Campbell Creek Restoration

In 2020, the headpond was drawn down using gravity siphons and a notch was cut in the dam. Engineering plans were developed and the permitting process was initiated.

In September 2021 the Campbell Creek Dam was fully removed, and free flow to the stream was restored for the first time in 100 years. Multiple fish rescues were conducted throughout the removal process to mitigate fish mortality in the construction zone, and we were pleased to find numerous Atlantic salmon parr and American eel downstream of the dam. Requisite Watercourse and Wetland Alteration and Archeological Research permits were acquired prior to any construction work.

Due to the age of the dam and the location of the headpond along a potential paleo-shoreline that might have been utilized in the past by Wolastoqey, an archaeological survey of the site was necessary. Provincial archeologists completed 3-D photogrammetric scanning and dendrochronology of the oldest parts of the dam, which were comprised of timber. Test pitting and monitoring was carried out by Colbr Consulting prior to and during the construction process to document any evidence of historic land-use of the site.

After being tested thoroughly for potential toxins and contaminants the concrete of the dam was laid to rest on-site, buried and covered in topsoil to be revegetated with grasses and trees. The newly-established stream channel was reconstructed to facilitate fish passage by roughening the stream bottom and creating a series of riffles and pools.

In addition, the planting of trees and shrubs to restore the former headpond to upland Acadian forest will provide approximately 6.5 acres of habitat to terrestrial species. The overarching goals of the headpond restoration were to facilitate restoration of riparian and upland forest community and structure, while allowing more vulnerable sites to revegetate naturally, as well as mitigating erosion of the streambanks and downstream sedimentation..

The former headpond was planted with over 3000 native Acadian forest species including: red oak, eastern white pine, red spruce, yellow and white birch. Due to tricky site access, which did not allow vehicle entry into the headpond, all vegetation had to be carried into site by hand. Planting was carried out with the support of Community Forests Canada.

In addition to tree planting, over 900 native riparian shrubs were staked and planted along the newly established river banks and the construction zone was seeded with the appropriate grass by hand to mitigate erosion and sedimentation.