Habitat Connectivity and Fish Passage at Road Crossings

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Habitat Connectivity and Fish Passage at Road
Crossings

• Chad Baker, Biological Technician
• Maine Fishery Resources Office
• US Fish and Wildlife Service

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Project Goals

• Atlas of Kenduskeag Road Crossings
• Standardized Survey Protocol
• Performance Standards
• Awareness
• Community Involvement
• Help Build Fish Passage Decision Support System

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Description

• Survey Protocol
• Based on Similar Projects
• Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
• (Vermont Stream Geomorphic Assessment)
• USFS San Dimas Technology and Development Center
• River Continuity Project
• (University of Massachusetts)
• West Branch of Sheepscot River
• (Melissa Halsted)

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Description (contd.)

• Phase I Surveys
• Watershed-wide assessments
• Windshield survey (lt30 min. per site)
• Describe structure
• i.e. elliptical culvert, span bridge
• Condition of structure
• i.e. perched culvert, obstructed inlet
• Describe channel/habitat
• i.e. bed material, scouring, erosion, flow

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Source Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
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Source Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
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Description (contd.)

• Phase II Surveys
• Sites red flagged in Phase I
• Full site assessment (2 hrs. per site)
• Detailed structural data
• i.e. slope, substrate, flow through structure
• Detailed channel data
• i.e. reference reaches

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Phase I Survey
Phase II Survey
Source Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
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Phase II Survey Defining the Channel
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Description (contd.)

• Why Kenduskeag?
• Habitat surveys completed in 2003
• Restoration Potential
• Urban setting
• Poor water quality
• History of altered flow
• Alluvial stream

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Current Work

• Kenduskeag Stream
• Finish Phase II Surveys
• Finalize Atlas
• Maintenance Recommendations to DOT
• i.e. debris removal, bank stabilization
• Review/Edit Protocol Datasheet
• More volunteer-friendly
• Identify Funding

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Short-term Goals

• Phase I II Surveys of Cove Brook?
• Important DPS Population
• Active watershed council
• Lower Penobscot
• Performance Standards for Maine
• Technical Advisory Committee
• Searchable Database
• Use Maine performance standards
• Identify prioritize sites

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Long-term Goals

• Regional Database
• Fish Passage Decision Support System
• (http//fisheries.fws.gov/FWSMA/FishPassage)
• Aid in planning of future projects
• Prioritize maintenance and restoration
• Money and resource allocation
• Establish Baseline
• Future studies
• Fundraising efforts

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Questions or Comments.

• For additional information, please contact
• Maine Fishery Resources Office
• 207-469-6701
• Chad_Baker_at_fws.gov