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The Nonquon River, with its beginning in the steep slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, mean- ders approximately 35 km. in a slow flow towards its mouth at Lake Scugog. It drains over 187 sq. km., and is the largest watercourse running into Lake Scugog. Its system of creeks and extensive buffers of wetlands have the potential to provide a very large and diverse fishery and provide clean 3 water for Lake Scugog. Through comprehensive in-river research and analysis, fisher- ies staff at Kawartha Conservation (KRCA) have determined that at least thirty-two species of fish use its waters to spawn, to feed, to provide a nursery or as a refuge from danger. Some ofthese species migrate in and out of the river, others live there year around. With funding from Durham Region and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, KRCA is currently finalizing a plan to effectively protect and enhance those fisheries in the Nonquon River and recognize the importance of this river to our entire water- shed environment. This new program for change is called the Nonquon River Fisher- ies Management Plan or NRFMP for short. Measuring brook trout from the upper Nonquon River system Brett Tregunno This fisheries management plan will provide a strong framework for government groups, as well as the general public, to reach a consensus on what specific projects, activities and education need to be carried out in order to enhance the fisheries and improve the river and the land base surrounding it. KRCA has held many well-publicized public information sessions and Steering Committee meet- ings. This public openness will continue throughout the planning and implementa- tion process. The final objective of the NRFMP is to protect and, where possible, enhance the Nonquon River and its extensive wetland habitats now and for many years to come. Specifically the Plan will: . Provide a comprehensive program of activities that will manage, protect and rehabilitate degraded fish habitat areas and help to increase fish populations in the river and its feeder creeks, thus improving the general health of the river. 2. Promote and demonstrate the economic benefits of a healthy river fishery. 3. Promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of all aspects of — Flectrofishing to determine accurate species the river, its fisheries and aquatic habitats. ‘and population counts in a feeder stream. 4, Involve as many individuals and groups as possible in fisheries management activities. 5. Continue research regarding fish populations, fish habitat and water based ecosystems in the river including following up on the results of implementation activities. 6. Conduct hands-on projects to rehabilitate degraded fish communities and their habitat. The completion of this fisheries management document in 2009 will certainly mark an important milestone, howev- er, major benefits to the river and fish populations will only be realized when the plan is put into operation. Implement- ing the above management actions will require a committed, enthusiastic group of individuals — both professional and volunteer. Are you interested in participating in the NRFMP Implementation Committee? This volunteer group will have maximum opportunity to help carry out stewardship projects while working and learning about - continued on page 20 FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2009 21