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Research results of the Rideau River Biodiversity Project have shown that this section of the River has the greatest biodiversity.
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The
Rideau Bird Sanctuary provides well-used
and vital nesting and staging areas for birds. |
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| Northern Shoveler, Anas
clypeata. |
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The
wetlands support a thriving sport fish community, including largemouth
bass and northern pike. |
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At the time of the Project, zebra mussel populations were very low in this section. They were not yet a threat to the native freshwater mussels, which were still abundant and diverse here.
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Eastern
elliptio, Elliptio complanata.
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At the time of the Project, phosphorus levels in this section were moderate, and the lowest of the entire River. |
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During the Project, the levels of the bacteria E. coli were low enough in this section to permit swimming on most days. |
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- The section flowing between Burritts Rapids and the Old Slys
lock station are havens for biodiversity. The same can be said
for The Swale, which is an area situated a little beyond the lock
station at Smiths Falls.
- This section is surrounded by high-quality wetlands that support
diverse aquatic plant communities, frogs, turtles, aquatic insects,
birds and breeding areas for fish.
- The rapids in this section are habitats rich in native freshwater
mussels and fish.
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| See a detailed
map of the Rideau River between Smiths Falls and Burritts Rapids. |
Between the Smiths Falls and Burritts Rapids
lock stations, the Rideau River is very wide and slow moving.
Here, the River is essentially a wetland
with a narrow navigational channel cut through the middle. The shorelines
are forested, and there are a few residential houses and cottages.
The Rideau Bird Sanctuary
for migratory birds is located in this section.
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| The Rideau River near Merrickville. |
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