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GAPEN’S POOL ACQUISITION PROJECT
 OVER THE PAST YEAR Trout Unlimited Canada has been in communication with its members regarding an important piece of water on Ontario’s Nipigon River. This property comprised the entire land area adjacent to the Nipigon’s critical reproductive habitat for coaster brook trout. This is one of only three spawning sites that have been identified for this species on the Nipigon and attracts lake dwelling trophy fish from Nipigon Bay and beyond.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
When this sensitive piece of property became available for sale, TUC was very interested in its purchase and protection. Because the brook trout has become an iconic and indicator species for Lake Superior and is of special scientific interest as well, TUC felt that immediate action should be taken. The only relatively healthy population of coaster brook trout in Lake Superior is now concentrated in Nipigon Bay and the Nipigon River and their major spawning area is in Gapen’s Pool, over its massive groundwater springs (yellow dots on the above photo indicate brook trout redds identified in a spawning survey on October 30, 2006). The relatively undeveloped property adjacent to this pool was indeed of special interest to Trout Unlimited Canada in order to preseve the water quality of these upwelling springs.
PROJECT RESULTS:
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 TUC made an offer to purchase this sensitive piece of land. Subsequently, TUC received generous assistance from the Ontario government and multiple partners, as well as numerous donations from Trout Unlimited members in Canada and the United States. As of March 5, 2007, the deal was closed and Trout Unlimited Canada is now the owner of this land adjacent to Gapen’s Pool.
Of the $300,000 purchase price we are left with a loan which we are paying down as donations arrive. It is our hope that there will be continued generosity from the many friends of the trout towards the full payment on this property.
Thank you to each of you who have participated. It is amazing to see the support that so many of you offer to conserve, protect and restore Canada’s coldwater resources.
To download or view a PDF of the orignial Gapen’s Pool land acquisition proposal, click here.
To donate to the Gapen’s Pool Acquisition Project, contact TUC’s National Office or to donate online, click here.
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TUC’s Programs and Activities
• YELLOW FISH ROAD • COLDWATER CONSERVATION FUND • ARTIST OF THE YEAR • CONSERVATION PROJECTS
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