Branch History

Eastern Kings County
St. Peters' Rec Fish Association
Contact: Jerry MacMillan
Formed in spring of 1993 to
represent St. Peters and
surrounding communities in
efforts to restore the condition
of the St. Peters River and the
quality of recreational
opportunities to be derived from
a healthy watershed. The initial
field season was used to assess
the system and resolve serious
siltation problems.
St. Peters Bay Environmental
Committee
Contact: Roger Steadman
Originally a committee of the
St. Peters Bay Development
Corporation. this small but
effective group has been
working to enhance the
Schooner Creek system since
1992, which has involved both
assessment and improvement of
fish habitat.
St. Charles Environment
Committee
Contact: Gerald Peters
The community of St. Charles
recognized the importance of
the upper Naufrage River to
their area in 1992 and supported
the formation of a committee to
work towards improving
condition and accessability. The
flows from a number of
important springs have been
released from the long term
influence of beavers
and trails
have been established along
main branches.

Naufrage River Restoration
Committee
Contact: Anne Lutz
Because of its historical,
natural, recreational, economic
and social values representatives
from Northside Community
Development Corporation,
Souris Wildlife Federation,
Island Nature Trust, Federation
of Fly Fishers, Atlantic Salmon
Federation, St. Charles
Environmental Group,
Naufrage Port Committee, and
the Eastern Kings Tourism
Association joined together in
1992 to form an identity to
guide restoration of the
Naufrage River Watershed.
Projects involving fish habitat
assessment, comprehensive
water temperature monitoring,
and development of a
management plan are under
way.
Souris River Watershed
Association
Contact: Dave Mullally
687-3001
In 1993 this group co-
sponsored student positions to
research historical, cultural, and
physical aspects of the Souris
River and six other area
watersheds for contribution to
management plans. A complete
physical assessment of the
Souris system is scheduled for
this year to guide future
restoration efforts.

P.E.I. Wildlife Federation
Souris & Area Branch
Contact: Regan Paquet
This organization has been
committed to wildlife habitat
conservation, restoration, and
development for the past 50
years in Eastern Kings County.
Since the late 80s they have been
actively involved in various
"stream restoration" projects in
the Fortune system (Bigbrook/
Grovepine), Bear River, Hay
River, Souris River, North
Lake Creek, and East Lake
Creek.
This year the "Fish & Wildlife
Habitat Enhancement
Committee" will continue a
assessment of fish habitats,
operate a fish counting trap, and
work on "pool creation" at
North Lake, maintain previously
enhanced river sections, operate
the trout rearing facility at Hay
River, and continue restoration
efforts in priority systems.
North Lake Stream
Enhancement Committee
Contact: Joe MacDonald
In 1991 the Eastern Kings
Community Council formed this
committee so that a partnership
could be established with the
Souris Wildlife Federation to
take on "stream enhancement"
activities in both East Lake
Cra'k and North Lake Creek.
In fact this "partnership" is still
quite active and joint efforts are
planned for this year to carry on
assessment and mainteuance
work in these two systems.

The Souris & Area Branch of the PEl Wildlife Federation is pleased to announce that they are implementing a "Riparian Zone Awareness & Improvement Program". A Riparian Zone is defined as "the area of land adjacent to a stream, liver, or pond and is a resource-rich transition area where land and water meet".
A healthy, vegetated riparian strip serves the important functions of stabilizing soil and acting as a "buffer" in filtering migrant sediment lines before they can enter a watercourse. These areas also provide valuable and indeed essential habitats for many species of wildlife.
Scott MacDonald, who was formerly the P.E.I. Coordinator for "Tree Plan Canada" in 1992 & 1993 has agreed to assume the role of "Project Manager" for this worthwhile initiative. His focus will be to make landowners and public alike aware of the significance of riparian areas. This will be accomplished in part through landowner contacts, in conjunction with obtaining their approval to plant most of the 28,000 hardwood & softwood trees allocated to the project between Mt. Stewart and Elmira. Public information sessions on these special riparian areas are also being planned for after May 1st. when the project becomes operational.

The Branch gratefully acknowledges all contributors who supported this project, particularly the "Environmental Partners Fund" which provided the bulk of the necessary funding. Anyone wishing more information is encouraged to contact Scott.

