Restoring the Byram River

Brook Trout, the only native trout species in Connecticut, hide in the cold, clean waters of the Byram River and tributaries like Converse Brook in the dappled shade of the large, deciduous forests surrounding them. Often referred to as the “canary in the coal mine for clean water”, Brook Trout can only live in the coldest, cleanest streams and are an indicator of a healthy and intact watershed and ecosystem.

Our goal in the coming years is to fully map and assess the entire watershed and utilize cutting-edge environmental DNA technology to identify key areas where focused habitat restoration, targeted removal of unused and abandoned dams and planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs can ensure the Byram River watershed remains a healthy and thriving habitat for generations to come.