2017 Spring Stream Stocking

More great things happening here in Cheticamp for the CRSA. On June 14, 2017 I met with the Fraser Mills Fish Hatchery truck at the college DE L’Acadie in St. Joseph du monie. Prior to heading out many different watercourses in the area were chosen to be stocked and the hatchery had delivered 2,200 brook (speckled) trout.

We started off at Farm Brook, which runs past the Cheticamp Back Rd, and was stocked with an estimated 500-600 trout. The Second stream that was chosen was Fiset brook, which flows adjacent to Le Platain Rd where an additional 500-600 trout were released into the brook. We then decided to make some stops along the Cheticamp Back Rd to two different small ponds that I am told are frequently fished by younger local anglers. Approximately 150-200 trout were released in each of these ponds. Our last spot was Aucoin’s Brook, off Prairie Rd in Petit Étang where we realized the remining 700-750 brook trout.

These types of fish stocking are done annually twice a year. Once in the spring and again in the fall. These projects are important to supplement existing fish populations, or to create a population where none exists. Stocking also benefits the recreational fishing in our area, but can also be done to restore or increase a population of threatened or endangered fish. Overall it was a great day, the rainy weather held off till we were finished and we look forward to working with Fraser Mills Fish Hatchery again in the fall.

2017 Annual Spring Fishing Derby

Hi Everyone! First, I want to start out by introducing myself. My name is Kayla, and I am a first-year student in the Natural Resource Environmental Technology program at NSCC. I have been hired by CRSA through the Clean Foundation to be the Stream Restoration Crew Leader and represent a Youth Corps leader for my summer work term. I am really enjoying it and I am excited to get the rest of the summer students here to get our hands dirty out on the river.

The Annual Fishing Derby event is hosted CRSA and is always held during Nova Scotia's official Sport fishing weekend. The goal is to offer an outlet for families to come and enjoy a fun outdoor activity by getting kids involved and provides great opportunity for people of all ages to get out for a day of fishing.

The derby started at 8 am on June 4th, however the lake was open to the public at 6 am and from what I heard there were many catches early in the morning. We had the BBQ running all day and plenty to drink. The derby ended at noon where we the gave out smaller prizes to the younger children for their participation in the event and also gave out prizes for the top youth anglers. Top prize went to Maria Aucoin (13)- 2lb 3oz, Second place prize Declan Deveau (5)- 1 lb 10oz, Third place Damien Grace (6)- 4.9 oz, and fourth place was Eli LeBlanc (5) 4.0oz.

The Cheticamp River Salmon Association would like to thank everyone who came out to the derby yesterday and helped make this day another success. To all the volunteers and board members who helped and donated their time and recourses. To the families for taking part in this event and, despite the poor weather conditions, for sticking it out throughout the day. We saw lots of smiling faces. A big thank you to all our local business for your generous donations (Happy Clam Café, Évangeline Restaurant, Harbour Restaurant, Le Gabriel, Cheticamp Boat Builders, Mr. Chicken, Wabo’s Pizza) Its wonderful to see our community coming together to support each other and I know the prize winners appreciated it. I also want to thank the Cheticamp Co-op for donating the food for the BBQ, it was greatly appreciated and enjoyed. Overall, it was a great and we hope to see you all next year!

Annual Spring Fishing Derby

The Cheticamp River Salmon Association is happy to announce that its annual fishing derby will be held Sunday, June 4th. The derby is taking place in Grand Etang, at Petit Lac (Delaney Lake). The lake will be open to the public from 8 am to 12pm for a day of free fishing – no fishing license is required to fish on this lake for this day only. This is a great opportunity to try sport fishing, and is also a fun outdoor activity for the whole family. As part of the derby, there will be a BBQ as well as a biggest fish competition for anglers 16 years and younger, with prizes for the top catches donated by local businesses. So, bring your fishing poles and come out to catch some trout! The lake will be stocked prior to the derby, and so will be closed and patrolled by DFO staff starting at 6 am on Thursday June 1st . The lake will be reopened for fishing starting at 6 am on the morning of the derby.

L'association du saumon de la rivière de Cheticamp aimerait d'annoncer que leur derby de pêche aura lieu le dimanche 4 juin au Petit Lac (Delaney Lake) à Grand-Étang. À partir de 8h du matin, le Petit Lac sera ouvert gratuitement au publique - aucun permis de pêche n'est requis pour pêcher au Petit Lac pour cette journée seulement. Le derby sera une excellente occasion d'essayer la pêche sportive, et aussi une activité de plein air amusante pour toute la famille. Le derby sera accompagné d’un BBQ et d’une compétition pour les participants de 16 ans et moins. Des prix subventionnés par des entreprises locales seront accordés aux pêcheurs qui réussissent d’attraper le plus gros poisson. Alors, le 4 juin, venez pêcher des truites avec les membres de l’association du saumon de la rivière de Chéticamp. Notez que le Petit Lac sera stocké avant le derby et sera fermé le jeudi 1 juin pour rouvrir de nouveau le 4 juin à 6h pour le derby.