The theme for this years National Wildlife Week was "Biodiversity Works for Wildlife. You Can Too!" There is a tremendous diversity (variety) of wildlife and habitats in Canada. There are three main areas to look at - genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Conserving this diversity is vital to the future of all wildlife -as well as to human beings.
National Wildlife Week was jointly sponsored by Canadian Wildlife Federation, Canadian Wildlife Service and the P.E.I. Government. In conjunction with these sponsoring groups, the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation set up a display at the Main Street Plaza.
The display consisted of a variety of mounted birds and animals such as the Canada Geese, pheasant, coyote, and duck. Other interesting items included hand carved birds, a fox pelt and a wide variety of brochures.
Several items were drawn for on Saturday. Draw winners were as follows: David Ching - Carved Mallard Duck, Alan MacPhee - PEIWF Hat and Bonnie MacDonald - Habitat Canada Pin. Throughout the week the entries in the 1994 PEl Poster Contest for National Wildlite Week were on display. It is important to note that the first and second place winners for the Island in two different divisions were from Rollo Bay School. Congratulations to the following winners and their teacher Kevin MacAdam.
1st. Intermediate - Melanie Gillis and 2nd. Intermediate - Danielle Paquet.
1st. Senior - Robyn Jayne Gallant and 2nd. Senior - Justin Ford.

Fred Ward and Mickey
MacDonald volunteer their
time for the environment.

The Wildlife Federation extends thanks to Mel MacPhee for allowing us to set up at the Main Street Plaza and to Joey Acorn, Cameron Ross, Paul Eldershaw, Thane Carter, Steve Cheverie and the Fish & Wildlife Division for the use of mounts, carvings and brochures or the display.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Souris & Area Branch of the PEl Wildlife Federation is May 4 at the Branch office in the industrial mall. This meeting will begin at 7:00 pm with a slide presentation by Scott MacDonald. Scott will give an overview of the branches riparian zone awareness and education project.

The highlight of the April 1 branch meeting was a presentation by Regan Paquet on native artifacts. After giving the presentation, Regan, an avid amateur archaeologist as well as branch nember, spent an hour answering questions on a variety of topics related to artifacts. As wel1, Regan brought along quite a number of actual artifacts that he has found over the years. One point that was stressed was the importance of notifying the proper authorities if you discover a site so that any artifacts found can be catalogued.

Following the presentation, the regular monthly meeting was held. Two of the topics dealt with at the meeting were the 1992 bird hunter survey and a report from the stream enhancement committee.

The water in Johnston's Pond, otherwise known as "Gillis's Pond" at Clearsprings, was let go last summer after it was found that the stoplogs were leaking, which apparently presented a blockage to any fish wishing to enter or leave the pond.

Regan Paquet, chairperson of thee Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.l. Wildlife Federation's "Stream Enhancement Committee" says that he has received numerous inquiries from local anglers wanting information regarding f.uture plans for Johnston's Pond.

Mr. Paquet reports that he has been in contact with Larry Avery who is the regional representative for the Federal/Provincial "Watershed Improvement-Recreational Fisheries Development Program ".

It was learned from Mr. Avery that consideration for modifications to the pond's water control structure will be afforded at the June 23rd meeting of the watershed improvement program's "Public Advisory Committee".

According to Mr. Avery a number of "fish passage" problems across the island are being evaluated at this particular meeting, with considerations such as degree of community support, cost of modifications/repairs, and watershed priority forming parts of the decision-making process.

Representatives from the Eastern Kings region will be attending this June 23rd meeting and will present the concerns and desires of those interested in Johnston's Pond.

Anyone wishing to offer comments for consideration at this meeting are invited to contact Regan Paquet.

SOURIS -The Souris and area branch, P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, is on the move again, this time spearheading a unique tree planting project that will help protect watersheds from Elmira to Mt. Stewart.
Headed by the Souris group in co-operation with the Morell Lions Club, the Riparian Zone Awareness and Improvement Project will plant.28,(XX) seedlings along 14 different waterways. These trees will form a buffer zone to protect fish and' wildlife by providing erosion control and offering valuable habitat for insects, birds and animals.
Scott MacDonald, forestry technician from the Forest Rangers School in Fredricton, New Brunswick and former provincial co-ordinator of Tree Plan Canada, will manage the project. It is funded jointly by the Environmental Partners Fund, CEIC section 25, and Tree Plan Canada which provided the seedlings.
SITES SELECTED
During 1993 specific tracts of riparian properties across north eastern Kings County, both private and crown, were identified as good sites for planting. Management practices used will be consistant throughout. Souris Wildlife Federation member Larry Avery said numerous community groups will be involved in this effort that ties together the region in an unusual manner.
The project will also result in better fish and wildlife assessment, and the evaluation of specific problem areas along the various watersheds involved.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT worker
Boyd MacDonald shows Grade 6
Rollo Bay students Travis Norton and
Mitchell Chaisson the best way to
plant seedlings for a watershed buffer
zone. The boys were members of
Kevin MacAdam's class which took
part in the Souris Wildlife Federation's
environmental project.

