Post on 22-Mar-2020
Volume 21, No. 1
Winter 2015
distribution of native, stream-dwelling Arctic
grayling within Canada.
In order to better define the distribution and
abundance of grayling within the system and
seek opportunities to conserve, and perhaps
restore the remaining stocks, the Northern
Lights Fly Tyers Trout Unlimited Edmonton
Chapter (NLFT/TU Edmonton) embarked
on an ambitious conservation project in the
area. These activities were contributing factors
in selection of the club for the DFO National
Recreational Fisheries award in 2013.
During each season between 2011 and
2014, an organized angling survey was carried
out in major tributaries to the Pembina River.
The survey results confirmed that Arctic
grayling populations persist in only three of
the formerly occupied streams. Unfortunately,
these populations are extremely fragmented
(present in isolated pockets) and as such
may face extinction without intervention and
application of targeted conservation efforts.
1
In Alberta, the distribution and abundance
of Arctic grayling has steadily declined due
to habitat fragmentation, overharvesting
by anglers, land-use changes and likely the
ongoing influences of climate change. This
unique species is currently listed as a Species of
Special Concern by the provincial Endangered
Species and Conservation Committee. Nowhere
in the province are the population declines
more evident than within the Pembina River
watershed, which represents the southern-most
CurrentsTrout Unlimited Canada’s national newsletter
Ensuring Grayling Survival In Northern Albertaby Jim O’Neil & Ken Monk
Uppe
r Pem
bina
Riv
er A
rctic
gra
ylin
g. P
hoto
: NLF
T/TU
Edm
onto
n Ch
apte
r.
Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore...
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
CONSERVATION UPDATESAND NEWS FROM NATIONAL
2
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Temperature data-loggers were installed in
25 stream reaches over a four-year period. With
the water temperature and angling data in hand,
we are now in a much better position to predict
the future status of grayling in the watershed
as we move towards a climate change future.
This data is shared with provincial biologists
and it will be used by students at Northern
Alberta Institute of Technology as part of their
conservation studies.
Volunteers assisted in determining the
distribution and movements of Arctic grayling by
establishing a fish trap, PIT tagging, snorkelling
surveys and backpack electrofishing.
In 2014, the Chapter began a stream crossing
assessment program to
identify crossings that
blocked fish movement
or created erosion/
sedimentation problems.
At least two bridge
crossings with serious
erosion and sediment
issues were found within
the upper reaches of
the primary grayling
stream in the project
area. The Chapter then
contacted the oil and
gas exploration firm
operating in the area
2 Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore...
Grayling Survival in Northern Alberta
Fish
trap
inst
alla
tion.
Pho
to: N
LFT/
TU Ed
mon
ton
Chap
ter.
Photo: Phil Rowley
Pembina Arctic grayling populations are extremely fragmented and may face extinction without targeted conservation efforts
• • • • • • • • • • • •
in hopes that the sites could be remediated.
Although that firm was not the owner of the
roads and crossings (these are leased from the
forest industry), the company assessed and
corrected the situation at its own expense —
replacing bridge structures and installing rip-
rap and sediment control fencing.
In 2015 the Edmonton chapter will work
closely with provincial fisheries staff to develop
an Arctic grayling conservation strategy for
the upper Pembina River watershed.
This project would not have been possible
without funding support from NLFT/TU
Edmonton and the Alberta Conservation
Association. We also acknowledge the support of
fisheries staff at ESRD in Edson, for assisting in
the collection of the water temperature data and
for directing much of their annual field budget
in 2014 towards a systematic fisheries survey in
the Pembina River watershed. Golder Associates
(Edmonton) also made a large contribution to the
project through the provision of field equipment
and technical support. Special thanks should
go to DeeThree Exploration Ltd. (Calgary)
for remediating the two bridge crossings and
preventing further sediment intrusion into these
high quality Arctic grayling streams.
