Project Description
To compensate for injuries to natural resources, the Connecticut SubCouncil of the Housatonic River Natural Resource Trustees provided funding to improve waterfowl habitat and visitor access to the Carse Brook wetland system at the Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, CT. Managed by Audubon Connecticut, a state office of the National Audubon Society, the approximately 100 acres of wetlands at the Miles Sanctuary provide important breeding and foraging areas for American black ducks, American bitterns, Virginia rails, bald eagles, great egrets, and other species of migratory birds. The Carse Brook wetlands are enhanced by beavers though this creates management challenges as the water levels fluctuate and siltation occurs. Invasive plants, such as Phragmites (common reed), have also become established around the wetlands and outcompete native species.
To stabilize two open-water impoundments created by beavers, Clemson Beaver Pond Levelers were installed. These submerged devices are designed to minimize the probability that the beavers detect water flow to slow dam construction. This stabilized the water levels to maintain the impoundments for waterfowl and aquatic plants, alleviate flooding, and restore uninterrupted public access to the trails around the ponds. Once this was completed, 20 nest boxes built for wood ducks and hooded mergansers were relocated to more favorable locations. The nest boxes are maintained and monitored annually to evaluate breeding success and placement. About 10 acres of Phragmites were eradicated using herbicides, and invasive shrubs and early successional hardwood trees, such as red maples, were removed to maintain a native wetland shrub layer. An interpretive sign was also designed and installed on the sanctuary's information kiosk to describe the importance of wetlands to migratory birds and the restoration work that was completed.
DOI Project Representatives
Fish and Wildlife Service