Norton's Creek was destroyed because of incorrect land use practices by allowing livestock unrestricted access to the creek. Norton's was an important spawning creek for the trout and other fish in Lake Manitou. Manitoulin Streams and their partners rehabilitated Norton's Creek between 2007 and 2009. Rehabilitation included in stream and riparian zone reconstruction. Phase 2 of the Norton's Creek rehabilitation consisted of tree planting, additional installation of spawning beds and additional fencing.

Tree Planting

In May of 2009 Manitoulin Streams members and volunteers planted 2000 trees within the 70 foot buffer zone created in Phase 1. The trees will create valuable habitat for all life including the aquatic ecosystem. Tree roots help to stabilize the banks of the creek, they provide shade and shelter for fish and food for invertebrates. Invertebrates are a very important food source for the fish that use this creek.

Fencing

In July of 2009 the Ontario Stewardship Rangers from Kilarney Provincial Park and the Manitoulin Stewardship Rangers finished the cedar split rail fencing that had begun the previous year. In 2008 the fence was partially erected and the rest was restricted to livestock by an electric fence. The cedar split rail fencing purchased from Cedar Split Rail Fence and Design now spans the rest of the river replacing the electric fence. The fencing was installed mostly by the Ontario Stewardship Rangers.

Spawning Beds

Spawning beds were installed in the creek to give the fish a suitable area to lay their eggs. The pea sized gravel allows the eggs to attach to the rivers bottom ensuring a higher survival rate.

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