Massachusetts Wild Trout (from Mass DFW)

[Trout77]

An Additional Opportunity to Protect Wild Trout Streams in the Commonwealth

In the meantime, there is an additional means available to get wild trout streams you know about (but that the state may not know about) better recognized and protected against degrading activities. Here’s a message explaining how, prepared (with Russ Cohen’s help) by Glenn Krevosky of EBT Environmental Consultants:

As you (may) know, development projects adjacent to streams supporting naturally-reproducing populations of wild trout can seriously degrade trout habitat by contributing excessive levels of sediment, thermal and other pollution to the receiving water. While the full implementation of best management practices (BMPs) at these developments can substantially reduce (if not completely eliminate) these adverse impacts, this is frequently not done because the developer’s environmental consultant(s) and/or the project’s environmental reviewers at the local or state level are not aware that a stream affected by the project supports a wild trout population that is in danger of serious harm from the project.

One way to help increase awareness of the location of wild trout streams to developers, landowners, environmental consultants and reviewers is to propose that they be added to the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)’s “CFR” (coldwater fisheries resources) list, maintained by Todd Richards [(508) 792-7270 ext. 138, todd.richards@state.ma.us]. This list includes all the waterways for which MassWildlife has documented the presence of naturally-reproducing populations of trout or other “coldwater” fish species (i.e., fish species that cannot generally tolerate water temperatures in excess of 72°F). There are other streams deserving CFR status that are not yet on the list simply because MassWildlife has yet to evaluate them.

Throughout the course of field consultant work, wetland scientists encounter cold water fisheries that are not found on MassWildlife’s CFR list. [Volunteer water quality monitors, Shoreline Survey participants, anglers and others may also become aware of the presence of wild trout and/or other coldwater species that have yet to be documented by the state.] MassWildlife staff are interested in hearing about these streams and evaluating them for possible inclusion on their CFR list. As you (may) know, this identification as a “cold water fishery” affords the stream "Critical Area" status under Mass. DEP Stormwater Management Guidelines (see http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/stormwtr/files/2103ch.doc ) and requires a more rigorous implementation of stormwater BMPs to help ensure development projects don’t harm sensitive trout populations and habitats.

EBT Environmental has been involved in cold water fisheries projects since 1979. We are asking that you consider contacting Richard Hartley [(508) 792-7270 ext.132, Richard.hartley@state.ma.us] or Todd Richards (contact info above) at the MDFW Field Headquarters, Mass. Division Fisheries & Wildlife, Route 135, Westborough, MA 01581, when you encounter unlisted trout streams. A USGS locus map should be sufficient to initiate the process for stream assessment.

Unfortunately, even if a stream is listed on the MassWildlife’s “CFR” (coldwater fisheries resource) list, it may fail to get full recognition and protection because the stream segment in question is not also listed as a cold water fishery in DEP’s Surface Water Quality Standards at 314 CMR 4.00 et seq. The DEP’s list of cold water fisheries is much less extensive than MassWildlife’s list (more about that below). Some developers and/or their consultants erroneously believe that the failure of a stream to be officially classified as a cold water fishery by DEP means that there is no obligation on their part to implement rigorous BMPs as required for “critical areas” under the DEP Stormwater Policy. (The fact is that inclusion of a stream on MassWildlife’s CFR list is enough to qualify a stream for “critical area” status.)

Ideally, the optimal status for a wild trout stream to receive the highest degree of recognition and protection is for it to be listed on both MassWildlife and DEP’s list of cold water streams. The “triennial review” (i.e., the public comment period on the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards discussed above) provides an opportunity for anyone to suggest to the DEP that specific stream segments that you believe qualify for official classification by the DEP as a “cold water fishery” should be re-classified as such. You may also want to propose that DEP simply define “cold water fishery” in the Standards in a manner that would enable most if not all of the streams on MassWildlife’s CFR list to qualify for incorporation into DEP’s “cold water fishery” list.

[Trout77]

BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS IN TROUBLE ACCORDING TO REPORT

Brook trout occupy less than half of their original range in Massachusetts. These results reflect the condition of brook trout across their entire eastern United States range, according to an assessment released by Trout Unlimited and a coalition of state and federal agencies. The report, "Eastern Brook Trout: Status and Threats," is the first comprehensive assessment of the status of brook trout in the Eastern United States. These beautiful fish historically thrived in rivers and streams stretching from Maine to Georgia, but land use pressures have relegated the remaining isolated populations to the headwaters of high elevation streams. "Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality," said Gary Berti, Trout Unlimited's Eastern Brook Trout Campaign Coordinator. "The presence of brook trout in a watershed indicates that water quality is excellent. Declining brook trout populations can provide an early warning that the health of an entire stream, lake or river is at risk."