For more information regarding the NLFT/TU
Edmonton Chapter’s Arctic grayling project please
visit the Chapter website at nlft.org
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Canada’s freshwater ecosystems... 3
Riparian Restoration in Calgary
Trout Unlimited Canada partnered with
the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park,
the Cows and Fish program, the Venturers
Society of Calgary, and Fish Creek Provincial
Park for a shoreline restoration workday along
Fish Creek in late October. Heavy foot and
bicycle traffic along an unauthorized trail near
the creek had resulted in vegetation loss and
soil compaction. Without the deep-binding
roots of vegetation and soft, spongy soil, the
shoreline area lost its health and functionality,
leading to excess stream bank erosion and
degraded habitat.
Over time, rivers and streams meander and
carve new routes through their floodplain.
Erosion is a natural part of this process. As
the outside bend of the stream is carved away,
gravel and sand settle on the inside bend of
the stream. In urban areas, rain water enters
the rivers and streams quickly through storm
sewers and roads, water levels rise leading to
unnatural rates of erosion and the loss of the
vegetation that helps to slow the water down
and stabilize the banks.
Cuttings of deep rooted plant species such
as willow, poplar and dogwood harvested
from thriving plant communities around the
park were planted to help stabilize the bank
and prevent further erosion. Large woody
debris, gathered from downed trees in the
park, was placed along the unauthorized trail
to decommission it, encouraging park users
to choose another route to allow the sensitive
repaired area to heal.
“Bioengineering” projects like shoreline
plantings are easy, low cost, educational,
green alternatives to using rock or concrete to
stabilize severely eroded stream banks. These
green solutions work well on small rivers and
streams that have lower year round flows and
they provide an excellent opportunity for
community members to get involved.
A healthy shoreline area with deep rooted
plants creates shade, helps stabilize the bank
and provides habitat for animals living in and
along the stream. The mature plants also filter
pol lut ant s
and excess
n u t r i e n t s
from run-
off. Healthy
shore l ine s
are key com-
p o n e n t s
of healthy
watersheds.
by Elliot Lindsay, Project Biologist, TUC
A no
b w
ell d
one!
TUC p
hoto
s
• • • • • • • • • • • •
4
conservation and advocacy for over 11 years.
Silvia represents Trout Unlimited Canada on
a number of federal and provincial fisheries
committees and was instrumental in the
successful development and implementation
of TUC’s Aquatic Renewal Program. In
addition, Silvia possesses strong planning
and organizational skills including fund
development and program management, skills
that will benefit Trout Unlimited Canada as
it continues to grow its range and influence
across Canada.
In her spare time Silvia enjoys fishing,
particularly fly fishing with her husband Dave.
She is an accomplished fly tyer, specializing
in traditional Atlantic salmon patterns. Silvia
also has a deep passion for chasing large
aggressive musky using both lures and flies.
There are few places Silvia would rather be
than knee deep in a favorite stream casting to
a likely lie or feeding trout. Outside of Silvia’s
passion for fishing she is also an accomplished
photographer, chef and cake decorator.
To learn more about Silvia, visit the
Publications section of the TUC website and
check out the Summer 2013 Currents article,
“A Passion for Science and a Passion for Trout,”
which celebrated Silvia’s 10-year anniversary
with Trout Unlimited Canada.
The best way to contact Silvia is via e-mail at
sdamelio@tucanada.org.
What’s Going On? TUC Today and TomorrowIntroducing our new CEO
TUC’s new CEO, Silvia D’Amelio
After serving as Chief Executive
Officer and Corporate Counsel
for almost five years, Jeff Surtees
stepped down from his role with
Trout Unlimited Canada in early
October to pursue a Master’s degree in Natural
Resources Energy and Environmental Law.
Trout Unlimited Canada’s search for a
new CEO did not take long. In a unanimous
decision, TUC’s Board of Directors was pleased
to announce that TUC’s Ontario Programs
Manager, Silvia D’Amelio, would become TUC’s
new CEO effective October 15th.
Silvia’s 11-year tenure with Trout Unlimited
Canada made her an ideal choice as CEO.
