Emerson Creek - Video now available

Video Evidence

Further to December 1 2014 work day report



To view original report click:  Emerson Creek Workday Report Dec 1 2014

Workday Report - April 19, 2014 - Mill Creek, Cayuga

WISH WE HAD A TRACTOR!

That’s what we thought as we looked at the huge load of Christmas trees piled up at the side of Rodney Fox’s barn on River Road, Cayuga. Our son, Brian had picked up the load from Kent Rundle at the Mountsberg Quarry near his home. Now we had to consider dragging them about a mile down the rail trail to the Indiana Blue spring site, where they would be an integral part of the project to scour the sediment below the spring at our trout-spawning channel. It would be a time consuming job for our eight determined volunteers.

As we gathered at 9AM Saturday the 19th to sign in the insurance/photo permission forms, who should drop by in his BIG shiny tractor, but the new owner of part of Rodney’s farm, Greg Deckers. He had a 1,000 lb roll of hay in the bucket, as he asked us what we were doing. After we had given him a short rundown about what we have accomplished, he asked: "What can I do to help?" How about moving those Christmas trees down to the "crick" was our bucolic reply, to which he said "Done". That was it job done.

With a major time consuming problem solved in a few seconds, we had again experienced the Haldimand County phenomenon; everyone we meet is anxious to contribute in any way they can. The support we get is simply amazing and more than we could expect.

As for amazing, our relatively new Chapter member Ken Long, had his first look at the project and repeated "Amazing".  Enthusiasm turns into energy and Ken was as involved as our most experienced crew members. As a result, we completed the fascine/christmas tree combo installation so quickly we had time and materials to spare. Erin Fraser suggested we tackle an erosion problem on the main stream. This too was quickly done, providing bank stabilization.

Still with energy to burn, we placed the balance of the trees into the upper spring flow, to be staked in place later. We now have planned to plant shade-providing "Swamp oaks" on the south banks of his flow to reduce the algae formations caused by phosphorus and sunlight. We are putting this algae factory out of commission, we hope.

We all left at noon with a sense of satisfaction, knowing we had made another step towards a self-sustaining brook trout population in this badly inured stream.  We hope you will take the time to explore this outstanding stream undertaking. You will meet some remarkable new friends.

Bill Christmas

Workday Report - April 12, 2014 - Mill Creek, Cayuga

The Frog's Serenade

A few weeks ago, we had to postpone our first spring workday at this site because the site was too dangerous to access. Snowdrifts on the mile-long walk and 2” of ice on the steep access trail made it unsafe. Mother Nature held us at bay.

This past Saturday, we enjoyed a beautiful spring day. What a contrast! The frogs in the meadow let us know that all was well again. It is time for action. We did not disappoint!

The frogs cheered us on as we entered the osier thicket stream-side to cut and prepare the shoots while still dormant (recommended). They would be bundled into “Fascines” to be installed next weekend as erosion control devices; narrowing the flow and scouring sediment.

Our 7 ½ volunteers (Kalen McCormack is only 5 years old) were joined by land owner Erik Aldridge, who arrived cross country on his ATV, quickly went to work . They cut and bundled fascines to the accompaniment of our amorous frogs. It was a great day to be out and the work went quickly, with a dozen 6 ft bundles stashed and ready by noon. Cradles were dismantled and stowed for anchoring the bundles next week.

Our new team members upon seeing this huge spring source were amazed by the beauty and the potential for quick enhancement as a spawning site. It defies description, so you will see it soon on a short video clip on our website. They saw how the downstream flow had already formed a meandering path showing the clean gravel we placed last winter. To any nature lover it is an omen of things to come: Spawning trout.

With less than 3 hours, we were done and we all enjoyed the walk along the rail trail, happy we had taken another vital step for the trout.

In summary, we have followed the steps to reduce algae growth. Planting mature ”Swamp Oaks” to provide shade will be done later this spring. Next week we will take delivery of 30 unsold Xmas trees for deflectors through this section to scour the entire section and remove clay sediment. Is this stuff satisfying? You bet! It is much better than sleeping in on a Saturday morning and you can make a big difference.

