River Watch in Action -

September 25, 2007 - River Watch garners note of appreciation from Methals Road Committee of the Black River Lake Association:

"I would like to thank you and your volunteers for cleaning up the boat launch area at Methals Dam on Black River Lake, Kings County.  You did an excellent job and it seems to have been effective in keeping the area clean.  We drove out there last night and although there have been campers present, the area was still tidy."

September 19, 2007 - Training session held in New Minas:

The newest group of River Watch volunteers was trained in New Minas on Wednesday evening. 12 strong the Valley River Watch core group will help River Watch grow in the Valley and Halifax area, a welcome addition to the growing River Watch force throughout the Province. Interested in joining? Why not contact us now and get your group started in this program that makes such a difference...

Saturday August 18, 2007

Despite wet weather and some thunder rumbling in the distance, seven Valley River Watch volunteers showed up bright & early at the dam adjoning Black River Lake and Methal's Lake. This is a popular put in spot for anglers and their boats in search of smallmouth bass. It's also a popular spot for overnight camping and partying, and there's usually a fair mess in the area.

The first discovery was that most of the campsite areas were almost completely free of garbage! This was a welcome relief from past experience, as this was not what was expected. Most camper's firepits were established well away from the water's edge, rocked around for safety, and the area left neat and tidy. Thanks to any and all who had the conscience to do the right thing! A few sore spots were found, but with 7 guys ready to work, it didn't take more than a couple of hours to make a huge difference.

One firepit contained a large amount of broken glass which was dealt with, and some burned out tires and wheels were found. A couple of old (several decades at least) tin can dumps were also cleaned out, and the area was finally left looking like a Provincial campground. A number of us had never met some of the other members of NovaScotiaFishing.com who came to help, and it was an honour to meet like-minded outdoorsmen with the desire to make a difference.

The next planned clean-up will be at what's commonly known as "Shad Corner" where the Nictaux River meets the Annapolis, on a date yet to be set. A number of the River Watch objectives were discussed and reinforced, and a training sessions for several new candidates is planned within the next few weeks.

Sunday - July 29, 2007

The Chapter's efforts of organizing, promoting and running the Provincial River Watch program paid benefits on Sunday, July 29, 2007 when the efforts of some local River Watch Monitors yielded a call to Provincial Fisheries, who took quick action to remedy a fish kill and habitat destruction problem in Southern Digby County. The Monitor's reported the blockage of Beaver River, with a substantial number of minnows having been killed as they attempted to travel into the outflow of the river, which had become blocked by tidal action. Fisheries took the report and two days later the problem was solved when the blockage was opened and now the river flows freely, and access to the tidal water can be had at high tide.

Saturday - July 28, 2007

With the reinvention of the River Watch Program, through our Chapter's efforts, River Watch members in the Valley area wanted to kick-off with a good start.  They decided to do a clean-up in a highly visible location...many people using this locale (some twice a day) for striper fishing.  The location is known as The Guzzle near Grand Pré, Nova Scotia.

It was a scorching hot day, yet three dedicated members showed for the clean-up project.  As the clean-up took place, there was time to chat with some fisherman who use the place on a regular basis.  They let them know who they were and why they were there. The enthusiasm was contagious as some of these fisherman joined in and helped with the clean-up.

Altogether,  trucked away was one half ton truck load full and Valley Waste Management has graciously waived tipping fees for River Watch Valley group's projects.  All in all it was a great day to support the River Watch Program and the fishing community.

Valley River Watch Monitors placing sign at the Guzzle, Grand Pre, NS

August 18, 2007

The Results - Black River Lake Cleaned
and now watched by River Watch

The Cleanup

The River Watch Crew (Thanks, gang!)

Beaver River - July 29, 2007

Before (blocked - only small rivulet through rocks, trapping minnows)

After (stream running into the ocean freely)

Before (water beyond bridge and into the bushes)

After (water under bridge)