Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

Identifying and mapping important habitat for other diadromous species can be
accomplished in a variety of ways. Acoustic telemetry is currently being used to
locate habitat used by shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon. American shad and
blueback herring typically spawn in a few distinct areas that can be located by visual
or auditory surveys conducted in a few days. Sea lamprey redds also can be
located visually. Hydroacoustic techniques may be appropriate for rainbow smelt.
Alewife spawning and nursery habitat can be assumed to be an entire lake.
22.6 Prioritize restoration projects for each species per Roni et al. (2002)
Each species habitat will be examined and prioritized in order to: protect unimpaired
habitat, reconnect isolated habitats, improve/remove roads that alter hydrology,
sediment, organic material, increase nutrients to salmon waters if levels are low,
restore riparian processes (shade, sediment storage, water storage, bank
stabilization, stream complexity) and restore instream habitat (woody debris,
boulders). The habitat objectives, measurables and tasks will require an in depth
planning process to make them operational. Assemble small team with members
with watershed knowledge and watershed assessment and restoration expertise. To
conduct a watershed assessment, NGO watershed groups will be required in
addition to government agencies. Formation of effective watershed NGO(s) is a
prerequisite to a watershed assessment.
22.7 Revisit the water management plan for the one major water
control structure in the drainage Grand Lake Matagamon
Determine how the existing plan affects habitat availability, geomorphic and
hydrologic functions in the East Branch.
22.8 Undertake an IFIM to pinpoint seasonally habitat protective flows
22.9 In priority areas, remove or repair roads that impair watershed processes.
Based on 22.1 and 22.6, problematic roads and road crossing will be addressed.
22.10 In priority areas, increase productivity of salmon habitat by restoring
diadromous fish (assuming habitat is suitable for other diadromous species).
This strategy ties into Section 1 of the plan.
22.11 In priority areas, restore riparian processes.
Riparian processes are closely linked to habitat complexity and water quality and are
an element of lateral and vertical connectivity. Based on the land use history and
forest growth models, riparian forests will be restored. DMR will work closely with
the Maine Forest Service on this strategy.
22.12 In priority areas, increase stream complexity in low large wood areas or
known boulder removal areas. Increase stream complexity in 20 % of 1 subbasin’s
streams 2-7 m in width in 10 years, 20 % of another sub-basin’s
streams 2-7 m in width in 20 years, and 20 % of a third sub-basin’s streams 2-7
m in width in 10 years.
PRFP Page 90