The Hanlon Creek Weir Removal Project is Moving Forward
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release: 28 August 2019
GUELPH – A BIG THANK YOU to the generous supporters of the Hanlon Creek Weir Removal Crowdfunding Campaign! Because of you, we were able to raise a total of $7,525, in addition to contributions from the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters and the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee. This means that we have enough funds to move forward on the Project which will be completed during the last two weeks of September.
Congratulations to Jack Imhof, winner of the French River Boat Tour offered by Jim Rook; to Jane Litchfield, winner of the beautiful “Autumn Cascades” print by Mary-Dawn Roberts; and to George Renninger for winning the “Swimming Together” acrylic painting by Sydney Campbell. “A special thank you to these generous patrons for providing such amazing perks in support of this Project”, said Alex Meeker, Ontario Provincial Biologist, Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC).
Also, David Penny is inviting all our supporters to come out to help fill sandbags at the “100 Sand Bags Event” on Saturday, 7th of September, 9:00 am, at the Jack Fischer Fish Culvert at the intersection of Hanlon Road and Hanlon Creek.
Hanlon Creek is a coldwater Brook Trout stream, with its headwaters rising within the City of Guelph. The Grand River Fisheries Management Plan identified issues and management strategies to improve the coldwater tributaries of the Speed River Basin, which includes the Hanlon Creek and the removal of the weir. We will remove the center portion of the weir to lower the upstream water level, which will narrow the channel and result in cooler stream temperatures, improved fish passage, and an overall healthier Brook Trout habitat. Most importantly, it will improve the fishery’s resiliency to climate change for years to come.
The partners in this project are the Ontario Rivers Alliance, Trout Unlimited Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, the Grand River Conservation Authority, City of Guelph, Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, and the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee.
“Many thanks to the local organizations and volunteers who led this effort to restore access to important Brook Trout habitat! This success can inspire similar community actions across Canada”, said Nick Lapointe, Senior Conservation Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Federation.
“Again, thank you to all those generous supporters who helped make this important project possible – all your contributions are very much appreciated”, said Linda Heron, Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance. ___________________________
The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is a Not-for-Profit grassroots organization acting as a voice for several stewardships, associations, private and Indigenous members who have come together to protect, conserve and restore healthy river ecosystems.
Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) is a registered Canadian not for profit organization. Our mission is to conserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations.
Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) conducts its activities through a cooperative approach – working with people, corporations, non-government organizations, and governments to inspire collaboration in achieving wildlife conservation.
Alex Meeker Ontario Provincial Biologist Trout Unlimited Canada (519) 763-0888
Linda Heron Chair Ontario Rivers Alliance (705) 866-1677
Nick Lapointe Senior Conservation Biologists Canadian Wildlife Federation 613-599-9594 x 219
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