Executive Summary

Middle Branch

Image donated by Hilltown local artist MICHAEL WOLSKI (www.MICHAELWOLSKI.com)

Middle Branch Highlights: WALKIN’ THE WATERSHED – Stream Teams in Action 2007

65 VOLUNTEERS SURVEY OVER 70 MILES OF THE WESTFIELD RIVER! • Over 65 volunteers surveyed Fifteen years ago, the Westfield Over 65 volunteers surveyed approximately River became ’ first approximately 70 miles of the 70 miles of the National Wild & Scenic River. Westfield River. Using protocols Westfield Today over 78 miles of the developed by the Riverways Adopt- River Westfield River are designated as A-Stream Program, Stream Team part of the National Wild & Scenic volunteers used their observational • Middle Branch skills to document scenic, historical, and its River system. tributaries to geological, recreational and In 2007, the Westfield River Wild & ecological features along the river. the Littleville Scenic Advisory Committee Reservoir are Shoreline Survey Reports and large designated as sponsored an extensive shoreline “Outstanding survey of the East, West, and format maps have been developed Resource Middle Branches and several of the for each branch which highlight the Waters” headwater tributaries. The goals of assets, problems and priorities for the survey were to: action identified by the volunteers. • Glendale Falls This Executive Summary outlines • is the highest Inventory and assess the Wild & survey findings and priorities for waterfall in Scenic features along the action along the Middle Branch of Massachusetts Westfield River; the Westfield River. • Develop a roadmap of short- term and long-term strategies and actions; • Assist communities in long-term protection of the Westfield River; and • Encourage stewardship of the Wild & Scenic features. Executive Summary Features:

Scenic 2 THE MIDDLE BRANCH OF THE WESTFIELD RIVER Geological 3 Beginning in the Peru Wildlife vistas along the river corridor. Historical 3 Management Area, the Middle Prominent overlooks and Ecological 4 Branch of the Westfield River incredible views of the river can be connects remarkable scenic, found along the roadway Recreational 4 geological, historical, recreational following the river from Rte 143 in Problems 5 and ecological features. Worthington to near the confluence of Kinne Brook in Large expanses of vegetated Assets 5 Chester. riparian areas provide exceptional Action Plan 7 (Continued Middle Branch, Page 2) Looking Ahead 8 Middle Branch Executive Summary Page 2 of 8

MIDDLE BRANCH, continued from Page 1 At Glendale Falls, powerful From its source to the Littleville Funding for this project springtime water roars over steep Reservior in Huntington, the provided by: rock ledges dropping more than Middle Branch is designated as 150 feet before joining the Middle “Class A: Outstanding Resource National Park Service Challenge Branch – forming the highest Waters” indicating near pristine Cost Share Grant waterfall in Massachusetts. Other condition and excellent water spectacular geological features quality. The Middle Branch and its Technical Assistance include the West Worthington tributaries provide a variety of provided by: Falls, small cascades, and ledge important habitats including outcroppings. outstanding cold water streams, Riverways Adopt-A-Stream prime juvenile salmon habitat, rare Program, Massachusetts The Middle Branch provides a rare natural communities, and intact Department of Fish & Game opportunity in southern New bird migration and wildlife England of a naturally occurring corridors. Special Thanks to: high quality Class III whitewater Westfield River Environmental run that is not dam controlled. The North Chester Historic District Center, Westfield State College Among Glendale Falls, Fox Den Westfield River Watershed is recognized for its significant Wildlife Management Area and contribution to the broad patterns Association Littleville Recreation Area there of history. The historic district is are ample recreational comprised of residential buildings Meredyth Babcock, Stream Team opportunities including hiking, Coordinator 2007 and outbuildings, several potential paddling, fishing, hunting, wildlife historic industrial archaeological Individuals and Businesses who viewing, biking, snowmobiling, sites, a burial ground, a chapel, donated prizes for the Rapid, Riffle, cross-country skiing and horseback former school, stone walls and a Run Drawing. riding. 19th century truss bridge with many of these features located All the Stream Team Volunteers along the banks of the river. SCENIC FEATURES Scenic features abound along the In their own words: Middle Branch with some of the “East River Road is extremely most photogenic being low scenic and has a variety of vista cascades in hemlock-lined rocky points along the road as well as gorges. pull-off spots to park.” Large stretches of trees and native “The river slides, shoots and leaps vegetation line the banks in many more than 150 feet down over places creating a sense of water-polished surfaces and wilderness as well as providing ledges, creating a myriad of pools, outstanding habitat. waterfalls, and rivulets which can Volunteers noted several scenic be explored and enjoyed for hours. vistas and overlooks, waterfalls, The width of the polished rock and characteristics which allows ample sunlight to flood the contribute to the outstanding falls, creating a delightful play scenic features along the Middle between water, rock and light. Branch. This is a treasure of our local natural environment.”

