Structures in place for Cheticamp River habitat restoration

The Cheticamp River Salmon Association is happy to report that the rock retarding bars and deflectors have been successfully installed on the lower Cheticamp River. This habitat restoration project, jointly led by Parks Canada, is an attempt to improve fish passage in critically over-widened sites by encouraging the main channel to gradually narrow and deepen.

Archie Doucette (Parks Canada), Jillian Baker (CRSA), and Charles MacInnis (project consultant) displaying official project sign at the end of the construction phase.

Archie Doucette (Parks Canada), Jillian Baker (CRSA), and Charles MacInnis (project consultant) displaying official project sign at the end of the construction phase.

In addition to the contributions from Parks Canada, funds and support from a number of other sources made this exciting project possible. The CRSA would like to give a special thanks to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Nova Scotia Salmon Association's NSLC Adopt-a-Stream program, the Atlantic Salmon Conservation Foundation, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, NS Power, and the Sage Environmental Program.

Charles MacInnis overseeing installation of rock retarding bars.

Charles MacInnis overseeing installation of rock retarding bars.

Completed rock retarding bars in upstream site (above Cabot Trail bridge)

Completed rock retarding bars in upstream site (above Cabot Trail bridge)

With the structures in place, the Association is now looking to do some preliminary surveying of other impacted sites upstream from this year's work sites and develop additional restoration priorities and plans. The CRSA will also be working with Parks Canada to monitor changes to the river and evaluate and report on the impacts of the new structures. 

We are happy to answer any questions you may have on this ongoing habitat restoration work. Please don't hesitate to contact us with your questions, concerns, and ideas.