Alex Haro: Green River had fish, and fisheries

I’d like to offer some points of clarification regarding the recent Recorder article, “Commission calls for public hearing on dam” (April 8). First, although I am a retired fish biologist/scientist emeritus with the USGS, I am currently a volunteer consultant for the Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC) for their dam removal projects, not a CRC staff member.

Second, Greenfield Historical Commission member Tim Blagg’s original request to me was for evidence of historic fisheries of the Green River, not necessarily “evidence of [migratory] fish species going up the Green River.” There is plenty of evidence from agency surveys of sea lamprey and American eel ascending the Green River, and that American shad and probably blueback herring once utilized the Green River in the past (and may still do so now).

Mr. Blagg’s specific question regarded historical evidence of human utilization of those fish species (the “fisheries”). There is some evidence of indigenous pre-contact fishing sites and post-contact artisanal fisheries on the Green River, which I also provided to the commission. Dr. Peter Thomas has supplied additional information on post-contact fisheries to Mr. Blagg and myself; as an archaeologist and historian, Dr. Thomas has expertise and resources that allowed him to dig a little deeper than I was able to.

It is the Historic Commission’s charge to weigh aspects of historical context and importance of the Green River dams. By involving the commission early in the development of the project, CRC will gain their input and collaboration on ways to develop a meaningful historic commemoration of the dams for the education and enjoyment of the community.

Alex Haro

Greenfield