No private dams on the Steel River

This is from a notice sent today to Trout Unlimited members:

On Friday, February 17, in a surprise announcement at the recent Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters' Annual Wildlife Conference, in Toronto, Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay gave his personal assurance that no private dams will be constructed on the Steel River, near Terrace Bay.

Trout Unlimited Canada had a hand in shaping this decision, alongside other concerned NGOs including the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, North Shore Steelhead Association and the Thunder Bay Fly Fishers. TUC's National Biologist Jack Imhof prepared a letter to the Minister outlining our stance on the matter, pointing out that "the Steel River, in our opinion, and the opinion of other government scientists and professionals, is one of the most significant contributors of anadromous salmonids, especially Coaster Brook Trout, to Lake Superior. Of all watershed sites listed on the Waterpower Site Fact Sheet, this particular watershed is likely the most ill-conceived choice," and "as noted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, facilities on the Steel will generate relatively little power for the resource that will be altered." TUC’s Ontario Biologist, Silvia D’Amelio assisted the OFAH with compiling additional information on this issue and provided input to the letter prepared by Jack Imhof.

TUC applauds Minister Ramsey for his decision and would like to encourage additional consultations in the future.