Last week, the Cheticamp River Salmon Association and Parks Canada started instream work on the Cheticamp River. The second phase of this habitat restoration work will involve installing instream structures at three locations this year: above and below Fence Pool, at Robert's Brook (on the brook itself and above the outlet), and below the Cabot Trail bridge (a continuation of work completed at this site in 2014).
The first week of work focused on the sites above and below Fence Pool. So far, eight rock retarding bars have been installed (three above and five below), as well as five rock deflectors. The structures are designed to improve fish passage by helping to focus the flow, deepen the thalweg, and narrow the overly wide channel. In addition to these structures, a section of vulnerable bank was armoured to reduce erosion.
Next week, the habitat restoration team will be resuming work and moving to the Robert's Brook sites. More photos and updates will be posted - stay tuned!
Cheticamp River Salmon Association's student work crew setting up sediment control measures before the start of instream work
Heavy equipment working to install rock retarding bars above Fence Pool
Excavator installing rock deflectors above Fence Pool
Project consultant points out locations for further instream structures