| The Candlewood Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has
focused their recent project activity on the Deep Brook Class 1 Wild
Trout Management Area in Newtown, Connecticut.
The Deep Brook Class 1 WTMA is one of eight areas in Connecticut where
there is a self-sustaining population of wild trout. These Class 1 areas
are not stocked as part of the Department of Environmental Protection's
seasonal hatchery raised stocking efforts. Wild Trout Management Areas
are managed under special regulations which include: catch and release
only, barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only, and an
year-round open season.
Deep Brook is able to sustain a wild trout population
because of the unique habitat. There is good cover that provides
protection not only from predators but also from direct sunlight. Water
temperatures are moderate even during the hottest months of the year.
Also, the water quality is high because the Town of Newtown has
protected the land abutting the brook. Even though there have been
significant threats to the brook in the past few years, including two
oil spills, development and the low flows during 2005, the trout
population remains.
The Candlewood Valley Chapter has focused it's efforts
on bank restoration and foliage planting. Through member contributions,
grants from Trout Unlimited, and town funds the Candlewood Valley
Chapter undertakes these efforts to ensure that the Deep Brook WTMA
continues to be a resource for citizens for year's to come.
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