She brings a unique skill set complete with
a wealth of experience. Prior to her duties
as Ontario Programs Manager, Silvia was
TUC’s Ontario Provincial Biologist. She has an
honors B.Sc. from the University of Toronto
in biology, specializing in animal behavior
and conservation. Silvia received her M.Sc.
from Trent University with the Ministry of
Natural Resources in fisheries genetics and
management.
Silvia brings a wealth of experience from a
variety of fields related to aquatic restoration
including aquatic community composition,
water chemistry and stewardship. Her work
has spanned science, monitoring, restoration,
Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems...
Trout Unlimited Canada is pleased to
announce two new chapters have joined
our family, the Kamloops, BC-based
Thompson-Nicola chapter and the Paris, ON-
based Middle Grand chapter.
The Thompson-Nicola Chapter aims to
help conserve, protect and restore freshwater
ecosystems in the watersheds of the Thompson
and Nicola Rivers. Members of this chapter
share a variety of interests including research,
conservation and habitat restoration. The
Chapter is also looking forward to supporting
other ongoing conservation efforts within
the area for the benefit of current and future
generations. Chapter President Tom Willms
can be reached at (778) 471-4439.
The Middle Grand Chapter of Trout
Unlimited Canada aims to preserve and restore
cold-water resources within Ontario’s Grand
River watershed. The chapter is working in
conjunction with Trout Unlimited Canada
and is involved in stream rehabilitation, data
collection and public awareness campaigns
within their region. This active chapter has
its own website (www.tucmiddlegrand.
org) and is also active through social
media via Facebook (www.facebook.com/
middlegrandchapterTUC) and Twitter
(TUCMiddleGrand). Chapter President Larry
Halyk can be reached via email, lhalyk1837@
rogers.com or phone, (226) 821-1245.
To date, Trout Unlimited Canada is proud to
have 26 chapters located across Canada. If you
would like to find out more information about
a chapter or perhaps forming a chapter in your
region, please contact Kimberly Davidson,
Director of Member & Chapter Relations,
(403) 209-5189 or via email, kdavidson@
tucanada.org.
TUC Welcomes Two New Chapters• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
5and their coldwater resources... 5
News from National
Yellow Fish Road™ — Now in Edmonton…
Trout Unlimited Canada initiated a
new Yellow Fish Road™ program in
Edmonton through funding from the RBC
Foundation. The program got off to a great
start this year, in which we saw 3,000 youth /
adult participants in 84 presentations and 10
storm drain painting groups. Here is what the
teachers and students are saying:
Teachers:“It helped me as a teacher to better
understand how I can teach my students in
the science unit! The kids loved the visual of
the watershed! The practical examples and
awesome visuals really helped my students
make the connection between the book
knowledge and the actual application of how
they can take better care of the world around
them.”
“Great project, I thought everything was great.
My students loved it and made connections
to the importance of the program as well as
making a difference in their community. They
enjoyed the action project so much they asked
if they could do the storm drain painting every
day!”
“Excellent program, lots of student
interaction, informative, hands on and
engaging presentation. The program
addresses a wide variety of learning skills as
well as providing opportunities for students to
practise critical thinking.”
Students:“I learned about water and had so much fun.
I learned what things pollute our waters and
bad habits we have… I learned what lives in
the river and what they need to survive. I feel
bad for plants and animals that get hurt or die
because of pollution.”
“You taught us the neatest lifecycle of the
caddis fly, which is an insect I had never heard
of. So I want to thank you for giving me the
most enchanting experience I have ever had in
my childhood.”
“I liked the picture cards that showed what
was harmful so we could see whatever we were
using and we could stop using it. I liked the
watershed board because you could put things
on it and it showed how harmful things affect
the environment.”
“I learned a lot about how pollution can
enter the river system, the program fit in our
curriculum about food chains, food webs and
bioaccumulation. I also enjoyed participating
on stage during the presentation, the YFR
Jeopardy game and how to use maps in the
‘Journey of the River’ mapping activity.”
in Regina…
The City of Regina, in participation with
Enbridge, Wascana Centre Authority,
and the Wascana and Upper Qu’Appelle
Watersheds Association Taking Responsibility
led the Yellow Fish Road™ program at Dr. L.
M. Hanna School on October 8, 2014. It was
an exciting day with over 50 adults and 235
students participating in groups to paint 270
storm drains and distribute 930 door hangers.
and with a new partner!
The Yellow Fish Road Program™ welcomes
a new YFR™ partner in Saskatchewan.
When the Moose Jaw-based Saskatchewan
Wildlife Federation decided to end their YFR
program, the Swift Current Creek Watershed
Stewards took the challenge to continue the
Federation’s work in the Swift Current region.
YFR™ Pollution Solutions — Low Impact Development (LID)
The Yellow Fish Road™ program and its
national partners support LID practices
that mimic the natural hydrological cycle.
‘Slow the Flow’ of surface runoff as it moves
through the city by harvesting and collecting
water in rain barrels, box gardens, green
roofs and bioswales. Help the processes of
infiltration, evaporation and transpiration by
replacing pavement with permeable surfaces,
rock gardens and paving stones. These
practices capture and slow down storm water
for your lawns and gardens.
‘Settle & Filter’ surface runoff before it
reaches our rivers with harmful pollutants.
YFR™ encourages the planting of diverse
and native plants that can tolerate salt, grease,
oils or metals. The use of compost, enriched
top soil and grass cycling (going bagless) can
increase the soil’s ability to hold and retain
water. Create your own rain garden or visit
a wet or dry pond or constructed wetland in
your community to see how they settle and
filter polluted storm water.
Students in Edmonton, Regina and Swift Current have now joined with other young environmentalists like these New Orleans, ON scouts on TUC’s country-wide Yellow Fish Road™. TUC photo.
6 Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources...
which flow through the municipalities of
Burlington, Oakville, and Cayuga, ON.
TUC applauds the recent donation of $2,500
from the Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club to the
Ted Knott Chapter of TUC to complete river
restoration on Mill Creek in 2015.
The donated funds will be used to purchase
large trees that will be planted by volunteers
along the banks of Mill Creek. This creek side
planting will improve the health of Mill Creek
by stabilizing the bank, shading the creek and
increasing wildlife habitat. This planting is
part of a larger restoration project to restore
the health of Mill Creek and its coldwater fish
population.
The Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club is a public,
non-profit group of men, women and youth
who enjoy fly fishing. The club was formed
1971, to promote fly fishing and conservation
of our aquatic resources. From novice to
expert, fly-fishers share their experience and
learn from each other. The group meets every
other month in Mississauga, ON.
Thank you to the Izzak Walton Fly Fishing
Club for their dedication to supporting the
stewardship of the creeks where they fish!
News from National
Top: TUC members and volunteers at the 2014 Alberta Fish Rescue.Above: a massive, 69 cm brown trout recovered near Granum, AB. TUC photos.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2014 Alberta Fish Rescue
Irrigation canals around Southern Alberta
provide water needed for agriculture and
allow farmers to grow crops that would
not otherwise be possible without this
supply of water. Without screening devices
on structures to divert this water many fish
are swept into the canals, unable to return to
their home rivers. Each year, Trout Unlimited
Canada and Alberta Environment and
Sustainable Resource Development organize
a volunteer effort to rescue the trapped fish
and release them back to their home waters.
This year 51,391 fish were rescued from six
irrigation canals around Southern Alberta.
Sportfish made up a smaller proportion of
the catch this year, representing only 10%
of the total catch. The biggest of the 5,341
sportfish captured was a 69 cm brown trout
which was rescued from the Lethbridge
Northern Headworks Canal near Granum.
Non-sportfish, including an enormous lake
chub, made up 90% of the catch with 46,050
fish rescued. Although there were fewer fish at
most of the canals this year, 31,300 longnose
dace were rescued, by far the most numerous
species. This large number of dace was the
major factor driving up the total number of
fish, and contributing to the low percentage of
sportfish captured.