Areas included in the summer's planting are: North Lake Creek, Souris River, St. Peter's, Bristol Creek, Hay River, Morell River, Fortune River, Bear River, East Lake Creek, Naufrage River, Head of Hillsborough, Midgell River and Big Pond.

Barry Hicken, Minister of Environmental Resources today announced the winners of the 1994 Environmental Awards. The Awards Program, in its eighth year, recognizes and honours citizens for their special commitment to the environment. One award is given annually in each of four categories.

When presenting the awards, Mr. Hicken noted that the winners are the first "stewardship and sustainability" award winners. "Your leadership, energy and comminnent to the protection of our environment represent the values and actions identified in "stewardship and sustainability", and are certainly deserving of recognition stated Mr. Hicken.

Earlier this year the new govemment-wide conservation strategy, "stewardship and sustainability, a renewed conservation strategy for Prince Edward Island", while focusing on all aspects of sustainable development identified seven goals to be used as a framework for action. These include: reduction of soil erosion, maintain and improve water quality, reduce solid waste, maintain and improve ecological diversity, maintain and improve air quality, increase public involvement and protecting the landscape.

The provincial winner in the "Individual Citizen Category" was Steve Cheverie. Mr. Cheverie, Souris, has actively demonstrated his commitment to increasing public awareness and understanding of the natural environment by involvement and leadership in numerous projects. These have included securing protection of the Grove Pine-Big Brook watershed, instrumental in the removal of major obstructions to fish passage on the Souris River, landowner contact for the Stream Enhancement Project for North Lake Creek, serving as a River Watch Volunteer, service on a committee to develop the Baltic Bog as an interpretative area, as well as being a founding member of the community watershed coalition. In 1990, he mobilised the Widlife Federation volunteers and resources from his construction company to clean up and repair damage to Souris Beach after a major storm. Mr. Cheverie has also been active at all levels of the Souris and Area Wildlife Federation, as well as serving on the executive of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation. Steve is currently the president of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.

The P.E.I. Wildlife Federation, Souris and Area Branch, is once once again looking for two local boys, aged 14-16 years, to attend an all expenses paid conservation camp to be held near Fredericton, N.B., Aug. 7-13.

The Atlantic Junior Conservation School is a week long event sponsored by the Maritime Wildlife Federations. The activities undertaken at the camp are oriented towards conservation of our natural resources with special emphasis on how we can make this a better world to live in by doing our part to protect the environment. Events such as boating, hiking, habitat and wildlife studies, archery, and fun competitions are organized so that everyone can enjoy the out-of-doors, make new friends and have fun too.

To apply for the camp simply write a few sentences explaining why you'd like to attend and mail it off to the branch in Souris. Be sure to include your return address and a phone number where you can be reached.

The Souris Junior Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation has been approved for funding under the Youth Action Fund of the Environmental Partners Program.
Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Veterans) and MP for Cardigan announced today that the Souris Junior Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation will be receiving funds to cover the cost of a field trip and stream clean-up project as well as a tree planting project to be carried out this summer.
Mr. MacAulay made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Sheila Copps, Minister of the Environment and Deputy Prime Minister. It is the objective of Environment Canada to encourage, through the funding of youth projects, a safe and healthy environment for this and future generations. To help attain this goal, we encourage all Canadians to become environmental citizens by learning more about the environment and engaging in responsible environmental decision making and action.
Mr. MacAulay presented cheques to the representatives of the Souris Junior Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.
- from The Beacon - July 4, 1994

Julie McKinnon accepts a cheque
from Lawrence MacAulay

The Souris Juniors Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation is a new group formed in February 1994. There are 36 paid members ranging in ages from 9-15. The branch was created out of need to involve today's youth in environmental matters, in particular wildlife and habitat conservation. The group has an active executive: Julie MacKinnon - president; JoshuaMacDonald - vice president; Kelli-Ann Perry - secretary, and Phillip MacDonald - treasurer. The branch app1ied to the Youth Action Fund, one component of the Environmental Partners Fund, for money to pay for field trips and other projects. These include trips to the Macphail property at Orwell, and Mooney's Pond, a a semi-natural fish rearing facility. Money was also received to buy equipment for stream improvement and tree planting projects. In addition to the government money, they received a grant from the F.A. Stewart Jones Trust Fund.

