration work was completed with support from volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project a success! Work on the Radiant Creek was also completed in part thanks to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Nature Legacy Fund. Freshwater Conservation Canada will continue work in the area in 2026 by finalizing restoration and monitoring the success of the BDAs and PALS.

Freshwater Conservation Canada is pleased to share that we have joined the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition  (OSPC) . The OSPC is coordinated by Water Watchers and comprises concerned individuals, community groups, and NGOs working to improve, affecting Ontario’s handling of salt pollution. The Issue Salts have long been used for de-icing roads, parking lots, and pathways. In fact, it’s estimated that Ontario uses more than 2 million tonnes of road salt per year. Although this salt is applied to surfaces to keep us safe, an unintended consequence is that too much salt is entering our waterways, affecting the health of freshwater ecosystems. Over the past few decades, chloride concentrations in many of Ontario’s water resources, including groundwater aquifers, lakes, streams, and rivers, have been steadily increasing to the point that they sometimes exceed chronic toxicity levels for aquatic life. These high salt levels disrupt the delicate balance of these ecosystems, influencing food webs, degrading habitats, threatening freshwater biodiversity, and putting drinking water sources at risk. Storm drains along roadways and in parking lots act as direct conduits to our rivers, lakes, and streams, carrying pollutants such as road salt that harm freshwater ecosystems. Calling for Change There is growing recognition that something needs to change. At the time of writing, 32 municipalities in Ontario have passed resolutions calling on the provincial government to address road salt pollution. In addition, Landscape Ontario, the trade association representing the snow and ice management sector, is also calling on the Province to take leadership on this issue. Coalition members and supporters are asking the Province for immediate action on this issue. This includes addressing contractor liability challenges, instituting enforceable contractor training and certification and government-approved best management practices, establishing and funding a provincial stakeholder advisory committee to advise on the best courses of action to protect freshwater ecosystems and drinking water from the impacts of salt pollution. The Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition is bringing together environmentalists, industry professionals, and politicians to get provincial action on salt pollution. Members of the coalition attended a media event at Queen’s Park recently to raise awareness  of the issue. Cut the Salt! There are a variety of ways to reduce salt use while keeping people safe. For example, physical alternatives such as requiring the use of winter tires, increased plowing, or non-toxic alternatives to salt. Meanwhile, addressing liability issues would prevent over-salting. You can learn more at the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition  website and the Watersheds Canada  website.

Bull Trout, the provincial fish of Alberta, are a key fish in streams across the mountains and foothills. Historically, these fish were abundant across western Alberta, but this iconic fish is on the decline.  Bull Trout were assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2012, and continue to face challenges in recovery. Several factors contribute to the decline of Bull Trout in the province. Habitat fragmentation from dams, culverts and weirs causes range contractions and population declines. Mining, unmanaged grazing, agriculture, forestry, and recreational development are damaging and destroying habitats by changing stream flow, increasing sediment in the creek, and warming water temperatures. Additionally, because Bull Trout grow and mature slowly, they are susceptible to population declines due to competition with non-native fish species, including Brook Trout. A Bull Trout Habitat rehabilitation and removal of non-native fish play important roles in the conservation of Bull Trout, but additional tools are needed to support rapidly declining populations of this species. Freshwater Conservation Canada and our partners are exploring conservation translocation to expand the range of threatened Bull Trout. Translocation is the intentional movement of a species and is often used to return individuals to areas where they were historically lost. In this case, we’re exploring the possibility of translocating Bull Trout upstream of an otherwise impassable waterfall, where suitable habitats and fewer threats are available. This would immediately expand the area occupied by the given population, providing them with additional habitat and a higher chance of persistence. The pilot site for this restoration technique is Fall Creek.  Fall Creek is a tributary of the Ram River, and the downstream sections of this creek are in Bull Trout’s native range and provide important spawning habitat for Bull Trout. An impassable waterfall separates the upstream and downstream sections of Fall Creek, and Bull Trout are not found above the waterfall. An introduced population of Cutthroat Trout is established upstream of the falls, suggesting quality salmonid habitat exists. Translocating Bull Trout to the upper section of the creek would increase the population’s range into habitat that is expected to remain thermally suitable in the future. Before translocation, careful planning is underway with a multi-partner project team to review environmental factors, risks, and existing guidelines. The waterfall that separates Upper and Lower Fall Creek In 2018, Freshwater Conservation Canada worked with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to decommission off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails and to rehabilitate the banks of the fords where the trail crossed the creek. Fords were rehabilitated above and below the waterfall, with over 50 crossings rehabilitated in total. This was an important step in maintaining both current and future Bull Trout habitat. In the early summer of 2025, we began monitoring temperatures above the waterfall. We placed 14 temperature loggers along a 10 km stretch above the falls.  Determining creek temperature is critical for the future of Bull Trout translocations in Alberta, which need cold water and are rarely found in creeks warmer than 15°C. Results of the stream temperature analysis can be found here . When we return in the spring to download the data, we will have a full year of temperature information for the upper section of the creek. If conditions look promising, Bull Trout may be translocated to upper Fall Creek as early as summer 2026! Deploying temperature loggers in Upper Fall Creek We are grateful to partner with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, the Alberta Conservation Association, fRI Research, and the University of Calgary on this project. This work is made possible thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, the Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta’s Forest Resource Improvement Program and Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Nature Legacy Fund. We will be continuing work in Fall Creek over the coming years, so stay tuned for more project updates!

