Restoring access to, and improving habitat of, Campbell Creek for wild Atlantic salmon

The NWAI has identified major barriers to fish passage along the Nashwaak River. We recognize that the Campbell Creek Dam, property of the City of Fredericton, has been impeding fish passage to a cold-water tributary for almost a century and is one of the worst barriers to fish passage in the watershed. The City is exploring the option to remove it. In 2016, the dam failed. The banks of the head-pond have begun to re-vegetate and sediment has flushed from the creek; however, the dam continues to inhibit fish passage. Restoring access to Campbell Creek and reforesting the former head-pond would be in line with the NWAI’s 2017-2020 Action Plan. If this tributary is made accessible, anadromous species like Atlantic salmon will be provided with a net gain of quality spawning and rearing habitat. In addition, water quality will be improved, and stream temperatures reduced, by restoring the former head-pond.

In this project, NWAI will explore options for providing fish passage into Campbell Creek. NAWI will work with the City, UNB, and ASF to determine the best fish passage option for the stream. The City is considering partially or completely removing the dam. NWAI strongly supports the removal of the structure as it has impeded fish passage for close to a century. However, if the City chooses not to remove it, the NWAI will work with partners to design and re-instate fish passage through the existing dam.
Contact: Peter Toner, 506-261-4664, ptoner@stu.ca