The members have already been busy with a fundraising campaign. During National Environment Week they had a display table set up at the IGA Mall in Souris. Members sold raffle tickets on a print with $277 in proceeds going to the Atlantic Junior Conservation School. Branch member Patrick Eastman of the Baltic will be going to the camp this year in northern N.B.

Members also held an environmentally friendly car wash at the Souris Firehall and raised $69 for future projects. The branch planned to paint fish on the storm sewers as a public awareness campaign but were rained out three times. Another project is to publish a newsletter about their activites. The kids are going to help with the New Harmony Demonstration Woodlot with improvements. Many member are learning about wildlife conservation in their schools. Roger Soloman and Fred Cheverie have been especially helpful with getting the group of the ground.

Early morning showers signaled disappointment for organizers of the 2nd Annual Fathers Day Fishing Derby but by late morning the sun was shining and anglers of all ages made their way to Major Reid's pond in Fortune.

About 150 anglers and guests came to the derby hosted by the Souris and Area Branch, P.E.I. Wildlife Federaton and sponsored by Imperial Oil Ltd. and Barry Wood Ltd.

The pond had been stocked with over 400 brook trout bought from local grower Sefton Dixon. One hundred of these were fin-clipped as prize fish. Lucky anglers won hats, rods, T -shirts, posters and tackle boxes.

An eel caught by Adam Fraser

Steve Cheverie enjoyed a day fishing with
daughters Lori and Amy (holding fish).
Barry L. Wood, who sponsored this years
derby looks on.

Squeals of delight could be heard around the pond as parents helped sons and daughters reel in their catches. Besides the obvious trout, an eel and the odd stick were also landed.

A follow-up derby held June 25 for seniors, drew people from as far away as Tyne Valley. Once again Mother Nature cooperated nicely. The final derby of the season is planned for youth anglers on the evening of July 12th. This is a great way for parents to wind down after a day's work and still spend quality time with their families.

So for those of you who missed the Fathers Day Derby, we hope to see you on the 12th.

The organizing committee wishes to thank Imperial Oil Ltd and Barry L. Wood Ltd. for their generous contribution, landowner Michael Poirier for the use of the pond, branch members for their volunteer efforts and the general public for their tremendous support.

SOURIS - Eastern Prince Edward Island is greener by almost 30,000 trees this summer thanks to forester Scott MacDonald's planting efforts from Blooming Point to the East Point Light.
As part of an environmental enhancement project by the Souris Wildlife Federation, the Stewart/Hillsboro enhancement committee and Morell Lions, Mr. MacDonald and his group of summer workers planted trees along waterways across the county.
The intention was to establish and maintain what are called riparian buffer zones. These provide protection and living areas for a variety of wildlife species and counteract siltation and erosion along the banks of streams, rlvers and shorelines. A total of 29,862 trees of 11 species were planted on 73 different properties. Mr. MacDonald said landowners were wonderful allowing sections of their land to be used in an effort to improve habitat for both fish and other wildlife populations in the region.
Planted were red oak, white spruce, eastern hemlock, red spruce, eastern white pine, red pine, Austrian pine, eastern white cedar, white ash and yellow birch. Mr. MacDonald hopes this year's project will help landowners and the public recognize the importance and benefits of establishing and maintaining these kinds of buffer zones.

ROLLO BAY landowner Claude Dixon
was one of 73 area residents who had
trees planted on their properties to
protect the watersheds and wildlife.
Five species were used at Mr. Dixon's
this summer.

Special help from Tree Plan Canada Environmental Partners Fund, and CEIC in conjunction with the sponsoring groups.

Mr. MacDonald is a forestry technician, formerly with Tree Plan Canada. He is currently preparing a management plan for area watersheds.

A total of nine students have been sponsored by various community watershed lanagement groups in Eastern Kings to survey selected rivers.
The information gathered during the eight week project period will determine the state of fish habitat, which in turn will guide restoration efforts in future years. In many cases the experience gained will compliment these students education in aspects of biology and environmental studies. Students receiving instructions on fish habitat assessment from project coordinator Jeff MacDonald are: (from left to right) Stephen Gallant, Jeff MacDonald, Dawn Rose, Alana MacGregor, Mark Kickham, John Paquet and Ken Gallant in back.

All pictures appearing on this site or its associated flickr account are the property of the photographers and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.
They may not be copied without permission of the photographer and the Souris & Area Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation.