As an oxbow wetland surrounded by oak savanna, the Old Ausable Channel (OAC) is home to one of the world’s rarest ecosystems. Some of the species found here exist nowhere else in Canada, or remain in only a few locations globally. This natural feature also provides valuable recreation opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
WELCOME TO THE
OLD AUSABLE CHANNEL
TURTLE SPECIES
FISH SPECIES
SPECIES AT-RISK
HISTORY
OF THE CHANNEL
Two diversions at the end of the 1800’s separated the Old Ausable Channel (OAC) from the Ausable River. This separation allowed the channel to become entirely spring-fed which limits pollutants entering the waterbody, creating an ideal habitat for sensitive aquatic species such as the Pugnose Shiner.
The OAC begins in Grand Bend and runs through several neighbourhoods before passing through Pinery Provincial Park. A controlled dam exists within the park which divides species distributions within the channel. The channel then outlets into the Ausable River near Port Franks where the river shortly empties into Lake Huron.
THANK YOU TO THE FUNDING PARTNERS FOR OAC MANAGEMENT:
