Tree planting can reduce flood risk, say wildlife and watershed groups The spring melt is winding down on the St. John River and so far there’s been no major flooding. Experts in river restoration say there’s a way to increase the chance future freshets will go smoothly, too. Social Sharing CBC News · Posted: Apr 12, 2021 5:02 PM AT | Last Updated: April 12 Simon Mitchell, the lead freshwater specialist with the Canadian World Wildlife Fund, says river restoration projects are urgently needed to reduce the impact of climate change and save aquatic species.(Shane Fowler/CBC)