Student team reports East Swamp Brook macroinvertebrate study, finds lower diversity near urbanized sites

A student research team presented results from a week‑long macroinvertebrate study of East Swamp Brook during the June 23 meeting, reporting variations in aquatic insect communities tied to urbanization and disturbances along the stream.

Nicholas Saccomani explained the team sampled eight sites ranging from low to high disturbance and used kick‑net sampling to collect insect larvae and other macroinvertebrates, which serve as indicators of stream health. He reported that more urbanized sites—particularly those near stream crossings and constrained channels—showed lower species diversity and, in some cases, evidence of sedimentation or bank erosion.

The presenters noted the frequent presence of invasive rusty crayfish at cobble‑and‑bedrock sites and recommended actions including canopy and bank restoration and removal of invasive plants to stabilize banks and improve water temperature and oxygen levels. They said a concise report for the town will follow, and a peer‑review version for academic publication will come later.

Commissioners thanked the students and noted the data could inform future wetland and stormwater reviews; one commissioner offered to connect the students with federal science contacts for additional support.

The town will receive the students’ informal report and mitigation suggestions, and staff indicated it would consider the findings alongside existing stormwater and wetland review processes.