Restoring Fish Havens in the Woods: AMC's Plan for Forest-Based Fish Habitat Renovation
Spotlight on Maine's Forest Rivers: Fighting for the Native Brook Trout and the Return of the Endangered Atlantic Salmon
Deep within the heart of the Maine Woods lies a captivating tale of river restoration, one that breathes new life into the native Eastern Brook Trout and the endangered Atlantic Salmon. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has embarked on a monumental mission to safeguard and revitalize these emblematic species of the North Maine woods, in what could be the nation's largest fisheries restoration endeavor.
The marvelous West Branch of the Pleasant River, a veritable ecological treasure trove, has been at the heart of AMC's conservation efforts. Rivers and forests may seem unrelated, but the health of the former undeniably influences the latter - the forests, in turn, significantly impact the fish. Portland, Maine might not immediately come to mind when one thinks of forests, but this region is the stronghold of brook trout in the US, making them the guardians of the ecosystem.
The restoration project also embraces the Atlantic Salmon - a remarkable fish that in its lifetime will journey to Greenland and back to the Maine Woods.
Connecting the Dots: How it All Comes Together
The health of the forest affects the quality of the water it yields, which in turn plays a significant role in shaping fish habitats. AMC's efforts have been designed with this interconnectedness in mind.
Step One: Opening the Passage for Fish with the Removal of Culverts
The prime focus of AMC's work has been on connectivity. The foundation has been laid through the removal of obstacles that are impeding fish migration – the culprits are outdated culverts. Simultaneously, the team is working to restore ecosystems that have suffered decades of damage, with the aid of nature's most powerful ally – tree growth. Once upon a time, timber companies cleared forests to make way for logging, causing extensive harm to habitats.
Step Two: Revitalizing Fish Populations through Bridge Installations
Results: Proof of Progress
AMC's efforts bore fruit in 2019, with five fish passage projects connecting 9.75 miles of stream habitat in the upper reaches of the West Branch of the Pleasant River. This work not only extended to the Katahdin Ironworks Ecological Reserve but also signified the culmination of AMC's impressive restoration of 12,000 acres of the Maine Woods Initiative property.
To evaluate the outcome, AMC utilizes electrofishing – a survey method that measures the abundance, density, and species composition of fish populations.
By the Numbers: Proving Progress with Cold, Hard Data
Since its inception, in collaboration with both government agencies and other conservation organizations, AMC has:
- Completed 56 fish passage projects (34 in unison with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and 18 AMC-funded projects)
- Installed 32 bridges, enhancing hydraulic capacity and safety
- Reconnected 62 miles of key streams
Salmon Success! The Resurgence of an Endangered Species
In 2016, the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) began planting Atlantic Salmon eggs in the West Branch of the Pleasant River after installing the Howland bypass, granting sea-run fish access to Gulf Hagas for the first time in 150 years.
However, DMR staff found themselves forced to halt egg planting operations in the West Branch during the winter of 2020, owing to the presence of sea-run salmon females and their offspring overwintering in the river above Silver Lake – a rare occurrence not seen in over a century! These matriarchs were likely hatched from eggs planted in the river since 2016 but had ventured to the open sea and returned.
In late March of this year, Steve Tatko, AMC's Director of Maine Conservation and Land Management, assisted DMR staff with the initial egg-planting operations on the Middle Branch of the Pleasant River. Over three locations, an impressive 170,000 eggs were planted, which should be hatching in late April or early May.
Global Conservation: Connecting Maine with the World
AMC stands poised to lend a helping hand in the exciting resurrection of Atlantic Salmon within the critically important habitat of interior Maine. The Pleasant River, which welcomes these Atlantic Salmon from Greenland, is integral to their continued survival.
To learn more about AMC's fish restoration projects, donate, or join our Pleasant River Headwaters Forest initiative, please explore the links provided.
Join the Fight for Native Species Today!
Your support for AMC's conservation projects will make a valued difference in preserving the diverse and vibrant ecosystems of the Maine Woods, ensuring the continued survival of extraordinary species like the brook trout and Atlantic Salmon.
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- The effort to safeguard the native brook trout and endangered Atlantic Salmon in Maine's forests extends beyond just these fish, as the health of the forest significantly impacts the quality of water, which in turn shapes fish habitats.
- In a remarkable turn of events, the resurgence of the Atlantic Salmon in the West Branch of the Pleasant River is not limited to Maine; this critical habitat also welcomes these fish from Greenland, contributing to their global survival.
