TRACK 2, DAY 2
30 Years of Stream Rehabilitation
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 1:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
Ontario Streams is a registered environmental charity dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of streams and wetlands, through education and community action. Established in 1995, we have worked closely with numerous communities, conservation organizations, and landowners to develop lasting partnerships towards environmental stewardship.
To mark our 30th anniversary, we will showcase the evolution and successes we’ve seen in our stream restoration and natural channel design projects.
Our most significant work to date has taken place in Southern Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where the ever-increasing rates of urbanization have resulted in a dire need for rehabilitation. Our priority is on restoring headwater streams and wetlands through on-the-ground work, including in-stream habitat enhancement and fish passage mitigation.
We developed the Ontario’s Stream Rehabilitation Manual, which outlines bioengineering techniques to restore stream function and habitat.
This presentation will highlight Ontario Streams’ methods for effectively improving cold-water streams in the GTA. We prioritize using techniques that mimic natural channel design to ensure impactful and long-lasting enhancement of the habitat.
We invite you to learn more about stream rehabilitation and how to develop your own projects to protect and restore these sensitive ecosystems.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Doug Forder, Ontario Streams
Doug was Ontario Streams’ first paid staff member and began working as a Project Biologist in 1996.
In 1999, Doug switched careers to work as a wetland biologist for the Canadian Wildlife Service. During this time, Doug volunteered as a board member and was elected as the President of Ontario Streams.
In the spring of 2001, Doug returned as an employee and now serves as General Manager and Restoration Ecologist for Ontario Streams. In this position, Doug oversees Ontario Streams’ day to day operation and guides employees in the planning and implementation of all of Ontario Streams’ field projects.
He also leads many of his own projects to rehabilitate rivers and wetlands and is a member of the Redside Dace Recovery Implementation Team.
Doug received his M.Sc. from Southeastern Louisiana University, specializing in wetland ecology and restoration.