The Algonquin to Adirondacks Conservation Association (A2A) and 14 partnering organizations have received a $56,945 grant from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Species at Risk Fund to conduct  work on the Gananoque River Watershed Project, which will cost a projected $ 138 955 in 2008.  With the data collected during the project, organizations will be in a better position to develop management strategies to ensure the long term health of the waterway and better survival rates of Species at Risk.

This year the focus of the Gananoque Watershed Project will be on Lower Beverley Lake.  

Scott Smithers, of the Ministry of Natural Resources, will be training a team to find our which species live near the shoreline.  The team will use seine netting to identify the fish, turtles and  mollusk shells near shorelines around the lake.  It is believed that some  species at risk will be found there.  By understanding what types of habitat these species require, researchers will be able to make recommendations about how to preserve and enhance them. 

Another part of the project will be led by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. A staff member, with help from 2 students and volunteers will be conducting a shoreline survey of Lower Beverley Lake to determine where shorelines are healthy and where remediation may be required.  The information they collect will be shared with landowners and made available to municipalities for planning purposes.  Landowners will receive packages of information about healthy shorelines and how to maintain them. Healthy shorelines contribute to the health of several species at risk that live part or all of their lives in the near shore area.

A third part of the project will see volunteers taking water samples across the entire Gananoque Watershed. The Leeds Stewardship Council will be assisting with training.  Water will be sampled from the points where water enters and exits on each lake .  This will help researchers to determine if and where there are water quality issues, so that recommendations to improve water quality can be made.  Improving water quality can improve the chances that populations of species at risk will survive.

The Gananoque Watershed Project was initiated several years ago by residents’ associations: Lower and Upper Beverley Lake Associations, and  the Gananoque River Waterways Association, after members raised concerns in about water quality and declines in fish stocks.  Surveys done in 2006-2007  confirmed that concerns were widespread. In 2007 the project was broadened out to look at the entire watershed of the Gananoque River, including 18 lakes. 

Volunteers will play an essential role in implementing the project.  They will be taking water samples, helping researchers to net fish, record data, do shoreline observations and participate in outreach to shoreline owners.  So far, over 70 area residents have volunteered to take part in the project. Assistance for this project has also been received from the Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation through its funding program.