mi’kmaw conservation group newsletter 1 monitoring endangered atlantic ... this important species...
TRANSCRIPT
page 1 Monitoring Endangered Atlantic Salmon
page 2 Help Monitor Striped Bass Join Team MCG
page 3 Trees for Trout
page 4 From the desk of Adam Sherry
page 5 Communications Report From the desk of Cory Francis
page 6 Come Plant a Tree with MCG
page 7 Come Plant a Tree Poster
page 8 Kids Colouring Page
Spring 2013
Mi’kmaw ConservationGroup Newsletter
Page 1
By: Clayton Coppaway – MCG Research and Education Officer
Since May, Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) Research and Education Officer, Clayton Coppaway, has been participating in collaborative efforts to monitor endangered inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon.
MCG and the Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Team have been assisting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) researchers monitor the population status of this important species on the Big Salmon River in New Brunswick. The results of these monitoring efforts are used, by DFO, to estimate the total population of Atlantic salmon in the Inner Bay of Fundy in order to assess their recovery.
But first…… we have to catch them!
Catching salmon or rather intercepting them as they migrate from freshwater to the sea involves a lot of people and specially designed traps. It takes a team of 10-15 people to set the trap, and two people monitor the trap almost every day for six weeks. The trap consists of a rotary screw trap, mounted between two pontoons and an attached holding tank on the back (see picture). The trap slowly turns as the river water flows into it and the young salmon are directed into a holding tank until researchers collect them the following morning.
Researchers are able to catch the salmon because the trap is in the main channel of the river and the fish are small compared to the trap (about 12 to 17 cm). The fish tend to migrate at night and won’t see the trap until they are in it! In general, we only catch about 10% of the total run. This means that for every one fish we catch in the trap, 10 fish swim right by it!
If you would like to know more about monitoring Atlantic Salmon you can contact Clayton Coppaway.
Monitoring Endangered Atlantic Salmon
In this issue:
Atlantic Salmon.
Clayton Coppaway participating in smolt wheel monitoring activities, located at Big Salmon River, New Brunswick.
Page 2
Are you an avid fisher or hunter who would like to ensure something is left for future generations?
Do you like spending time outdoors and protecting our environment?
Then you’re just the person we’re looking for! MCG needs volunteers to help monitor species at risk. Volunteering with friends and family is a great way to spend time together and to show respect for mother earth. A volunteer can be anyone who cares and who wants to help.
Volunteers will receive our e-newsletter with info about our programs. This year we have activities related to striped bass, Atlantic salmon, black ash, tree-planting, water monitoring, and more. To join our volunteer group, contact Sana Kavanagh.
Join Team MCG
Help Monitor Striped BassAre you an avid striped bass fisher?
Do you want to learn more about striped bass in Nova Scotia?
If so, you can help monitor striped bass while you fish. Over the next two years, the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) and Dr. Trevor Avery of Acadia University will monitor striped bass. To make this project a success, we need help from MCG Community members. Volunteering is fun and it’s a way to show respect for a fish that is significant to the Mi’kmaw way of life.
Every time a striper is caught, there is a chance to learn more about this feisty fish. If a few scales are carefully removed from the fish, they tell a story. Each scale has DNA that shows how groups of striped bass from one area are related to another. Other details like length and weight can also inform us about the population.
Volunteers will learn how to collect scales and record data.
One of the coolest parts of this project is tagging. We will teach fishers how to put a small tag on the striped bass before releasing it. When tagged fish are re-caught, we can learn how striped bass move around Nova Scotia.
There will be workshops on tagging, scale sampling, and other skills. There will also be regular meetings for striped bass fishers and events that will involve the youth. A lot of important information about striped bass comes from people who fish. If you fish for striped bass, you’re the volunteer we’re looking for!
If you’d like to volunteer or learn more about this project, contact Sana Kavanagh.
Page 3
Trees for Trout: Stream Restoration and Education in Millbrook First NationBy: Charlie Marshall – MCG Research and Education Assistant & Clayton Coppaway – MCG Research and Education Officer
This summer, Millbrook Fisheries and the Mi’kmaw Conservation Group (MCG) took part in an ambitious stream restoration project to restore and clean up stream riparian zones. The riparian zone is a designated area surrounding waterways. Riparian zones are important because they: improve water quality; help absorb and hold water; help control flooding; reduce stream bank erosion; and, they provide critical habitat for fish and other animals to grow and thrive.
This project has been made possible by the Eco Action Community Funding program. The restoration activities, which included planting trees and removing stream debris and garbage, took place throughout the summer. These events involved planting 5000 trees and shrubs and removing garbage along Lepper Brook and McClures Brook in Millbrook First Nation.
Lepper Brook and McClures Brook are important to the Community members of Millbrook First Nation. These streams provide water, food (in the form of trout) and recreation for Millbrook residents. However, with the expansion of human development and changing land use patterns, some areas of these streams are in need of restoration. At the MCG Community sessions, many Community members expressed their concern about the health of these streams and their ability to provide safe water and food.
