Between April 22 and May 7, 1998, more than 120 Acton volunteer members of the Fort Pond Brook and the Nashoba Brook Stream Teams conducted the Spring 1998 Acton Shoreline Survey of thirty-six stream sections, covering approximately 25 miles. Stream sections were visually surveyed and data sheets were completed. Using the "Long Observation Form", stream conditions and field observations of vegetation types, wildlife sighted, and other note worthy observations were recorded. Pipe, bridge, and wetland surveys were also completed, as appropriate. Photographs were taken and time, date, location and photo descriptions were recorded in photo logs. Locations of relevant observations were noted on the survey maps. Volunteers also wrote narrative descriptions of their stream sections. (Click on Acton’s Streams to see map & narrative descriptions.)

• Stream habitat supporting abundant, diverse wildlife
• Historic sites
• Recreational opportunities including:
  a. hiking
  b. canoeing
  c. fishing
  d. scenic views

• trash
• pipes and culverts needing cleaning/followup
• areas with a "sheen" on the stream surface
• buffer/yard waste concerns
• concerns about the impact of future developments on the streams
• plant species that may indicate excessive nutrient loading
• dams, both human and beaver-made.

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