GE funds may help Salmon Kill trout

LAKEVILLE — Among the 11  grants awarded last month to Northwest Corner towns for projects to improve the Housatonic River basin is a $617,260 project to restore eroded banks and improve fish habitat in the Salmon Kill (aka Salmon Creek). The money is part of the General Electric settlement (for additional projects and information, see story Page A1).

Kirt Mayland, formerly of Trout Unlimited and a former Salisbury resident, helped write the grant proposal in 2007. Mayland, who now lives in Pennsylvania, and Ian Warner, another enthusiast who has since moved from the area, were both concerned about flooding and erosion along the banks.

“We thought, if possible, let’s fix the entire river system,� Mayland said. The Salmon Kill meanders through pastures before heading into a wooded area. It crosses through Lime Rock Park and then makes its way to the Housatonic River.

Salisbury First Selectman Curtis Rand said the biggest problem identified by biologists who have studied the Salmon Kill is the lack of spawning habitat.

Much of the riverbed is fine silt. Between that and a lack of overhead cover in the form of trees, the Salmon Kill has become less than ideal for trout.

Mayland said that landowners along the river have been enthusiastic. “We haven’t reached out officially yet,� he said, citing the amount of time it took the grants to be approved. “And as far as I know nobody’s seen a check yet.�

Methods of improving habitat typically involve adding structure to the riverbed. Strategically placed trees and logs can help form deeper pools, and planting trees along the banks will eventually provide the shade for cooler water temperatures.

Trout Unlimited is the administering organization; Mayland is not sure yet who will be leading the effort.

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