Hammond River & Water Quality Restoration Project:      $25,000
Hammond River Angling Association
Nauwigewauk, New Brunswick (Hammond River Watershed)

For the past 24 years, the Hammond River Angling Association (HRAA) has been concerned with the conservation, restoration and management of the Hammond River watershed. A few years ago, an extensive study of the condition of the river revealed degradation mostly due to agricultural practices and increasing residential development. It was found that 75% of the riverbanks are covered with less than 30% of the necessary overhanging vegetation. Extensive partnership will allow HRAA to plant some 10,000 trees, fence 5 km to prevent cattle access and build 4 agricultural fords for crossing. Furthermore, seeds will be collected to establish a nursery for future planting in the watershed. Education efforts on the importance of good practices will be made in the Markhamville area.

Norton Ponds:      $7,300
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Norton, New Brunswick

Pursuing a tradition of conservation, Ducks Unlimited will undertake a wildlife/wetland enhancement project near Norton, New Brunswick. The 15-hectare wetland complex and surrounding uplands have been degraded following the creation of a railroad and a sewage lagoon which have altered the natural water flow. This project will see the creation of two shallow 0.4-hectare ponds, the installation of a dyke and of a water control structure to ensure optimal water levels, and the increase of bird habitat through a nest box program and an osprey tower. Being in walking distance from the village, the enhanced habitat, along with interpretative signs, will help foster a spirit of conservation on the value of wetlands for wildlife and humans alike and be used by elementary school children through the education program of Ducks Unlimited.

Sunpoke Lake #2:      $20,000
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Sunpoke, New Brunswick

After 25 years, most conservation projects require repair to continue providing critical wildlife habitat. Ducks Unlimited will be restoring the 27-hectare Sunpoke II wetland project built in 1975. Throughout its existence, the wetland has been essential for many species of wildlife. It has also benefited the local community who used it for interpretation and bird watching, canoeing, fishing, hunting and trapping (muskrats, beavers, minks and American eel are found in the area). Presently dry because of the deteriorated state of the dykes and water control system, the wetland will be refurbished and protected through conservation agreement with landowners for another 25 years. Furthermore, ospreys, common goldeneyes, hooded mergansers and wood ducks will be provided with appropriate nesting structures.

Richibucto River Water Quality Improvement 2001:      $25,000
Richibucto River Association
Richibucto, New Brunswick

The Richibucto River Association (RRA) has been active on the river since 1994. The information collected revealed that habitat degradation is the result of increased organic loading, sediment and erosion. In 1997, an action plan was developed with a long term goal to reopen shellfish harvesting areas. This project involves the continuation of the implementation of the Environmental Farm Program. With assistance from the farmers, cows will be prevented access to the river by installing almost 7 km of fencing, planting some 2000 trees, and providing alternate watering methods. The RRA gives popular presentations to service groups and schools, and organizes several field trips each year with municipal leaders, agencies, concerned citizens and the media.

Millstream River and Smith's Creek Restoration Project:      $30,000
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee (KWRC)
Sussex, New Brunswick (Kings County)

Since 1994, following a comprehensive assessment, the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee has been active in improving the aquatic ecosystem. The committee is comprised of several agencies, associations and municipalities. From the onset, it established a plan to restore the damaged watershed and the successes obtained restoring the Trout River have prompted it to strategically pursue its work on the Millstream River and Smith's Creek systems. On the Millstream River, to re-establish the natural stream morphology, combat erosion and improve aquatic life, 40 rock sills and one kilometer of fencing will be installed, 8 stable fords constructed and some 10,000 seedlings planted. Smith's Creek will be improved with 2 kilometers of fencing, 8 stable fords and also about 10,000 seedlings. All along, land owners have showed interest in the Committee's work and effort will be made to promote Best Management Practices and stewardship.

Projet de restauration et d'aménagement du ruisseau Miller du bassin versant de Bouctouche:      $25,000
Association des pêcheurs récréatifs du sud-est
Ste-Marie de Kent, New Brunswick

River systems in Southeastern New Brunswick have deteriorated following a long history of residential and economic development. As a result, the economic and cultural potential spin-offs from healthy ecosystems are limited. Since 1996, the Southeastern Anglers Association (SAA) has been following its action plan to restore the river system in that area. The SAA has already completed several successful projects. In collaboration with the Agro-conservation Club and a farm owner, work to improve water quality, shoreline and aquatic habitat will be carried out on Miller Brook by: installing 1 km of fencing to prevent cattle access; constructing a crossing and a watering place for cattle; sowing grass and transplanting trees to stabilize banks and improve the buffer zone; and installing in-stream structures. After completion of the work, the media, local leaders and schools will be invited to come see the positive impact of such activities.

Remedial Action of Shellfish Closure Areas on Miramichi Inner Bay:      $25,000
Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee
Miramichi, New Brunswick

The Miramichi River Environmental Assessment Committee (MREAC), a multi-stakeholder organization, has been working since 1989 to improve the quality of the Miramichi River watershed. Despite improvements in the treatment of wastewater, water quality does not quite yet meet the required standards for shellfish harvesting, though the estuary has lots of economic potential, specially for oyster growing. In partnership with the tourism sector (recreational fishing, boating, outfitters, cottagers, campgrounds) and the commercial fishing sector, MREAC will strive to reopen to commercial shellfish harvesting and sustainable aquaculture a 34 km2 estuary area in a region that could greatly benefit from additional economic activity. Tracking the environmental and socio-economic benefits of the project, MREAC will take various actions to reduce contamination from both point and non-point sources (including a demonstration engineered wetland), develop a Memorandum of Understanding with appropriate jurisdictions and set-up an aquaculture working group to generate economic benefits in the currently closed area, both commercially and recreationally.

Restauration et conservation du ruisseau Cove:      $20,000
Association du bassin versant de Tabusintac
Tabusintac, New Brunswick

The Tabusintac Watershed Association has been an active player for over two years in support of the protection of local ecosystems, bringing a diverse and large number of partners to better realize the ecological, economic and social value of the natural environment. In order to protect and restore local resources, rehabilitation work will be carried out on 2.6 km of Cove Brook. Damaged by agricultural uses in the past, Cove Brook is now protected from cattle and its banks are recovering rapidly but accumulated sediments are still in-filling the stream bed. Oxygen levels, water temperature and flow, as well as habitat will be improved through the installation of diggerlogs and the creation of pools. Riverbanks will be consolidated by the introduction of deflectors. With a view to increasing awareness, local residents, students and the media will be invited to visit during the restoration work.

The Healthy Lawn Program:      $25,000
New Brunswick Lung Association
Fredericton, New Brunswick

Pesticides are a cause of great concerns for the environment and people's health, particularly that of children. They can travel great distances and be readily absorbed into the bloodstream if inhaled, ingested or on the skin. Thirty-one percent of Canadian households regularly use them in their homes or gardens. The New Brunswick Lung Association will address this issue by launching the Healthy Lawn program. Ten individuals will receive training to host home get-togethers to discuss pesticide-free, healthy lawn maintenance in a friendly setting. Participants will receive a Healthy Lawn booklet and be able to gain additional support on a web site or from a toll-free line. It is expected that the program will reach approximately 400 people, approximately 50% of them will eliminate or reduce pesticides at home and on lawns, lawn areas and use of fertilizer,and initiate composting. This program delivery is modeled after the successful Healthy Home Program.