In the Spring of 2012, a Millbrook Councillor asked MCG to investigate the trout population and water quality of Lepper Brook. Based on the data compiled from that study, MCG produced a report regarding the overall
health of the waterway and made recommendations on how to move forward. The Millbrook Chief and Council then directed Millbrook Fisheries and MCG to develop a proposal that would restore riparian zones and rehabilitate trout populations. MCG is excited to continue to work with Millbrook on this next phase of stream restoration.
Want to learn to plant a tree and learn more about your Community’s waterways? Then come out to our tree planting party in Millbrook First Nation!
September 25, 201310 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pow Wow Grounds
All are welcome to join and help revive these local waterways. If you would like more information contact Clayton Coppaway.
Selecting the perfect tree.
Erika and Summer Student Faith with a happy tree planting crew.
Everyone helping - great job!
Page 4
From the Desk of Adam SherryOn May 2nd, 2013 MCG Research and Education Officer Erika Perrier and I visited the Millbrook Community to assess suitable locations for the tree planting project planned for July. In addition to potential tree planting sites, we also took the opportunity to visit and record any locations of concern or interest to Community members. We travelled by truck with two members of the Community, Dylan Gloade and Andrew Johnson.
We started the site visit by scouting out potential locations for the tree planting project. The planting project will predominantly involve the planting of white spruce, which is a robust species able to survive in most soil types. There were many areas in the Community that would be suitable to receive white spruce seedlings, including at the site of the old town dump which has experienced reclamation and has had tree planting performed in the past.
As part of the tree planting project, we expect to have a few Black Ash trees to plant in each Community. As these trees are more dependent on a wet environment, we attempted to locate areas near lakes or streams to host the new trees. We recorded several locations along Lepper Brook that would satisfy the needs of the Black Ash, as well as a near the man-made pond that was built on the oval at the Pow Wow grounds.
The first location of concern that we visited was the tide lock located at the head of McClures Brook. There is concern that the lock is limiting fish access to the brook, and specific mention was made of a time when the lock had to be opened and an increased population of fish was noticed.
Concerns of water contamination were also raised at McClures Brook due to a section of the brook that passes through the Truro Golf and Country Club. There is fear that the water could become contaminated from the fertilizers and chemicals used in lawn care and maintenance of the golf course.
The final area of concern is along Willow Street in Truro. There are concerns over the dyes used at the carpet plant. Currently a holding pond exists across the street from the plant in which the water is coloured by the dyes. This pond is in close proximity
to McClures Brook, and there are fears that the dyes could be seeping into the water of McClures Brook in times of overflow.
The final stop on the site visit took us to the fish ladder located at the north end of Shortt’s Lake. The ladder facilitates the migration of Gaspereau (Alewife) upstream. There is interest to see if a similar device could be constructed at the head of McClure’s Brook to allow access to the river that is being restricted by the tide lock.
We look forward to mapping these areas for the upcoming Tree Planting Project. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime!
All the best!
Adam SherryGIS TechnicianMi’kmaw Conservation GroupThe Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
Adam Sherry recording GPS coordinates of the tide lock at Salmon River, Nova Scotia.
Spring has come and gone and many First Nation Communities are busy readying and hauling in their catches from the sea. I hope that all of our Mi’kmaw Member Communities are enjoying a bountiful communal commercial spring harvest. Your CFLC has been very busy attending DFO/Industry advisory committee meetings, pre-meeting and debriefing sessions with First Nation Fishery Coordinators, issuing/administering tags and addressing an array of other ongoing fishing issues.
Some ongoing and important Mi’kmaw Community Communal Commercial Fishery issues that all fishery coordinators should be aware of:
Tagging:As all of our Communities are aware, MCG is a DFO Nationally certified tag supplier and is responsible to ensure the timely delivery of original and replacement fishing tags to its Mi’kmaw Member Communities. Some of the communal commercial fisheries have recently completed, are currently ongoing or will start in the near future in our Communities are:
Gulf Fisheries:Lobster: LFA 26A(completed) and LFA 26B(completed)Rock Crab: 26A
Snow Crab: 19 and TunaSF Maritime Fisheries: Lobster: LFA 32(completed)Snow Crab: CFA 23 and CFA 24(completed) Tuna and Lobster: LFA 33/34/35
To date, issuing replacement tags for our Communities has been an efficient and straightforward process. This speaks volumes about the professionalism of our Fishers and Managers and a little bit of luck afforded by Mother Nature. If any MCG Member Community has questions regarding the replacement tag process or require replacement tags, please contact me.
As a final note on tags, I want to thank all of our First Nation Fishery Coordinators in making mine and MCG’s job as a tag supplier, easy!
Look for more news about Commercial Fisheries in the next quarterly CFLC Newsletter.
A Technical Resource For Viable First Nation Fisheries,Cory FrancisCommercial Fisheries Liaison Coordinator Mi’kmaw Conservation GroupThe Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
From the Desk of Cory Francis
Page 5
The MCG Staff has been busy with tree planting events, workshops and Community training projects. We are excited about continuing to be in Communities doing work that matters to you!
