In cooperation with the Souris Harbour Authority Inc. (SHAI) and DFO, the Souris Wildlife Federation is administering an innovative project aimed at enhancing wildlife habitat and water quality in the Souris River. With funding provided by SHAI, this initiative will create large areas of salt-marsh at two locations in the Souris River through the installation and maintenance of brush mats in the summer of 2008. These structures consist of large numbers of softwood trees carefully arranged and secured in such a way to trap suspended sediments and organic matter carried by the water. Over time, this leads to the creation of a new stream bank capable of supporting such plants as grasses and cattails, eventually forming a stable salt-marsh ecosystem. The environmental benefits of this new marsh area are extensive, and include providing unique wildlife habitat and absorbing excess nutrients from the water. This project was developed to mitigate habitat loss associated with necessary repairs made recently to the Souris Breakwater. The Souris Harbour Authority Inc., as an environmentally responsible organization, embraced the holistic approach of watershed management. Environmental enhancements made upriver ultimately benefit habitats downstream, and the positive results of this venture will be realized for years to come.

www.flickr.com Souris & Area Branch PEI Wildlife Federation's H.A.D.D. 2008 photoset

Videos of the work in progress . . .

These are captures of the preparation and work conducted in the summer of 2008 at two locations, Gowan Brae and Souris River.

The Souris River at Gowan Brae Prep work in Souris Prep work at Gowan Brae Work at Gowan Brae Limbs & Stakes Limbs & Stakes Gowan Brae overview Souris River HADD site Souris River HADD site

The Souris River at Gowan Brae Prep work in Souris Work at Gowan Brae Work at Gowan Brae Limbs & Stakes Work at Gowan Brae Souris River HADD site Souris River HADD site Souris River HADD site

Prep work in Souris Prep work at Gowan Brae Work at Gowan Brae Work at Gowan Brae Limbs & Stakes Gowan Brae spring Souris River HADD site Souris River HADD site

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Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation

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