The Fall Fish Rescue would not be possible
without the support of some amazing
volunteers, many of whom have been
supporting this event for years. TUC would
also like to thank Lassonde Western Canada,
Tim Hortons, and Navajo Metals for their in-
kind contributions to the rescue effort.
Elliot Lindsay, Project Biologist, TUC
Local Support for Local Creek Restoration
Trout Unlimited Canada has many local
volunteer chapters across Canada.
Composed of community residents, these
TUC volunteers use local knowledge and
community relationships to improve the health
of rivers in their area. The Ted Knott Chapter
of TUC works on Bronte Creek and Mill Creek
for current and future generations. 7
TUC’s national and chapter activities and updates
Our Eastern Office has Moved
Trout Unlimited Canada’s eastern regional
office has moved from the University of
Guelph to a new location, 27 Woodlawn
Rd West, Unit 1, Guelph, ON N1H 1G8, (519)
763-0888.
Our new location provides excellent
visibility, excellent parking and ease of access.
If you are in the neighborhood, please drop by
to check out the new office.
The 23rd Annual Fall Splash was held on
Thursday November 27th and marked the
return of the Falls Splash to the Coast Plaza
Hotel, in northeast Calgary. Despite the frigid
wintery conditions, this year’s event, known
to many as the “Plaid shirt dinner”, proved a
fun-filled evening to all who attended. This
year’s event was well supported and overall
revenues were up from 2013.
The following week, on Wednesday,
D e c e m b e r
3rd the 2014
T o r o n t o
National Water
Conservation
Dinner and
Auction took
place at an
exciting new
l o c a t i o n ,
the elegant
Arcadian Court
in the historic
Simpson Tower
located on Bay
Street at Queen Street West in downtown
Toronto. The renowned Danny Hooper was
this year’s host and auctioneer. Danny did a
wonderful job entertaining the guests with
his unique style and humour. Trout Unlimited
Canada would like to thank our silver sponsor,
Rogers Communication and our bronze
sponsors, Accenture, KTI Limited, Ontario
Excavac, Sommerville and SW Pipeline
Inspection.
Events such as these generate much needed
funds that help insure the continuation of the
hands on conservation and restoration work
Trout Unlimited Canada undertakes each year
to ensure clean water for a fresh future. In
addition to those who provide much needed
sponsorship funds, Trout Unlimited Canada
also wishes to thank those individuals and
businesses who provided valuable donations
for these events. A special thanks also goes
out to the team of volunteers that support
each of these events. Without their help
and dedication to Trout Unlimited Canada’s
ongoing work, events such as the Fall Splash
and Ontario Water Conservation Dinner
would not be possible. TUC’s volunteer
support demonstrates how much people care
about TUC and what we do.
If you or someone you know would like to
become involved in future fundraising events as
a volunteer,
donor or
s p o n s o r
p l e a s e
contact Don
Pike, TUC’s
Director of
Special Events
at (403) 221-
8371 or via
email, dpike@
tucanada.org.
Fall Fundraising Summary
Trout Unlimited Canada held two major
fundraising events this fall, the 23rd
Annual Fall Splash and the 28th Annual
Ontario Water Conservation Dinner and
Auction.
2015 Calgary Dinner Chair Announced
The Calgary National Conservation Dinner
Committee is pleased to announce that
Mr. Michael Culbert, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Progress Energy Canada
Ltd. has agreed to chair the 2015 Dinner
Committee.
Mr. Culbert brings over thirty years
of diverse experience in the oil and gas
Michael Culbert, President and CEO of Progress Energy Canada Ltd.
TUC Biologist Beth Anne Fischer and Elliott Deighton, IWFFC President.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Phot
o: B
ryne
Emen
eau
• a Superfly hat, and TUC and Superfly decals.
Each kit also includes a free, one-year
Trout Unlimited Canada membership and
complimentary subscription to Fly Fusion
magazine.
