THUNDER BAY -- The province is moving forward with a project that aims to restore fish populations in Lake Superior's Black Bay.
The proposed removal of a dam on the Black Sturgeon River is intended to help fish species return to their spawning grounds.
A public consultation and information session was held on Thursday night at the Oliver Road Community Centre. Local anglers and members of the community came out to find out more and provide input.
The old dam, which was constructed in the 1960s now serves no purpose, except to control the invasive sea lamprey population.
The province is proposing to remove the dam and construct a new one 50 kilometres up the river, returning many fish species back their natural habitat.
Historically, Black Bay was the most productive walleye fishery in Lake Superior and the MNR says it's taking every precaution in the upcoming project.
The $5 million project is expected to take four to five years to complete after the environmental assessment is finished sometime in July of next year.
Another public meeting will be held in Nipigon on Thursday.
(Thunder Bay Television)