Join us next time, if you can. We promise you safety, food & water and a feeling of deep satisfaction with good friends. Saturday mornings never felt so good.

Bill Christmas

Len Yust

Len Yust's funeral was on April 3, 2014 and we were asked to say a goodbye message.  Several people at the event have asked for a copy of that address.  It is below, along with a recent photo of Len relaxing at his "Caldwell Club".  May he rest in peace.

Len Yust

Len was a young man when I first met him, almost 40 years ago.  He had impressed me with his fly fishing skills, so I made the suggestion that he join me at an upcoming IWFFC event.

His casting and fly tying skills made him a favourite instructor for the club, and he soon took on the duties of Prize and Donations convener for the Canadian Fly Fishing Forum. As expected, he did an outstanding job in all respects, especially in fund raising. He exceeded our greatest expectation’s every year, producing revenue never before seen or duplicated since then.

I also had the chance to visit him at his work, 7 waste-water treatment plants in Halton. They were cutting edge technology, to be expected, but they also were models of outstanding Union/Management harmony. The staff respected Len and he was a truly a model manager. As a result, union grievances were almost unheard of. It was a sign of what kind of a person he was, both in business and socially.

As he pursued new career opportunities, in the consulting field, those skills proved invaluable. He was traveling world wide to further the development of water facilities. The only drawback was the extensive travel and two incidents helped change his career: The San Francisco earthquake found him while at a conference. His survival skills got him on the last plane out to Toronto. Later, he was in Northern India when 911 occurred. Again, he escaped the political hot spot by some fast thinking. Always a survivor, he was an early evacuee to safety at home.

It was time for a career change, and he knew Trout Unlimited was looking for an Eastern Executive Director, following Mike Warrian’s retirement. He was to be a perfect 3 yr. sabbatical fit, with a focus on water quality, strong organizational and people skills, plus a background in fund raising. His mandate: Build TU’s Eastern presence with more chapters and run the Toronto Dinner event. What did Len do?  Simply took T.U. from 3 chapters to 17 in 2 years, plus produce higher net revenues from the dinner than ever seen before!

Len’s strength in doing all these things was based on his ability to make friends. Donor and sponsors became personal friends as well. His friends and supporters are legion. Burlington’s Man of the year, Bud Gordon described it best: “To know him is to love him”. We all had grown to love this man…and his wonderful family.

An example of his love and generosity: He gave Helen and I the keys to his summer cottage to use whenever we felt like it. Some wonderful times were had, both winter and summer with the family. Watching the girls grow up was like having a second family to us.

During all these years, Len, Helen and myself took several fishing trips, to the Catskills, Penna,Blue Fox Camp, the Saugeen and other Ontario rivers and streams. They were therapeutic for us and a learning experience as well, but poor Helen could never get a word in edgewise on our trips because Len and I would gab constantly, even finishing each other’s sentences! What wonderful times we had! But Helen is still in audio recovery!

With Len’s 3 year sabbatical stretching to 8 years, it was time for him to focus on family. He was to spend the next two plus years enjoying time, both with Jennifer and the girls, plus grand daughter, Fiona and get some serious fishing time with his many pals.

When he got the terrible news last August, he made up his mind to beat the odds. Given 4 months he persevered, with tremendous help from his family to survive at home for eight months. That is a testament to his loving family,  his survival instincts, courage and determination, which he has always exhibited. He is an inspiration to all.

Last December, he was honored by the Niagara Chapter for his accomplishments, at which time he gave a short, but inspiring speech. In it he said: “Focus on Clean Water as your brand. The pubic grasps that. Keep up the struggle to conserve and protect the environment and be proud of what have done so far. ” He pledged to join a group to fish the Catskills in June 2014 and to hold his second grandchild in his arms in May of this year.  Sadly, those promises cannot be met, but he will be with us in spirit for a Chapter Golf Day in June.  He was a lousy golfer, hey, nobody’s perfect! So we had plans to work with him on that.

He did say last December, that he had enjoyed the last 2 years so much and developed his skills to such a degree, that he could be content to leave on that high note. He was at peace with his God.

We thank God for his mercy in giving Len a relatively pain-free passing and we also thank Jennifer and his entire family for their faith and strength during this difficult time.

Bill Christmas
April 2, 2014

The Passing of a Dear Friend - Len Yust

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Len Yust early this morning March 28th. Len had been battling cancer for several months now and passed away where he wanted to, at home with his loving wife Jennifer.

As many of you know, Len was a long time member and advocate of Trout Unlimited. His eight years plus tenure as TU’s Ontario Director boosted the awareness for river and water quality improvement to a level previously unknown in the province. Len worked tirelessly forming new Chapters in Ontario as well as fund raising for the Trout Unlimited Dinner each Fall as well as other TU fund raising events Len ran throughout the rest of the year.

Len received the IWFFC’s Roderick Haig-Brown Award for conservation at the Forum banquet which was presented to him by his long time friend Bill Christmas. Bill had asked me for the honour of presenting the award to Len and we could think of no finer presenter.

Len was humble, kindhearted and generous to a fault and will be missed on so many levels by so many people.

Visitation

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
2 pm - 4 pm & 7 pm - 9 pm
Bay Gardens Funeral Home
1010 Botanical Drive
Burlington
Vigil prayers will be held at 7:30pm.

Service

Thursday April 3, 2014
11:00 am
Holy Rosary Parish
287 Plains Rd E
Burlington

Remembering Key Contributors

A Time for Somber Reflection

Every once in a while all of us come to the realization that life is something we must treasure and we should make the best of the time we have left on this world of ours.

Recently, we and our Chapter’s partner and friends have suffered the loss of some key contributors to the health of our planet. They will be sorely missed, but we must release them from their burdens of this worldly life and thank them for their wisdom and guidance.

Within a few days of each other, we lost not only the creator of Conservation Halton, Allan Day, but also a key manager in their Watershed Engineering Services group, Ray Gunther. Both have played key roles in making this organization so highly recognized for its dedication and competence. They will be missed.

We also saw another giant from our wonderful working partner, Habitat Haldimand’s Roy Schofield after a long battle with Leukemia. My nine – plus years with Roy on the Taquanyah Committee and a close association with both he and his entire group have made our work in Haldimand County an absolute joy.

Roy was a self-made success in business and when retired he brought those organizational and leadership skills to bear with outstanding results. We will be forever grateful for his support and guidance and we move forward with greater determination than ever to honour that memory. Rest in piece, dear friend. You have set an example for all of us to follow.

The wonderful thing about working to protect and restore our environment is that you associate with the very finest people in this world. We are all blessed.

Let us take joy in what we do, knowing that we will eventually be leaving this world a little better than it would have been without our dedication.

Bill Christmas
President, Ted Knott Chapter
Trout Unlimited Canada

March 27, 2014

Fascines Workday Postponed

Safety First

As is often necessary, I did a safety survey of the site of our planned "fascines" workday. It was an easy decision to postpone the project. Snow has drifted onto the rail trail access, making the mile long walk impractical. Even if we get heavy rain tomorrow, the slush will be 3" deep. The biggest reservation however is the icy condition of the downhill access to the stream & spring. It is too dangerous, even with the safety ropes we use. (see pics)

There is no sense having someone get hurt. Our top priority is to work safely at all times. It won't hurt to defer for at least a week, perhaps two.

I will keep you posted. Thanks for offering to help.

Habitat Haldimand & Trout Unlimited

Teamwork...at work!

Trout Unlimited Ted Knott Chapter would like to acknowledge the Habitat Haldimand organization for their continuing help.

 

Read the featured article in this publication of "GRANDActions - The Grand River watershed newsletter" a good example of this Teamwork...at work!

GRANDActions July/August 2013 Publication

Live Staking and Fascines

Mother Nature Calls the Shots

It looks like the end of the deep freeze and we must now swing into action for the 2014 season, especially on the Mill Creek spawning channel project.

As you may recall, we had a start last year on aerating the big blue spring and creating a brook trout spawning channel in its outflow.

We had excellent advice from Geomorphologist Paul Villard about narrowing the flows with both strung Christmas trees, live staking and brush bundle fascines.

Our stream rehab manual illustrates just how fascines, with live staking can make a big difference in quickly creating ideal conditions.

