Stream Connectivity Surveys
by Mike Young
In conjunction with the Massachusetts Riverways program and The Nature Conservancy, WRWA is sponsoring two Stream Connectivity training sessions in mid-June. Each session will train participants to survey bridges and culverts in the watershed, with the goal of identifying those structures that pose the most significant obstacles to the movement of fish and other wildlife along stream corridors. The Nature Conservancy has received a grant to support tabulation of the data and some remediation of structures that are problematic. What we need is YOU!
Evaluation is best done when stream flows are low, so we're planning to try to complete the job this summer and fall. The work involves documenting the dimensions of the structures, evaluating their condition and possible impacts, and taking photographs from both the upstream and downstream sides. Most sites take about 15 minutes to complete. Since there are about 1000 such structures within the Watershed, this is clearly a significant undertaking. We're hoping to train about 10 two-person teams at the June 12 and June 13 sessions (attending either session will prepare you to work on your own).
Volunteers are provided with maps and a few basic pieces of equipment (tape measure, clipboard and data sheets, disposable camera, safety vest). Finding the sites is usually pretty straightforward, but occasionally provides a bit more of a challenge. I've participated in two surveying days last summer and fall, and enjoyed both. It's a chance to get out into the Watershed with some new acquaintances - likely finding some spots you'd never have thought to visit and to accomplish a worthwhile objective. We're hoping that people will be able to spend several days over the summer and fall to help finish the project off, but even if you can only commit to a day, we'd love to have your involvement. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, please contact me at 572-5741 (or via email to myoung@wsc.ma.edu") and I'll fill you in on the workshop details as they become available.
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