The Hunter-Clyde Watershed Group is a community stream restoration organization that is attempting to restore a largely neglected resource. The community members are interested in improving the watershed for future generations by taking an active interest in the health of our environment. Our watershed begins in Hunter River and travels through New Glasgow and Rustico and empties into the Gulf of St Lawrence. Over a century ago the river was deep enough to support a thriving shipbuilding industry, today many sections of the river are impassable with a canoe. The clearing of forests on Prince Edward Island resulted in widespread soil erosion. The principal sources of sediment which are causing the most damage to our watershed originate from agricultural, highway and forestry activities.

The quality of the surface water that runs into our watershed affects the aquatic habitat and all living organisms in that area. Human influences are of greatest concern, these include sedimentation, irrigation, waste management, nutrient contamination from fertilizer and manure, pesticide contamination and bacterial contamination.

On average, 1,100 millimeters of precipitation fall on Prince Edward Island each year. Some of this is evaporated back into the atmosphere, some is used by plants and animals, some percolates through the soil to become groundwater and some runs off the surface into streams and ponds. The introduction of silt or sediment is threatening aquatic habitat and the quality of water in the Hunter-Clyde watershed.

Land activities in a drainage basin affect the streams which they drain into. Watersheds with a high percentage of agricultural land in row crops often have streams that are rich in sediment. This is the case with the Hunter-Clyde River and many of the small tributaries that flow into it. The volunteers of our group are aimed towards renewing the ecological balance of the watershed through public awareness in the community. Encouraging proper land use practices along with stream restoration and enhancement are among the goals of the Hunter-Clyde Watershed group.

The Summer Career Placement Program and Jobs for Youth funded one student and a supervisor for the work crew of the HCWG during the summer of 2001. Additional funding for our group came from the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, Canada Trust and Island Nature Trust. The goals of the work crew were aimed towards restoring a significant tributary into the river basin, Moffet's Brook as well as assessing and restoring the former work accomplished by the work crew in the summer of 2000.

WORK COMPLETED: SUMMER 2001

1. Moffet's Brook

Moffet's Brook in New Glasgow has a profound impact on the health and quality of the Hunter-Clyde River. The long-standing practice of allowing livestock to drink from watercourses results in stream bank erosion and surface water contamination by faecal coliform bacteria. Plant nutrients from fertilizer and manure find their way into surface water and affect aquatic habitat. Eutrophication is apparent when excessive amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus enter a stream. The oxygen is then depleted from the water causing fish, invertebrates and shellfish to suffocate. The impacts on the shellfish industry can result in closures due to contaminated waters.

This spring the Nicholson family showed their concern for the environment by fencing the cattle out of the brook. With the help of the Blue Heron Sea Cadets corps, and the volunteers from the HCWG a major clean-up of the stream was conducted. Grass seed was planted along the stream banks, and a demonstration of building a brush mat was carried out by the cadets. Several trees were also planted. The work crew of the HCWG spent most of the summer restoring and enhancing Moffet's Brook.

In general, the brook has an inadequate riparian zone, so building brush mats required hauling in trees and making our own stakes to build proper mats. The purpose of a brush mat is to capture and retain fine sediments; to narrow wide sections of the stream; to re-establish stabilizing stream side vegetation and to provide cover for juvenile fish. Several brush mats were constructed in the brook by the work crew.

Vegetation along a watercourse can have a major influence on the water system. It is imperative in managing stream systems to provide optimum cover for desired fish and invertebrate species during different life phases. Island Nature Trust provided funding to the HCWG and over 500 trees were purchased. With the help of the Hunter River Young Environmentalists the trees were planted along both sides of the brook beginning at the culvert and extending onward approximately one kilometer. The perimeter of each tree planted was weeded to allow sunlight for optimum growth.

