Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Supports Reshaping Rivers for Resiliency in the Nottawasaga Watershed

UTOPIA, Ontario (Sept 18, 2025) – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is proud to announce support from Bass Pro Shops and the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for the Reshaping Rivers for Resiliency project—an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring river ecosystems in the heart of the Nottawasaga watershed.

Part of NVCA’s award-winning Nottawasaga River Restoration Program (NRRP), now in its eighth year, the project restores habitat for native and sport fish such as Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and species at risk by improving degraded rivers and engaging communities through hands-on action.

Funding supports restoration at three key sites: the Nottawasaga River near Alliston, Sheldon Creek in Adjala-Tosorontio, and the Mad River at Carruthers Memorial Park in Clearview Township, along with fall tree planting events.

“Restoring our rivers means creating a more resilient watershed,” said Laura Wensink, River Restoration Technician with NVCA. “This grant is helping reshape damaged rivers into thriving ecosystems—and creating real opportunities for the community to be part of that story.”

Through summer and fall 2025, work will include stabilizing eroding banks, creating an oxbow wetland for amphibians, birds, and juvenile fish and rebuilding a side channel for young trout. Native trees and vegetation will be planted to cool water and stabilize soils, with volunteers joining restoration and stewardship activities.

These efforts will enhance nearly four hectares of aquatic and riparian habitat, protect another four from degradation, and prevent over 1,100 tonnes of soil from entering the river—reducing sediment and phosphorus pollution and improving water quality.

At Carruthers Memorial Park, a straightened stretch of the Mad River will be re-naturalized. On the upper Nottawasaga River, restoration will reconnect the river with its floodplain, stabilize banks, and create a new wetland. Tree planting and bank repairs along Sheldon Creek will protect the river from livestock impacts.

This partnership between NVCA and Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund supports the shared mission to inspire people to enjoy, love, and conserve the outdoors. Volunteer events will highlight the Outdoor Fund’s contribution, linking conservation with outdoor recreation.

Community members can join three upcoming restoration events. Dates and registration will be posted on NVCA’s website and social media as scheduled. Learn more at nvca.on.ca.