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Vermont

Fishing

Fishing

Strategic Wood Addition Sees Results

Since 2012, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Trout Unlimited have been working together to improve fish habitat and stream function by strategically adding large woody material, in the form of trees, to northeastern Vermont streams. To date, the partners have spent over 300 days working to improve habitat on over 50 miles of stream. Based on observed responses of brook trout populations to large wood addition, we conservatively estimate that there are approximately 60,000 more brook trout in northeastern Vermont streams as a result of these efforts! These results highlight the value of streamside forests and the trees that they contribute as crucial habitat to our streams and rivers. Streamside forests provide shade that helps to keep the water cool, and they filter runoff to keep water clean. Leaves that fall into streams become food for insects, which are food for fish. When the trees themselves fall into streams, they provide valuable hiding places for fish. In summary, we like to say that “fish grow on trees.”