Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is excited to offer the Upper Thames Phosphorus Reduction Program to help landowners implement agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that reduce phosphorus runoff, improve water quality in the Thames River and Lake Erie, while also boosting soil health and productivity on farms. We’re offering grants for a wide range of projects, including: Cover Crops Reduced Tillage Subsurface Phosphorus Placement Soil Testing and Nutrient Planning Erosion Control Livestock Watercourse Fencing Clean Water Diversion Tree Planting Innovative Projects If you already implemented these practices this past fall or plan to [...]

Seasonal Hunting Opportunities with the UTRCA  The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) provides seasonal hunting opportunities to members of the public on several UTRCA properties for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and small game. Interested members of the public can apply to hunt with archery equipment or firearms, depending on the property, species targeted, and open seasons, consistent with provincial hunting regulations. Staff use an online lottery to randomly select successful applicants for most of the properties. A lottery is not needed for Ellice and Gads Hill Swamps due to their large size and ability to accommodate higher numbers [...]

Investigating the Gizzard Shad Die-off in the Upper Thames River A recent die-off of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in the Thames River within the City of London sparked concern among residents and conservationists. First reported in mid-November 2024, the die-off occurred near the Blackfriars Bridge, where a small tributary carrying warmer stormwater empties into the cooler Thames River. This confluence has been a known congregation site for shad in recent years. The die-off involved over 100 fish exhibiting lethargy, circular swimming, and visible hemorrhaging. University of Guelph graduate student James Clare is investigating the cause, with support from the [...]

New Safety Feature at Fanshawe Conservation Area Visitors to Fanshawe Conservation Area may have noticed some construction underway on the reservoir near the dam in late 2024. In December, a safety boom was installed in the reservoir to enhance public safety. This essential addition is in accordance with the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) guidelines. The safety boom creates a visible barrier to prevent reservoir users from getting too close to the dam and the surrounding turbulent water zones. Safety booms are intended to reduce the risk of accidents, protect recreational users like boaters and swimmers, and increase awareness of [...]

Assisted Migration for Trees Assisted migration is an adaptation tool. It involves collecting seed or genetic material from one location and moving it to an area where the climate, either now or predicted for the future, is similar to what the genetics were exposed to in their original location. As weather and climate patterns change, trees need to adapt to and with these changes. Certain trees and their genetics that are local to the Thames River watershed and have been able to adapt to our climate in the past, may not be able to adapt to these changes now [...]