Deerfield River

CURRENTVol. 25 Deerfield River Watershed Association Fall 2011

This time of year is always bittersweet for me. With the start of fall, I look forward to the colors of the valley changing: the various greens of summer replaced by the warmer reds, yellows and orange. I appreciate the cooler air, especially after this humid, wet summer. However, the fall migration of birds and the impending loss of the evening choruses of katydids and crickets leave me wishing I did not have to say goodbye to so many creatures. Although my backyard is not far from the center of Greenfield, I enjoy a wonderful diversity of animals every spring and summer. Most years, families of downy woodpeckers, gray catbirds, Northern cardinals, chipping sparrows, and American robins nest in or visit my yard where they forage for seeds, fruits, and insects. They take advantage of the birdbaths we provide for drinking and bathing. Chimney swifts occasionally nest inside our chimney – we listen to the rush of their wings and the calls of the nestlings during the evening while sitting quietly in our living room. For a couple of years American crows have nested near the tops of our neighbor’s tall white pines. And, this summer the young of two families of Carolina wrens entertained us with their loud and boisterous begging calls.

It is always harder, though, to determine when these same birds leave the area for warmer climates. By the end of August, the house wrens, Eastern phoebes, and chimney swifts appear to have departed, and the common nighthawks can be seen migrating south over Greenfield. Recently, during a hatch of flying ants, my husband and I stood on our front porch and watched a flock of about 25-30 nighthawks catching the slow-flying ants. Nighthawks, related to whip-poor-wills, are interesting and unusual birds. They look similar to a small falcon with their long tail and wings. In flight a white bar across the middle of their wing is distinctive. They typically

raise their young on the flat roofs of buildings in cities and towns. Between the end of August and early September, look for these birds over open areas – rivers, lakes, fields, and towns. They usually hunt at dawn and dusk, eating insects “on the wing.”

Unlike birds, most insects cannot fly long distances to escape the cold. They either die after the first hard frost or overwinter as eggs or pupae, which can withstand freezing temperatures. The true katydid, the species we hear singing this time of year, looks similar to a chunky, bright green, 2-inch grasshopper. Difficult to locate in the foliage of deciduous trees, it’s their loud call - katy – DID – katy - DIDN’T – that we notice. Every summer I look forward to the beginning of their singing season, which starts in July and continues into October. The true katydid begins singing at dusk and continues for several hours. As the evening temperatures drop, the number of individuals calling drops off and their calls become slower and slower. By October I only hear one or two, calling slowly on warm nights. Although the adults die, their eggs will hatch the following spring and start the cycle over again.

If you would like to listen to the songs of additional insects, such as other katydid species, crickets, grasshoppers, and cicadas, I recommend the book: The Songs of Insects, by Lang Elliott and Wil Hershberger. Along with text and beautiful photographs, it contains a CD of insect songs. Happy Listening.

- Patricia Serrentino

In this Issue:

Page 2: Record Flows in Wake of IrenePage 3: Annual Meeting! Friends of the Green River News UpdatePage 4: DRWA Awarded MET Grant to Study ! Headwater Streams! Fall Hike SchedulePage 5: Fish Safely on the Deerfield River! Movie Night with DRWA

Migration Musings

Common Nighthawk

Record Flows in Wake of IreneAugust 2011 was the second wettest on record in Massachusetts in the last 117 years with Western Massachusetts receiving 329% of average rainfall for August. Although the winds from tropical storm Irene were barely felt, the 4-10 inches of rain resulted in record flows. In Massachusetts, nine USGS gaging stations recorded floods of record, including all five on the Deerfield River.

Table: USGS Provisional Data, Streamflow Peaks Resulting from Hurricane Irene Rainfall. The USGS gage on the Deerfield River in Charlemont is not included as peak flows are still being calculated. Based on initial observations, flows at this station also peaked well above the previous peak level set in 1938. This station has 98 years of flow records. CFS equals cubic feet per second.

Rivers rose rapidly going from a tranquil 80-100 cfs on Saturday on the North River to a torrential 53,100 cfs on Sunday. As the waters receded large trees could be seen resting in farmers’ fields almost a ½ mile away from the river channel, a dam had been breached and numerous roads and homes washed out.

!

Anyone standing near a river or stream during the flood got a sense of the power of water as they listened to the grinding of rocks as the stream bottom tumbled downstream. During the flood, large amounts of land eroded away and silt was deposited in the adjacent floodplain. Riparian vegetation was uprooted from stream banks and piled along the edges and on sediment bars. Channels and confluences were reshaped and gravel and sediment bars reformed.

