October 17, 2024 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The Nottawasaga Vally Conservation Authority (NCVA), Napoleon and Midhurst Landowners Group (MLG) have announced a partnership to restore Willow Creek in the Township of Oro-Medonte.
The partnership aims to improve water quality in Willow Creek and Little Lake while enhancing habitat for fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.
The goals will be achieved by stabilizing eroding stream banks to reduce sediment and phosphorus inputs by creating floodplain wetlands. The new floodplains will also play a role in reducing local flooding.
“Historical land use practices eliminated forest cover and removed the roots of trees and shrubs that held soil together and stabilized stream banks,” said Fred Dobbs, manager of Stewardship Services at NVCA. “As a result, the soil on the stream banks eroded, depositing large quantities of sediment and nutrients into local streams, impacting both water quality and fish habitat. This stream bank stabilization project showcases how NVCA, businesses and developers can work together to improve water quality in our local streams.”
Earlier this year, NVCA received permission from Napoleon to complete a large-scale restoration project at their property on Willow Creek. The project has received financial support from MLG to stabilize the stream banks and control phosphorus. Funding also came from the Government of Ontario for the construction of floodplain wetlands.
“The restoration of the stream directly reflects Napoleon’s commitment to sustainability, stated Chris Schroeter,” Co-CEO of Napoleon. “We look to contribute to our community in ways, such as this, that will have a meaningful impact on the environment and will benefit current and future generations. We are pleased to be a partner with NVCA in this exciting project.”
Restoration work began in early September and will continue until the end of 2024.