MISSION

To create, through the rehabilitation and enhancement of important cold water streams, healthy and self-sustaining river ecosystems that contribute to the ecological, economic and social health of Manitoulin Island and the Great Lakes that surround it.

The Stream Team

Awards

Board of Directors

Legal and Financial Information

 Founded in 2001, Manitoulin Streams is a community-based environmental charity dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing cold-water streams, rivers, and wetlands across Manitoulin Island. Through hands-on rehabilitation, education, and collaboration, we work to support healthy, self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems that contribute to the ecological, economic, and social well-being of Manitoulin Island and the surrounding Great Lakes.​ Since its inception Manitoulin Streams has completed 87 large and small scale projects and leveraged over $7 million in funding for restoration activities and environmental initiatives.

​Our work is grounded in protecting and improving water quality, fish habitat, and riparian areas, while fostering strong community ownership of local waterways. By engaging landowners, volunteers, Indigenous communities, schools, municipalities, and partner organizations, Manitoulin Streams helps build local capacity to care for river ecosystems and promotes awareness of the value of cold-water fisheries and healthy watersheds.

​Manitoulin Streams coordinates projects on both public and private lands, including stream and shoreline cleanups, native tree and shrub planting, habitat enhancement, wetland restoration, invasive species management, ecosystem monitoring, and actions that improve fish passage and watershed function. We work collaboratively with the agricultural sector where appropriate to protect aquatic resources while supporting sustainable land use.

​Through proper ecosystem management, our efforts help improve water quality, reduce environmental risks such as flooding, enhance sport fishing opportunities, and strengthen the overall health of Manitoulin’s natural environment. Education and public awareness remain central to our work, ensuring community members understand the vital role streams and water bodies play in the broader ecosystem.

Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2007 and registered as a charitable organization in 2010, Manitoulin Streams remains committed to inclusive, community-driven stewardship, caring for Manitoulin’s waters today with responsibility to future generations.

• THE PROBLEM
• THE SOLUTION
• THE BENEFITS

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All over the Great Lakes, popular spawning areas for a variety of fish species including salmon and trout have been destroyed and water quality has suffered due to human and livestock contamination.  On Manitoulin Island a large number of streams, rivers and creeks have been devastated by past logging activities, improper land use practices, unrestricted livestock access and fluctuating water levels.  The results of this activity are erosion, sediment discharge and loss of the riparian area. Unrestricted livestock access heavily contribute to these factors and also add unfiltered fecal matter to the streams.

1. Erosion causes the river to widen which decreases the depth, making it harder for spawning fish to navigate.
2. Sediment discharge covers valuable spawning beds and invertebrate habitat.
3. Destruction of the vegetation in the riparian zone means that nutrients aren't being filtered, the river banks are not being stabilized by plant root systems, fish do not have shelter, the water temperature is increased, and there is less food for the invertebrates which in turn feed the fish.  ​

1. Installation of fencing to restrict livestock access to certain points on the river
2. Creating livestock watering pads or installing remote watering devices will decrease erosion and the time livestock spend at the river’s edge
3. Planting grass, shrubs and trees to prevent erosion and provide shade/shelter
4. Stabilizing the shoreline with root wads and boulders. Narrowing the river to increase depth.
5. Installation of in stream habitat like spawning beds, boulders, LUNKER’s and weirs.

35 million humans directly depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water.  Without clean water most life cannot thrive or exist. 

Community Stewardship
This initiative will promote natural resource sustainability, educate the public and build the capacity within the community to better understand and manage our aquatic resources.  We bring together a wide variety of community members in the rehabilitation efforts. College and University students will use the sites for valuable training.  Grade school students are given tours of the sites.  High school students enjoy tours as well as gaining volunteer hours helping our efforts, such as tree planting.  Stewardship Committees and Lake Associations are involved in rehab work and restocking efforts.

Economic Spinoff

Our restoration work delivers measurable economic benefits across Manitoulin Island.
Each project directly supports the local economy by sourcing materials, equipment, accommodations, fuel, and skilled labour from Manitoulin businesses. Contractors, heavy equipment operators, aggregate suppliers, nurseries, signage companies, tradespeople, and local service providers all benefit from restoration investments that keep dollars circulating within our communities.

Beyond immediate spending, healthy streams and shorelines strengthen long-term economic sustainability.
Water quality is one of the most important factors influencing property values and buyer demand in waterfront and near-water communities. Numerous North American studies have shown that improved water clarity, healthy shorelines, and accessible natural features can increase adjacent property values, while polluted or degraded water bodies can significantly reduce them. Waterfront properties typically command premium values, and maintaining fish populations, preventing erosion, and reducing algal blooms helps protect that premium on Manitoulin.

By improving fish habitat and stabilizing shorelines, our work supports:

• Increased waterfront property desirability
• Stronger resale values for lake and riverfront homes
• Greater appeal for seasonal residents and retirees
• Enhanced marketing potential for real estate professionals
• Long-term municipal tax base stability

Tourism and recreation are equally tied to ecological health. Angling tourism, paddling, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing all depend on clean, functioning waterways. Past damage to local fish populations has already impacted tourism and the regional economy. Restoration helps reverse those trends by rebuilding fisheries, supporting guiding businesses, lodges, outfitters, and hospitality providers.

Preventative rehabilitation also protects against costly future consequences. Taking action now reduces the risk of:

• Harmful algal blooms that deter visitors and depress property values
• Contaminated water affecting residents, livestock, and wildlife
• Further depletion of fisheries
• Loss of recreational opportunities
• Reduced tourism revenue and associated job losses

In short, investing in stream and shoreline restoration is an investment in Manitoulin’s economic resilience. Healthy ecosystems support healthy property markets, thriving tourism, and strong local businesses.