Watershed Statistics

Stream Length - 25.11 kms
Total Area - 2263 hectares
Population - 740
# of Civic Addresses - 696

The Barbara Weit river has many branches, but is essentially identified by its west branch which starts south of Rt. 2 close to the old propane tank yard and flows north beside the Canada Trail and flows into the Barbara Weit estuary and finally into Malpeque Bay, and the East branch which passes by the Cavendish Farms plant and extends towards Kensington.

In 2009, the western branch received a major cleaning by volunteers, namely the Wall family. The family Stream Cleaning Team , led by Edwin and Lawrence and supported by KNWSA board member Chris, removed large amounts of wood that had collapsed into the stream and even built a few brush mats to consolidate some silt. The rewards were almost immediate, as small trout were spotted in springs that were formerly clogged with debris. Depth in midstream improved in several locations, and gravel bottom, which is better bottom for spawning, is showing up. Fewer wood obstructions around the springs has resulted in reduced vegetation such as water cress, and more open water for fish and wildlife.

These types of observations have been seen in other streams in the Kensington North area, as well as across the province, as stream restoration work continues. As encouraging as this news is, the truth is that large challenges still remains. After decades of heavy silt and nutrient loading, the Barbara Weit estuary is often very close to becoming anoxic during the summer months. Silt still flows into this system, as it does in many systems, which becomes obvious during “red” events – heavy downpours of rain or rapid spring melt – when silt enters the system and the waters are red, the colour of the Island’s silt.

Work shall continue on the West Barbara Weit and other systems. As we gain knowledge of where hot spots are, places where large amounts of silt, manure, road salt, septic waste, or industrial waste enters waterways, we can encourage those responsible to take remedial measures. Best locations for silt traps can be sought out, and new silt traps constructed. Gradually, as we persist, the long term goals we establish for our waters will be reached.

In addition to the stream cleaning, a large amount of metal was removed from the riparian zone. Car bodies, plus large amounts of loose metal were extracted from the west bank. Further work remains on the east bank for 2010. The funding for this portion of the project was provided by the Shell Canada Environmental Fund. The east branch of the Barbara Weit has multiple branches. The two longest branches both start in Kensington. One branch starts at a large spring behind KenNet by Garden Drive that feeds the Alysha Toombs Pond. This man made pond is home to numerous fishing derbies. The pond is periodically stocked with rainbow trout, an excellent sport fish. A screen is in place over the pond outlet to prevent the non-native rainbows from mixing and competing with the brook trout further downstream.

Another branch starts by the Harry Smith Pond on the Kelvin Road south of Kensington. This branch flows through development, several beautiful woodlots, and fields. It runs under the MacIntyre Rd into wetter land, much of which is under heavy alder cover. Most of this branch was cleaned for the first time by our summer crew in 2009. The wet land stretch was a difficult section to clean, and our summer crew deserves much credit for completing this difficult job. Approximately 300 ft. of brush mats were constructed along one 1000 ft. open stretch. KNWSA is fortunate to have the support of the Wildlife Conservation Fund who supported us by financing everyday supplies such as chestwaders, hand tools, chainsaws and the all important insect repellant. A silt trap was built in this system close to Rt. 2 near Cavendish Farms in 2009. This trap works very well, and we are glad to have Cavendish Farms as partners in this project. EcoAction and the Watershed Management Fund were major financial contributors to this work. Trout have been seen in every section of this river visited to date, some of which are of impressive size.

For several years, Cavendish Farms have been make concerted efforts to reduce the impact of the food processing plant. The Cavendish Wetlands project has been very successful. KNWSA and the local community look forward to the continued participation of Cavendish Farms in watershed issues. A third branch of the Barbara Weit East starts east of the Old Station Road and runs parallel to, to the north of the Old Summerside Road. KNWSA hopes to be able to work in this section in 2010.