First couple weeks with the summer crew!

The first couple weeks have been busy for the new CRSA summer students Jeremy Camus and Mathieu Muise. Our first week involved many orientation activities, Occupational Health and Safety training sessions and water quality monitoring of the Aucoin Brook. Last Tuesday, we attended the Adopt a Stream training day in Margaree where we had the opportunity to learn about various in-stream structures and even got to help install a digger log! Last Thursday we volunteered at the Margaree Fish Hatchery and helped transfer thousands of young salmon to new pools. The same day we had a nice visit at the Margaree Salmon Museum. Monday morning was greeted with some wet weather, but we had the opportunity to learn from CRSA President, Rene Aucoin, how to tie some simple flies during an impromptu workshop. Tuesday we were lucky to have Rene Aucoin take us out for some Flycasting lessons on the Cheticamp River! Wednesday we helped out on the Cheticamp River by putting in hay bales to help remove excess sediment from the stream during heavy machinery work. We also had our first go at removing some impressive beaver dams in the Aucoin Brook, what hard work! Thursday we partnered with workers from GAMS (Gulf Aquarium and Marine Station Cooperative) and got to help sample many interesting invertebrate species along the shore line of Cheticamp! 

June 14th Flycasting Workshop!

Last Tuesday, experienced angler from Margaree, John Hart, and Master Flycasting Instructor from the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Lewis Hinks,  shared their expertise, rods and flies with the 6th and 7th grade students from Ecole N.D.A. 
The workshop was divided into two lessons. At one station, John Hart taught students Clinch knots to attach hooks to lines. At the other, Lewis Hinks taught them to cast and provided expert tips throughout the lesson. Students then got to head down to the pond and test out their new skills. Many students were quick to hook fish and several of them caught impressive Rainbow and Brook trout from the pond. They encouraged each other as they battled to bring larger fish to the banks, and smiled for pictures with their instructors and catch.

The CRSA would like to thank the students and teachers who participated in the workshop and for making this year such a great success.
A special thanks also goes out to Robert Leblanc, who was a great help and kindly contributed his time and experience with the students as well as Joel Camus who generously offered his fishing pond and surrounding property to be used for practice.

Spring start off and annual fishing derby

Hi there! My name is Gabrielle and I am the new student crew leader working with the CRSA on the Aucoin Brook restoration project. I am so excited to have this opportunity and to work in such a lovely community. The season is just starting up and I've already had so much fun helping out with the annual Fishing Derby last sunday, June 5th. There is much more to come and lots to look forward to, so stay posted! 

Here's a look at last weekend's Fishing Derby at Petit Lac hosted by the CRSA! 
The derby was held during Nova Scotia's official Sportfishing weekend. This annual occurrence allows for resident and non-resident anglers to fish without a licence and provides great opportunity for people of all ages to get out for a fun day of fishing. 

This year's derby kicked off at 6am with some early birds setting up for a beautiful day of fishing. Many families started to arrive around 8am, and as the hunger started to set in, the CRSA fired up the free BBQ from 9:30am until shortly after noon. At this time, we did the final weigh-in and handed out prizes to all children and youth.

The first place prize was awarded to Emily Leblanc (12) with her mighty two pound twelve ounce brook trout. The second place prize went to Tyler Arsenault (5) who caught an impressive two pound eleven ounce brook trout. The third place angler was Dawson Timmons (10) with his superb two pound five ounce brook trout. 

A big thank you to our volunteers, as well as to everyone who came out and made this year such a big success! A special thank you to the local businesses (the Frog Pond cafe, Mr. Chicken, Wabo's Pizza and the Cheticamp Co-op) who donated the prizes for this year's event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year! 

 

Plans underway for continued restoration work on the Cheticamp River

The Cheticamp River Salmon Association is continuing its partnership with Cape Breton Highlands National Park and planning for a third phase of habitat restoration work on the Cheticamp River. The work planned for this year will build on work completed in the first two phases of the project (2014 and 2015), aiming to improve fish passage at critically overwidened sites on the lower river.

