OARS River Log | By Heather Conkerton, OARS Ecological Restoration Coordinator | Published September 4, 2024

As the Ecological Restoration Coordinator at OARS, I’m passionate about restoring and preserving the natural ecosystems within our watershed. Recently, my Environmental Intern and I had the opportunity to participate in an exciting field survey around Wheeler Pond in Berlin, MA. This project is part of OARS’ ongoing efforts to support MassWildlife in determining the assemblages of fish species in North Brook and the surrounding streams.

North Brook, designated as a cold-water fishery, plays a critical role in supporting diverse aquatic life. The removal of the Wheeler Pond Dam, which OARS is managing, promises to open up crucial fish passageways, making it easier for migratory species like American eels and white suckers to move freely throughout the system. As we surveyed the streams, we encountered a variety of warm-water species, including bluegill, redfin pickerel, blacknose dace, yellow bullhead, fallfish, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, creek chubsucker, bridle shiner, white sucker, and American eel.

But what truly excited us was finding several Brook Trout in an unnamed tributary directly connected to North Brook, upstream of Wheeler Pond Dam. These trout ranged from young-of-the-year, less than 80 mm in length, to nearly 180 mm adults. The stream they inhabit is a cool 14°C (57.2°F), a stark contrast to the over-20°C (68°F) temperatures in the other surveyed streams. This discovery suggests that the Brook Trout, which requires the coldest and cleanest water to survive, has found a refuge here.

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is more than just a beautiful native species; they’re an indicator of stream health. A thriving population of wild Brook Trout signals that the water quality and overall ecosystem health are excellent. Conversely, a decline in their numbers is an early warning that the system is under stress.

Currently, it’s unclear whether Brook Trout can make their way below the dam. However, with the dam’s removal, there’s hope that the stream temperatures downstream will moderate enough to support cold-water species like Brook Trout year-round. This could significantly enhance the habitat and further support these sensitive species.

Our work at Wheeler Pond is just one example of how ecological restoration can make a tangible difference in our watershed. As we continue to restore these natural systems, we look forward to seeing how the landscape—and the wildlife that depends on it—will evolve and thrive.