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Keeping wild brook trout populations healthy means keeping their habitat healthy. Trout numbers decline when habitat quality is reduced. Today, wild brook trout face many habitat threats.
Clearing land, building roads, and removing trees and plants that grow along streambanks increase the erosion of soils and deposition of sediments in the stream. Fine sediment covering the stream bottom smothers incubating trout eggs.
Streamside trees are needed for quality trout habitat. As trees naturally die and fall into the stream, they can create deep water refuges and places to hide from predators. Fallen trees can help the stream to retain gravel, which is needed for brook trout reproduction. Trees and overhanging bushes also shade the water, helping to keep it cool during summer months. Brook trout cannot survive when the water temperature gets too warm or when cover is lacking.
Dams and culverts often block brook trout from reaching habitats they need at different stages of their lives. Spawning habitat, which is needed in the fall, or coldwater habitat, which is needed during the hot summer months, may become inaccessible.
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