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There has been a great deal going on with regards to the Batten Kill over the
past several years which culminated in an Open House presented by state and
federal officials dedicated to get to the bottom of what ails our beloved Batten
Kill. Though there’s no doubt many factors come into play with regards to
the health of the Batten Kill, it appears habitat issues are at the heart of this
river’s problems. Specifically, there’s a general lack of large woody
debris and other in stream cover that provide trout with holding areas and
protection from predators.
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These findings will be put to the test with a major habitat improvement
initiative along a 1/2 mile of river upstream of the where the Green River
enters the Batten Kill. Dr. William Lesko has generously made available his
property to the state and federal agencies to undertake this project, and other
property owners have indicated their willingness to allow for work in this
section of river. This sort of land owner cooperation is critical to the future
of the river. If you know Dr. Lesko please thank him for his generous support
of the river.
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The project ("The Battenkill Twin Rivers Farm Habitat Enhancement Project") will
utilize current methods of natural stream design (bio-engineering) that will
make for a much more protective environment for the trout while using natural
materials such as root wads and large tree revetments.
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For more information on The Battenkill Twin Rivers Farm Habitat Enhancement
Project, refer to the following document:
"BATTENKILL TWIN RIVERS FARM HABITAT ENHANCEMENT PROJECT", by Doug Lyons.
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For more details regarding the scientific findings of the 5 year study conducted
by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and various other local, state and
federal agencies, refer to the Fish and Wildlife Dept's excellent newsletter
(available for download) here:
Batten Kill News.
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