At the beginning of the season the work crew of the HCWG walked approximately two kilometers of the stream to assess the major problems in the brook. It was apparent that many sections of the stream were almost completely blocked by debris jams. In order to remove many of the blockages the work crew would need the assistance of a larger crew and the use of a chain saw to remove large trees that had fallen into the brook. With the help of the Trout River Watershed Group many of these large blockages were removed. For two days a crew of eight people worked together at removing heavy debris jams approximately two kilometers upstream of the culvert. Mike MacDonald, the supervisor of the Trout River Group, worked his way further upstream with a chain saw and cut as much as he could for the HCWG to remove at a later date. Our crew continued clearing debris for the remainder of the work season. With the removal of such heavy debris the water velocity will increase and flush silt and sediment out of the brook and in turn restore the natural substrate of the stream bottom.

Prince Edward Island streams, unlike many mainland areas, are supplied with a high proportion of ground water which makes its way out of the water table through seeps and springs. This is why most streams do not dry up in the summer months and the water temperatures are moderated in both summer and winter at approximately 7C. One of the reasons Moffet's Brook is such a significant tributary to the Hunter-Clyde River is the number of natural springs entering the stream. When the work crew first walked the brook at the beginning of the season, it was astonishing to see the numbers of young of the year trout residing in the brook. It was apparent that this was due to the number of natural springs flowing into the stream. Throughout the summer the work crew located and cleaned many natural springs along the brook. Heavy debris was removed and where possible the source of the springs were cleaned increasing the flow of water into the brook.

Since the settlement in North America, man has drastically changed the environment in which we live in. Forests on PEI were almost completely cleared and with them, many potential nesting cavities for wildlife. Because the riparian zone in Moffet's Brook is minimal the crew of the HCWG decided to build and erect nesting boxes to encourage and enhance wildlife habitat. Natural nest sites disappear as weakened or dying trees fall or are removed. As a result there is intense competition for nest holes, with declines occurring in local populations of cavity-nesting species in recent years. By providing nesting boxes in appropriate areas, we can help reverse this trend. Six nesting boxes were assembled and placed on cedar posts. PVC piping was used on the posts to prevent predators from disturbing the nests. The nesting boxes were designed for a variety of bird species including Chickadees, Nuthatches, Downey woodpeckers, and Eastern bluebirds. The crew placed the boxes along both sides of Moffet's Brook beginning at the culvert and extending approximately half a kilometer. Three boxes built last year were also placed in the brook secured to large trees.

2. Semple's Brook

Semple's Brook is a small but important tributary that empties into the Hunter-Clyde River. It is located northwest of route 13 and 224 in New Glasgow. The work crew in the summer of 2000 constructed several brush mats in the brook. At the beginning of this season the work crew of the HCWG inspected the mats built and noted that considerable amounts of silt were trapped in the spring runoff. There was a substantial amount of debris blocking sections of the stream and this was removed as the work crew walked upstream to assess last years work.

Semple's Brook is bordered by potato fields on both sides and in turn creates great concern for the community. The riparian zone around the stream is adequate, however the slope of the land creates a problem when potatoes are planted in the fields above. The crew of the HCWG assessed Semple's Brook in July after a heavy rainfall when it was known that the fields above were recently sprayed with pesticides. Numerous amounts of dead slugs were noted in the brook which indicated there was a heavy rainfall the night before. While canoeing up the Hunter-Clyde River to the mouth of Semple's Brook many dead fish and invertebrates were found. Bruce Raymond at the department of Fish and Wildlife was contacted and sent someone out to assess the situation. Although this incident was not documented as a massive fish kill due to pesticides the community is none the less concerned about future harm that may occur.

3. Lush's Brook

Lush's Brook is a small tributary that enters the Hunter-Clyde River and is located south of Hunter River off route 13. At the beginning of the season the crew of the HCWG assessed the work that was completed last year. The riparian zone along the brook provides excellent habitat and cover for fish and wildlife and several young of the year salmonids were spotted in the stream. Last year the work crew removed garbage and debris from around the stream however, there is still heavy garbage to be removed such a old car engine parts and pieces. Due to budget constraints the work crew of the HCWG could not remove the debris. A crane and truck will be needed to remove this out of the brook.