Beaver Creek is located in the Porcupine Hills, where the foothills meet the Rocky Mountains, a beautiful ecosystem that supports fish, wildlife and recreation. A portion of this creek is located within a Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ), where recreators enjoy hunting, fishing and off-roading. Outside of the PLUZ, Beaver Creek supports ranching and agriculture, and many families have lived along its reaches for decades. This watershed is also important for native fish, as it contains critical habitat for some of the easternmost populations of unhybridized Westslope Cutthroat Trout. These fish are one of four native trout species in Alberta, and are threatened by habitat degradation, introduced species and warming waters. Activities along Beaver Creek, both within and outside the PLUZ, have degraded riparian and stream habitat, further threatening Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the region. A Westslope Cutthroat Trout in Beaver Creek Freshwater Conservation Canada is working with partners and landowners to address this degradation on public and private lands. In 2022, we contracted AJM Environmental Inc. to assess habitat conditions and identify suitable areas for restoration work. 35 sites were identified, and in June 2024, we visited them to assess their current conditions and prepare for future work in the region. In 2024, we hosted a meeting in partnership with the Beaver Creek Watershed Group (BCWG), ALUS and Cows and Fish. At this meeting, each group presented to several landowners in the region on their work and the watershed's condition. We received inquiries from landowners after this meeting, expressing interest in restoration work on their properties; many have witnessed the decline in stream health firsthand. Our first restoration workday took place in November on a property where one landowner has been fighting infestations of burdock, an invasive plant, since she bought it in the 90s. The group removed 4 large garbage bags of burdock and examined additional sites for future restoration efforts. In one corner of the property, there was riparian damage from cattle watering in the creek, but we were pleased to see that the rest of the creek was relatively healthy and had significant beaver activity. The burdock we removed, and some good-looking beaver dams along Beaver Creek! In early 2025, we held a second meeting with landowners to discuss potential rehabilitation areas along Beaver Creek. We heard lots of great ideas for future efforts and have created a list of projects to tackle when time allows. Later in the year, we surveyed 4 locations along beaver creek for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and found the threatened trout at each site! We collected a small tissue sample from the larger fish to be sent for genetic analysis. Since Westslope Cutthroat Trout can breed with introduced Rainbow Trout, determining the extent of hybridization is important when creating conservation plans for the species. We also tackled the first big rehabilitation site in September, where we replaced a bridge on one of the off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. The old bridge was too narrow and placed inconveniently on the creek, so many OHV users were driving through the creek, which is critical Westslope Cutthroat Trout habitat. The new bridge is wider and was installed over the previous ford to deter future trail users from driving in the creek. We also planted along the decommissioned section of trail to promote regrowth. With Cows and Fish, we planted 85 willows and shrubs planted to bolster the riparian area! The old Beaver Creek bridge and ford in 2024 (Photo Credit: Matt Wallace) The new Beaver Creek bridge that was installed in 2025 This conservation work is most impactful when paired with responsible recreation. If you recreate in the PLUZ please stay on designated off-highway vehicle trails and follow responsible angling practices to give the trout in Beaver Creek a fighting chance! Our rehabilitation work in Beaver Creek is made possible thanks to a Fisheries and Oceans Canada Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) grant and the Government of Alberta’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program (WRRP). We are grateful to partner with Cows and Fish (Riparian Management Society) and the Oldman Watershed Council on this project. The Beaver Creek Watershed Group has also been a vital resource for bringing together and informing the local community. Freshwater Conservation Canada plans to continue to rehabilitation work in Beaver Creek in 2026 and will be hosting workdays for these projects so keep an eye on our Eventbrite if you want to get involved!

