Successful Applicant:
Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group
Award:
$4,864
Project Title:
The Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group: Next Steps
Project Gallery:
Project Summary:
The Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group was formed in 1999 to preserve and restore the health of the Hunter River Watershed in North Central Queens County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. We focus on creating a sustainable future for the local community through the protection and preservation of our waterways and the native flora and fauna.
The watershed group uses a range of monitoring, mitigation and rehabilitation techniques to target important project sites to enhance and restore the ecological balance of the Hunter River (River Clyde) Watershed. This year, the group improved fish passages by removing abandoned beaver dams and selectively cutting tree blockages for approximately 5 km within the headwater streams. In stream brush mats were also installed to store excess silt to rehabilitate habitat conditions to improve food availability and reproductive success for Brook trout. Over 1900 native shrubs and trees were planted along rivers, ponds, within hedgerows, shorelines, old meadows, and clear cuts to increase forest area, diversity and improve habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. In addition, 16 Tree swallow, 2 Barn swallow, and 1 Barred owl box were installed this summer to increase nesting habitat.
In addition to rehabilitation efforts, water and wildlife monitoring efforts were expanded this year to identify key project areas, track changes over time and to measure project successes. Monitoring efforts includes water flow and quality measurements, stream health assessments, along with observational fish and wildlife surveys.
The Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group attends community events and provides information for residents and visiting tourists within the community to have a better understanding of water, land use impacts, forests, birds, fish and other wildlife on PEI. The Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group is the founder and co-host of the annual Winter Woodlot Tour, attracting over 1500 islanders of all ages. The local watershed group is actively involved with educating students from local homes and schools by collaborating with other non-profit organizations, partners and stakeholders to provide students a hands-on approach through outdoor environmental education programs.