Part of the habitat restoration team (from left, Rene Aucoin, President of the CRSA, Lewis Hinks, Director of Programs for NS with the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and Archie Doucette, with Parks Canada) looking at the work completed at Fence Pool last year, and discussing plans for Phase III work

We will be sharing more information on this project as preparations get underway. In the meantime, here are some photos of recent work completed on the Salmon Pools trail, a Parks Canada trail that the habitat restoration team used as one of the main access routes for Phase II work sites. Conditions on the trail have been improved as far as the Fence Pool in order to allow the safe passage of heavy equipment and the delivery of materials for the instream structures at upper work sites.

Bulldozer working to smooth the surface on the Salmon Pools trail

Truck unloading material on to help level and improve conditions on the Salmon Pools trail

Looking forward to another busy and exciting field season. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Big changes post-flooding on the Cheticamp River

It has been over three weeks since the severe flooding event on the Cheticamp River, but that doesn't mean people have stopped talking (and writing!) about it.  Most recently, Lewis Hinks, the Atlantic Salmon Federation's Director of Programs for Nova Scotia, blogged about the flood and the dramatic changes to the river. You can read Lewis' blog here (he does a nice job of summarizing the habitat restoration work on the Cheticamp River and the August flooding event.

While the ASF blog highlights some of the changes to river, the following series of before and after shots attempt to further reveal some of the major changes that have taken place on the lower Cheticamp River. As Lewis put it, what a difference a day can make. :)

Work site above Fence Pool (looking downstream) during the construction phase this summer. Notice the shallow, wide channel through this section.

Work site above Fence Pool (looking downstream) after the major flood event on August 22nd. Notice the loss of the mid-channel bar, development of the bar on the eastern (near) bank, and the narrowing and deepening of the main channel.

Work site below Fence Pool (looking upstream) after the installation of rock retarding bars this summer.

Work site below Fence Pool (looking upstream) after the flood. Notice the massive bar that formed between and over the rock bars installed on the eastern bank. The channel is now considerably narrow and deeper and a nice looking pool has formed mid-way down the bar and extends below the structures.

Work site above the Cabot Trail bridge (looking downstream) after the installation of rock retarding bars in August, 2014.

Work site above the Cabot Trail bridge (looking downstream) after the August, 2015 flood event. The flooding further narrowed the channel here (the instream structures had already contributed to the narrowing and deepening of the channel in this site) and led to the formation of another new pool.

Flash flooding of the Cheticamp River

The Cheticamp River habitat restoration project, undertaken in partnership between the Cheticamp River Salmon Association and Parks Canada, was recently affected by torrential rainfall and severe flooding. Upwards of 150mm of rain fell late Saturday, August 22nd, and resulted in flash flooding that led to the evacuation of the Cheticamp campgrounds. The heavy rains and flooding also impacted the efforts of the habitat restoration team to improve fish passage through a number of overwidened sites on the lower Cheticamp River.

Fortunately, many of the instream structures appear to have weathered the storm reasonably well, and the combination of the structures helping the river to dig and contributing to the formation of bars, has resulted in the river narrowing and deepening in key locations. The flood was also responsible for deepening and extending some of the existing pools as well as forming a number of new pools. Not surprising given the severity of the flood, however, the Cheticamp River also suffered many negative impacts from this most recent natural disaster including extensive damage to banks in places (including the loss of large hardwoods), loss of fish (mostly juveniles), and massive accumulations of trees and other woody debris.

View of the Cheticamp River post-flood with large accumulations of debris along the West bank (Photo credit: Lewis Hinks)

Archie Doucette, with Parks Canada, standing beside a large pile of debris near the outlet of Robert's Brook

Massive oak deposited by the flood on a newly formed bar below Fence Pool

Members of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association have been on the ground since the flood helping to locate fish that were left stranded outside of the main river after the waters receded. In addition to helping to return well over 100 juveniles to the river, the CRSA was also able to help catch a large adult salmon that was trapped in some water off the Salmon Pools trail and release it safely back into the river.

Jerry LeBlanc, with Parks Canada, releasing a large salmon that was found stranded off the Salmon Pools trail

Jillian Baker, with the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, helping release a large adult salmon

Although the August flooding will create delays and necessitate some modifications to the work plan, the restoration team is already making plans to proceed with the instream work.

What's happening at Wreck Cove?

Representatives from the Cheticamp River Salmon Association made their way to Cheticamp Lake this week to attend a meeting with NS Power staff concerning the Wreck Cove project. The meeting was timely given that Wreck Cove, Nova Scotia’s largest hydroelectric plant, is undergoing a major refurbishment and overhaul (click here for a link to a recent news article covering the plant upgrades).

