VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited in conjunction with the Inland Fisheries Division of CT. D.E.E.P. will soon be conducting redd surveys on selected tributaries of the Farmington River. Focus will be on small streams that have a population of native brook and/or brown trout. Overall there has been a noticeable and documented decline in wild trout populations. DEEP had performed surveys between 1998 and 1994 with follow up surveys on the exact same streams between 2018 & 2019. Overall results in most cases showed an alarming decline in populations.
Redds are areas where female trout clear away the stream bottom in order to create suitable habitat to spawn and lay eggs. These redds usually become noticeable around the end of September and remain visible for a few months. Volunteers are needed to perform surveys on a selected stream or two and identify the redds. If redds are found, periodic re-visits to the stream will be required in order to monitor the condition and any spawning activities observed. Data collected from these surveys will assist DEEP in their native trout management plan.
There are two apps available to assist volunteers in documenting locations & conditions….Survey 123 & RIVERS. The RIVERS app in particular can also be used for documenting general stream conditions, erosion areas, and streambank conditions. There are training opportunities available for interested volunteers…..
Join us for training on Trout Unlimited’s Redd Virtual Training on October 9, 2025
Event Info: https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Northeast-Volunteer-Virtual-Training-Tus-Tools-117222?redir=1
Zoom Link for Event: https://troutunlimited.zoom.us/j/83934928178
When the actual surveys begin, there will additional field training to assist volunteers in. the identification process.
CULVERT ASSESSMENTS
FVTU is resuming culvert assessments in the watershed. These surveys are one of the most important aspects of D.E.E.P.’s native brook trout restoration program. Volunteers are needed and will be working with certified NAACC inspectors.
RATLUM BROOK CULVERT RESTORATION
FVTU in conjunction with other organizations are proceeding with efforts to restore connectivity of Ratlum Brook in New Hartford. There is a severe barrier that impedes the natural upstream and downstream movement of native trout. Once the removal & restoration is complete, a total of 21 miles will be re-opened to connectivity. The link below will bring you to the latest status report….
Ratlum-Brook-Reconnection-Project-Sept-Update-Report.pdf
For more information or to volunteer please contact Jim Buchok at 347-491-9301 seafarer0520@att.net or Tom Carpenter at 860-306-0933 ltcarpenter@sbcglobal.net