Two years running: BK Trout population responds positively to habitat restoration efforts

2008 marks the second year, post-restoration, that electro-fishing surveys have been conducted in two stretches of the Twin Rivers Farm project area. In 2007, fisheries biologists measured population increases in excess of 500% (brook trout) and 700% (brown trout) in the critical yearling age group (representating mid-sized trout) in the pool habitat portions of the same reach of river. At that time, the scientists explained that they were "cautiously optimistic" that the increases in the trout population in the project area were proof-positive that the years of study and habitat restoration efforts currently underway to restore much needed "cover and shelter" for the trout are beginning to pay off.

(Still) Cautiously optimistic

If this year's trout survey numbers hold up (i.e. they're similar to last year's numbers), and the habitat-restored stretches of the Batten Kill continue to demonstrate a marked increase in trout-holding capacity in the project stretches (versus a control section which has not had habitat restoration work carried out), then the scientists will have reason to be more than just 'cautiously optimistic', as two years of positive population growth is much more likely to mark the beginning of a trend than a single year's worth of data.

While we await the crunched numbers and the final tallies of the most recent trout-census, which we'll post here as soon as possible, here are few photos of the e-shocking crew at work on the Batten Kill and some of the trout surveyed (and returned safely to the stream....)

When pressed for a statement concerning the success of the project, the biologists wished to recognize:

the collective efforts of federal and state agencies, academia, private organizations (such as BKWA & TU), landowners, companies, etc. that have been involved in the effort since it kicked off in 2000. Without the time and funding that has been funneled into the project we would not be where we are now. And to continue making improvements will require sustaining this support from here on.

[Editor's note: You can tell the fisheries biologists would *really* like to be able to point to the huge increases in numbers and say "See, I told you so! Restore the habitat, and they will come." But they can't. They're scientists afterall. And as scientists, they don't jump to conclusions. They get there logically and systematically. So, while the rest of us look at the huge increase in the trout population from 2005 to 2006 and 2007, and get all excited that we're finally on track to fixing the problem and restoring the fishery, the fisheries biologists steadfastly proclaim that although "two years data is too premature to declare victory", they remain "cautiously optimistic" that the trout population is responding as their theories predicted: i.e. add habitat, and the trout population will restore itself. So, as hard as it is for us not to jump to conclusions, in the interest of being somewhat scientific, it will take a few years worth of solid data to illustrate a strong and significant trend that the trout population is increasing in response to the habitat restoration work being performed.]

In the meantime, we have a lot of restoration work to do so stay tuned....