Laurie Park Brook
Monitoring Priority Site for Bacterial Contamination and Culvert Assessment
About the Stream:
Laurie Park Brook is a narrow, meandering stream that flows into Grand Lake. Restoration efforts at this site began in 2017 with community engagement and were followed by hands-on restoration in 2023. The primary goal is to enhance aquatic habitat, particularly for brook trout, by improving stream structure, removing obstructions (e.g., railway ties), and restoring natural flow.
Key Issues Identified:
- High E. coli at two mid-brook sites
- Stagnant water and low dissolved oxygen
- Clogged and deteriorating culverts
- Pooling and algae accumulation behind culverts
Activities Undertaken:
- Water quality testing (YSI & lab)
- Collaboration with Adopt-A-Stream for site assessments
- Site scoping visits in 2017 for future project planning
Site Information
- Watercourse: Laurie Park Brook
- Watershed: Shubenacadie Watershed – Kelly Road/Perkins Ponds
- Nearest Community: Grand Lake / Wellington
- Location: Laurie Provincial Park
- Road Access Point: Laurie Park Road (via DNR access)
- Map Reference (NS Topo 1:50 000): 11D13, Upper Right
- Coordinates (UTM – 20T):
- Downstream Limit: 452737.04 E, 4970163.94 N
- Upstream Limit: 452761.19 E, 4970075.33 N
- Decimal Degrees:
- Downstream: 44.883396, -63.598723
- Upstream: 44.881579, -63.599897
- Coordinates (UTM – 20T):
Project Design and Results
- In-Stream Habitat Structures:
- Design Width: 1–2 m
- Stream Length Restored: 250 m
- Habitat Area Restored: (not specified)
- Number and Type of Structures: 3 total
- Site 1: Digger log with supporting rock piles
- Site 2: Rock structure with thalweg and pool development
- Site 3: Rock structure with pool formation and flow restoration
- Structure Spacing (avg.): 80 m
- Bank Stabilization & Riparian Restoration:
- Bank Length Stabilized: Not specified
- Bank Height (avg.): Not specified
- Stabilization Method: Removal of railway ties; natural material used for stabilization
- # of Trees or Shrubs Planted: Not specified
- Other In-Stream Measures:
- 2017–2019: Site assessment, community engagement, and trout surveys
- Observed brook trout at stream mouth
- 2018: Scheduled restoration delayed due to rain and volunteer availability
- 2023: Full restoration of three sites, including pool creation and debris removal
- Thalweg development (Sites 2 & 3)
- Debris removal, especially railway ties from CN rail
- Pool creation
- Restoration of flow to alternate channel
- 2017–2019: Site assessment, community engagement, and trout surveys
Most Recent Laurie Park Brook News
Future Work and Next Steps
- Monitor restored sections to ensure structures are stable and functioning as intended.
- Reassess the alternate watercourse reopened in 2023 to confirm ongoing flow.
- Conduct a CABIN study to evaluate habitat quality.
- Remove any new debris or fallen railway ties affecting flow.
- Deepen pools and clear excess alder growth where needed.
- Consider installing an additional digger log upstream if flow remains low.
- Continue monitoring for brook trout activity and stream health.
Laurie Park Brook Photos
[sweps_recent_photos category=laurie-park-brook]