The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) owns and manages Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, a 293 hectare property located off County Road 4 in Bradford West Gwillimbury. A 4 hectare on-line reservoir on the property has had significant impacts on the fisheries in Scanlon Creek. Through a recent class Environmental Assessment, it was determined that LSRCA should remove the Scanlon Creek Reservoir by decommissioning the dam. This will allow LSRCA to restore the natural free flowing creek and approximately 2 hectares of wetland adjacent to the creek.

Before starting this restoration project, LSRCA needs to determine how much work is required to naturalize the area. By temporarily removing some of the water from the reservoir, it will allow LSRCA to observe how the system responds and how the creek re-establishes itself. Based on these observations during the draw down period LSRCA will be able to finalize the natural channel design and determine the final funding requirements.

The ultimate goal is to restore a natural creek, double the size of the wetland and increase the length of the boardwalk.

What: Temporary draw down of the Scanlon Creek reservoir.

When: Mid August to Mid September 2011 Where: Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, 2450 9th Line, Bradford Ontario

Why: To see how the system responds and how it might re-establish itself during the temporary water lowering.

Media Contact: Kristen Yemm, Manager, Corporate Communications
k.yemm@lsrca.on.ca
905-895-1281 ext. 315