Newsletter 4

Souris River Watershed News
Issue #4
July 2006
Souris River Watershed Committee
Co-ordinator: Fred Cheverie
Sponsor: Canada-PEI National Water Program

Watershed Update
The Souris River Management Committee has successfully completed its series of (5) environmental presentations and 5 associated workshops. This gave interested stakeholders the opportunity to have input into the development of a watershed management plan for our local river. A vision statement, goals, objectives and strategies were developed by a consistent group of interested citizens.
Watershed co-ordinator Fred Cheverie, under the direction of the Souris River Management Committee, is compiling this material with other information in developing a workable watershed plan. It is anticipated that in late summer a draft report will be presented to the public. Pending public approval, it will be sent for printing and the report will be launched at an appropriate date in the fall.
MacPhee's IGA Supports Souris Wildlife
The recent fundraising initiative in which MacPhee's IGA partnered with the Souris Wildlife Federation was a tremendous success. In addition to the their generous prize donations, the local grocery store's involvement also brought much needed exposure to the environmental problems that have plagued the Souris River recently. Through the use of a vivid wildlife display as well as other smaller demonstrations, the partnership encouraged people to become involved in the future of their environment.
On Saturday, June 17th, the prize draw was held at the Souris IGA. The main prize of the fundraiser was a 15.5 ft. Pelican canoe, which was won by Carson Deveau. The remainder of the prizes remained with this outdoor theme, and included: a rod, reel, and tackle box set won by Mike McCormack, two camp chairs won by Cameron Ross and Ian Flynn, three tents won by Camilla Cheverie, Huntley Rose, and Rita MacDonald, and finally an umbrella won by Bernard MacDonald.
The Souris Wildlife Federation would like to extend their gratitude to both the MacPhee's IGA and the people of the Souris Area for supporting their efforts to enhance our environment.
History of Cross River
As the years have passed, it is certainly true that the rural way of Island life has been greatly altered. The simple lifestyles, based primarily on the use of natural resources, have generally given way to more hectic lives. The communities around Cross River bear witness to this process. Disguised by its current quaintness, Cross River was once a bustling hub of activity.
From as early as the mid 1800's, various dams were erected throughout the river system, supplying power to numerous saw and grist mills. The lumber and shingles produced here were the building blocks of family homesteads. The biggest of these dams was MacInnis', which had a flow of water large enough to continuously power the machinery. Other dams had a flow of water large enough to power only periodic milling processes. At Tanner's Mill, erected in the 1920's, the men would work at the mill from 5AM until 8AM, then go to work on the family farm all day, only to return to the mill from 5PM until 8PM. Such long hours and dedication personifies the hard work ethic characteristic of the era.
The quality of fishing in Cross River has also changed drastically over the years. In the mid 1900's, the river boasted a plentiful salmon and trout stock that was a valuable food source for the people of the area. The fish were so numerous and large in size that some interesting techniques were employed to catch them. A rabbit snare fashioned to an alder, gaffs, and even bare hands were all inventive tools used to secure a good meal. Bare handed fishing could be tricky, and if not done carefully the powerful salmon could cause the fishermen to take an unwanted dip in the river. The people fished in these ways not for any monetary profit, but as a means of feeding their families. According to a local man, at one time a feed of trout was so coveted that he was offered "9 cents and a bag of candy" for it. Too tempting to pass down for a young boy.
Today, most of the dams may be gone and the fish may be more sparse, but the memories of a truly simpler time live on. Many thanks go to Charlie Gillis and Helen Gillis for their fond recollections of this era.
Stream Enhancement
Once again the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation is extremely active in stream enhancement work in the Eastern Kings Area.
Our crew in the months of May and June consisted of Kyle MacDonald (crew chief), Barry Wilson (chainsaw operator), and Garry Gregory (3rd year Biology at UPEI). Kyle Laybolt, Brendan Mahar, and Anthony MacDonald joined us in early July.
We are also very fortunate to have access to an "Environmental Futures" crew supervised by Donald O'Keefe. This crew works in our area at various times and includes Brent MacAdam, Jamie Kelly, and Josh MacDonald.
This team of individuals have spent time working on the Naufrage, Souris, Fortune, and Cross Rivers. It is expected that they will work on other pristine rivers in our area throughout the summer months.
Chairperson's Comments
Since our last public session, Fred Cheverie and Dale Thompson have been busy compiling all the information gathered over the winter. They are now in the midst of developing the Souris River Management Plan. This plan would never have been possible if not for the tremendous involvement and interest of everyone who attended the sessions.
The watershed's committee hard work over the past year has not gone unnoticed. Recently, the Souris Wildlife Federation represented the Watershed in receiving the Provincial Award for the Environment Organization of the Year on P.E.I.
As the momentum builds for the Watershed, we are seeing more and more community/corporate involvement. I would like to thank all parties and businesses that have been involved in the past and look forward to their continued involvement in the future. At this time, I would like to thank IGA who did an incredible job of public awareness through their wildlife display and their window mural. I would also like to thank them for raising over $2000.00 for the Souris Wildlife Federation through their recent ticket drive.
On behalf of the committee, thank you once again and have a great summer!!
Chairperson Paul Deveau
President's Comments
I would like to offer my appreciation to all of the stakeholders of the Souris River Watershed for consistently attending all of the public sessions and offering their input into the development of the Souris River Watershed management plan.
As well, I would like to congratulate the efforts of the stream enhancement crew for their tenacious work this summer in our rivers.
Congratulations are in order for Jeannie Jenkins for her excellent showing at the recent Fly Fishing Canada competition. Jeannie and her female team did exceptionally well in this national competition.
I would also like to thank MacPhee's IGA and the Souris Co-op for their efforts in raising money and developing an environmental awareness among their customers.
Finally, the Souris River Watershed Committee has recently been awarded the Provincial Award for Environmental Organization of the Year on PEI. It is with great pride and appreciation that we accept this honour. While the primary objective of our group is not to win awards, this type of recognition is valued and shows us that we are doing work that is beneficial. It is my hope that, with your ongoing support, the Souris River Watershed Committee can continue to grow and further establish itself as a respected and successful group.
President,
Souris Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation,
Paul Campbell
Winter horse racing on Souris River
In our last issue, the article on winter horse racing on Souris River stirred many memories of our readers. I apparently left out (by mistake) many prominent horsemen from the area. Syl Joe Macdonald and Peter Nolan from Chepstow were familiar participants in these races. There was also a family of Blaisdells from Dingwells Mills area that participated regularly. Hopefully, I now have everyone included.
Coordinator's Comments
If anyone would like to make a donation to efforts of the Souris River Watershed and Souris and Area Wildlife Branch, make a cheque payable and mail to: Souris and Area Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 692, Souris, P.E.I., C0A 2B0.
I would like to thank Garry Gregory for his efforts in the preparation of this newsletter.
Coordinator Fred Cheverie
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Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation
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