TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA
WORKDAY REPORT

JANUARY 31, 2009

Location: Mill creek, Haldimand County, at 2781 River road, property of Nelson and Jayne Aldridge.

Partners: Habitat Haldimand

As per our previous stream assessment report, we had planned the following activities for minimal impact on the fragile stream habitat:

1. Sever a large, 30” diameter fallen oak tree, which straddles the creek above the confluence of Rogers creek and Mill creek. It is positioned just above summer stream levels, positioned to deflect flows away from the original stream (south) bank. This poses a major threat of damming overflow of banks during spring runoff.

2. Breach an abandoned beaver dam, just below the confluence to reduce the braiding effect it created in the past. Although it is partially breached, it sends most stream flow away from the original streambed. This continues to encourage braiding and flooding and erosion problems.

Actions: 

1. Once on site, with the spring fed stream in full flow, we removed bank side snags, all branches above and below the oak tree severing the two main trunks 18 to 20” from the south bank. The north side remains adequately connected to promote a swinging action during spring flows to allow it to position itself as a deflector, rather than a barrier. We will monitor this in the spring.

2. The beaver dam has been partially breached, allowing 20 to 30 % flow in the desired direction to the south bank. We manually breached the dam to direct about 50% flow. As the debris from action #1 flows down, it will collect at the midstream breach, encouraging the stream to again adopt its original streambed.

This project was completed in 2 ½ hours with 5 volunteers, including Alex Aldridge, son of the land owners. He has agreed to monitor this section, since stream actions can be unpredictable, especially if the beavers return.

Follow up: The stream continues to follow a braided course through much of this property. We will continue a program of removing on major impediments to the normal flows. As much as is prudent, we will encourage flows to follow the original streambed, against the south side, heavily treed bank rather than the swamp. This should encourage natural reforestation where flooding had been a deterrent.

Summary: We must give a special note of thanks to our local landowners and especially to our professional woodsman, who sacrificed his business commitments for the morning to perform the chainsaw work. Truly, Ron Atkinson is an outstanding local landowner with a strong environmental dedication. We are blessed with exceptional support in our efforts to protect and restore this cold-water stream. 

Bill Christmas

Ted Knott Chapter,
Trout Unlimited Canada