Friends of Bolton Creek Unite

Feb 25, 2010

Friends of Bolton Creek l-r: Ormond Lee, Dave and Sandie Barker, Beth and Dave Munro and Sulyn Cedar.

Judging by the turnout of over 15 residents of the Bolton Creek watershed, who gathered at the Maberly Hall on Feb. 21, it looks as though the seed of a new watershed association has been firmly planted.

Initiated by Ormond and Judith Lee, Sulyn Cedar, Sarah Hood, Ken Fisher and Terry Hendersen, the meeting was intended to gather together residents concerned with maintaining the overall health of the Bolton Creek watershed, which runs from its headwaters northwest of Sharbot Lake at Bolton Lake, roughly 50 km north east to Playfairville where it joins the Fall River.

Organizers are hoping that by being pro-active now they can better address issues that affect the health of the watershed.

An initial $3000 grant received from the Western Mining Alliance Network, a group based in Montana, USA was enough to get the ball rolling, and Lee and his group printed maps and sent a letter to residents inviting them to the first meeting.

According to Lee the meeting was the result of earlier community meetings held by CCAMU (Concerned Citizens Against Mining Uranium), who organized to oppose uranium mining exploration at the Robertsville mine north of Sharbot Lake.

Though the exploratory drilling at Robertsville has apparently stalled due to lack of financing Ormond said that one issue that might be taken up by a formal group could be to pressure the MNR to cap those holes that have been left open at the Robertsville mine site.

Uranium deposits have been mapped to the area of the watershed, but this not the only reason for setting up a group. “The purpose of organizing a group is not just about the uranium issue. We want to organize for the purpose of addressing any issues that arise affecting the health of the watershed, our neighbors and neighbourhoods. The Bolton Creek watershed is a beautiful and pristine waterway and we are hoping to keep it that way,” Lee said.

Another organizer, Sarah Hood, encouraged residents of the watershed to begin keeping journals on what they observe throughout the seasons, including sightings of reptiles, mammals, birds, fish and frog populations and their fluctuations. Particular attention should also be paid to of endangered species in the watershed, which include the five lined skink, brown trout, Blandings turtle, the wild orchid and butternut tree.

According to Hood, “The best way to protect the watershed is to have people really know what is happening on their land. Having an informed and intimate body of knowledge is definitely the first place to start."

A second meeting has been scheduled for March 28 at the Maberly Hall at 1pm, and Lee is hoping to see an association gel and a permanent structure created with positions that volunteers can fill.

For more information visit the Friends of Bolton Creek website boltoncreek.org or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.