A new bank stabilization project will limit access to Carruthers Memorial Park in Avening for the next three weeks.
Fred Dobbs, manager of stewardship services for the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), says the first phase of the work will involve construction on another 40-45 metres of the bank on the Mad River, downstream from last year’s project. That work saw the installation of large boulders along a 40-metre section of riverbank adjacent to the park access road, topped with pockets of plant material for added stability.
Phase 2 will involve the installation of large granite boulders mid-channel in an area upstream from the work done last year. The hope is that this will improve fish habitat for salmon and trout by providing additional shade and shelter.
“We did a fish survey prior to the commencement of any work so we can check again after the work is done to see how much stocks have improved,” said Dobbs. “It’s not precise science, but it will give us an indication if we’re making a difference.”
Thus far, the NVCA has been unable to get an agreement with landowners further upstream that would facilitate further bank stabilization work, said Dobbs. He is hopeful that will happen in the next year or two. A plan to build side channels with small islands has also been deferred until at least 2025.
Because the work will involve heavy equipment, the park will be closed from August 19 to Sept. 6.