Middle Branch Executive Summary Page 3 of 8

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

For centuries the Westfield River very little sediment or soil in the worked with the forces of stream bed as high water in the geolo gical time to create some of spring flushes through this section the most superb geological at high velocity. There are steep features in Massachusetts. The hillsides in this valley so when the most noteworthy geological snow melts, there can be

features along the Middle Branch considerable amounts of runoff in

are Glendale Falls and West the river in the spring. I have often

Worthington Falls. heard boulders crashing and knocking together in the riverbed Volunteers noted gorges, as well as when the river is running high.” waterfalls, unique rock formations, outcroppings, ledges and other “At Glendale Falls, the Westfield evidence of the power of the river’s has peeled back the forest to reveal water. a swath of the 447 million year old In their own words: Middlefield pluton, a granite emplacement resulting from the “The river bed is lined completely collision of continents eons ago. “ with round boulders. There is

HISTORICAL FEATURES Volunteers recorded evidence of In their own words: cellar holes, stone walls, family “The topographic map and aerial graveyards, and old mill sites photo plainly reveal past strewn along the banks of the [agricultural] land use along the Middle Branch. Middle Branch. Scattered fence The North Chester Historic District wire was observed as well on the aligns the banks of the river and east hillside of the surveyed contributes to the historic and segment.” cultural stories still being told “An old bridge (date carved on today. One of the most visually cornerstone – 1884) of fieldstones prominent structures in the and mortar carries one-land dirt district, the North Chester Bridge road.” spans the Westfield River at Smith Road in the village center. The “There are two parallel stone walls North Chester Village Bridge is the located just below Rte 143, which oldest of three surviving iron truss may have been the foundation of a bridges in Chester and the second- structure.” oldest of twenty known R.F. Hawkin’s iron highway bridges in Massachusetts.

Middle Branch Executive Summary Page 4 of 8

E COLOGICAL FEATURES

The Middle Branch offers a unique In their own words: high quality, high-energy “The established wildlife that “The river is lined with deciduous riverbank natural community moves between the ridges and and coniferous trees on both found along fast-flowing rivers have been observed repeatedly banks. These trees serve to that experience severe flooding stabilize the banks from erosion crossing through this area include and ice scour. Riparian habitat and their canopies shades the moose, whitetail deer, black bear, supports several rare and surface of the water thereby eastern coyote, red fox, bobcat, and endangered insect species keeping the ambient water fisher. Mink, muskrat and otter including river dragonflies such as traverse up the river and its banks temperature cooler than if this Harpoon Clubtail, Rapids Clubtail, and two active beaver colonies section of river was in the open and Riffle Snaketail; Twelve- inhabit small ponds that they have sun. This cooler temperature of spotted Tiger Beetle, which created in smaller tributaries. This the water is important for inhabits the riverbanks; and the is a natural corridor that has more productive fisheries habitat. “ Ostrich Fern Borer moth, an wildlife traversing through it than inhabitant of the floodplain forest in the nearby populated villages or along the river. clusters of housing.” “Scattered sycamore Volunteers noted numerous trees were observed species of flora and fauna and along the surveyed described some of the natural segment. This resource communities they observed. In should be recognized as addition, volunteers noted in- a special feature because stream and stream corridor they may represent the conditions, e.g. water quality, most northern substrate, shade cover, and occurrence.” riparian vegetation. RECREATIONAL FEATURES Volunteers found many people supporting stringers running enjoying the river corridor. They between the bridge abutments. recorded a myriad of uses – hiking, This is a situation where large trees swimming, fishing, hunting, or ice can take out a small bridge paddling, wildlife viewing, biking, like this one. In fact, this bridge snowmobiling, cross-country was rebuilt by the local skiing, horseback riding, snowmobile club a few years ago.” picnicking, nature study, etc. They “Though few continue on along noted the location of trails and the stream past the pool at the base public access sites, as well as of the Falls, there are many hidden suggestions for improving treasures along this reach recreational trails and facilities. including a cold freshwater spring In their own words: that swells up and flows parallel to “The snowmobile bridge at Sam the main branch of the river, and Hill Road has little space between many different species of ferns, the high water level and the trees and mushrooms.”

Page 5 of 8 Walkin’ The Watershed -- 2007

PROBLEMS

Volunteers identified East River Road problems found along • Invasive species “The footing is quite tricky as one passes over their segments. Below including Japanese the rocks. It would not is a list of potential knotweed be hard to fall, slide, or problems which could • Small patches of oil twist an ankle. It is degrade the river, • House falling into clearly a “enjoy at your habitat, recreational, river own risk” situation, but scenic and/or • Erosion on banks a sign or some type of historical features above Glendale warning might be found along the river Falls wise.” segments: • Potential beaver