4. Tree Nursery

Community nurseries are a source of inexpensive plants for environmental restoration, beautification or wildlife enhancement. There are many possibilities within a community to utilize the trees planted in a native tree nursery. Stream side restoration; urban landscaping; soil protection and crop improvement; energy conservation, restoration of degraded forests and wildlife enhancement are just some of the benefits of a community nursery. In the summer of 2000 land was donated by Bob Bentley and a tree nursery was planted. There were 900 seedlings planted including White Spruce; White Pine; Red Pine; Eastern White Cedar; Red Oak; White Ash and Tamerack. In the spring of this year additional beds were added to the nursery. Among them the species included White Birch, Red Maple and White Ash.

Throughout the summer the crew of the HCWG weeded and mulched the nursery. The beds around the trees were covered with a generous layer of eel grass that was gathered in trailer loads by the work crew along different shore lines close to New Glasgow. It was imperative to cover the beds with over a four inch thick layer of grass due to the dry summer we were having. The eel grass helped keep the moisture in the beds when we did receive rain. The work crew was lucky enough to come upon a Maritime Electric crew cutting trees along route 13 and spoke to them about utilizing the wood chips they gathered. The crew was generous enough to deliver a huge dump truck load of wood chips to our nursery free of charge. This was enough to cover all walkways in the nursery with some left over.

5. Electrofishing - Campbell's Pond

Electrofishing is a technique used to immobilize and capture fish using an electrical current in order to determine a population density in an area. Nets are used to confine the fish to one area and an individual wearing a battery powered backpack applies a current to the water stunning all fish within a defined section. A person with a net is on either side of the electrofisher ready to capture the shocked fish. The fish are then put into a bucket until they are identified, measured and released.

This July Daryl Guignion and Kevin Teather, were conducting a survey for the Department of Biology at UPEI and were electrofishing in the Hunter-Clyde River. Shawn Hill, regional coordinator of the HCWG, notified our work crew and asked if we were interested in helping with the processing of the fish caught. Below Campbell's Pond just beyond the bridge was the area chosen to electrofish. The substrate was optimal for trout and salmonid species and the riffle on the water was swift and at a perfect depth to conduct the survey. In order to get a accurate population density it is necessary to make three passes with the shocker within the netted area. In the first round 112 fish were caught, in the second round 52 fish were caught and in the final round 29 fish were caught for a total of 293 fish. Almost all of the fish were young of the year brook trout with the odd one or two plus year class. For such a small area fished (135m²) everyone there was impressed with the numbers of fish caught.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HCWG

1. Continued Stream Restoration of Tributaries

This summer the work crew focused on one major tributary into the Hunter-Clyde River, Moffet's Brook. Because of the cool waters due to the number of natural springs many young of the year fish reside in the stream. It would be imperative to the health of this tributary to continue clearing blockages, cleaning natural springs, building brush mats, and encouraging wildlife to inhabit the area.

• At the culvert in Moffet's Brook and beyond approximately one kilometer the substrate is primarily silt which is why this season most of our brush mats were constructed in this area. These mats should be inspected next year and repaired if needed. Continue to build brush mats further upstream.

• Continue to clear debris from the brook and natural springs. This will increase the flow of water allowing silt and sediment to be flushed from the stream restoring the natural substrate.

• Inspect nesting boxes for damage. A star screwdriver will be needed to open the tops of boxes. They may or may not have been utilized the summer we erected them because they were put up so late in the season. If they were inhabited by birds, clean out the old nesting materials so in the spring they will be used again.

• Assess Semple's Brook for the possibility of blockages. When we walked the stream this year there seemed to be a lot of debris jam potential. If potatoes are planted in the fields above the brook next year be sure to be aware of the possibility of fish kills due to pesticide contamination.

• Lush's Brook is a small tributary that enters the Hunter River. Last season the work crew removed garbage and debris from around the brook however, larger garbage such as car engines and parts were too heavy to remove. Depending on next year budget explore the possibility of removing the garbage with the use of a crane and truck.

2. Riparian Zone Enhancement - Tree Nursery Upkeep

• Over 500 trees were planted along the stream banks in Moffet's Brook. Be careful not to trample trees when entering the area. Set up a path and use for the season. Weeding around the trees will increase growth production as the grasses in the brook will choke out most of the sunlight. Many of the trees in our nursery will be ready to be planted next year. Continue to enhance the riparian zone around Moffet's Brook.

