What is River Watch?

Basically, depending on the location and groups' aims, it is a stewardship program whose purpose is to protect and enhance our waterways. It goes by many names: Stream Watch, River Watch, River  Stewards, to name a few, but the underlying theme is one of adoption and protection for one or more watersheds. The program is in place throughout the world, under many different names. In Ontario, at present, there are three such initiatives: Friends of the Grand River, Stream Watch (Credit River Anglers), and River Watch (Metro East Anglers). The mandate is simple (and dependent on the group's objectives): education of the angling and general public, conservation and preservation of the resource, assistance to wildlife law enforcement agencies, and restoration of habitat. 

Who are the Participants?

The vast majority of volunteers are anglers associated with clubs and organizations. But projects initiated by clubs that involve conservation and restoration attract a wide spectrum of the general public; everyone from scouts and school children to   concerned residents and people just wanting to do something good for the environment. Basically, it's citizens and communities gathered to work together for the benefit of our lakes and rivers. 
 

River Stewardship

Although the above outlines the wide scope of the program, the major thrust, particularly with Stream Watch and River Watch, is education and guardianship of local watersheds. This is effected through regular visits by participants to local rivers. By talking with anglers and, where appropriate, explaining and discussing techniques, the fishery, fishing regulations, etc., awareness of and respect for the resource is established. Anglers breaking game laws may be approached and reminded of the regulations. Persistent violators or anglers committing serious offences (snagging, poaching, etc.) are reported to the appropriate enforcement agency. Participants in such programs tend to emphasize ethics, sportsmanship and fair play, always leading by example. It is hoped that their presence on the waterways establishes an awareness and conscience, and that it fosters a respect for the fishery. 

The Model

Part of Metro East Angler's mandate is protection of our waterways. To formalize this objective, the club launched a River Watch program. Its aims are stewardship and enhancement of the area's streams and rivers by adoption and protection of the watershed, as well as education of the angling and general public, conservation and preservation of the resource, assistance to wildlife law enforcement agencies, and restoration of habitat. In short, the program's goals are to preserve and protect our natural heritage so our children and grandchildren will be able to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.

To achieve these goals, MEA, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources launched River Watch in the spring of 1998. In consultation with and a presentation by the District Enforcement Officer, MEA embarked on its journey of education and guardianship of local watersheds. By regular visits to local rivers and talking with anglers and, where appropriate, explaining and discussing techniques, the fishery, fishing regulations, etc., awareness of and respect for the resource is established. We emphasize ethics, sportsmanship and fair play, always leading by example. It is hoped that our presence on the waterways establishes an awareness and conscience, and that it fosters a respect for the fishery. The program is simple: club members walk along the banks of local rivers, stopping to talk with anglers, hikers, birders, etc., explaining what the program is about, answering questions, encouraging conservation and ethical resource use. We had visual-identity vests produced, and these were distributed to club members. The vest creates a visibility and presence streamside, raising public awareness. Anglers are given, if requested, a pamphlet detailing local regulations, access points, where to buy licences, etc. The aim is to educate and encourage respect of the fishery and the environment.

MEA's River Watch spawned the idea behind the new provincial Fish and Wildlife Guardian Program, which is basically MEA's River Watch expanded to include wildlife in addition to the fishery. We need such programs because reduced funding and manpower has left government bodies unable to cover all the lands and waters in their jurisdictions. Concerned citizens, under the guidance and approval of agencies such as MNR can help in the education of the public and preservation of our resources. We all hear complaints about poaching, littering, over-harvesting, and other abuses, and feel helpless to do anything. The River Watch program offers us an opportunity to give back something to the resource we all use and cherish. It is only through our involvement and commitment that the future will hold for our children the many opportunities we take too much for granted today.

What follows are the particulars for the River Watch Program of Metro East Anglers. It is hoped that it will serve as a basis for other clubs to use as a starting point when setting up their own programs. 

The main focus of this River Watch is to assist the Ministry of Natural Resources to educate and inform the public regarding the fishery. Club members walk along the banks of local rivers, stopping to talk with anglers, hikers, birders, etc., explaining what the program is about, answering questions, encouraging conservation and ethical resource use. Volunteers wear an identifiable vest bearing the program name and club crest. The vest creates a visibility and presence streamside, raising public awareness. Anglers are given, if requested, a pamphlet detailing local regulations, access points, where to buy licences, etc. The aim is to educate and encourage respect of the fishery and the environment. 
 
 

Unavoidably, game violations will be witnessed. Depending on the nature of the violation and circumstances, the violator may be approached and tactfully/gently  "reminded" they are breaking the law. In practice, it has been shown that most anglers are unaware they are doing anything wrong and will sheepishly apologize. Most are genuinely pleased that someone kindly pointed out to them they are breaking the law. If they argue or become offensive, the volunteers leave and then call MNR or Crime Stoppers. If any potentially dangerous situation is evident, no contact is made, only a report filed. 

Reports must include as much information as possible: physical description of the angler and what he/she is wearing, time of day, gear being used, vehicle or boat license number, specific location and regulation(s) being violated. This information is conveyed to either MNR or Crime Stoppers, depending on circumstance: In general, volunteers know where the Conservation Officer is on patrol. If he is in the immediate area, he will be called directly for a prompt response. If he is further afield, the local MNR office or Crime Stoppers is contacted. This information is entered into a database. The purpose of this latter procedure is to identify readily problem areas and repeat violators. 

Volunteers or Officials?

It is made very clear, to all participants and all contacts, that River Watch volunteers have no official authority and are acting only in the capacity of a concerned citizen. Although the program is fully supported by MNR, it must be stressed that such support in no way confers any official status or authority to the volunteers. Participants often wear hats or crests bearing the MNR logo, but these are meant to show a partnership with the Ministry, and do not  imply anything otherwise. 

The Future

It is hoped that the program will be adopted by other clubs throughout Canada. If you belong to a club, you are urged to approach your members to encourage them to pursue this very worthwhile initiative. It is evident that, due to reduced funding and manpower,   government agencies are unable to cover all the lands and waters in their jurisdictions. Concerned citizens, under the guidance and approval of agencies such as MNR can help in the education of the public and preservation of our resources. We all hear complaints about poaching, littering, over-harvesting, and other abuses, and feel helpless to do anything. The River Watch program offers us an opportunity to give back something to the resource we all use and cherish. It is only through our involvement and commitment that the future will hold for our children the many opportunities we take too much for granted today. 

More information

Metro East Anglers will be happy to assist you and your club in setting up a River Watch program in your area. For details please contact Andy Rubaszek  andy@outdoorontario.net