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

Follow us on Instagram

TUCanada