MHSF AWARD 2009


MHSF Newsletter 2010

Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation Inc.

A day out Fishin with Grampy

Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation Inc.

WHAT WE DO?      

►1.Maintain and operate a Fish Rearing Station (Fish Enhancement Center)

            Each year, the MHSF raise both salmon and trout fingerlings at their rearing station on the Clearwater Stream, approximately 5 km below Juniper on the Napadogan Road.  The young fish are put into the South Branch of the Miramichi River and its tributaries each fall at specific predetermined locations.

The Fish Enhancement Center continues to be a major attraction for many people and provides great opportunity for visitors to learn about the work of the Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation

►2.Construct, install and maintain Boat Ramps

            The boat ramps are constructed, installed and maintained by volunteers and members of the Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation.  These ramps are located at a number of sites on the South and North Branches and the main Southwest Miramichi River.  The ramps provide easy access to the water and enable users to launch and remove their boats with little difficulty.

►3. Prepare an annual Newsletter

            The members of the MHSF are kept informed of activities and programs carried out by the Federation by means of a yearly Newsletter.   It goes out early in each new year and contains factual information and photos as well as articles submitted by Federation members, presenting personal views, opinions and “fishing tales.”  We are always looking for important and relevant information for our annual Newsletter

►4. Erect Signs for Salmon Pool Identification

            All salmon pools on the North Branch, from the Pier Pool to the Crooked Rapids Pool, have been identified with signs purchased and erected by the Federation.

►5. Conduct an annual Youth Fly Fishing Camp

            The MHSF, in partnership with The Governor’s Table Sporting Camps, organizes and conducts a Fly Fishing Camp for youth, ages 12 – 14 years of age.  The Camp was started in 2002 and became an annual event because of its success and the demand to have it continued.   The Camp runs for three full days and offers excellent opportunity to learn about Fly Tying, Knot Tying and Fly Casting.  We have support from Federation members and volunteers who give generously of their time and talents to make these Camps popular with parents and children alike.

►6. Conduct an annual Youth Fly Fishing Derby

            For the past 20 years, the Federation has organized and conducted a Fishing Derby for young people.  In June of each year, an enclosed pool in the Juniper area is stocked with fish and all children are invited to try their luck at fishing.  Prizes are awarded for their catches and all enjoy lunch, prepared by volunteers on outdoor barbecues.

►7. Adopt A Trout program

            In the summer of 2005, a new fundraising initiative was undertaken by the MHSF.  Members and the general public were encouraged to adopt trout, at a cost of $1 per trout, to be raised in the rearing tanks at the Rearing Station.  All “adopted” trout would eventually be released into the main river system.  Each person adopting a trout would have his/her name printed on an Adoption Board displayed at the Rearing Station.

►8. Periodic garbage removal from pool sites

            Garbage cans are placed at various locations along the river and are periodically emptied by MHSF employees and Federation members.  During the long weekend in May, it has long been tradition that Federation members distribute garbage bags to boaters who are making the trip down the Miramichi from Half Moon to Boiestown.

►9. Maintain paths and walkways to fishing pools

            Members of the MHSF and a number of volunteers keep the pathways and trails to the pools clear of brush and fallen trees.  Steps are installed at a number of pools to allow for easy access.  

►10. Promote Fish Conservation

            The promotion of fish conservation remains one of the top priorities of the MHSF.  All activities and projects undertaken by the Federation support directly and/or indirectly, the principle that this valuable resource will be depleted without due care and diligence.  The Federation has erected signs along the waterways of the Headwaters, urging fishermen to practice Hook and Release.  Sessions on Hook and Release are included in the program for our young campers at the Youth Fly Fishing Camp.

►11. Shoreline Stewardship & River Bank Stabilization

            A number of projects have been initiated by the Federation to stabilize riverbanks to prevent further bank erosion.   Property owners and the Federation have shared the costs of having trees planted and large rocks hauled to stabilize banks at a number of sites.  The MHSF has plans to provide educational resources to camp owners to further promote the importance of Shoreline Stewardship.  It is critical that riverbanks be maintained and erosion kept at a minimum.  Future work is planned to continue to address our concerns in this area. 

►12. Improve Fish Habitat

            A major project, aimed at improving fish habitat, was initiated in the spring of 2004.  Phase One of the South Branch Project involved a river study that measured fish density, water temperature, current flow and general river and riverbank conditions.  The data is presently being analyzed; it is expected to identify specific areas of the river requiring attention.  Phase Two of the project will see the development of specific action plans to address the problem areas.

►13. Remove River Barriers (log jams, etc.)

            Barriers in the river disrupt the flow of water, restrict the movement of fish and interfere with boating.  Federation members and volunteers monitor the river on a continual basis and remove river barriers when they occur

►14. Fish Restocking program

            Through a program of electrofishing, specific areas of the Headwaters are identified as having low counts of trout and salmon parr.  Yearly, the MHSF, in cooperation with the Miramichi Salmon Association, stocks these areas of the river with young salmon or trout in attempts to increase fish population.

►15.  Fish Protection

            The Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation cooperates with both federal and provincial fisheries officers to prevent fishing violations.  The Federation believes that all members have a responsibility for the protection of our fish and will continue to encourage all its members to report to the appropriate agency any actions that are detrimental to the protection of fish and fish habitat.

►16. Adopt A Highway

            The Federation has adopted the stretch of highway on Route 107, from Mills Convenience Store to the Fred Grant residence, and has assumed responsibility for keeping the roadway free of garbage and other debris.  Members of the Federation and volunteers will hold a number of clean-up days during the year.  The Federation believes this is yet another way to promote and encourage all to practice positive environmental stewardship.

►17. Representation on Miramichi Watershed Management Committee

            The MHSF is a member of the Miramichi Watershed Management Committee.  This is a committee which co-ordinates the work of all groups and organizations having an interest in maintaining a healthy Miramichi River.  The committee meets monthly.

►18. Friend of the River Award

An award will be presented annually to a person, group or organization that has demonstrated outstanding support of the Miramichi Headwaters Salmon Federation in achieving its goals and objectives.  The award will recognize outstanding actions, efforts, support and commitment to the conservation of fish and fish habitat.  The recipient of this award will be selected by the Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board.  Any member of the MHSF may submit a name for nomination.  The award will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Federation.