Urgent: Hazen Creek Habitat Restored, Boosting Wildlife Health

UPDATE: Major restoration efforts at Hazen Creek in Saint John, Canada, have just been completed, significantly enhancing the habitat for local wildlife. The environmental group ACAP Saint John has successfully transformed the previously straightened waterway into a curvier, more natural creek, which is vital for supporting aquatic life.

Officials announced that this restoration project was funded by a two-year grant from Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Roxanne McKinnon, executive director of ACAP Saint John, emphasized that the creek had suffered from contamination and sediment issues due to its proximity to an industrial park, previously making it less hospitable for fish and other wildlife.

McKinnon stated, “Natural streams rarely run straight; they zigzag, creating pools and riffles that improve fish habitat.” This restoration is crucial as it addresses the historical contamination issues that have plagued the creek, which is home to a variety of species including brook trout and American eel.

The project involved detailed assessments of Hazen Creek, which revealed a healthy population of local species, but also highlighted critical barriers to their migration. “If the water’s not deep enough for a fish to swim through, that creates a barrier for them, and they can’t migrate upstream anymore,” McKinnon explained.

To combat these issues, ACAP Saint John implemented a plan to plant trees and vegetation around the creek. These plants will act as a natural filter, reducing sediment runoff and improving water quality. Increased vegetation also helps combat issues like increased turbidity and temperature, which can be detrimental to fish health.

This restoration at Hazen Creek is part of a broader initiative by ACAP Saint John aimed at protecting urban waterways throughout the city. The organization is committed to monitoring the creek’s progress and exploring additional strategies to enhance other watercourses in the area.

As these efforts continue, the community is encouraged to keep an eye on the ongoing changes at Hazen Creek, which promises a revitalized habitat for local wildlife. The impact of this project not only benefits the aquatic ecosystem but also enhances the overall health of the environment in Saint John.

Stay tuned for more updates as ACAP Saint John continues its vital work to restore and protect urban waterways across the region.