Brookies in Bronte, Forever! is a multi-phased project aimed at protecting, sustaining and enhancing Brook Trout habitat in the Bronte Creek watershed through education, awareness and habitat rehabilitation. Our goal is to sustain and restore populations through education and empowerment of private landowners.
Brookies in Bronte Forever was launched in 2014 in response to observed declines and shifting ranges in Brook Trout distribution in Southwestern Ontario, including Bronte Creek. Brook Trout are a native Char species that occur in cold-water habitats. As people have made alterations to reaches of Bronte Creek like digging online ponds, dredging out the creek or removing the riparian vegetation, the creek has warmed up, displacing Brook Trout.
Opportunities to enhance aquatic passage are being sought out through the reduction and removal of impediments for Brook Trout. In stream barriers being examined include pond decommissioning, culvert repair/replacement and dam/barrier removal. Removing barriers to fish passage can allow Brook Trout to return to habitat that may presently be impossible to navigate or re-inhabit.
Brookies in Bronte, Forever! is reaching out to Landowners interested in enhancing the health and vitality of Bronte Creek through riparian buffer plantings. For more information, see Help the Brookies below. Planting native trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation adjacent to a stream’s course will provide Brook Trout with shade and reduce stream temperature. Furthermore, the vegetation will attract insects and other wildlife that Brook Trout rely on for food, as well as provide bank stability and reduce erosion.
If you own land along Bronte Creek, you may be eligible for funding to help restore or enhance habitat for Brook Trout. Reach out to a Landowner Outreach Technician to discuss a Brookies in Bronte, Forever! project on your property.
Project Eligibility:
- Private lands with Bronte Creek occurring on a landowner’s property
- Sites that have been identified as existing or potential habitat for Brook Trout populations
- Stretches of creek that would be enhanced by a riparian buffer
- May be subject to review by the Project Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC
Planting requirements:
- A riparian buffer zone must be identified for restoration, up to a maximum of 30m from the stream bank
- Species chosen will be native to the Conservation Halton watershed
- Landowners, family and friends are encouraged to participate in the plantings
- Each planting plan will be approved or designed by the Landowner Outreach Technician
- The landowner commits to protecting and maintaining the planted area.
Funding:
- Up to 100% of eligible buffer project costs will be covered, up to a maximum of $5000, subject to availability
- Additional funding may be available through government and/or not-for-profit organizations