LOOKING AHEAD…2008 the year of Wild & Scenic Executive Summary Westfield River In 2008, we will celebrate not only Spring and Summer to collect more the 40th Anniversary of the National detailed information along several Wild & Scenic Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, but also river segments. Advisory Committee the 15th Anniversary of the National Throughout 2008, the Westfield River West Branch Wild & Scenic designation on the Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee Westfield River. In our continued (WRWSAC) will continue to work PO Box 397 efforts to protect this nationally Image donated by Hilltown local artist with the Stream Teams to develop MICHAEL WOLSKI (www.MICHAELWOLSKI.com) Huntington, MA 01050 recognized river, we have already Action Plans and implement the integrated Stream Team Survey PHONE: recommended actions for each of the West Branch results into ongoing projects and Highlights: (413) 268-3129, ext. 2 branches. Project funding will be WALKIN’ THE WATERSHED – Stream Teams in Action 2007 activities. E-MAIL: available through the FY2008 • Over 65 [email protected] Survey findings were incorporated Partnership Rivers budget for the 65 VOLUNTEERS SURVEY OVER 70 MILES OF THE WESTFIELD RIVER! volunteers into a new Volunteer Water Quality Westfield River. surveyed Monitoring Program which will be Fifteen years ago, the Westfield Over 65 volunteers surveyed Stream Team survey reports and approximately launched in the Fall of 2008. Stream 70 miles of the River became Massachusetts’ first approximately 70 miles of the maps will be displayed and made Westfield River. Using protocols Team volunteers will be able to assist Westfield River National Wild & Scenic River. available in each of the Towns along Today over 78 miles of the developed by the Riverways Adopt- in the collection of samples on the the West Branch. • The West Westfield River are designated as A-Stream Program, Stream Team West Branch. In addition, follow-up Branch is the part of the National Wild & Scenic volunteers used their observational surveys will be conducted in the longest free- River system. skills to document scenic, historical, flowing geological, recreational and segment in In 2007, the Westfield River Wild & ecological features along the river. About the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee… Massachusetts. Scenic Advisory Committee sponsored an extensive shoreline Shoreline Survey Reports and large • The headwaters survey of the East, West, and format maps have been developed The mission of the Committee is to preserve, protect, and enhance the special of the West qualities and outstanding natural resources of the Westfield River watershed in Branch begin in Middle Branches and several of the for each branch which highlight the headwater tributaries. The goals of assets, problems and priorities for We’re on the Web! concert with local communities. October Mountain State the survey were to: action identified by the volunteers. See us at: The Committee is comprised of representatives of the towns of Becket, Chester, Forest – the This Executive Summary outlines Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy, Washington, Windsor, • Inventory and assess the Wild & www.westfieldriver.org largest survey findings and priorities for and Worthington, as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the National Park contiguous state Scenic features along the action along the West Branch of the Service, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Berkshire Regional Planning forest in Westfield River; Westfield River. Commission, The Trustees of Reservations, and the Westfield River Watershed Massachusetts • Develop a roadmap of short- Association. term and long-term strategies and actions; • Assist communities in long-term protection of the Westfield River; and Westfield River Wild & Scenic • Encourage stewardship of the Advisory Committee Executive Summary Wild & Scenic features. PO Box 397 Features: Huntington, MA 01050 Scenic 2 Geological 3 THE WEST BRANCH OF THE WESTFIELD RIVER Historical 3 Beginning at the confluence of along the river corridor. Prominent COMPANY NAME Ecological 4 Shaker Mill Brook and Depot Brook, overlooks and incredible views of STREET ADDRESS the West Branch of the Westfield the river can be found along Jacob’s CITY, ST 22134 Recreational 4 River connects remarkable scenic, Ladder Scenic Byway – rated one of Problems 5 geological, historical, recreational the top ten scenic byways in the and ecological features. United States. Assets 5 Large expanses of vegetated riparian (Continued West Branch, Page 2) Action Plan 7 areas provide exceptional vistas Looking Ahead 8 West Branch Executive Summary Page 2 of 8 Page 5 of 8 Walkin’ The Watershed -- 2007
Short-term Actions (actions which can be completed in 6 months to a year): WEST BRANCH, continued from Page 1 • Sponsor educational programs for landowners and residents on how to keep river healthy Shaker Mill Brook drops into a of important habitats including • Organize river clean-ups, especially along Shaker Mill Brook and West Branch in the areas near Bancroft and Old beautiful ravine formed by steep outstanding cold water streams, State Road ledge and surround by a hemlock prime juvenile salmon habitat, rare • Remove broken water pipe upstream of footbridge in Huntington forest. Water tumbles down Center natural communities, and large
