Habitat Destruction

[bigugly]

First off I thought I had already posted this, maybe it was to strongly worded first time.

Here it goes.

When I first started taking the boys fishing we didn't really have a lot of knowledge so we kinda made friends with some guys who seemed to catch lots and where willing to pass on info. For the most part I had no issues with them other than a few bad habits but then they or I should say one in particular started doing things I though was kinda wrong. Was tempted to call ministry but did'n want to ruffle feathers but it's been bothering me. Here are the issues, its all about habitat modifications or destruction. I have witnessed them taking out log jams, move rocks and lots of them to try and change current, riffles, eddies, shovels to try and channel water or deepen holes, One of them spent a whole day removing stones down to the size of baseballs in about a 25-50' section thinking he was helping water flow and making better spawning for brown trout. It seems to me all they have done is remove natural fish holding features, although those features caught a lot of my gear, its part of the sport. Digging seems like a waste of time same as moving and removing stone and I mean he threw it all up on the bank! In my mind all I though was how many eggs where destroyed by his actions? Wouldn't it be better to just leave a well producing hole alone? Maybe I'm in the wrong and they even said the CO told them they could do whatever they like, I struggle to believe that but I just don't know. I tried looking it up in MNR site but no luck. Anyone have any knowledge on this?

 

[fishermandan420]

No in-stream work without a permit.

 

[Michael Borman]

I don't know much about the rules or regulations about these specific actions, I find it disturbing that they would go to this extent.

Personally, I have little tolerance for people who purposely "destroy/disrupt" nature and would have said something. I'm at an age in my life where I don't care if people think I'm a dick. Removing logs and large rocks could increase bank erosion (based on the area), and destroy habitats for all types of species.

On the flip side, my kids are known to toss sticks and rocks into streams and rivers. However I see this as adding to aquatic habitat.

Go with your moral instincts next time you see this. Better to say something, than to let it bother you. Many ways to get a point across without starting a fight, and before chatting snap a couple pictures for reference.

After typing this, I did a quick google search and found this. As S4S stated, no work unless you have a permit.

http://www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012_WorkPermit_Presentation1.pdf

 

[Dozer]

Illegal and invasive - rocks and log jams create the necessary micro habitats to support all levels of the food chain. Digging holes? They will only fill in - adding boulders will scour out the banks. These playground ichthyologists should be stopped - I highly doubt they are permitted to do what they are doing.

 

[classic drifter]

I know this may sound a little noob, but once i removed a branch that was in the creek due to it catching my leader often, once i pulled it out there were alot of snagged lines on it with hooks and what not, IMHO i dont think i altered anything, but forgive me if i had done something illegal or incorrect, the only thing in my mind at that time is it will be benefecial for the fish and me, less hooks dangling around and no more hooks and line lost on my part. I once asked about removing a fallen tree from a creek and the only way the local govt or the MNR would take action is when it is stopping the fish to head upstream, if it provides shelter for the fish or does not get in the way of them heading up no action would be taken, and as far i know what those guys were doing is wrong! I just say let nature take its course if there is a massive enough rain to clear all the debris and branches and what not and make new home for fish so be it, all i can do is walk pass a nice pool if its really unfishable due to "structure" just my 2 cents,

 

[Michael Borman]

I know this may sound a little noob, but once i removed a branch that was in the creek due to it catching my leader often, once i pulled it out there were alot of snagged lines on it with hooks and what not, IMHO i dont think i altered anything, but forgive me if i had done something illegal or incorrect, the only thing in my mind at that time is it will be benefecial for the fish and me, less hooks dangling around and no more hooks and line lost on my part. I once asked about removing a fallen tree from a creek and the only way the local govt or the MNR would take action is when it is stopping the fish to head upstream, if it provides shelter for the fish or does not get in the way of them heading up no action would be taken, and as far i know what those guys were doing is wrong! I just say let nature take its course if there is a massive enough rain to clear all the debris and branches and what not and make new home for fish so be it, all i can do is walk pass a nice pool if its really unfishable due to "structure" just my 2 cents,

I would agree with what you did. Safety and environmental friendless needs to come first.

On a side note, several Ocean species use and rely on garbage to make shelters and give them safety from predators.

 

[fisgfreek]

I've heard of some folks using a backhoe to make a few deep pools in a river system that was running through their property.