The tall limestone cliffs and turquoise water of the Bruce Peninsula provide a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Credit: Scott Parker
Sharing information on Best Management Practices is an important part of collaboration between the individuals, communities, watershed groups and governmental agencies at work for Lake Huron. Credit: BPBA
Exposed limestone bluffs at Cave Point, Bruce Peninsula.
Rocky islands of eastern Georgian Bay. Photo credit: Ellen Perschbacher
Southern Ontario agriculture along Lake Huron’s southeast shore. Credit: Daniel Holm Photography
Sand beach and dune complexes are found along the southeastern shores, such as those pictured here near Pinery Provincial Park. Credit: Daniel Holm Photography
Lake Huron waters support a thriving agricultural sector, particularly in the southeastern portion of the watershed. Credit: Daniel Holm Photography
Volunteers engaged in stream restoration efforts in a Lake Huron tributary. Photo credit: MSIA
Rocky islands of eastern Georgian Bay. Photo credit: Ellen Perschbacher
The St. Marys River flows from Lake Superior to Lake Huron, contributing 8 billion liters/hour to the receiving basin in Lake Huron. Photo credit: Mark Chambers

Residents Remove Invasive Milfoil to Protect Species At Risk Fish

<< Back to project list

The Old Ausable Channel (OAC) is a unique habitat formed from two cuts to the Ausable River, near Grand Bend, ON. It is home to numerous Species at Risk, including the Pugnose Shiner.

Duncan and Heather are two of the residents that call the OAC watershed home. They noticed excessive Eurasian water-milfoil growth; an invasive plant that forms thick mats and interferes with kayaking, as well as outcompeting native plants, reducing biodiversity and depleting oxygen levels.

In July 2019, they started removing the invasive plant from the section of the channel behind their home, hand-raking and composting it between mid-July to October to avoid disturbing spawning fish. They repeated the process in 2020 and have had remarkable success.

Their story shows the positive impact that residents can have when they choose to become active stewards of the land and water around them. Their work has inspired neighbours and garnered recognition from the local Conservation Authority (ABCA).

Nearest city or town: Grand Bend
Project start date: July 15, 2019

Project focus: Combination of Education, Restoration, and Monitoring
Project contact: Rosalind Chang

Back to the Project List Share Your Project