Dobbs was recognized for his outstanding commitment to advancing the field of natural channel restoration.
UTOPIA, Ontario (June 28, 2023) – Yesterday, Fred Dobbs, Manager of Stewardship Services at the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) received an Award of Recognition at the Natural Channels Systems Conference — a national event held every four years.
“Over his ongoing 37-year career, Fred has worked with many conservation partners and funders to restore stream and floodplain habitat in the Nottawasaga Watershed,” said Doug Hevenor, CAO of NVCA. “His personal commitment to the field almost matches the passion he brings to his work. Fred is always willing to share his knowledge with newcomers, with an infectious enthusiasm.”
While at NVCA, Fred coordinated the natural channel design for the Black Ash Creek Floodway in Collingwood, constructed floodplains on Beeton Creek in New Tecumseth and completed multiple dam removal projects among countless other smaller projects.
Most recently, Fred and his team are working at restoring 10 km of the Nottawasaga River and just completed one of southern Ontario’s largest trout stream restoration projects. They also worked on species at risk protection initiatives, including Lake Sturgeon research and brook lamprey habitat creation.
In addition to strong field skills, Fred and his team use existing support to develop funding applications designed to leverage additional dollars. Every dollar provided through municipal levy typically generates four dollars of external funding for projects!
“This award is a testament to the partners, funders and volunteers in the Nottawasaga Valley as well as NVCA staff and board members, who contributed to and supported the restoration projects,” said Dobbs. “I enjoy giving a little back to our natural environment by coordinating the restoration of the Nottawasaga River and its tributaries. One side benefit is that I get to enjoy fly fishing in these beautiful watercourses!”
Fred received his award at the Natural Channels System Conference banquet in Guelph. The Natural Channels Initiative is supported by the Canadian Water Resources Institute