Restoration Projects - Lakehead Region Conservation Authority

An aerial view of the Riparian/Nearshore Wildlife Habitat Project

Riparian Nearshore Wildlife Habitat Assessment within the Thunder Bay Area of Concern (AOC)

Thunder Bay was identified as an Area of Concern (AOC) under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement because of environmental impacts along the Thunder Bay waterfront and adjoining tributaries from industrial activities (including from the pulp and paper industry) and urban development. Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat is one of the original identified impairments that remains within the Thunder Bay AOC, due to lost or degraded wetlands and riparian and shoreline habitat. In support of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s objective of addressing one of the last remaining beneficial use impairments within the Thunder Bay Area of Concern (AOC), Lakehead Region Conservation Authority carried out desktop analysis and field investigations to assess riparian and nearshore habitat health within the AOC.

Ecosite mapping, wetland evaluations, and data collected in the field was combined and analyzed to score and rank areas based on their habitat value, thereby determining the overall health and condition of wildlife habitat within the Thunder Bay AOC. The collected data and data interpretation was combined with existing information and presented in a final summary report and an interactive Story Map online tool. The findings included a list of proposed habitat rehabilitation projects and metrics by which to advance the restoration of riparian and nearshore habitat within the AOC.

Access the online interactive story map for more information:

Story Map

This project was funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Great Lakes Protection Initiative.

Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area Shoreline Rehabilitation

One of the best defenses against shoreline erosion is the extensive roots of native trees and shrubs. Thanks to our funders, the Ministry of Natural Resources, hundreds of native shoreline plants have been installed along the shoreline with rock protection at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area. Access to the shoreline and views of Sleeping Giant have been maintained by installing low-lying shrubs and establishing 3-metre-wide paths to the water’s edge. On the northern side of the parking lot, lawn remains intact for the loading and unloading of kayaks, windsurfing and kite boards, and other water sports equipment.

Since being established as a Conservation Area 1988, Mission Island Marsh has seen many changes. From enhanced wildlife habitat, to the addition of viewing platforms, to natural changes along the Lake Superior shoreline. Situated in the Thunder Bay Area of Concern (AOC) – an area classified by Environment and Climate Change Canada as having experienced high levels of environmental degradation – Mission Island Marsh is one of five marshlands found along the Lake Superior Coast in the AOC. With Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) on the property, it is essential that Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area maintain its ecosystem functions while continuing to offer the amenities the public has come to love.

Ecosystem functions are services provided by an environment to the surrounding landscape and its inhabitants. At Mission Island Marsh, some of these ecosystem services include marshland breeding area of migratory birds, wetland water level regulation, carbon storing, forest habitat for wildlife, and meadow pollinator habitat. Increased human traffic at Mission Island Marsh combined with natural erosion and storm events has caused deterioration of some of the valuable habitat found at Mission Island Marsh. Erosion along the shoreline at Mission Island Marsh is encouraged by wave action, rising water levels, and coastal storm events, and is a challenge faced by many along the Lake Superior Coast.

For more information on how you can rehabilitate the shoreline or streambank on your property, learn more about our Superior Stewards Shoreline Protection Program.

The Mission Island Marsh Shoreline Rehabilitation Project was funded by the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.

Ontario

Fisherman’s Park West Climate Change Awareness Park

Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has partnered with the Thunder Bay District Stewardship Council and the City of Thunder Bay to restore wildlife habitat, rehabilitate shoreline, recreate coastal wetlands, and provide passive recreation opportunities at Fisherman’s Park West. The goal of the project is to restore the park by returning the area to a more naturalized condition by planting trees, shrubs, and perennials that are native to our region. The naturalization of this area will provide valuable breeding grounds, shelter, and forage for migratory waterfowl, birds, and pollinators, while also creating a space where the public can explore and enjoy the beautiful natural landscape. Thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for their financial contributions to this project.

Riparian Habitat Restoration at the Mountdale Boat Launch

In collaboration with the City of Thunder Bay, the LRCA restored 1,000 square metres of riparian habitat at Mountdale Boat Launch on the Kaministiquia River by eradicating invasive species, planting native species, and implementing green infrastructure to reduce impacts from stormwater runoff.

The addition of biofiltration basins to catch and filter water before it enters the Kaministiquia River has improved water quality and habitat function along an important part of the river. Improvements to the parking area, accessible dock, and viewing platform will be addressed as funding becomes available.

