Stop Canadian lakes from becoming toxic mine dumps
In the rush for profits, living lakes are being converted into mining dumps. Read about it here and, if you think this is undermines the hard work of watershed groups across the country, e-mail the ministers responsible.
Nitrate clinic was a success
On Saturday 21st June, at the New Glasgow Christian Church, we hosted a Nitrate Clinic with the Provincial Department of Environment and the Wheatley River Improvement Group. 86 tests were done, with a few needing re-tests because of the high nitrate level. The results are available here.
In the rush for profits, living lakes are being converted into mining dumps. Read about it here and, if you think this is undermines the hard work of watershed groups across the country, e-mail the ministers responsible.
Nitrate clinic was a success
On Saturday 21st June, at the New Glasgow Christian Church, we hosted a Nitrate Clinic with the Provincial Department of Environment and the Wheatley River Improvement Group. 86 tests were done, with a few needing re-tests because of the high nitrate level. The results are available here.
Community Councils come on-board
At our AGM in 2007 we elected the members of the community councils of Hunter River, New Glasgow and North Rustico as Directors-at-Large of our group, which is a great step forward. A proposal that we meet jointly with them has been passed by all three councils. We can now involve a broader cross-section of the community which will be to the mutual benefit of all. Here is a report by the New Glasgow Community on the state of the watershed.
Interested in our Forests?
A New Forest Policy for PEI - Provincial Consultations. Read Gary Schneider's viewpoint.
At our AGM in 2007 we elected the members of the community councils of Hunter River, New Glasgow and North Rustico as Directors-at-Large of our group, which is a great step forward. A proposal that we meet jointly with them has been passed by all three councils. We can now involve a broader cross-section of the community which will be to the mutual benefit of all. Here is a report by the New Glasgow Community on the state of the watershed.
Interested in our Forests?
A New Forest Policy for PEI - Provincial Consultations. Read Gary Schneider's viewpoint.
Fish Hatchery Objective
During the creation of our 2008 Stewardship Plan, many community members voiced their concerns over the dwindling fish stocks of our waterways. It was then brought to our attention by Jim Newson that there was an abandoned fish hatchery within our watershed boundaries, and the more we researched it the more we wanted to repair this hatchery and bring it back into operational status.
Unfortunately, after much research and after speaking with several Government officials, it has been decided that we cannot at this time take this on as a viable project for the watershed. The main reason for this is economical as the cost of running a fish hatchery is just too far beyond our current capabilities.
At this time we would like to thank Jim Newson, Donald Doiron , and all other community members that have offered their help and resources for this project. We will definitely be keeping this idea on the back burner though in case an opportunity arises in the future!
Riparian Zone Health Assessment
On August 21st, 2008 several of our members will be taking part in a riparian zone health assessment training sessions with Rebecca Peterson.
The PEI Soil and Crop Improvement Association are offering Riparian Health Assessment training to watershed groups in the province. Funding for the project has been provided by the Canada / Prince Edward Island National Water Program. Two staff people are now available to give hands-on training in the assessment process to our group. Watershed staff and volunteers will learn how to conduct riparian health assessments using the latest technology in GPS equipment. The assessments can be used as a tool to assist the groups in developing five-year management plans by flagging areas that may require enhancement work and help prioritize sites and resources for future.
This is a great opportunity for our group to learn new skills and to get an idea for areas that needs restoration work done to them over the coming years. At this time we woudl like to invite any individuals within the watershed who might be interested in this training sessions to contact us for further information, as there are still spaces available for you to come out and learn!
Campbells Pond Data Collection
On July 25th, 2008 the Summer Crew kayaked the entire area of Campbell's pond and the surrounding streams to collect data on the water quality parameters feeding into the pond itself. This was a great success as we were able to obtain much data and also have some fun out on the water! The information collected is currently being processed and put into GIS maps for easy viewing, so come back soon for an update!
Warm weather greets our tree planting & barbecue
On Saturday June 7th, the Blue Heron Sea Cadets planted 250 trees next to the river in New Glasgow and Hunter River. Each year, the Cadets come out and join community members in a great effort to get the summer watershed restoration program underway. Wayne Easter came along to talk with the cadets and the volunteers, who planted a mix of acadian species on the sloping west bank of the river.