Although we were struck by the destructive nature of the flood event, in the eyes of the river these transformations are vital to its ecosystem in many ways. Floodplain forests, the endangered Tiger Beetle and other critters rely on floods to reinvigorate their habitat niches. The newly exposed gravels and cobbles may also provide perfect spawning habitat for Brook Trout this fall. However, the level of magnitude of this flood is something we have not seen before. These riparian ecosystems may take some time to bounce back and this will occur only if no other substantial events further stress the system as it recovers.

- Carrie Banks! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 2

Photo: Greenfield water supply dam breached during the flood washing out the road leading to Eunice Williams covered bridge. (Credit: Carrie Banks, Division of Ecological Restoration)

Station Drainage (squ. miles)

Irene Peak Flow Previous Peak Date of Previous Peak

Special Remarks

North River (Colrain) 89.0 53,100 cfs 18,800 cfs 10/9/2005 71 yrs flow record

South River (Conway)

24.1 12,700 cfs 8,770 cfs 10/9/2005 45 yrs flow record

Deerfield River (West Deerfield)

557.0 103,000 cfs 61,700 cfs 4/5/1987 71 yrs flow record, flow regulated

Green River (Colrain) 41.4 17,500 cfs 6,540 cfs 10/9/2005 44 yrs flow record

! !

These before and after photos of the Deerfield River clearly show the amount of erosion and widening of the river channel. Right-hand photo: The land on left side of river is located on the outside bend where the velocity and erosive forces are much stronger. The land on the right side of river will experience deposition of substrates and materials because it is located on the inside of the bend where velocities tend to be slower and materials settle out.

!

Photo left: The confluence of the Cold River and Deerfield River has dramatically changed with the Cold Riverʼs former channel filled in by newly deposited cobbles and gravels and a new channel formed upstream of the old channel. (Credit: Carrie Banks, Division of Ecological Restoration)

Annual  Meeting

Please   join   us  at  the  DRWA’s annual meeting, Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the Four Rivers Charter School, 248 Colrain Road, Greenfield. The public is welcome to attend this free meeting and presentation.

Refreshments and social at 6:30 pm followed by a brief meeting at 7 pm to elect board members. The title of this year’s presentation is: "A (not) Murder Mystery: Missing Water. Clues, Culprits and Conclusions." Brian Yellen, a graduate student at UMass will present his research on the hydrology of the Deerfield River. He will present some mysteries about the Deerfield revealed in his field data. Together, we will try to make sense of fuzzy math and how dams alter the hydrology of the river.

Friends of the Green River News Update The Friends of the Green River and DRWA had an educational and information booth at this year’s Green River Music Festival, July 16 & 17. Thanks to all who came by the booth. See you next year!

This year the 8th Annual Green River Cleanup will take place on Oct. 1st, 2011. The event will begin at 9 am for breakfast, and conclude with lunch and music by The Equalites until 3 pm. Please note the change in location for the event. Because of flooding from Tropical Storm Irene, we are holding the event at Murphy Park on Leyden Road in Greenfield. For further information call the Connecticut River Watershed Council at 413-772-2020.

- David Boles! ! ! ! ! 3

DRWA Awarded MET Grant to Study Headwater Streams

In July, DRWA was awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to study “headwater” streams in our watershed and the life they support. Headwater streams are those smallest of running waters where overland flows begin in earnest to create small stream channels in the upper portions of a watershed. These areas can be separated into seasonal and perennial streams: streams that flow only during the wetter times of the year (and after large storms) and streams that flow year-round. These headwater areas represent a significant portion of the total length of running waters in a watershed, provide habitat for aquatic life that is uniquely adapted to these areas, and provide sediment, nutrients, and organic materials to downstream reaches.

Despite their importance, headwater streams have been underrepresented in assessment and monitoring efforts. And, while the ecological systems of the Deerfield River watershed are relatively intact, continued development of the region, coupled with the impending threat of global warming, present a persistent and long-term threat to our watershed and the local communities and economies it supports.

Small headwater stream where samples were taken (Mike Cole)

In Massachusetts, streams less than 25 feet wide and that occur upslope of wetlands receive no mandatory protections from forestry practices unless they are known to support endangered or threatened species. Unfortunately, these small streams are so severely under-assessed that in most all cases it is not known to what extent these unique habitats support threatened or rare species. Moreover, un-assessed streams in Massachusetts are automatically considered warm-water streams which receive less protection than do cold-water streams. Headwater streams may in fact support cold water species, but without any assessment there is no way of

establishing higher protection. This project seeks to determine the current status of forested headwater streams in relation to the life they support and conditions necessary for supporting these communities. This project will also assist with determining the adequacy of current stream and riparian protection policy for headwater streams. Field sampling for this project occurred in late July and early August. During this time, 20 headwater streams, scattered among Dubuque, Savoy Mountain, Mohawk, Monroe, and Catamount state forests, were assessed for physical habitat and water quality conditions. Samples of macroinvertebrate communities were collected, and fish and amphibian occupancy was noted. DRWA will have the results of this work available in the winter of 2012, at which time we will make our findings public through our newsletter and public presentations. We’re looking forward to sharing what we learn from this work and helping to foster an understanding of and appreciation for these critical yet undervalued parts of a well-functioning watershed.

