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The Grand River between Penman’s Dam in Paris and the Cockshutt Bridge in south Brantford is designated Exceptional Water. This designation is given to rivers that have become revitalized through the efforts of community groups and municipalities working together to reclaim their historic unpolluted condition. Over the last 30 years especially, the Grand River has improved significantly to become, as it is today, a much cleaner and more interesting habitat that has seen many wildlife species return to again make it their home in substantial numbers. In the summer it is now common to see Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, soaring Turkey Vultures, a variety of hawks and a myriad of ducks, swans and geese. From December to March it is not unusual to see Bald Eagles. The fish population has grown substantially. The premier sport fish in the river is small mouth bass. Brown and Rainbow trout are also regularly caught in the spring and summer fishing seasons and the much sought after Steelhead attracts many anglers in late summer and through the fall. The greatly improved habitat on the bottom of the river is now alive with desirable invertebrate species that are favourite food for other aquatics such as the fish, turtles, snakes and waterfowl.
Whether paddling for the joy of the scenery or utilizing the river as an angler the Exceptional Waters reach has become a major paddling experience for both residents and tourists. It is within easy reach of home for those living in southwestern Ontario. Most sections of the river in the Exceptional Waters are more mindful of a wilderness zone due to the topography in the area. Two major moraines give their character to the area and their supply of ground water to the river itself is a major contributing factor to its improving quality. There are numerous locations where you can hear the water trickling down from the forested hillside. The moraines are also the water supply for a number of communities along the Grand River.
Users will find good trails for hiking and cycling adjacent to the river. Hiking or biking the trails allows a close view of the woodland flora and fauna. The area is in the fringe zone of the Carolinian forest type and species of plants and animals common to that forest are mixed with those of the more northern species. An interesting combination is to paddle down the river and then return via bike or on the walking trails of the Grand Valley Trails Association or the rail trail. The area trail system also has a major section of the Trans Canada Trail with a trailhead kiosk in Brantford that can be accessed from the river or trails near downtown at the Lorne Bridge. Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company has numerous options on how to enjoy the Exceptional Waters section of this heritage river.
About the Author
Now retired, Bob Scott was the coordinator for the Exceptional Waters committee. He is an avid naturalist and still volunteers much of his time in the community. He currently heads up the Bald Eagle Monitoring Program for Brant County. This program monitors the Bald Eagles return to the Grand River watershed.
Bob also guides canoe, kayak and raft trips for Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company. His wealth of knowledge for the area’s flora and fauna and wildlife make for an unforgettable and educational trip down the beautiful and historic Grand River.
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