Barrie Bassmasters Plant Reefs in Simcoe
For the past seven years the Barrie Bassmasters have been planting Christmas trees. The project has been coordinated in cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program. This isn’t a typical reforestation project because rather than plant the trees on land they are being sent to the bottom of Lake Simcoe to create an artificial reef in Kempenfelt Bay. Unlike other parts of the lake, Kempenfelt has little bottom structure. This structure is a necessary safe-haven for baitfish and panfish to hide from predators but also periodically acts as ambush cover for larger predatory fish. Through the years the trees have become a more ridged structure as crustaceans build upon the branches forming a fairly permanent reef.
Every year, club members collect leftover trees from local Christmas tree farms that would otherwise be discarded. The trees are transported onto the lake in winter when the ice is thick enough to carry heavy loads or in the spring where they are loaded onto barges and taken to the target drop destination. Concrete blocks donated by Atlas Block of Barrie are tied to the bottom of the trees. These blocks act as anchors and also provide structure. The trees and blocks are placed into waters deep enough not to impede boat traffic or cause any undue hardship for the many recreational boaters on the lake.
In 2009 club members and volunteers loaded trees on to the CATO II operated by Captain Rick Ronca and First Mate Larry Brandridge of the Seneca College Surface Commercial Scuba Program. This was a perfect vessel for the job and the club can’t thank them enough for donating the boat and a full day to facilitate this year’s drop. “After many years of dropping the trees through the ice, I know the many club volunteers will agree the CATO ll and her fine crew made this drop the best yet”, said Barrie Bassmaster club president Gerry Heels.
It is estimated that over 300 trees covering an area approximately 400 square meters are resting comfortably on the bottom of Kempenfelt Ba y. According to local divers the reef is saturated with small fish and all evidence points to a successful environment.
The Barrie Bassmasters will continue the project for years to come. “There are many projects that with a little time and effort can make a huge difference to our fishery and environment” said Steve Reimer, conservation director for the Barrie Bassmasters. “We look for new projects to add to our tree drop and Little Lake cleanup projects and invite non club member volunteers to join us through the Bassmaster Conservation ACT program. Many people in the area would like to be involved but don’t know how or who to call. Motivating the community to roll up their sleeves and get involved is part of our education mandate”.
Each year the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Nation completes hundreds of conservation projects across the province. Projects like these have received recognition from conservation organizations throughout North America. Ontario chapters have won numerous awards and become leaders in fish habitat enhancement initiatives and research projects that benefit all anglers regardless of what species they prefer to catch.
We don’t just care; we roll up our sleeves and get the job done.