The few remaining patches of quality brook trout habitat in the state are located in the Berkshire and Taconic mountains and within portions of the Hoosic, Deerfield and Westfield watersheds and several tributaries to the Connecticut River. Brook trout have been eliminated from 7% of their historical range in Massachusetts, and they are greatly reduced in another 28% of habitat that formerly supported brook trout. Population status is unknown across an additional 42% of the historical range.

"While these results are sobering, we are already pursuing many opportunities for conservation of remaining high-quality habitat as well as restoration of impaired streams," said Todd Richards, Aquatic Biologist, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife. "Our collective challenge is to protect the best remaining habitat and restore the rest." "Brookies are quick to respond to habitat improvements," explained Warren Winders, the brook trout coordinator for Trout Unlimited's Massachusetts Council. "We have already seen the results of our work with state and federal partners on the Quashnet River and Red Brook in southeastern Massachusetts. By scaling up these programs throughout the state and region, we will see wild brook trout returning to our streams. And that's great news for all of us who love to fish locally with our families and friends."

This assessment represents the first stage of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture's collaborative efforts to restore brook trout habitat. The Joint Venture was initiated in 2002 as a pilot program of the National Fish Habitat Initiative. Participants include fish and wildlife agencies from 17 states, federal partners, conservation organizations and academic institutions. The results of this assessment will be used to develop state-by-state strategies for brook trout conservation and recovery. The full report, as well as state-specific data and maps, are available at www.brookie.org. For more information, contact Warren Winders, Trout Unlimited-Mass. Chapter 781/878-1074.

[ChuckD]

I saw this last January and sent a detailed e-mail including a topo map of the stream I was referencing to Todd Richards and never heard back from him. (#$119)

[BobG]

Growing up as a kid in west central Ma, I was exposed to a lot of native brook trout streams. Believe it or not, there were actually quite a few 'old timers' who dedicated virtually all their trouting efforts directly towards native brookies! :brow They all but ignored the trout stocked by F&W, and fished the tiny streams and rivers which held (at the time) very healthy populations of native trout.
These guys all seemed to look and fish alike. They were 'old', they'd wear hip boots, had the old wicker creels, and fished small fly rods or ultra light spinning rods, and their bait of choice was always the same, garden hackle (earth worm ;) ).
Their objective was to 'limit out' (12 trout in those days) on 5-8" natives, then feast on those delicious trout, rolled in corn meal, and pan fried in butter for dinner. :brow
Sadly, only a few of those stream remain intact, and probabaly fewer still have native trout. :( Beavers placing their dams in the headwaters have reduced the water flow to barely a trickle. Certainly not enough to sustain trout. While leaving everything else, stagnant, standing swamps.:(

On the local front, few people realize that Bourne had a pretty good population of native, reproducing brown trout! It's located in the town's conservations area know as The Four Ponds. Back at the turn of the century, this area used to be a private trout club, owned and operated by a group of wealthy lawyers and physicians from Boston. They even had a working hatchery where they raised their own brown trout. A caretaker maintained the club house, and raised the trout.
The club disbanded right aroung WWII, and the land changed hands several times. The late Curt Gowdy even owned it at one point. Today, the Town of Bourne owns it, and it's part of our conservation land. I took many native browns there in the late 70's and early 80's, with several pushing 3lbs. However, I haven't fished it in over 15 years. But, about 7 years ago, I was there when Ma F&W was there doing a trout survey in all four ponds. They were shocking the ponds and the connecting stream. While they didn't get huge amounts of trout, they did sample many native brown up to 12", and lots of tiny ones in the stream which connects the ponds.
Sadly human encroachment is fouling these ponds as well. Nitogen is obviously leaching into the ponds, and causing an explosion of weed growth. The swans are not helping matter either.

[breezyloon]

My apologies for being a picky reel timer Bob, but those brown trout you're talking about are not native. They may be wild stream bred fish, but unlike the brookies you refered to, which are native to North America, the brown trout are an introduced species from Europe. Scotland or Germany originally, their offspring have done quite well here and also in South America. Too many hatchery derivitives however, but the wild ones are great! We need more of them, brookies too. Enlightened fishery policies by government would be key.

