Rice Brook Native Brook Trout Enhancement
Our chapter is using Rice Brook in Charlemont as a pilot project to directly measure the positive impacts of woody-debris placement in the stream, on the native brook trout population. An initial assessment of the trout population is complete. Volunteers used electro-shocking to capture, count, measure and release individual trout. When the woody debris placement is complete in 2022, electro-shocking will continue. Adding wood creates better habitat and more food (insects) for the trout.
Our goal is to collect actual data showing an improvement in the trout population, and the average size of individual fish. The data will help in various grant applications to fund future projects in other brooks and streams. All are welcome to help with this project!!
Want to learn more about how you can contribute to making an impact and help protect the Deerfield River Watershed?
DRWTU Chapter #349 