Anglers encouraged to preserve brook trout
Volunteer Noah Wein with a sign highlighting the presence of wild native brook trout in the upper Deerfield watershed.
DEERFIELD VALLEY- Informational signs highlighting the presence of wild native brook trout in the upper Deerfield watershed will be posted this month thanks to a multi-party initiative. The signs encourage the conservation of Vermont’s official cold water fish.
The upper Deerfield watershed is home to wild native brook trout. This iconic species thrives in cold, clean water and healthy forests. Wild native brook trout have endured for thousands of years. Unfortunately, they have disappeared from much of their original range.
This project came about as a result of the Somerset Integrated Resource Project published by the US Forest Service in August 2020. This management plan covers 71,000 acres in Windham and Bennington counties, including the upper Deerfield River and its tributaries. These headwater streams are home to self-sustaining native brook trout populations.
Native Fish Coalition partnered with US Forest Service, Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Connecticut River Valley Trout Unlimited on this project. The village of Jacksonville and town of Wilmington, plus Great River Hydro, will host signs on their land. Signs will be posted at access points near streams that are home to wild native brook trout.
For information contact Chris Owen at (802) 249 2738 or chrisowenvt@yahoo.com.
