LaHave River Salmon Association is concerned heavy rainfalls like the one last week could spell trouble for local fish populations.
President Carroll Randall with LaHave River Salmon Association says silt runoff is suffocating fish and their eggs.
“When there’s construction along the river and the riverbanks and/or up on the hills proper siltation prevention has to happen and in many cases, that’s not happening.”
Randall hopes once people are aware of the impact, they will change their habits.
“We’re asking anybody that’s moving ground along the LaHave, please spend some time learning how to prevent silt from coming into our river.”
Randall says that protection could be as simple as spreading hay along the exposed ground to keep it from washing away.
He says if anyone is unsure what they should be doing, they can learn more from Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation or the Environment Department.
Project Coordinator with Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation Sam Reeves says they spend a lot of time restoring and assessing fish habitats.
He says there are number of ways to ensure silt isn’t washed into the river.
“Hay bales are a common one. You can buy silt fences, so if used properly they can catch sediment. And there’s also some structures that can be put in place such as check dams.”
Reeves says his group is invested in protected the region’s waterways.
“Being a local environmental organization, we have staff trained here who can assist with implementing and planning the different measures that can help mitigate the siltation events. We’re always willing to help.”
Reeves says the minimal extra cost of these measures can make a big difference in the health of the river.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
