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Activities Digger Log - 2009 The Souris Wildlife Federation welcomes the opportunity to share our experiences in habitat enhancement with groups sharing common interests and goals. Recently, the UPEI Integrated Watershed Management Course visited the site of the HADD Project (see Activities). This project, completed last fall, was one of our most challenging to date, and required the work of a dedicated crew for 3 months. The lessons learned from this initiative, as well as the expected environmental benefits, are important to communicate to others active in environmental protection on Prince Edward Island. The visiting students were given an overview of the project by Fred Cheverie, Coordinator of the Souris River Watershed, who spoke of our efforts to build construct a salt marsh using extensive brushmats. By asking questions and providing feedback, the participants engaged in the type of hands-on interaction that is key in the ongoing effort to protect and enhance our Island watercourses. In addition, the students were given a demonstration on the proper installation and usage of digger logs as a habitat enhancement tool. Digger logs mimic natural processes in waterways, and have many important functions. The gravel that collects behind the log provides spawning habitat for Atlantic Salmon, and the velocity of the water flowing over the log creates pools with deep, cool water favoured by large fish. By hosting this demonstration, the Souris Wildlife Federation helped to teach participants a proven stream restoration technique while putting the pristine Souris River on display. The Souris Wildlife Federation wishes to thank the course coordinators Daryl Guignion from UPEI and Charlie MacInnis from DFO, Nova Scotia for inviting us to participate in this day of learning and discussion for the betterment of PEI's watersheds.  Copyright Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation 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. |
