Atlantic Salmon Restoration
In 2006, Duffins Creek was selected for its healthy habitats as one of three rivers for the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program. Known widely as the “Bring Back the Salmon” program, this is a partnership between TRCA, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ontario Power Generation, and various private sector supporters. The goal of the program is to re-establish a self-sustaining population of Atlantic salmon to Lake Ontario.
East Duffins Headwaters Former Aggregate Pit Rehabilitation
The restoration of this former aggregate pit is an excellent example of collaboration to achieve success around a shared vision. The site now has long-term sustainable land use and public recreation opportunities.
- Located on the west side of Concession 6, 1 km north of Pickering/Uxbridge Townline Road, Uxbridge
- 39 hectares (96 acres) in size, in Duffins Creek watershed, on the Oak Ridges Moraine, in the Greenbelt
- Lands were farmed until the early 1960s, followed by aggregate extraction for 40 years. The majority of the site was disturbed, only 2 ha at the west end of the property were untouched. The undisturbed area was later designated by TRCA as the “Uxbridge Forest Kames Environmentally Significant Area” (ESA 111), and by the Province of Ontario as a Provincially Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).
- After aggregate extraction, the site was deteriorating due to constant erosion.
- The local community raised funds in 1999 to purchase the property with the assistance of the Charles Sauriol Environmental Land Trust
- TRCA successfully secured the majority of funding for the gravel pit rehabilitation work from the Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation (TOARC), remainder was donated by James Dick Construction Limited.
- One of the primary East Duffins Headwaters Conservation Lands trailhead/parking areas. Free access for the public to approximately 75 km of multi-use recreation trails on TRCA property which serve 50,000 users each year, including hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, as well as access to the larger Oak Ridges Trail system.
