Above Programs Coordinator Ryan O’Donnell uses a water quality probe on Four Mile Pond as part of a herring habitat assessment project. Volunteers Alex Paul (in photo), as well as Brandon Boyd and Kerri Lummus, participated in monitoring during the three-year study.
We recently completed a three-year study of Four Mile Pond in Boxford as part of a river herring habitat assessment project. This is part of the Howlett Brook restoration project funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The study aimed to determine if water quality conditions are suitable for the needs of spawning and developing river herring. These migratory fish are important to the ecology of a healthy, free-flowing river.
The Four Mile Pond habitat assessment was a combined effort of Ipswich River staff and volunteers, who took measurements of dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, pH, and turbidity at fixed sites on the shallow edge and center of the pond. We followed monitoring guidelines created by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and borrowed their multiparameter probe to take measurements. Fieldwork took place monthly from May through September each year for the past three years.
This assessment followed a similar study of Hood Pond, in Topsfield and Ipswich, from 2015 to 2017. The Hood Pond assessment resulted in the successful reintroduction of herring to the pond in spring 2021! Hood Pond was determined to be a high-quality habitat, and Four Mile Pond, while found to be less ideal, could still be suitable.
Martins Pond in North Reading was also assessed between 2016 to 2017. The main challenge will be to remove or improve dams and culverts for wildlife passage. While progress is being made on several barrier projects, we want to identify ponds where herring could successfully spawn so that restocking can take place. Restoring herring will take time and requires a team effort. We want to thank volunteers Brandon Boyd, Kerri Lummus, and Alex Paul for being part of this journey!