A tree falls in Westport – and will stay there
By David Ader
As has happened in the past when a large tree falls into the Saugatuck off Ford Road anglers tend to balk and insist that it be removed. When I chat with the random fisherman and mention my affiliation with TU more often than not said angler will say, “Why don’t you get rid of that thing? It’s your job.”
An especially large one fell just downstream from the bridge that leads to the offices of Bridgewater Associates, now empty and up for grabs. In anticipation of the requests when fishing improves, I along with my buddy Andy McNab approached a number of officials from the Westport Conservation Commission to DEEP, and indirectly to the USGS, and a guy named “Vinnie the Axe” who handles things for me on occasion.That last bit is not true.
Anyway, after a very informative walk and talk with Jeff Yates of TU and Gerald Berratfati, who leads the Minanus Chapter, we’ve arrived at the conclusion that it’s best to leave the tree alone. Aside from the complications and costs involved in removing it, the tree will move to the bank when we get a strong flow and provide something of a natural revetment in that stretch that would enhance the habitat. Further, I know of several dozen flies I’ve lost in the branches and so the tree offers accessibility to the treasure-hunting angler that didn’t exist when the tree was standing. Nature has worked in our favor.
So, if asked what’s done be done the answer is nothing; the thing to do is let the river do the work, create a bend, and give the fish a place to hide.
Good coverage and explanation of this matter.
It’s even better having been written by a ”personality”, a member of the organization who members can recognize, who expresses something from his/her personal point of view.
I could only have preferred that this atricle would have been given a “byline” – a mention at the top of the article that the author was David Ader.
That meaning, not only to give David Ader credit for his writing, but also to communicate to readers that anything in these newsletters and blogs are writren by real-live TU volunteers with names and identities.
Organizations – TU Nutmeg being an example – thrive best when members can put a name and a face to whom it is that they’re hesring from.
Bravo to all the good works that Nutmeg Chapter [now in its 51st year ((holy cow, 51, yes!!)) ] does in preserving, restoriong, etc. as well as hosting numerous angling outings for the enjoyment of its members.
Keep on Nutmeg!!!
Submitted by
former Nutmeg President