Eightmile River, Connecticut
Status: Completed
A Wild and Scenic River Study of the Eightmile River
Final report: Phase 1 / Phase 2
Sponsored by the National Park Service
In 2001, Congress authorized a Wild and Scenic River Study for
the Eightmile River, a tributary of the lower Connecticut River.
The majority of the Eightmile River and its 63-square mile watershed
are located in the rural towns of Salem, Lyme, and East Haddam
in south-central Connecticut. These towns are working together to
preserve this river system. The Eightmile River Watershed Committee
developed a Conservation Compact, intending to “protect and enhance water
resources, wildlife habitats, and rural landscapes in the watershed.” With
the encouragement of the Committee and the towns, the National
Park Service is supporting the Wild and Scenic River Study in order
to determine if all or portions of the Eightmile and its East Branch
meet the criteria for Wild and Scenic designation. The Eightmile
River is a candidate for study due to its scenic beauty and valuable
wildlife and fisheries resources. It supports a trout fishery as
well as habitat for a number of rare and protected species.It has
a number of habitat types from brackish, tidal waters at its confluence
with Hamburg Cove to the higher gradient, boulder strewn headwater
streams. The watershed remains over 80% forested and also contains
important historical and cultural resources. If the study finds
the river to meet the criteria for designation, it will become
part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System and be eligible for additional
levels of protection and recognition.
The NEIHP has been assisting with a large portion of the data
collection for this study. In the summer of 2004, data was collected
on substrate, depth, velocity, adjacent land cover, and other attributes
at sections of the river. Fish surveys were also performed in order
to gain information regarding species and numbers of fish inhabiting
the river. We sampled a variety of stream types including the main
and East Branch of the Eightmile as well as the smaller headwater streams.
We also chose specific sites in order to gain a wide and comprehensive
coverage of the watershed.
Appendix 1 - HMU Maps
Appendix 2 - Adult Suitability Maps
Appendix 3 - Habitat Suitability
Appendix 4 - Rating Curves
Appendix 5 - Combined Temperature Report
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