Brook and forms a series of drops forested areas dating back to the • Work with MassHighway to recover bridge construction debris below Bancroft Bridge including a 20-foot-high waterfall. 1830’s. • Conduct follow-up surveys*** on several segments • Install and update informational kiosks*** Funding for this project The West Branch provides a rare The Keystone Arch Bridges are provided by: opportunity in southern New among the most venerated England of a naturally occurring contributing historic resources of the Long-term Strategies and Actions (actions which take 1-5 years): National Park Service Challenge high quality Class III-IV whitewater Westfield River's National Wild & Cost Share Grant run that is not dam controlled. Fish Habitat: Maintain and improve fish habitat. Among October Mountain State Scenic designation. Built in the • Improve fish passage along Shaker Mill Brook by replacing the collapsed McNearney Road*** culvert and Technical Assistance Forest, Hiram Fox Wildlife 1840's, these bridges were the first upstream perched culvert provided by: Management Area, and Keystone railroad to span a mountain • Remove debris blocking Abbott Brook culverts to reduce short-term flood concerns and investigate ways to Riverways Adopt-A-Stream Arch Trail there are ample overpass - today they stand over the improve fish passage and prevent future clogging of culverts Program, Massachusetts recreational opportunities including West Branch of the Westfield River Department of Fish & Game hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, in tribute to the ingenuity of their Land Conservation: Encourage various land conservation options along Wild & Scenic segments wildlife viewing, biking, cross- time. The Keystone Arch Bridges • Contact local land trusts regarding several critical parcels currently for sale, including 245 acre parcel along country skiing and horseback riding. Special Thanks to: and surrounding landscape Shaker Mill Brook an d a 250 acre parcel along the West Branch Westfield River Environmental The West Branch is the longest free- prominently beckon to the forefront Invasive species: Continue to monitor and, where appropriate, remove and eradicate invasive species. Strategies may Center, Westfield State College flowing river reach in Westfield River Watershed as being one of the most remarkable include: Massachusetts. The West Branch Association areas along this National Wild & • Educational workshops with landowners and its tributaries provide a variety Scenic River. • Mapping of invasive species to assess feasibility of removal Meredyth Babcock, Stream Team • Study techniques for removal Coordinator 2007 SCENIC FEATURES Water Quality: Promote and maintain good water quality Individuals and Businesses who • Work with railroad to cleanup discarded railroad ties and debris on riverbank donated prizes for the Rapid, Riffle, In 1910, Jacob’s Ladder Scenic waterfall/cascade and several deep • Run Drawing. Byway was the first mountain pools surrounded by hemlocks” Cleanup junkyard near river (***Note: In 2006, Town of Chester worked with landowner to clean-up materials) • crossover built for automobiles. Monitor bank erosion where skidder drove across river during illegal logging operation several years ago All the Stream Team Volunteers • Today it provides travelers with “This segment of the river is Investigate excessive algae growth • Conduct water quality sampling dramatic views of the remarkable generally scenic, with pleasing vistas river corridor. of the river flowing beside wooded Erosion: Work with professional to assess and address erosion concerns and areas where flood capacity has been hillsides. The most scenic vista reduced Large stretches of trees and native along this section is of the vegetation line the banks in many • Conduct a fluvial geomorphic assessment of the West Branch lowermost Keystone Arch bridge - places creating a sense of wilderness • Evaluate reduced flood capacity at town and railroad bridges which is fairly easy to access from as well as providing outstanding • Address areas of excessive bank erosion and/or locations where infrastructure is threatened Middlefield Road. “ habitat. Historic Preservation: Protect and preserve historic resources and remains. Volunteers noted several scenic • Advocate for the restoration of the Keystone Arch Bridges
vistas and overlooks, waterfalls, and • Preserve historical rock structure and bridge along Center Pond Brook characteristics which contribute to • Recover old grinding wheels and granite blocks and use for historical interpretation
the outstanding scenic features Recreation: Make recreational improvements and encourage appropriate river recreation. along the West Branch. • Address recreational hazard created by fallen trees blocking safe passage by either reorienting them or cutting In their own words: small passageway • Install and encourage “Carry in, Carry Out” at Hull Forestlands property along river “The section of Shaker Mill Brook is very scenic with a long, shallow ***These action items are in progress. For more details, see “Looking Ahead…2008 the year of Wild & Scenic”, PG 8
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PRIORITIES FOR ACTION Based on the survey findings, Stream Team volunteers recommended short-term and long-term actions to preserve, GEOLOGICAL FEATURES protect and enhance the special qualities of the Westfield River. The following is a summary of their For centuries the Westfield River stream bed generally consists of recommendations. worked with the forces of geological cobbles and boulders of quartzite, “There is a series of
ASSETS time to create some of the most schist, granite, and gneiss. “ wonderful small superb geological features in waterfalls. I am
Volunteers noted assets • Potential • Public access areas Massachusetts. The most “The ledge exposure and chute thrilled there are so found along their recreational and parking noteworthy geological features below the Chester Elementary many treasures segments. Below is a opportunities • John W. & Mildred along the West Branch include School has nice exposures of schist hidden in the woods list of values and assets • Good water quality G. Wright Memorial Shaker Mill Brook Ravine and and has been sculpted by erosion near our house.” “Near the confluence identified along the • Keystone Arch Forest Center Pond Brook waterfalls. from the river.” with the river there river and within its • Bridges, especial Fishing access Volunteers noted gorges, as well as is series of stunning corridor: scenic vistas • Limited shoreline falls and up for sale waterfalls, unique rock formations, • Fish & Wildlife surrounding the development outcroppings, ledges and other at the moment. It habitat bridges • Hull’s