If you’re interest in being involved in upcoming site clean-ups, plantings, and volunteer events, send us an email.

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Special thanks to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Great Lakes Protection Initiative and the City of Thunder Bay for funding this project.

Wildlife Habitat Restoration along the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway Corridor

The long-term goal of the Floodway Habitat Corridor is to create a functioning riparian buffer along the entire Neebing-McIntyre Floodway Corridor, while creating ecologically diverse wildlife habitat and a vibrant greenspace for pollinators, birds, and wildflowers to thrive. The Floodway Corridor envisions restored riparian and meadow habitat along 5 kilometres of urban waterway. In collaboration with community partners, LRCA will reestablish a shoreline buffer by planting indigenous vegetation that offers unique ecosystem services such as: deeper rooting systems to anchor the bank in place; competition with invasive and non-native species; food, shelter, and nesting grounds for wildlife and waterfowl; and community awareness regarding climate change and wildlife habitat. An Environment and Climate Change Canada and Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks-funded project.

Indigenous Community Garden

The LRCA is currently connecting with local Indigenous partners to establish an Indigenous Community Garden along the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway Habitat Corridor. The purpose of the garden will be to provide a space for reflection for the Indigenous community while hosting a space for plants native to Northwestern Ontario to flourish and re-naturalize the area. The garden space is beside our existing Hope and Memory Garden in the centre of town. Similar to the concept of our volunteer-run Hope and Memory Garden, which honours those who are fighting and have been lost to cancer, we intend to offer an open healing space for community members to access to honour their loved ones. This project is funded by the Canada Water Agency.

Boulevard Lake Shoreline Naturalization and Wetland

In partnership with the City of Thunder Bay, and thanks to funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding program, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority widened and naturalized the riparian area along Boulevard Lake, just south of the new JumpStart Playground and public beach. The removal of a retaining wall and restoration with native shrubs will increase shoreline habitat and provide essential shelter and forage space for waterfowl, birds, and pollinators. Increasing the riparian area will also help filter runoff from the adjacent open field.

In 2024, thanks to funding from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Wetland Conservation Partnership Program, three storm lines shedding directly into Boulevard Lake were daylighted, and a 3-hectare engineered wetland was excavated to slow and filter runoff from nearby roadways. This stormwater management project will address water quality concerns in Boulevard Lake while providing terrestrial and aquatic habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and pollinators. Special thanks to Confederation College, Lakehead University, and La Verendrye high school students, along with Enbridge Gas volunteers for successfully getting over 5,000 plants in the ground!

Invasive Cattail Management at Hurkett Cove

Hurkett Cove is known for its intrinsic natural beauty consisting of lacustrine and riverine marshes and swamps along the Black Bay shore. The location has been assessed as a Provincially Significant Wetland and is a known migratory bird stopover site, attracting over 200 different species annually. The ecological implications of Narrowleaf Cattail are numerous as it eliminates viable habitat, reduces diversity, and influences hydrology. This is particularly concerning as it could outcompete existing Northern Wild Rice (Zizania palustris) which is an essential food source for migratory and resident birds. Wild Rice is also a species of cultural significance and is uncommon in the region. The project is the first phase of a larger objective for addressing Narrowleaf Cattail within Hurkett Cove. The intent is to locate and map stands of Narrowleaf Cattail and Wild Rice within Hurkett Cove to better understand the spread and species interactions. Initial mapping and monitoring will support planning for future treatment methodologies and eradication of the species within the bay. Additional ecological data is being collected and background literature compiled to support future recommendations. The LRCA is grateful to Parks Canada for ongoing support of this project, and to collaboration with Red Rock Indian Band and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Hazelwood Lake Shoreline Naturalization

Shoreline surrounding the Hazelwood Lake beach was revegetated in 2025 to address ongoing cyanobacteria blooms and harmful, nuisance algae at Hazelwood Lake. Seeds for Conservation collected seeds for this project in the fall of 2024, thanks to successful funding from TD Friends of the Environment and TC Energy. Native shrubs and perennials along the water’s edge will filter runoff entering the lake while offering nearshore shading and temperature regulation. Reestablishment of fen habitat, historically present at the beach location, will help improve water quality and mediate nearshore water temperatures.