Project HCAA Wellman Lake Spawning Reef - Project Summary

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Project HCAA 16-00408 Wellman Lake Spawning Reef -

1 Project HCAA Wellman Lake Spawning Reef - Project Summary Submitted by: Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. April 2017 Funded by: Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program

2 Acknowledgements Similar to many projects SVSFE undertakes, our initiatives would not be possible without the strong community support found here in the Swan River Valley. Special thanks to our: Volunteers & Technicial Staff; Wellman Lake Lodge Alvin & Linda Wiebe, Glad/Wellman Campers & Cottage Owners Association Ralph Hart, Richard Bidzinski, Gord Hart, Reid Shiels, Jeff Connolly, Doug Marzolf, Duane Whyte, Tammy Forsachuk, Lee Evans, Merle Gerbrandt, Kaij Mychalchuk, Elgin Barnett, Grant Blosha, Carey Harris, Jeff Dixon, Megan Paterson, Brock Koutecky & Holly Urban Supporters; Cement Works, Flaman Rentals, Blosha Farms, Ladel Construction, Peak Performance Roofing, Campbell Construction, Spruce Products Limited, Louisiana Pacific Woodlands, and Manitoba Sustainable Development Fisheries Branch, Parks Branch, Wildlife Branch & Fire Program for equipment & material. Also big thank you to Manitoba Water Stewardship Fisheries Branch for providing continued support and guidance on all of our projects and activities. And lastly, the biggest recognition should be awarded to the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP). The RFCPP was developed to support projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups aimed at improving the conservation of recreational fisheries habitat and has done exactly that by providing funds for SVSFE to meet their mandate of enhancing fish habitat.

Project Overview The quantity and quality of walleye spawning habitat has been shown to be directly related to walleye productivity (Schupp, 1978).

Throughout this time, SVSFE has been actively involved in management and enhancement efforts with a focus on walleye.

3 Project Overview The quantity and quality of walleye spawning habitat has been shown to be directly related to walleye productivity (Schupp, 1978). With this statement in mind, natural recruitment of walleye in Wellman Lake has been an ongoing topic of conversation since the early 1990 s. Throughout this time, SVSFE has been actively involved in management and enhancement efforts with a focus on walleye. Wellman Lake is a recipient for both walleye fry and sub adult/adult walleye through transfer and stocking programs. These efforts have, no doubt strengthened walleye populations, nevertheless, Wellman Lake has the potential to offer a self sustainable walleye fishery where other lakes do not possess this capability. This potential initiated a partnership between SVSFE & RFCPP to improve the habitat on the Wellman Lake Spawning Reef through light enhancement (adding a small layer of 3/4 4 diameter rock over the existing substrate). Factors which make the reef suitable for enhancement consist of; the location of the reef (windswept, proximity to nursery habitat), reef depth (<1.3m), presence of existing substrate (cobble, boulders, etc.) and the concept that walleye have indicated the reef as prefer spawning habitat (displayed through past usage and telemetry locates). The initiative enhanced approximately 2,000 square meters of spawning habitat and has improved spawning habitat for various species, specifically walleye. Objectives: To enhance available and preferred walleye spawning habitat. To create a self sustaining walleye fishery for recreational fishing

Project Activities The project consisted of three main activities (Work Plan Activities); (1) project planning, (2) site preparation & habitat enhancement, and (3) Signage 1) Project Planning

It is important to note when planning activities that involve various volunteers and supporters, that ample time is allocated in order to maintain communication with individuals throughout the

4 Project Activities The project consisted of three main activities (Work Plan Activities); (1) project planning, (2) site preparation & habitat enhancement, and (3) Signage 1) Project Planning consisted of development and coordination of project activities. It is important to note when planning activities that involve various volunteers and supporters, that ample time is allocated in order to maintain communication with individuals throughout the project. This is key to the success of any partnership project. Scheduling and project planning involved; hiring contractors, sourcing material, sourcing donations/support, attaining permits, publicizing project activities, sourcing and scheduling volunteers & technical staff, coordinating equipment, developing safe work procedures specific to the project and activating insurance for workers and volunteers 2)Site Preparation & Habitat Enhancement a) Site preparation was vastly supported by volunteers. This involved preparation of the work site, development of the ice road and approach area and communication of project activities. The Wellman Lake Lodge was supportive in allowing SVSFE to utilize their private launch area, which decreased the amount of ice road required to reach the reef. Cabin owners and local contractors volunteered in snow clearing and flooding of the ice road and construction of the approach area throughout the winter leading up to the enhancement date. Manitoba Sustainable Development Fire Program donated equipment & time for flooding, while Fisheries & Parks Branch supplied various equipment including snowmobile/sleigh, ice auger, post auger, etc plus technical support.