Conservation evidence of the power of the river’s • would be great if an • Beaver habitat Whitewater Restrictions water. environmentally paddling • Stewardship of creates good habitat In their own words: conscious buyer for wildlife, opportunities residents and could be found.” especially • Historical rock landowners “Water quality throughout this dragonflies structure and bridge • Good birding segment appears to be good, and the • Well-shaded banks, • Waterfalls opportunities burrows and dens • Large floodplain • Limited recreation along riverbank field adjacent to the in some areas • Potential river HISTORICAL FEATURES conservation areas • Insect hatches Volunteers recorded evidence of “Thick rock structures on “Her young son made an cellar holes, stone walls, family either side of the brook interesting discovery. He PROBLEMS graveyards, and old mill sites strewn located on sharp turn. They discovered a wooden Volunteers identified • Discarded railroad • Excessive algae along the banks of the West Branch. appear to have been a stream conduit approximately four crossing at some point. The feet in diameter made of problems found along ties and debris • Historic remains in The historic villages of North Becket, structures are beautifully wood and extended for a few their segments. Below • Invasive species river not Chester and Huntington align the maintained and very hundred yards above ground is a list of potential including Japanese safeguarded river banks of the West Branch. The surprising to come upon in before it disappeared problems which could knotweed, Barberry, • Abbott Brook “At the first house after most noteworthy historic feature are the thick wood. It would be underground.” degrade the river, and multiflora rose culverts are clogged the Bancroft Bridge, the the Keystone Arch Bridges. important to see that they are habitat, recreational, • Recreational and present fish shoreline on river right Constructed in the 1840s by George protected.” scenic and/or historical hazards passage barrier and is choked for about 35 Washington Whistler, these features found along • Potential hazardous potential flood yards with Knotweed. remarkable bridges carried the the river segments: materials buried at hazard The Knotweed has longest and steepest railroad of its spread most of the way • Trash and dumping, old mill site • ATVs and dirt bike time. Today two of the bridges are down the river from including 50-gallon • Fish passage trails too close to still used to carry cargo and Middlefield to Chester.” drums, old cars, barriers river passages along the active railroad snow machines, and • Discharge from • Ripap bank along line. metal debris drains pipes railroad is In their own words: • Bank erosion • Reduced flood “slipping” “Near the outskirts of Chester an • Road construction capacity of bridges abandoned emery mill, including and traffic control • Old water and several structures and a bridge debris washed sewer pipes across the river, is encountered” downstream discarded in river
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ECOLOGICAL FEATURES “This section is lovely. Clear, fast moving, RECREATIONAL FEATURES
The West Branch and its surrounding full of life – this is a pretty brook. There is With several large tracts of public land uplands provides habitat for rare insects, a beautiful ledge and waterfall and along the West Branch, there are ample such as the Ocellated Darner dragonfly, resulting pool. The children enjoyed opportunities for recreational pursuits. and for rare plants, such as the swimming, catching frogs, looking for The 2.5 mile Keystone Arch Trail Endangered Large-Laved Sandwort. stream life, and trying to fish.” provides the best opportunity for the public to combine the experience of The West Branch is recognized as the scenic river vistas, wildlife viewing, and longest free-flowing river segment in historic interpretation as you wind you Massachusetts without any impediments way through the woods to visit two of or diversions. The excellent cold-water the Keystone Arch Bridges standing 150’ habitat supports a variety of fish species above the West Branch of the Westfield and aquatic organisms. Several years River. ago, Atlantic salmon nests were identified in the West Branch just below Volunteers found many people enjoying the confluence with Yokum brook, the the river corridor. They recorded a first natural salmon reproduction to myriad of uses – hiking, swimming, occur in this basin in 200 years. fishing, hunting, paddling, wildlife viewing, biking, snowmobiling, cross- The Middlefield-Peru Forest Reserve country skiing, horseback riding, encompasses areas surrounding the West picnicking, nature study, etc. They noted Branch. The forest reserve contains trees the location of trails and public access that date back to 1830 or earlier. These sites, as well as suggestions for older forests contain more stabilizing improving recreational trails and features, such as fallen trees (aka nurse facilities. logs) and an abundance of wildflowers and ferns. In their own words: Volunteers noted numerous species of “Easy fishing access to the river with flora and fauna and described some of some parking along road side near the natural communities they observed. beginning of the segment.” In addition, volunteers noted in-stream “This is a beautiful, wild stretch of the and stream corridor conditions, e.g. West Branch. There are a few signs of water quality, substrate, shade cover, human activity, except for the occasional and riparian vegetation. train going by on the tracks along the In their own words: south side of the river. Yet there is also convenient access from the dirt road on “ At the start of this section of Shaker Mill the north side.” Brook it appears to be a series of abandoned beaver ponds. It had snakes, thousands of Newt and frog eggs and a number of wonderful open wetlands for birds and dragonflies.”
“Several brooks entered where there are ravines. There is very beautiful mixed forest with clear, beautiful creek. Also, small and huge beaver dams, deer and moose crossing in the creek.”