Click to view from the Stream Rehabilitation Manual...
Pages 98 to 100 - Live Staking
Pages 101 to 105 - Fascines

The trick, as you may read in the pages, is that both fascines and live stakes are best done with dormant plant growth.  This means we need to gather our willow and dogwood shoots before they start to foliate. We need about 30 to 40 fascines and an equal number of live willow stakes for securing them to the stream bank.

Guess what? This means we need to gather a team of “brush cutters” with loppers to prepare and stack up these items (they are best used after 10 days of cutting).

Fortunately, Mother Nature has made it easy. She has given us a huge supply of he materials right beside the creek, so everything is on hand…except the manpower.

That’s where YOU come in.

Looking for Volunteers

We don’t need a big team: perhaps six people for about three hours should complete this phase of our opening project.  The placement of the fascines has been provided via a video of Paul last fall, so it should be a simple job. We have the 2” x 2” stakes to create the cradles you see on page 102. This eliminates the need to disturb the existing stream banks.

Let us know if you can be available, either on the weekend of Mar 15, or 22nd OR if you prefer to work on a weekday during this same time frame. We are ready to organize for either scenario.  You can contact me via email at billxmas@shaw.ca.

**UPDATE:  Weekend of March 15 is a NO GO due to the weather.

This important project will enable us to apply for brook trout stocking at this site.

Bill Xmas…. just thawing out.
billxmas@shaw.ca

Workday Report - Dec.1, 2013 - Emerson Creek

A Pleasant Surprise on Emerson Creek!

For several weeks, we had planned to install sediment fencing to protect the small Emerson Creek for topsoil being washed into the stream from the farmland to the South.  The stream is almost inaccessible during the summer: heavily treed with dense underbrush preventing human access. This is “Machete country” in the summer.

We had some weather and manpower issues for the past month, but in desperation, Wade and yours truly decided, during a short mild spell to get the job done before the frost became too deep to penetrate.

Slugging our gear across ½ mile of rough terrain, we set the stage to video the “Emerson Creek Story”. Wade and I chose the most critical sections where we saw trails of sediment flow into the stream and cut our 100’ of fencing to suit. The job went so quickly, we decided to explore down the creek to extract our data logger at its confluence with Mill Creek. Not satisfied with that, we waded downstream to also collect the D/./L from below Rogers confluence as well.

As we walked through the now-accessible stream banks of Emerson Creek, we were delighted to see, not only schools of baitfish, but to see them feeding on the surface! “Taking some Baetis flies” I professionally offered (just a guess). Lets get some samples while this area is open to humans. As we left, we saw that another 100’ of sediment fence would be a good idea at the southern end of the field. Another easy job for December. Wade bought some the next day. Eager to make it perfect, is Wade.

Plodding out, Wade noted that there were some Red Oak trees on the path, with hundreds of wild turkey tracks in the snow. “Chowing down on acorns” Wade wisely opined. What a “One-upsman”!  Now we know why the only local people to come here are the turkey hunters!  They crawl through here on all fours during the season, so we must take care about the date of our workdays to avoid hunting season.

Stay tuned for the video, coming soon to the TUTKC website.


Bulletproof Bill Xmas

President's Message

After a long struggle to get our Chapter web page up and running, we are happy to say we now have some very interesting entries for our patient readers!

We have been extremely busy in 2013 in one area, which has had little publicity Mill Creek, Cayuga. We hope to soon have a brook trout population re-established after an absence of over 40 years! 

We will be re-issuing the May 2010 article from Fly Fusion magazine. It outlines the basic story and progress up to January of that year. In the spring issue of the magazine, there will be a follow up article on the many achievements since then.

We will be giving you video, still pictures and full written reports of what has been done in 2013. We know you will find them interesting, if not inspiring. It is what we do and we do it well. So far 2,174 volunteer hours expended and nearing our ultimate goal.

Why not join us, share the sense of accomplishment and pride in improving our local environment?

Bill Christmas
President, Ted Knott Chapter

Mill Creek: Anatomy of a Restoration

From the Spring 2011 edition of Currents, I thought I would share this article.
Click here to view.