Successful Applicant:
Pisquid River Enhancement Project
Award:
$7,507
Project Title:
Removal of Silt from Jay's Pond and Fish Passage Enhancement
Project Gallery:
Project Summary:
The locations where this project took place are as follow, Pisquid River, Callaghan's Brook, Dromore, Vernon River, Seal River, and Newtown. Goal one of this project was to remove silt from the Jay's Pond sediment trap, as the permit was not available for Jay's Pond, permeation was sought and received from Megan Harris to remove silt from the High Bridge Road by-pass sediment trap. Goal two was to enhance native plant biodiversity and riparian zone structures along Callaghan's branch, Dunphy Road, Fairville Road, and Steven Cousin's stream sections of Pisquid River, the Head of Hillsborough stream sections off of route 323, and Richard Grant's property in Newtown. Goal three was to improve fish passage and finfish spawning and rearing habitat on the sections that were listed in the above goal. Goal four was to document and disseminate our wildlife improvement actions. As was noted above, these goals were implemented.
An excavator operator was hired and 800 cubic yards of silt were removed and the silt was stabilized with straw and winter rye. Native trees and shrubs were planted in patch cuts and open areas in the watersheds of Pisquid River, Seal River, Johnson's River, Callaghan's Brook, Newtown River, and Vernon River. Three deciduous and six coniferous tree species and four species of shrubs were planted. In addition, 100 , of brush mats and 16 cover structures were installed. The streams were inspected and any fish passage tree blockages were removed. Collapsing alders were removed, as well as newly constructed beaver dams. A press release was issued and an interview was held with the Eastern Graphic. One article was included in the October issue of The Buzz. Credit for the WCF grants was provided at four community events.
These activities provided direct benefit to wildlife. Tree and shrub planting enhances and protects the riparian zones and increases biodiversity, cover, and food for animals. Alder trimming promoted understory growth and prevented streams from being choked up with debris. Beaver dam removal allowed sea run fish passage to more rearing and spawning habitat. Brush mats captured sediment and stabilized banks. Cover structures enhanced fish holding areas and created escape habitat. Deflector logs helped with the deflection of water from banks to stop erosion. With the removal of silt from the High Bridge by-pass sediment trap, silt deposition on spawning and rearing habitat was minimized for salmon and trout. Community evens helped educate the public on what is being done in their local watershed. They also encourage landowners to incorporate wildlife enhancement techniques and to purchase WCF licenses or permits.