• Trash and problems “If there is a designated dumping • Runoff from trail, it is very poorly • Artificial damming parking area marked. This has led to of a tributary • Slippery rocks multiple parallel trails stream creates recreational along the south edge of • Road maintenance hazard the falls. Foliage has been trampled, and the and damage to • Trampled roots of trees have been streamside vegetation, exposed roots and exposed, creating both vegetation treacherous footing and erosion • Runoff from East hastened erosion.” • River Road Excessive dog • Bank erosion along poop

SSETS A “In general, landowners maintain very Volunteers noted • Landowner’s have • Potential respectable filter strip. assets found along high level of recreational Landowners who take their segments. Below conservation opportunities, e.g. pride in maintaining is a list of values and awareness and canoe access and proper filter strips along assets identified along stewardship tenting if allowed a significant resource the river and within its • Landowner’s by landowners areas are important corridor: maintain • Scenic and assets. “ recreational values • Trout and wildlife respectable filter • Lack of trash at habitat strips • Glendale Falls • Beaver habitat Intact riparian zone despite intense use creates good and unfragmented • Good water quality habitat for wildlife, forests • especially wildfowl • “Legacy” sycamore Extensive wildlife corridor • Potential trees

conservation areas • Good locations for wildlife viewing

Page 7 of 8 Walkin’ The Watershed -- 2007

P RIORITIES FOR ACTION

Based on the survey findings, Stream Team volunteers recommended short-term and long-term actions to preserve, protect and enhance the special qualities of the Westfield River. The following is a summary of their recommendations.

Short-term Actions (actions which can be completed in 6 months to a year):

• Sponsor educational programs for landowners and residents on how to keep river healthy • Monitor house falling into river • Promote “Pooper Scoopers” along river from the Kinne Brook Bridge heading towards Dayville • Conduct training with highway departments to highlight importance of maintaining healthy vegetation along river. Consider holding in conjunction with power company who provides specialized mowing equipment to towns. • Cleanup ragged tree limbs and try to allow riparian and roadside vegetation to recover • Conduct follow-up surveys*** on several segments • Install and update informational kiosks***

Long-term Strategies and Actions (actions which take 1-5 years):

Wildlife Habitat: Maintain and enhance important wildlife corridors

• Establish “Keeping Track” transects to monitor and track wildlife movement

• Continue to work with landowners to protect and improve wildlife corridors

Landowner Stewardship: Recognize landowners for their stewardship and continue to encourage high level of conservation awareness with existing and future landowners • Monitor landuse and landownership changes • Encourage habitat protection and improvements, e.g. maintaining riparian areas and wildlife corridors, removing invasive species, or providing specialized habitat

Invasive species: Continue to monitor and, where appropriate, remove and eradicate invasive species. Strategies may include: • Educational workshops with landowners • Mapping of invasive species to assess feasibility of removal • Study techniques for removal

Water Quality: Promote and maintain good water quality • Divert runoff from parking lot at Glendale Falls away from the river • Monitor dog walking activities and encourage proper disposal of waste • Conduct water quality sampling

Recreation: Make recreational improvements • Continue to maintain and reduce likelihood of snowmobile crossing being swept away during floods • Monitor area around snowmobile crossing for trash and other signs of “partying” activity • Install hazard warning sign at Glendale Falls • Clearly mark designated trail and allow trampled areas to recover at Glendale Falls

***These action items are in progress. For more details, see “Looking Ahead…2008 the year of Wild & Scenic”, PG 8

LOOKING AHEAD…2008 the year of Wild & Scenic Westfield River In 2008, we will celebrate not only in the Spring and Summer to collect the 40th Anniversary of the National more detailed information along Wild & Scenic Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, but also several river segments. Advisory Committee the 15th Anniversary of the National Throughout 2008, the Westfield Wild & Scenic designation on the River Wild & Scenic Advisory Westfield River. In our continued Committee (WRWSAC) will PO Box 397 efforts to protect this nationally continue to work with the Stream Huntington, MA 01050 recognized river, we have already Teams to develop Action Plans and integrated Stream Team Survey PHONE: implement the recommended results into ongoing projects and (413) 268-3129, ext. 2 actions for each of the branches. activities. E-MAIL: Project funding will be available [email protected] Survey findings were incorporated through the FY2008 Partnership into a new Volunteer Water Quality Rivers budget for the Westfield Monitoring Program which will be River. launched in the Fall of 2008. Stream Stream Team survey reports and Team volunteers will be able to maps will be displayed and made assist in the collection of samples on available in each of the Towns along the Middle Branch. In addition, the Middle Branch. follow-up surveys will be conducted

About the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee…

The mission of the Committee is to preserve, protect, and enhance the special qualities and outstanding natural resources of the Westfield River watershed in We’re on the Web! concert with local communities.

See us at: The Committee is comprised of representatives of the towns of Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy, Washington, Windsor, www.westfieldriver.org and Worthington, as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the National Park Service, Planning Commission, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, The Trustees of Reservations, and the Westfield River Watershed Association.

Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee PO Box 397 Huntington, MA 01050

COMPANY NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY, ST 22134