Specifically, the event, which was initiated by the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, was an opportunity for NS Power to provide information and answer questions concerning the D1 Refurbishment Project and Wreck Cove Approval negotiations.  Ray Sampson, the D1 Dam Refurbishment Project Manager, and Paul Breski, the Operations Superintendent of Wreck Cove, were among those present to provide information and answer questions.

Representatives from the Margaree Salmon Association were also in attendance and have written up a nice summary of the meeting and shared it on their website, here. In addition to reading about the Wreck Cove project update meeting, you can also visit the Margaree Salmon Association’s website to learn about what our neighbouring salmon association has been up to recently. 

Rene Aucoin, President of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association, on a tour at the Wreck Cove facility

Construction taking place at the D1 site

Weeks 3 & 4 with the student work crew!

The summer is going by quickly for us on Aucoin Brook! The past two weeks have been our last with the  YSI Water parameter probe, generously loaned to us by the SMU Environmental Monitoring Network, and we completed all of the data collection for 2015. We are glad to be testing the water at various sites along the brook, all the way from the rocky First Barrier falls to the silty and slow-flowing sections near the Cabot Trail bridge. Prior to any data analysis, the water temperatures throughout the water course are steady and range between 11 degrees (upstream sections) and 17 degrees Celsius (downstream sections). 

A stunning view from our first monitoring site at Aucoin Brook!

We have also been assisted by local chainsaw expert Albert Deveaux in removing the alders that have grown down into the flow of the brook. We decided to begin this project by the suggestion of  Daryl Guignion, a river sedimentation specialist and biologist from UPEI, who came to visit both the Cheticamp River Project and Aucoin brook in Week 3. 

Jeremy Camus and Stephane Muise work on filling the data collection forms.

We are looking forward to the remaining three weeks of our summer and have lots of work planned. Stay tuned for more updates!

Cheticamp River habitat restoration team receives national award

The habitat restoration work being completed on the Cheticamp River in partnership between the Cheticamp River Salmon Association and Parks Canada received national recognition this year with the receipt of a Parks Canada CEO Award of Excellence. 

 The Parks Canada CEO Awards of Excellence recognize Parks Canada team members and partners who have demonstrated a high level of excellence or achieved outstanding results. This year’s award for Engaging Partners was presented to the Cheticamp River restoration team, made up of members from the Cheticamp River Salmon Association and  Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Team members who received the award here Rene Aucoin and Jillian Baker (Cheticamp River Salmon Association), and Archie Doucette, Claudie Maillet, Jacques Chaisson, Willie Deveau, Jerry Leblanc, Kelly Deveaux, James Bridgeland, Chris Bellemore, and Coady Slaunwhite (Cape Breton Highlandlands National Park).

Buoyed by the results from the work completed in 2014, the restoration team is enthusiastically undertaking the second phase of the project. 

Derek Quann (Acting Superintendent for Cape Breton Highlands National Park) presenting CEO Award of Excellence to Rene Aucoin, President of the Cheticamp River Salmon Association.

Parks Canada CEO Award recipients and presenters, from left to right: Jerry LeBlanc, Archie Doucette, Jillian Baker, Blair Purdy (Field Unit Superintendent for Cape Breton Field Unit), Willie Deveau, Jacques Chiasson, Coady Slaunwhite, Kelly Deveaux, Claudie Maillet, George Green (Parks Canada's Vice-President of Heritage Conservation and Commemoration), James Bridgland, Chris Bellemore, and Derek Quann (Acting Superintendent for Cape Breton Highlands National Park).

Instream work begins on Cheticamp River habitat restoration project!

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

Week 1 and 2: June 30th to July 10th

Last week was the training week for the summer students; Stephane Muise, Jeremy Camus and Rachelle Aucoin, who are all high school students who are working with the CRSA.  We had orientation, training on the river and First Aid.  The following Monday was the first day on the job, where we worked on cleaning up the Salmon pool trail. This involved raking, shoveling and clearing the area of broken branches and debris. Tuesday and Wednesday, we partnered with the Chiasson Brothers to prepare for the opening of the Gypsum Mine trail. With the help of small construction machinery, we dug out dirt to create areas for benches. We built frames, poured concrete in those areas and installed seven newly painted benches.  The opening of the trail will be Saturday July 11th!

Jeremy and Stephane with CRSA Executive Director, Rene Aucoin, after a great afternoon of fly fishing on the Cheticamp River.

For the rest of the week, the crew will commence maintenance on Aucoin brook. We must finish some rock piling and fix some structures from last summer that were damaged during the winter months. The weather has been beautiful so far and we hope it will continue so we can work in the sunshine!

Jeremy and Stephane help move trout at the Margaree Fish Hatchery.

