The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) have partnered to complete a restoration project on 12 Mile Creek in the Town of Pelham. Beginning on Sept. 3, 2024, the project will focus on remediating a severely eroded section of the creek near Highway 20 and Rice Road and implementing erosion control measures to protect this unique ecosystem.
The headwaters of 12 Mile Creek, located in Fonthill within the Town of Pelham, supply cold groundwater that is crucial for native Brook Trout, a species that thrives in cool, clean water. However, urbanization and erosion have threatened their habitat. The steep gradient of the creek’s channel has caused significant erosion, deepening the channel by more than four metres in some areas and sending harmful sediment downstream.
The restoration project consists of filling in the 115-metre eroded section, re-grading the creek, and installing a series of rock riffles and pools. These features will slow the water, reduce erosion, and create refuge areas for insects, amphibians, and fish, most importantly native Brook Trout. The positive impacts will extend downstream for multiple kilometres, enhancing the range and spawning conditions for this threatened species.
To facilitate the restoration work, approximately 13 trees and some understory vegetation will need to be removed. Recognizing the importance of these trees, the removal process has been carefully planned to minimize disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. In their place, 33 new native trees, including red oaks, sugar maples, and basswoods, will be planted, along with 260 native shrubs, to further restore and enhance the area’s natural habitat.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Environmental Damages Fund, as well as Trout Unlimited Canada, the Town of Pelham, and Niagara Region. Walker Industries and Lafarge Canada Inc. have also donated aggregate necessary for this project.
The restoration work will begin Sept. 3, 2024, and is scheduled to take approximately five weeks, with no evening or weekend construction planned. NPCA and its partners are committed to minimizing any disruption to the surrounding community while ensuring the project’s success.
Members of the community are encouraged to visit Get Involved NPCA to learn more about the 12 Mile Creek Restoration Project.
QUOTES
“By collaborating with our partners and leveraging our experience in environmental restoration and project management, we are confident this project will significantly improve the habitat for native Brook Trout and contribute to the overall health of the Niagara Peninsula watershed.”
Steve Miller, Infrastructure Engineering, NPCA
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Cell: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca