Branch River Paddlers enjoyed the river and learned about stream ecology

Thanks to Amy Gardner for these phtos of the 2019 Paddle!

On Memorial Day weekend, approximate forty paddlers turned out for an opportunity to glide down the lovely winding Branch River in Milton Mills while enjoying sightings of wildlife and basking in the sunshine of one of the first warm days of the season. The Branch River Paddle is offered annually by MMRG and Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust (CSFCT).

ColinLawson and Joel DeStasio of Trout Unlimited were guest presenters. The two workto restore Eastern brook trout habitat in key New England watersheds and were awealth of information about stream ecology.

Colin pointed out that while all the fish species seen that day were warm water species (bass, sunfish, shiners, and fallfish, including pebble nests), the significant amount of undeveloped and protected landscape along the Branch River means that there is likely cold groundwater influence on the river. In forested land, where rain water can sink slowly into the soil rather than running off the surface, the water cools and adds to the groundwater resource. He also talked about how healthy river systems require unimpeded flow and the importance of installing the correct size infrastructure, such as culverts, under roads or other stream crossings.

Joel called attention to large-wood structures present at different locations along the river, which resulted from natural processes of trees falling and jamming as they floated downstream, so that they are now secure during high flows. He explained the habitat benefits for fish of such instream wood, including refuge from predators, the development of deep scour pools, and relief from higher velocity flows.

Paddlerswere delighted to spot a mother mallard duck and her many fuzzy-looking chicksin the reeds at the edge of the stream and bright yellow marsh marigolds on theriver banks. One father and son team energetically scooped up an old tire andother trash into their canoe, greatly appreciated by those who live along theBranch River. Another young man couldn’t resist trying out a rope swing hangingover the water.

Afterthe Paddle, local Governor’s Inn owner and paddling enthusiast Herman Ejarqueexpressed his pleasure. “We really enjoyed the Paddle! A very well planned andorganized event. The Branch River is beautiful and it was a fun day. Count usin next year!"

MMRG, a non-profit land trust, works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro. Throughout the year, MMRG offers many educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region’s natural resources; see www.mmrgnh.org. MMRG thanks business sponsor of this event, M&M Boat Storage of Sanbornville.

BranchHill Farm/CSFCT is a private operating foundation whose mission is to conserveland, produce quality timber products, and educate people about sound forestrypractices and conservation. For more information, visit www.branchhillfarm.org.