The goal of the Rotary Club Dam Removal Project was to remove a very old dam and headpond from Armstrong Creek, a tributary of the rocky Saugeen River, and to rehabilitate the stream bed to better support a strong population of wild brookies.
The dam came out in one day – a new rocky channel was built c/w 3,000 tonnes of pit run gravel, boulders and cedar logs – all within seven working days.
This project shows the dramatic before and after improvements that can happen when a dam and headpond are removed, and the stream bed is rehabilitated. As you can see, the stream has seen a significant transformation in aesthetics, but also improved water quality and fish habitat. These changes will not only better support the brook trout fishery, but also enhance its resiliency to a warming climate.
The Project was undertaken by the Markdale Rotary Club and the Muncipality of Grey Highlands. Supporting partners include the Happy Trout Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. Engineering by GSS Engineering Consultants of Owen Sound .
Below are the before and after photos, along with links at the bottom to additional photos:
Before – water warms and degrades water quality in this shallow pond:
After – a nice clean rocky channel, and the water looks great – Coir Mats still to be layed :
Before:
After – what a beautiful difference:
More pics:
Pre- Construction Photos – September 18, 2017
Monday, October 2, 2017
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017
Jeff Graham P. Eng., | President
GSS Engineering Consultants Ltd.
Unit 104D, 1010 9th Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5R7
Tel: 519-372-4828 Ext. 104 | jeffgraham@gssengineering.ca
http://www.gssengineering.ca/