The Hepworth Anglers Club (HAC) completed Phase 1 of the Spring Creek Restoration Project in September, 2013. Implementing the recommendations of Parish Geomorphic Ltd., fourteen wing deflectors were constructed and installed in the stream bank at strategic locations, using mats to minimize stream bank damage. Woody debris structures were installed in the bank and numerous boulders were placed in the channel at prescribed locations. Over 280 tons of river stone were placed in three different areas of the Spring Creek to increase and improve existing spawning sites. Completion of Phase 1 will result in an improved quality of cold water flowing into the Sauble River and Lake Huron from Spring Creek and increase Spring Creek’s contribution to the migratory fishery (rainbow and brown trout, chinook and coho salmon) currently reproducing naturally in the stream.
The restoration work was made possible by two grants received by the HAC, (1) Land Stewardship and Habitat Restoration Program (Ministry of Natural Resources) and (2) Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (Department of Fisheries and Oceans). The HAC is awaiting word on its 2013 Great Lakes Guardian Community Grant (Ministry of Environment) application and will be applying for additional grants to complete phases 2 and 3 of the Spring Creek Restoration Project in the future.