-­‐ Mike Cole

Fall Hike ScheduleSunday, October 2: Savoy Mt. State Forest. This hike, on a new trail to Spruce Hill which overlooks Adams and North Adams, will highlight the beginning of fall colors in the Hoosac Range. Meet at the Shunpike in Charlemont at 9:45 am. The Shunpike picnic area is located two miles west of Charlemont Center on the left before Route 2 crosses the Deerfield River. Bring a lunch to enjoy at the summit. This is a moderate hike of about 4 miles with little change in elevation but a very short distance of steep rocks to negotiate on the way down. Spotting cars will be necessary for the return trip so it is important to register with the leader, Polly Bartlett at (413) 625-6628.

Please check the DRWA website for upcoming fall and winter hikes: www.deerfieldriver.org. - Polly Bartlett

! ! ! ! ! ! 4

Fish Safely on the Deerfield RiverRiver systems are wonderful resources when used safely. Before you go in, on, or near the water, be sure to know the possible hazards and how to avoid them. A few precautions can prevent a tragedy. Be sure to follow these safety rules when you go fishing in any lake, river or stream. The tips could save your life.

• Stay alert for changes in water levels and currents. Flow changes and rainfall events upstream can cause the water level to rise rapidly and the current to become swift. As soon as you see or hear a warning device or notice the water level rising, get to the shore.

• Never try crossing the river when it is rising.

• Wade with caution. Keep your wader drawstrings tight and avoid any situation where your waders or boots could flood and weight you down.

• Wear anti-slip shoes, spikes or other effective grippers when wading. The river bottom can be slippery.

• Carry a wading staff. A home-made or store-bought staff will improve your footing and help keep you from falling if you do slip.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to spot underwater hazards (and fish).

• Wear It! Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device whenever you are in, on, or near the water. Even shallow areas of the river can become deep quickly.

• Bring a friend along. A “buddy system” will help prevent mishaps and assure prompt assistance if one does occur.

• Tell someone where you are going. If you do get lost, rescue personnel will be able to find you quickly.

• Know the laws. From wading to boating, rules are there to protect your safety.

• Use common sense. Don’t place yourself in a dangerous situation.

Brookfield Renewable Power reminds you that dangers exist on the water any time of the year, and that conditions can change without notice. Avoid areas such as dams, intake and water conveyance structures, gates,

powerhouses and substations. Use only designated recreation areas; respect all warning lights, signs, sirens, buoys, booms, barriers and fences.

Make your trip safe and fun. River and weather conditions can change. Use the forecast to help plan safe recreation. Take the time to learn about daily river conditions BEFORE recreating. Waterline provides a flowcast at http://www.h2oline.com/255123.asp or 1-800-452-1742, site code #255123.

- Tom Mapletoft, Water Resource Manager, Brookfield Renewable Power

Movie Night with DRWAHello Friends and Members of DRWA!

The DRWA Board of Directors has recently been talking about hosting a film series on environmental topics. Some of our board members recently watched Gasland and are planning to view The Eleventh Hour together soon. We thought there might be those among you who have suggestions for movies, too, and would like to join the fun.

If you are interested in the possibility of such a film series or have ideas or suggestions to contribute, please email them to us at drwa@deerfieldriver.org, attn: Terry Atkinson. Please mention the town you live/work in, and day and time viewing preferences.

- Johanna Castilla & Terry Atkinson

5

DEERFIELD RIVER CURRENTPublished by

Deerfield River Watershed Association, Inc.15 Bank Row, Suite AGreenfield, MA 01301

The Deerfield River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources of the

Deerfield River watershed in southeastern Vermont and northwestern Massachusetts. Its activities include water quality monitoring, educational

programs, administration of volunteer programs and participation in regulatory matters.

Editor: Patricia Serrentino

Board Members:Terry Atkinson, Polly Bartlett, David Boles,

Johanna Castilla, Michael Cole, Marie-Françoise Hatte, Dina Kail, Robert May, Richard Quinn, Jason Saltman, Patricia

Serrentino

Deerfield River Watershed Association15 Bank Row, Suite AGreenfield, MA 01301

Become a DRWA Member!Name....................................................Street....................................................Town.....................................................Zip........................................................Email....................................................

Individual: $15Family/Business: $25!Contributing: $50Patron: $500 ! ! Sustaining: $100

Send to:DRWA, 15 Bank Row, Suite AGreenfield, MA 01301