For more information about Superfly’s
Complete Fly Fishing Kit and to find a retailer
in your area, visit www.simplysuperfly.com
TUC is now on Instagram!
TUC has
a d d e d
In s t ag ram
to its existing
suite of social
media outlets
i n c l u d i n g
T w i t t e r ,
Facebook and YouTube. Instagram is a
popular social media communication tool
and for many today it is their preferred
social media channel.
Instagram provides TUC another medium
to share our various activities along with
chapter activities through pictures. Through
a mobile phone, TUC staff and chapters
can provide up to the minute visual content
when we are out in the field or involved with
another activity.
Look up our Instagram account, TUCanada,
and follow TUC in action through pictures.
TUC NEWS FROM NATIONAL
Help us help — join today! Visit us at tucanada.org
TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA
OUR STAFFSilvia D’Amelio Chief Executive Officer sdamelio@tucanada.org
Kimberly Davidson Director, Member and Chapter Relations kdavidson@tucanada.org
Lorne Hutchison Director, Finance and Administration lhutchison@tucanada.org
Jack Imhof National Biologist and Director of Conservation Programs jimhof@tucanada.org
Don Pike Director, Special Events dpike@tucanada.org
Lynn Robb Director, Conservation Education lrobb@tucanada.org
Phil Rowley Marketing and Communications prowley@tucanada.org
Elizabeth Chiazzese Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer echiazzese@tucanada.org
Jeff Surtees Board Counsel jsurtees@tucanada.org
Lesley Peterson Alberta Provincial Biologist lpeterson@tucanada.org
Elliot Lindsay Project Biologist elindsay@tucanada.org
Stacey Stevens Ontario Office Coordinator ontario@tucanada.org
Beth Anne Fischer Bronte Creek Watershed Project Biologist bafischer@tucanada.org
Colin Oaks Duffins Creek Project Biologist coaks@tucanada.org
NATIONAL OFFICE Ste. 160, 6712 Fisher St. SE Calgary, AB T2H 2A7 Tel: 403-221-8360 Fax: 403-221-8368 1-800-909-6040
Ontario Office 27 Woodlawn Rd West, Unit 1 Guelph, ON N1G 1G8 Tel: 519-763-0888
tuc@tucanada.org / tucanada.org
Follow us on Twitter
@TUCanada1Our mission: We’re building it with you!
Currents layout: David Soltess, dsdesign@shaw.caAll photos © TUC except where noted
8
industry in North America, and is currently
the President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of Progress Energy Canada Ltd
and Pacific Northwest LNG. He brings a
strong background in business development,
economics, and strategic planning. He
currently sits on the Board of Directors of
Enerplus Corporation, and is also a member
of the Canadian Association of Petroleum
Producers’ Board of Governors.
The 2015 Calgary National Conservation
Banquet & Auction will be the 31st annual
fundraiser for Trout Unlimited Canada. Set for
Thursday, April 9th, the 2015 auction will once
again be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Looking for a great gift idea? Want to help someone get into fly fishing and support TUC at the same time?
In the continued effort to ensure the future
of Canada’s fisheries, Trout Unlimited
Canada has partnered with Superfly to
grow membership and get more people out on
the water through the purchase of Superfly’s
new Complete Fly Fishing Kit.
The partnership goal is two-fold: to
raise the profile of TUC as Canada’s most
dedicated organization devoted to cold water
conservation, and to help people new to
fly fishing connect with a community that
supports success on the water for everyone.
Superfly’s Complete Fly Fishing Kit —
winner of a 2014 International Fly Tackle
Dealer Best of Show Award (Gift Item) —
includes everything a beginner needs to get
started. The components were designed with
the avid angler in mind, and it’s a great choice
for all ages and skill levels.
The kit includes:
• a quality 8'6", 5/6 weight, 4-piece graphite
fly rod and rod sock;
• a large arbor reel preloaded with backing,
Superfly Performance fly line and leader;
• a fly box with six proven patterns
• trilingual instructional DVD
TUC’s national and chapter activities and updates
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