Ensure cool water temperatures: Protect and restore riparian areas

Select layer to show

Brook trout probability of occurrence: The above map describes the current distribution of brook trout. Streams in blue are more likely to be inhabited by brook trout based on environmental conditions, while streams in yellow are less likely to have brook trout. Stream characteristics that help predict whether brook trout can be found in each stream include stream size, average air temperature, nearby forest cover, and soil characteristics. Estimates are from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center, based on field surveys from Massachusetts DFW and agencies of nearby states CT, NH, VT, and NY.

Brook trout probability of occurrence: The above map describes the current distribution of brook trout. Streams in blue are more likely to be inhabited by brook trout based on environmental...

Ensure cool water temperatures: Protect and restore riparian areas

Adaptation type:

Land and forest stewardship or restoration

Species conservation and management

Strategy:

Maintain cool water temperatures in streams and ponds so that populations of species adapted to cool temperatures are able to survive.

Action

Protect and restore riparian^? areas
As temperatures continue to rise, as expected due to climate change, it will be important keep seasonal temperatures within the tolerance limits of fish and wildlife that rely on cold-water habitat, such as brook trout. Landowners can help sustain important cold-water habitat by maintaining or restoring climate resilient shade along important stream reaches.

Tree cover in these areas is particularly important for regulating water temperatures. A forested buffer at least 100 feet wide along the stream is ideal. However, even a narrow strip of trees can provide vital shade and other benefits for cold-water streams. If a cold-water stream flows through your property, consider planting trees along open stream banks or allow areas that border the stream to return to forest.

The Riparian Prioritization for Climate Change Resilience decision support tool.

What you can do:

Stop mowing areas adjacent to cold-water streams and their tributaries and allow these areas to return to forest
Plant appropriate, native, and resilient tree species along open stream banks
Expand narrow riparian^? buffers
In riparian areas where hemlock is threatened or was lost due to hemlock woolly adelgid, consult a professional forester to see if active management could be used to create a more resilient riparian forest

To help you decide where riparian buffers are most needed, see the Riparian Restoration Decision Support Tool below that identifies vulnerable stream and river banks lacking tree cover and shade in cold-water habitats.