Over the last few months we have also been at a couple of Community events, like the Striped Bass Derby in Indian Brook and the Community Health Fair in Millbrook. If you have an event you’d like MCG to be present at, please contact us! We’d be happy to set up an information booth
or do some interactive activities with attendees.
As always, we welcome your stories and input here at MCG. If you have any ideas or stories for upcoming publications, please contact me.
You can find us on the web at www.mikmawconservation.ca and be sure to like us on Facebook, because we like you!
See you around the watershed!
Kate NelsonCommunications OfficerMi’kmaw Conservation GroupThe Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
Communications Report
Jacob and Jonas Cope at the Millbrook Health Fair.
Sana at the Indian Brook Striped Bass Derby.
Page 6
Come and Plant a Tree with MCG The MCG team has been traveling to Communities this Spring and Summer for one-day events to talk about Black Ash conservation, restoration, and the importance of trees native to Mi’kmaki. In order to give each tree a chance, the MCG team has selected sites best suited for each tree type. MCG, with help from our Funders, provides the Black Ash, White Spruce and the necessary tools. Thank you to all the Communities for your participation thus far, and we look forward to visiting the rest of our Communities in September.
Tools for planting trees
- Tree-planting shovel
- Dibble-head tool
- Mulch
- Wooden stakes
- Flagging tape
Do you plant different trees in different sites?
Yes! Black ash do not like shady environments, rather they prefer to have sun shining on their leaves. They like wet soils, such as those in wetlands and bogs, or by lakes and streams. In contrast, White Spruce can survive in a variety of places. It does not mind the shade, and often grows in old abandoned farm fields.
How do you plant and take care of small trees (under 1 meter)?
To plant small trees, a dibble head is the best tool. A dibble head punches a small hole in the ground, like a hole-punch. After placing the tree in the hole, pinching the soil around the tree’s base ensures the root structure is covered. Patting a handful of mulch around the tree’s base will help protect the tree from frost, and its roots from drying out. Small trees should be spaced approximately 1-2 meters apart.
How do you plant and take care of large trees (over 1 meter)?
To plant larger trees, use a tree-planting shovel to dig a hole. The hole should be at least twice as wide as the container or root ball, and as deep as the root ball. Remove grass, weeds, and any other plants on the ground within a
50cm radius around the hole. Loosen the soil in the hole to help the tree’s roots become established. It is important that the soil in the hole is moist. Fill the hole with good quality soil and ensure there are no air pockets. By gently raising and lowering the tree, you can fill in any air pockets with soil.
After planting your trees, how do you take care of them?
Watering It is important to ensure the roots do not dry out. For larger trees, you should water the trees twice a week for the first 2–3 months, then weekly for the 1st year. The schedule and frequency varies based on the soil type, such as sand, peat moss, or a soil mixture.
Staking for trees, less than 1 meter, staking the area surrounding the trees and marking it with flagging tape can prevent people from walking or mowing over the trees. However, for trees over 1 meter staking the tree prevents damage from wind, people, and animals for the first 2-3 growing seasons. The planter must take care when tying the stake to the tree to avoid damaging its bark.
This is a brief guide on how to properly plant and maintain trees. This information has been adapted from Northern Forestry Centre’s Green Side UP: A Guide to Tree Planting. If you would like more details, you can check out this helpful reference listed below. Remember, no matter what tree type, it is always goes GREEN SIDE UP!
Adapted from the Northern Forestry Centre. (1992). Green Side UP: A Guide to Tree Planting. http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/pubwarehouse/pdfs/3933.pdf
Funders: Sage Environmental, Mi’kmaw Conservation Group & Nova Scotia Youth Corps – Clean Nova Scotia.
By: Erika Perrier, MCG Research and Education Officer
Page 7
The Mi’kmaw Conservation Group & Millbrook
Fisheries are teaming up to plant trees along the
brooks of Millbrook First Nation. Come help plant
trees, beautify your Community, and learn more
about the importance of healthy stream banks.
Need more information?
Contact Clayton Coppaway at 902-895-6385 or
Celebrate National Tree Day with The Mi’kmaw Conservation Group &
Millbrook Fisheries
September 25, 2013 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pow Wow Grounds
Everyone is Welcome
Come Plant a Tree
Come Plant a Tree
MCG, Millbrook Fisheries in partnership with EcoAction Community Funding Program and Millbrook First Nation
Door
Prizes!
Refreshments
Provided
Page 8
Truro, Nova Scotia, 902.895.2038 1.877.895.2038email: [email protected]
Produced by:
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MCG Staff
Eels are called Kataq in Mi’kmaq. Have you ever gone eel spearing in Summer?
Colour the picture
Address19 Brooks Lane,
Millbrook First NationTruro, Nova Scotia
CanadaB2N 5V3
Toll Free1-877-892-2424
Webwww.mikmawconservation.ca
Angie GillisManager [email protected]
Sana KavanaghResearch and Education [email protected]
Kate NelsonCommunication [email protected]
Adam SherryGIS [email protected]
Cory FrancisCommercial Fisheries Liaison [email protected]
Erika PerrierResearch and Education [email protected]
Clayton CoppawayResearch and Education [email protected]