[Trout77]

MDFW is unfortunantly very underfunded, and extreamly busy. I have actually seen a presentation that Mr. Richards gave in my local Trout Unlimited chapter. He is likely a busy man, cataloging a huge number of streams all over the state, and probably gets alot of emails from "truck chasers" that cant wait to turn one of these gems into the Wall-Mart parking lot. These waters need to be "almost" kept privite (in my opinion), as I have also seen folks "catching and keeping their limit" of brook trout on "my stream"--- (I know that sounds horribly selfish!). Im not against keeping your catch, and although I only flyfish these areas and promptly release, Im definately not what you would call a snob...
....still the monies that the state gets from our fishing liscenses are just that....money...money to fill up the "name brand" waters with trout, and keep Joe Sixpack happy... and (unfortunantly, in the past) to displace native brook trout with European brown trout in the waters that can sustain both in reproductive capacity. (research has shown that brookies are the "wimps" in the neigborhood, as the browns push them out pretty badly---strangely, there are a couple of reproductive rainbow trout fisheries in the state, but only ONE that is documented to have all three "trouts"--) But they are still working, I assure you! The best thing to do, in my opinion, is to check out Trout Unlimited and get active in your chapter. I can also provide you with some info on the Nashua River Watershed if you want to shoot a PM.... Get out there and get your hands dirty, there is alot of work that we can do!

And if you are a crazy trout nut like myself, you can always grab your topo map, look for gradient on a brook that dosnt dry up in the summer--- get a pH testing kit, stream thermometer, disolved oxygen meter and go nuts all year! Just dont get lost in the woods!! :brow (#$119)

[Trout77]

My apologies for being a picky reel timer Bob, but those brown trout you're talking about are not native. They may be wild stream bred fish, but unlike the brookies you refered to, which are native to North America, the brown trout are an introduced species from Europe. Scotland or Germany originally, their offspring have done quite well here and also in South America. Too many hatchery derivitives however, but the wild ones are great! We need more of them, brookies too. Enlightened fishery policies by government would be key.

Comon folks....lets stop being so stuck on semantics. If we wanted to get into the biology and genetics of "trout", we could open a whole new forum! What is meant by "...too many hatchery derived fish?" The fact is, all wild trout are great (yes I am calling a char a trout). If you want to get REALLY picky, petition the Game Fish Association to take the word "trout" out of rainbow trout, as it is actually closer to a pacific salmon...I just like to say that I like all coldwater fish, of all genus...Salvelinus, Oncorhynchus, and yes...Salmo...
There is alot of cool literature if you folks want, and a good place to start is a book offered by the Mass Audubon....check it out "Inland Fishes of Massachusetts", by Hartel, Halliwell and Launer. There is also some interesting litereature on genetics of hatchery trout on "native" populations....
Have fun, 'let em go, study up, and spread the word.... Thats really the best thing we can do here... Trout Unlimited is good also, although these forums may not be the place to recruit, so I appologize... ;)

[breezyloon]

Trout 77, I was not trying to bog down the disscussion. Only trying to point out the misconception that brown trout are natives here. I accept them,I love them when they are wild, they are here to stay.We are on the same page.Too many hatchery derivitives means, essentially that hatchery fish of whatever strain the bioligists cook up, have had the wildness bred out of them. Unfortunately the state agencies are on a treadmill that they don't have the courage to jump off of,namely pushing more hatchery product on the angling public. Why not enhance wild trout habitat instead. They're afraid!

[BobG]

My apologies for being a picky reel timer Bob, but those brown trout you're talking about are not native. They may be wild stream bred fish, but unlike the brookies you refered to, which are native to North America, the brown trout are an introduced species from Europe. Scotland or Germany originally, their offspring have done quite well here and also in South America. Too many hatchery derivitives however, but the wild ones are great! We need more of them, brookies too. Enlightened fishery policies by government would be key.

I realize brown trout are not "native" to the Americas. However, neither are pheasant. But, I think everyone understands what I meant.
I IMHO, and species that reproduces, in the wild, on it's own can technically called natives.
Anyway..... :rolleyes: Dispite of what anyone says, I still think it's pretty cool to have something like this going on in my little corner of the world. :cool:

[Trout77]

Trout 77, I was not trying to bog down the disscussion. Only trying to point out the misconception that brown trout are natives here. I accept them,I love them when they are wild, they are here to stay.We are on the same page.Too many hatchery derivitives means, essentially that hatchery fish of whatever strain the bioligists cook up, have had the wildness bred out of them. Unfortunately the state agencies are on a treadmill that they don't have the courage to jump off of,namely pushing more hatchery product on the angling public. Why not enhance wild trout habitat instead. They're afraid!

Agreed... The fact is though, unfurtunantly (in my opinion), it's a "business". That is the fisheries and trout stocking scenario...When folks buy their fishing liscenses, most are the "meat hunters" that decimate the population quickly. The sad fact is, MA ponds and lakes will not support reproducing trout (maybe shoal spawning brookies) unless there is a nice inlet stream, so I would personally have no problem shelling out my 30 bucks every January to keep the "meat-hunters" off the streams where "wild trout" may be reproducing...(ie distractions?)
Im not sure if they are afraid, but could you imagine going up against Joe-Sixpack and his legion!! :eek:
Joe sixpack, coincidentally blocked a petition to make a C&R section on the Quinny... :mad: :mad:

We just need to vote, petition, and complain to get some change... ;)