Rebuilding the fish ladder at Birchy Basin on the Upper Humber River

The Upper Humber Wetlands Complex was created when the Upper Humber River was dammed for log driving in the 1950s. Recognizing the important habitat value of the area, DUC, the Province of NL and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper signed a 30-year habitat stewardship agreement for the area in the 1990s (The Upper Humber Stewardship Agreement). At this time the dam was refurbished, and a fish ladder constructed to allow passage for Atlantic Salmon. More than 25 years later, the fish ladder is deteriorating and becoming a barrier to Atlantic Salmon migrating to upstream spawning grounds. DUC will repair the damaged fish ladder baffles at the Birchy Basin dam site to ensure Atlantic Salmon passage is maintained. This work will be undertaken with guidance from the Salmon Preservation Association for the Waters of Newfoundland (SPAWN), The Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the NL Wildlife Division.

Contact: Danielle Fequet, 709 765 8191, d_fequet@ducks.ca