In August 2025, field work began on an exciting project aimed at improving the health of our local streams and Squam Lake. Led by the Tin Mountain Conservation Center’s Research Team, members of the Lakes Region Conservation Corps, Corbin and Carolina, helped implement strategic woody additions throughout brooks and streams in the Squam watershed.
But what exactly are woody additions and why are they important?
Woody additions involve placing large pieces of natural wood, such as logs and branches, directly into streams. While this may seem simple, the effects are significant. These structures slow down water flow, reduce streambank erosion, and create areas where sediment and nutrients, including phosphorus, can settle before reaching the lake. By modifying the stream’s flow in these ways, woody additions improve water quality and create richer habitats for a variety of organisms that rely on healthy stream ecosystems.
In addition to reducing erosion and improving water quality, woody additions expand habitat for brook trout, a species that thrives in streams with cool, oxygen-rich water. Slower water and increased wood coverage also benefit insects and other aquatic life that form the base of the food web. These enhancements support the overall ecological health of streams that feed into Squam Lake and help maintain the lake’s clarity and water quality for the entire community.
Before and after woody additions are installed, researchers assess stream conditions through water quality measurements, habitat evaluations, and biological surveys of fish and aquatic insects. This data helps track improvements over time and ensures that each addition is making a meaningful difference for the stream and lake ecosystem.
We are grateful to Tin Mountain Conservation Center for leading this important effort and for their partnership in protecting the health of the Squam watershed. Their expertise and dedication make projects like this possible.
Funding for the woody additions work was provided by the Mooseplate Grant Program.