• Weed and mulch the tree nursery as needed. Make sure a generous layer of mulch is put on each bed of trees, this will retain rain water and keep weeds from choking out the trees throughout the summer. Add more beds trying to include more fruit bearing trees such as dogwoods, cherries, wild raisin, service berry, wild rose, bay berry and other shrubs that are desirable to wildlife. Such trees not only supply food for a large variety of wildlife species they provide cover for fish when planted along stream banks.

• Locate areas along the tributaries in the watershed that need riparian zone enhancement. It is important to the health of the river to stop as much silt as possible from entering the water. By planting a sufficient riparian zone it will act as a buffer between fields and streams limiting the amount of sedimentation entering the streams.

3. Fencing of Natural Spring - Moffet's Brook

• As mentioned earlier, Moffet's Brook has many natural springs that flow into the stream. This summer the crew of the HCWG located a large spring along the brook the cattle have access to. We followed the spring to the source and noted that it flows over a pathway for the cattle to cross from one field to the next. One side of the spring is fenced, however the other side is not allowing the cows to trample and defecate in the water. It would be recommended that the cattle be fenced out of this spring and a possible culvert placed under the walking path to prevent the cows from walking through the spring. The spring is located on the map at the end of the report.

4. Spring Runoff on Road over Moffet's Brook

• Approximately half a kilometer up stream from the culvert on route 13 a small road that crosses over Moffet's Brook is creating a silt problem. The road is used to move cattle and farm equipment from one field to the next. Each spring when the water levels are high more and more silt is deposited into the brook from this road. It is a recommendation that this road be repaired or silt traps be put in place to prevent more runoff each year.

5. Larger Crew

• During this season the HCWG had a work crew of two people. If possible a larger crew next year would benefit the work that could be accomplished on our watershed. A crew of at least three or more people would be recommended. With the help of our regional coordinator, Shawn Hill, contacts can be made early in the season to explore the possibility of different groups to provide funding for more workers.

• When hiring the staff for the HCWG next season it would be extremely beneficial to employ someone that can use a chain saw. Many of the blockages in the tributaries are so large that without a chain saw they cannot be removed. This season we were lucky to have the Trout River Group help us remove many of the heavy blockages in Moffet's Brook. In the two days they helped us we removed more debris than the two HCWG crew members could have removed the entire summer with only axes and saws. With the use of a chain saw work production would be much faster and easier for the crew.

6. Clean-up of Natural Spring - Hunter River

• Mike MacDonald, the supervisor of the Trout River Watershed Group and community member of Hunter River, alerted the crew of the HCWG of a naturally fed spring that has been contaminated with garbage for many years. Mike suggested that with the help of the Young Environmentalists a major clean-up of the spring be conducted next year. The spring flows into the Hunter River and is located on route 251 on the right side of the road heading towards Wheatley River.

7. Water Quality Monitoring

• Each summer the Hunter-Clyde River becomes clogged with algal and vegetative growth due to eutrophication. To determine whether an overabundance of nutrients and bacteria are causing the excessive growth, the water along the river should be tested over the growing season and sent to the Provincial Water Quality Lab to determine the levels of bacterial and nitrate content. Though this was a recommendation last year, due to budget constraints the crew of the HCWG was unable to conduct such surveys. Determine the feasibility of such studies for future years to come.

8. Fencing

• Livestock near streams can contaminate watercourses with faecal coliform bacteria. Due to the new Federal Fisheries Act livestock will soon be excluded from all Island waterways. By September 30, 2003 full exclusion of livestock along streams and rivers will be enforced. Until this law is in effect encourage farmers to fence cattle from streams and provide information on funding programs to subsidize costs of fencing and alternate watering sources.

9. Daily Journal

• This summer the crew of the HCWG kept a journal of the daily activities and work that was completed along our watershed. Recommendations were added to the journal as we came upon situations that we thought needed attention. A record of kilometers was also entered on a daily basis. Continue compiling data in the journal next year so the Hunter Clyde Watershed Committee has information on work that is being completed.

A Map of the Tree Nursery