French River Stewardship Council Fisheries Report

June 2012

In 2010 The FRSC fisheries committee identified theNorth Channelas a priority for our Pickerel rehabilitation projects. Specifically the area of the North Channel from Oulette rapids toMeshawFallswas identified. In 2010 tours of this area were completed with MNR personnel and a three year plan was put in place.

Once all approvals were in place work began in 2011. During July and August the FRSC fisheries committee completed the cleaning of four spawning bed sites but as water levels were quite low two of our sites will be monitored this spring for additional cleaning this year.

At the lower Sturgeon the beaver dams were removed and in cooperation with our local trapper the nuisance beavers were removed.

Our 2012 plans include the complete construction of a new spawning bed southwest of the Oulette rapids and the cleaning of other sites as needed. $7,598 in funding for these projects has been received and committed thanks to the MNR, the Sudbury East Economic Development Partners, The Alban and Noelville Chaise Populaire.

Our 2013 plans currently include the rebuilding of the Murdock river site atDryPineBay. This work is of course dependent upon the schedule for the bridge replacement. The FRSC is on the Engineering Firms list to contact so we can plan accordingly.

A more detailed presentation of our activities and plans will be presented at our annual meeting in July, please plan to attend.