Project Activities Site preparation cont d: Technical staff monitored ice conditions, surveyed and marked reef and road, coordinated road &

Rock was delivered on Feb 7, 2017 and stocked piled in a parking area located close to the Wellman Lake Lodge.

degree of slope. This was delivered and spread the day of project activities. 2)The availability of equipment when you need it.

Unfortunately, our pumps for flooding were not available when conditions were first ideal, therefore there was a cost to renting equipment.

5 Project Activities Site preparation cont d: Technical staff monitored ice conditions, surveyed and marked reef and road, coordinated road & approach development and marked worksite with high reflective signage. Site Preparation began on January 3 rd, 2017 and throughout until March. Rock was delivered on Feb 7, 2017 and stocked piled in a parking area located close to the Wellman Lake Lodge. Some unforeseen issues not accounted for during the application process included 1) the need for sand required on the launch area, due to the degree of slope. This was delivered and spread the day of project activities. 2)The availability of equipment when you need it. With a project of this degree, you must always work with the weather. Unfortunately, our pumps for flooding were not available when conditions were first ideal, therefore there was a cost to renting equipment. 3) Extra effort was required to development an ice bridge/approach area suitable to withstand the loads and size of trucks/trailers. Thankfully, SVSFE received tremendous support from volunteers to assist in this process. 4) extra funds required for material to mark banks created from snow removal.

Project Activities b) Habitat Enhancement The project date for enhancement activities was

On Friday, March 3 rd a handful of volunteers dug into a rock pile of 260 cubic yards of clean

created over the winter and transport a few loads of rock out to the reef.

Since the test runs were running smoothly and Saturday s forecast calling for balmy temperatures,

This was a good call, as on Saturday March 4 th the well-organized crew started early and laid

to +9 o C! SVSFE was impressed by the support received by volunteers.

6 Project Activities b) Habitat Enhancement The project date for enhancement activities was originally scheduled for Saturday March 4 th. On Friday, March 3 rd a handful of volunteers dug into a rock pile of 260 cubic yards of clean rock. SVSFE s technicians and volunteers decided to test out the approach (ice-bridge) and road created over the winter and transport a few loads of rock out to the reef. This was accomplished by transporting rock with four trucks and trailers. Since the test runs were running smoothly and Saturday s forecast calling for balmy temperatures, the crew decided to transport half the rock while temperatures remained below zero. This was a good call, as on Saturday March 4 th the well-organized crew started early and laid the remaining rock, wrapping the project up prior to noon; luckily before the temperatures rose to +9 o C! SVSFE was impressed by the support received by volunteers. The project was finalized with a group picture on the newly placed rock and a home cooked meal at the Wellman Lake Lodge. These efforts improved 2,005m 2 of preferred spawning habitat to support natural walleye recruitment for recreational angling.

The 4 x8 sign was later designed and installed in March 2017.

8 Project Activities 3) Signage The framework for the sign was installed in the fall of 2016, prior to freeze up at the most visible location, the Main Beach. The 4 x8 sign was later designed and installed in March In addition to the main launch, two smaller 2 x3 signs were created for the other two launches located at Wellman Lake to increase awareness of the project and inform the public where the reef is located.

10 Publications Website: News Article Newspaper Article & Thank You Star & Times March 28 th, 2017

2017 Glad Lake Pike Transfer Summary of Activities

2017 Glad Lake Pike Transfer Summary of Activities Submitted by: Holly Urban, Brock Koutecky & Megan Paterson on behalf of Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement 1 Date: November, 2017 Summary of Activities