​​Water quality and fisheries enhancements proposed for Petun Conservation Area

Public information meeting slated for April 25 in Ravenna

​​Utopia, Ontario (April 10, 2019) – Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is hosting a public information meeting on Thursday, April 25, 2019, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to discuss water quality and fish habitat enhancements proposed for Black Ash Creek later this year. The meeting is taking place at Ravenna Hall, 628299 Grey Road 119 in the Town of The Blue Mountains.

These improvements will see an earthen dam at Petun Conservation Area removed, and Black Ash Creek returned to a more natural and healthy state. 

Black Ash Creek runs from the top of the Niagara Escarpment and through the Town of Collingwood before reaching Georgian Bay. 

Historically, the creek was home to native brook trout. Today, while the creek supports a healthy rainbow trout population, only a few wild brook trout remain in the upstream reaches. 

Trout need cold water to thrive. Removing the Petun dam and the stagnant head pond it supports will lower water temperatures in the creek. This will enhance habitat for rainbow trout and provide an opportunity to reintroduce native brook trout. It will also improve water quality overall.

NVCA is partnering with the Town of The Blue Mountains, Bruce Power and other groups on this project, which will enhance and protect this important fishery.