Phase II of the Lower Chéticamp River Project Begins!

Last week the CRSA continued work with Parks Canada on Phase II of the lower Chéticamp River Project. The goal is to improve fish passage in areas that have become too shallow due to overwidening of the channel. Last week's work focused on improving access to the Fence Pool via Salmon Pool Trail in order to bring up large boulders to be used to build deflectors bars which will be put in later this summer. 

Looking down stream at the site where the new deflector bars will be placed.

Removing a few trees to make room for the trucks.

Laying down a new layer of dirt to even out the trail.

Boulders being stock piled at the work site.

Moving boulders into the pile.

Stay tuned for more updates on Phase II of the project!

Annual Spring Fishing Derby in Grand Étang

Last Sunday the CRSA hosted the annual Fishing Derby at Pétit Lac in Grand Étang which coincided with the Nova Scotia Sportfishing weekend. The sportfishing weekend allows both resident as well as non-residents of Nova Scotia to fish without a license and is a great opportunity to get the entire family out for a fun day of fishing!

Abigail Haché smiles for the camera as she waits for a trout to take a bite!

Anglers arrived as early as 6 a.m. to get the perfect spot to set up for the morning and kids participating in the anglers under 16 category started to arrive around 8 a.m. This year, thanks to funding from Destination Cape Breton, we were able to incorporate an over 16 category for the adult with the largest fish caught. The CRSA also hosted a free barbeque to fuel the many hungry anglers throughout the morning.

Second prize winner, Luke Aucoin, shows off his big catch!

The first prize winner of $50 for the anglers under 16 was Christopher Poirier (14) with his 2 pound nine ounce speckled trout. The runners up were Luke Aucoin (6) with a two pound eight ouncer and Ellen Chiasson (12) who caught one weighing one pound four ounces. Prizes for youngest angler and best female angler were also awarded to Luke Aucoin and Ellen Chiasson, respectively. The winner of the adult angler category was Fernand Larade with his 2 pound twelve and a half ounce speckled trout.

A big thanks to everyone who came out and made this year's fishing derby a success and we look forward to seeing you again next year! A special thank you goes out to Wabo's Pizza, Mr. Chicken and the Chéticamp Co-Op for generously donating the prizes.

Flycasting Workshop on Thursday June 4th!

The first week of June was a busy one for the Chéticamp River Salmon Association with the Flycasting Workshops taking place on Thursday June 4th and the annual Fishing Derby happening on Sunday June 7th. 

John shows the grade 7 class how to tie some simple fly knots.

John Hart, past president of the Margaree Salmon Association, and Lewis Hinks generously offered their time and equipment for the Flycasting Workshop to teach the grade 7 and 8 students from École N.D.A. how to fly cast. The lesson was divided into three different stations, beginning with knot tying and tying flies onto the line demonstrated by John Hart. After practicing tying two different types of simple knots the students moved onto dry casting with Lewis Hinks. Lewis gave the students lots of tips on how to cast a fly rod properly and many of the kids got the hang of it right away! After dry casting the group got to tie real flies to their lines and try to catch one of the rainbow trout swimming about in the pond. Many of the students were able to catch a fish and cheered each other on when they hooked one. Thank you to the students and teachers who participated and made the workshop fun for everyone!

Lewis shows the grade 7's how to dry cast before tying on the real flies.

John poses with one of the grade 7's with his big catch!

Thank you to CRSA director Joel Camus for offering his pond and surrounding property to be used for the workshop. 

Spring for the Salmon Association!

Hi everyone! My name is Melissa and I'm a student who will be joining the CRSA for the summer to help with the Aucoin Brook restoration project. Things are just getting started up for the season with the annual Fishing Derby still in the beginning stages of planning. Stay tuned for more updates to come about the derby which will be taking place Sunday June, 7th! I'm excited to be working for the CRSA and to spend time in the beautiful community of Chéticamp. We will keep you posted about events and project work to come!

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.

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.

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. 

Habitat Restoration Project starts TOMORROW!

We are excited to announce that the habitat restoration work on the lower Cheticamp River is scheduled to begin tomorrow! Here are some lovely before pictures of the Cheticamp River taken by Roman Buchhofer. Here is the link to his webpage: http://romanbuchhofer.com/ 

With help from Parks Canada, our partner on this project, we will be installing instream structures that are designed to encourage the main channel of the river to gradually narrow and deepen. This is important as there are sections along the lower Cheticamp River where the main channel has become severely over-widened and fish passage problems result during periods of low flow. Human impacts, including past agriculture and logging, as well as the placement and design of former bridges, contributed to the over-widening.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, or if you would like additional information, about this exciting project.