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Winter 2002 Currents

Become a "Fish Spotter" Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) This Spring the Saugus River Watershed Council will launch its new “Fish Spotter” program. Volunteer “fish spotters” will monitor the presence and timing of anadromous fish, such as alewife, blueback herring, or smelt running up into the Saugus River. Volunteers will also identify other types of fish found in the estuary, upper reaches, and tidal marshes of the Saugus River watershed. Numbers and types of fish identified will be provided to SRWC staff for tracking. Fisheries scientists, including Brad Chase of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, will conduct a training session to teach volunteers about strategies for spotting fish and determining their species. Volunteer fish spotters will use identification charts with colorful pictures and “key features” to help them identify the most common types of fish in the watershed. Fish spotters will learn about where and when to find fish such as alewives, blueback herring, striped bass, yellow perch, and mummichugs. Information from the “Fish Spotter” program will be used to help inform decisions about maintaining adequate water flow in the Saugus River and other efforts needed to restore historic fisheries to the watershed. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer “fish spotter” or simply learning more about fish in the Saugus River watershed, please join us for the March 2002 training session. To pre-register or get more information, please call the Saugus River Watershed Council at (781) 233-5046. “Fish Spotter” Training Session Saturday, 9 March 2002 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sprague Lodge - Camp Nihan, Saugus Directions: From Rte. 1, take Rte. 129 West toward Wakefield, look for light green sign on left shortly after Decathalon Sports (formerly MVP Sports). Follow driveway and park near ranger cabin. Pre-Registration Required. Please call SRWC at 781-233-5046 for information or to register.

Town Line Brook Project Update
Groundbreaking for New Breakheart Visitor's Center
Editorial: Bush Wetland Guidelines
Exploring Nature with Children
SRWC Hosts Natural History Events
Environmental Debate Set for 19 February
Birding News
Crystal Motors, Lynnfield DEP Decision
SRWC Youth Education Programs
Become a "Fish Spotter"
Around the Watershed
SRWC Awards $8,400 in Small Grants
SRWC Announces 2002 Work Plan