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Conservation commission discusses Bristow pond goldfish problem and new signage under 2023 stewardship agreement
Summary
Commission members and town staff reported continued invasive goldfish at Bristow pond, theft of maintenance gear, wildlife observations and that the New Canaan Land Trust is preparing signage covered by a 2023 stewardship agreement with the town.
At a May 8 meeting of the New Canaan Conservation Commission, members discussed ongoing maintenance at the Bristow pond, the ecological effects of dumped goldfish and planned signage under a 2023 stewardship agreement with the town.
Commission members said the town will continue routine maintenance at Bristow while the New Canaan Land Trust prepares new signage that, they said, is allowed under a stewardship agreement the trust signed with the town in 2023. The commission also received an update on wildlife and maintenance concerns at the pond.
Tiger Bristow, who presented the Bristow update, said maintenance is limited to routine work at this time and that some of the pond-management tools have been stolen. "Somebody stole both my nets, so I gotta… put 2 new ones out," Bristow said, describing plans to replace equipment and return to the pond for removal efforts. He reported seeing large goldfish and a mix of wildlife, saying he observed "3 snakes and 2 frogs and 1 large snapping turtle," which he described as evidence that the pond still supports native life despite the invasive fish.
Commission members reiterated that dumping nonnative goldfish harms the pond ecosystem. A commission speaker noted that the Land Trust is redoing an informational sign that will include a stewardship credit line. The speaker said the Land Trust contact, Sarah Herring, is handling the art and that the turquoise park signs will be taken down when the new signs are installed.
Commissioners asked to see sign proofs before installation; a Land Trust contact will be asked to share files for review. No formal vote or new regulation was taken; the discussion recorded direction to have staff and the Land Trust coordinate sign text and placement and to replace stolen equipment so removal work may continue.
Ending: Commission members said they will continue removal visits and that Bristow or Land Trust staff will circulate photos and signage proofs for the commission to review before final placement.