Bull Trout What’s in a name?-Westslope Cutthroat Trout – what an odd name for a species found on both sides of the continental divide. So how did the Westslope Cutthroat Trout get its name and what is the background behind some other North American fish names? Westslope Cutthroat Trout likely got their common name because they were first described by settlers on the western side of the continental divide. The first written description of Westslope Cutthroat Trout dates back to a Lewis and Clark expedition through the Great Falls of the Missouri River in 1805. Thirty years after the Lewis and Clark expedition, Sir John Richardson wrote a book on the zoology and fish of British Columbia, providing the first scientific name for cutthroat trout, Salmo clarkii, after William Clark. Throughout the years the scientific name underwent some minor changes as it became apparent that there were multiple subspecies of cutthroat trout. In 1989, morphological studies by Smith & Stearley showed that Westslope Cutthroat Trout were more closely related to Pacific salmon than Atlantic salmon and the name was changed to the one we currently use Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi. Another fish with an unusual name is the Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma). The name “Dolly Varden” comes from a fashion trend in the 1870s that consisted of a brightly patterned dress with an overskirt. How did the clothing get its name? – It came from a character in Charles Dicken’s novel Barnaby Ridge. Up until 1978, Dolly Varden and Bull Trout were thought to be the same species. It was only after Cavender (1978) identified some morphological and geographical differences that the two species were determined to be distinct. The first fish called a Dolly Varden was likely what we now call a Bull Trout. Brook Trout Brook Trout have an expansive array of common names. They have been referred to as Speckled Trout, Lord-fish, Square-tail, Mud Trout, and others. Migratory populations in Lake Superior are also called Coaster Brook Trout or just Coasters and some sea-run populations are also called Salters. The issue with common names is that they are not universal. To further complicate matters, Brook Trout, Bull Trout, and Lake Trout may have “Trout” in their common name however, they are actually char (genus Salvelinus). True trout have teeth in the roof of the mouth, black spots and tend to have larger scales. However, we still use “trout” in the common name of some of these species that are technically not trout. Not only can common names cause confusion between species, but there can also be issues across language. Scientific names, on the other hand, are unique to a species and universal across languages. The first word in the scientific name refers to the genus and second, is the species (sometimes a third will be included to indicate subspecies). This naming code method is called Binomial Nomenclature and it’s been around since the 1600s but it was not widely adopted until Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist adopted it and named over 10,000 species. Generally, the scientific name can be relied upon to be the accurate name for a species but even that can change as new information is gained. For example, relatively new genetic tools have allowed scientists to better classify how different populations are related which sometimes results in re-classifying or re-naming a population. For example, Mountain Suckers in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan were previously known by the scientific name Catostomus platyrhynchus but are now known as Plains Suckers (Pantosteus jordani) and their populations in British Columbia are now known as Cordilleran Sucker (Pantosteus bondi). So, next time you catch a fish you may wonder where the name came from. Chances are there is a story behind it! Works Cited Behnke, R. (2002). Trout and Salmon of North America. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc. Cavender, T. (1978). Taxonomy and distribution of the bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, from the American Northwest. California Fish and Game, 64, 137-174. Moyle, P. B. (1976). Inland Fishes of California. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press. Richardson, J. (1836). Fauna boreali-americana; or the zoology of the northern parts of British America. Longdon. Smith, G. R., & Stearley, R. F. (1989). The classification and scientific names of rainbow and cutthroat trouts. Fisheries, 14. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. (2019). Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Retrieved from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/oncorhynchus-clarki-lewisi#locations Young, M. K., McKelvey, K. S., Jennings, T., Carter, K., Cronn, R., Keeley, E. R., . . . Schwartz, M. K. (2018). The Phylogeography of Westslope Cutthroat Trout. The phylogeography of westslope cutthroat trout. Pages 261-301 in Trotter P, Bisson P, Schultz L, Roper B (editors). Cutthroat Trout: Evolutionary Biology and Taxonomy. Special Publication 36, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

TUC launches its first educational program, Yellow Fish Road™ The Yellow Fish Road Program is designed to educate youth about water and their watersheds, linking learning to action with the storm drain painting project in their own communities. Our bright “Yellow Fish” with the words “Rainwater Only”  reminds people that what goes down the storm drain from their homes, goes directly to the river untreated, affecting all life in the water and ultimately us. To learn more, visit our shop

Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered during our 2025 Fish Rescue efforts in the irrigation canals throughout Southern Alberta. Over the 10 days we spent rescuing fish in the canals, 157 volunteers contributed a total of 1,336 hours. Sixteen of those volunteers couldn’t get enough of the fun and attended more than one fish rescue date this year. Below are our preliminary counts and the largest fish caught in the canal. For a more in-depth look at this year’s fish rescue results, keep an eye out for our final report that will be released soon. Our first fish rescue day was at the Western Headworks Canal on October 1 st . We were thrilled by the turnout on this day, especially since it was a last-minute addition to our volunteer dates. In total, we rescued 3,494 fish on this day. The biggest fish caught was a Brown Trout with a fork length of 725 mm (~28.5 inches!), making it the third largest Brown Trout ever caught during an FC2 Fish Rescue. Next up was the Carseland Bow River Headworks Canal, where we spent four days rescuing fish. Even on our snowiest day, we had plenty of volunteers ready to jump into the action. In total, we rescued 21,405 over the four days spent at this canal. The biggest fish caught was a Brown Trout with a 570 mm (~22.4 inches) fork length. We also caught a FC2 fish rescue record-breaking Trout Perch with a whopping 93 mm (~3.7 inches) fork length! After a quick break to decontaminate our gear, we headed to the Lethbridge Northern Headworks Canal, where we spent three days rescuing fish. In total, we rescued 3,690 fish over the three days spent at this canal. The biggest fish caught was a Rainbow Trout with a 517 mm (~20 inches) fork length. Finally, we spent our final two days of fish rescue at the Waterton-Belly Diversion Canal. In total, we rescued 1,929 fish over the two days spent at this canal. The biggest fish caught at this canal was a Northern Pike that measured 746 mm (just over 29 inches!), and this was also the biggest fish caught during this year’s rescue overall!    Whether you were hauling buckets, netting or processing, we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you for helping us save the fish!

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

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

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

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