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We are thrilled to announce that the first project supported by ASF Headwaters in Canada has been completed, focusing on restoring fish passage in Mill Creek, a tributary of North Lake Creek near Souris, P.E.I. North Lake Creek. This initiative aims to create a more accessible passage for fish, including Atlantic salmon, by removing an old concrete bridge structure which collected debris and impeded fish connectivity. Removing it was a high priority due to the valuable salmon habitat just upstream. The Souris and Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation is leading this project, with support from the Canadian Wildlife Federation, ASF, the PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund, and the Transportation and Infrastructure department of the provincial government. This project was in the advanced stages when ASF became involved, helping to push it across the finish line by providing financial and technical support.
ASF Headwaters was started over 20 years ago in Maine. Since then, ASF and partners have removed over 50 dams and other barriers, reconnecting thousands of miles of stream to the ocean. In 2024, this program expanded to Canada. We are now supporting projects in every Eastern Canadian province.
This project, which began two years ago, is a testament to the power of collaboration. It brought together various partners, including local landowners, contractors, and numerous wildlife and conservation groups. The teamwork involved in this project underscores the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in conservation efforts. Kris Hunter, Program Director for P.E.I. with ASF, states “I arrived on site last Monday after Souris Wildlife had completed all the prep work and gotten support from the province as well as the landowner and adjacent landowners. We had a great excavator crew that had some previous experience with removing bridges and were really interested in the conservation aspect of the project. It really was a true story of partnership.”
The removal of the bridge structure has significant benefits for the local salmon population. Now that the salmon have free passage, Hunter expects them to navigate this section of the stream more efficiently and thrive in the improved habitat. The positive benefits to the salmon population are expected to go beyond improved navigation. The removal of the barrier will enhance the overall health of the stream, creating better conditions for spawning and growth. This, in turn, will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the salmon population in the area.
ASF Headwaters is one of our two major freshwater programs, along with Wild Salmon Watersheds. Headwaters is meant to provide support for shovel-ready, partner-led projects throughout Maine and Eastern Canada. Wild Salmon Watersheds is focused on long-term conservation planning and action for entire river systems. Both programs are designed to ensure salmon rivers are as healthy and productive as possible. The integration of these two programs allows ASF to tackle conservation challenges on multiple fronts, ensuring a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration and species protection.
ASF Headwaters is already looking for future projects in P.E.I. and beyond. We are identifying other structures that need remediation and planning additional projects this year to continue improving fish passage and connectivity. The identification of additional structures for remediation highlights the proactive approach of the Headwaters program in addressing fish passage barriers and cold water refugia. By tackling these obstacles systematically, we can make significant strides in restoring natural fish habitats across the region and beyond.
This project is a shining example of how restoring fish passage can benefit not only fish but entire ecosystems. When fish are thriving, so are all other animals in the ecosystem. The broader ecological benefits of restoring fish passage cannot be overstated. Moreover, by improving water flow, we can help mitigate the impacts of environmental challenges such as flooding and habitat degradation.
The impact of this project will reach more than just salmon. During the restoration, an eel was observed swimming up through the site, demonstrating how the improved conditions benefit a variety of species. This highlights the broader ecological benefits of restoring fish passage. Healthy fish populations support a diverse array of wildlife, contributing to a balanced and resilient ecosystem.
The success of this project is just the beginning. ASF, along with our partners, will continue to monitor and enhance the habitat in Mill Creek. Follow-up work includes planting trees, revegetating the area, and monitoring habitat changes upstream and downstream. We will also conduct redd counts to observe changes in trout and salmon populations. This ongoing commitment to monitoring and habitat enhancement is crucial to ensuring the long-term success of the project. This will allow us to make any necessary adjustments and improvements to support the thriving salmon population.
ASF is proud to be part of this critical work, helping to build resilient fish populations and healthier ecosystems. Stay tuned for more updates on our Headwaters projects as we continue to make strides in fish passage and habitat restoration. The dedication and collaboration demonstrated in this project serve as a model for future conservation efforts. By working together and leveraging the strengths of various partners, we can achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in our natural environments. We look forward to sharing more success stories as we continue our mission to protect and restore vital fish habitats.