KAGAWONG—There is a reason why Bridal Veil Falls in Kagawong is one of the most scenic and popular places for visitors and locals alike to visit every year. It is beautiful, of course, but in the river there is rushing water, rocks, trees and other vegetation that provides important habitat for aquatic wildlife, invertebrates, fish and turtles. However, when the water, or things that protect the critters, are moved or damaged it is a major concern.
Recently a distressing report was released that a snapping turtle who had lived in the river for several years was dragged out of the water and killed. All of this has led to “Respect The Falls and River” signs being installed in three locations at Bridal Veil Falls.
“A couple of things have been taking place on the river over the past couple of years,” said Seija Deschenes, coordinator of Manitoulin Streams Improvement Association (MSIA) who, along with Billings Township officials and staff, have partnered on an educational sign project to alert visitors to Bridal Veil Falls’ fragile ecosystem.
“Rocks are being piled into big into areas to form pools so people can swim in the area of the falls. There are a couple of issues with this. Removing or moving rock damages the habitat and nesting eggs for aquatic wildlife, fish, invertebrates, turtles and other species. As well, recently a (snapping) turtle was reported to be removed from the water, dragged onto the shore and killed.”
“All turtles in Ontario are at risk, including snapping turtles,” said Ms. Deschenes. “People are using this area as a swimming area; this is habitat for wildlife, fish species, turtles and everything needs to be left where it is.”
Ms. Deschenes further explained, “when people create a berm (using rocks) they are removing the habitat, but it causes major problems when they are trying to get up the river to spawn as they can’t get into the gravel area. So, we have to remove the berm and replace it.”
“Another thing we have heard, especially in the fall, is that people will go into the river and grab a salmon out of the water so they can get an Instagram picture moment,” said Ms. Deschenes. “It is illegal to harass wildlife during their spawning life cycle time.”
“If people are running or even walking in the river they could very well be stepping on and damaging fish and other species of aquatic wildlife,” said Ms. Deschenes. “We’ve been working with the township to enhancing and restoring the river for the past few years. This is a beautiful river and there needs to be a balance of tourism, fish and wildlife using it.”
“The township would prefer people not swim in or create pools by the falls,” said Billings Mayor Bryan Barker. “This is a natural environment area for fish that are spawning and habitat for aquatic wildlife fish and other species, including the snapping turtle which was killed about two weeks ago.”
Mayor Barker said, “A big part of our township strategic plan includes expanding and enhancing the natural spaces in the township. Bridal Veil Falls is one if not the most visited location on Manitoulin Island. As far as swimming we have a really nice beach in the hamlet just down the road, and we would much prefer people use the beach for swimming.”
“As a township we are trying to hold off on banning people from swimming near the falls area, and hope people recognize the value and importance of this natural space and not carry this on at the falls or the river,” continued Mayor Barker.
“With these signs being installed we are hoping to educate people to be responsible to the environment, habitat, fish and aquatic wildlife: to be respectful,” said Ms. Deschenes. “We want these fish, aquatic wildlife, invertebrates, and other species to be here for future generations and by partnering with Billings Township on signage we hope to educate members of the public why it is so important to be respectful. And if someone sees something that is not right, they should report it.”
