Keep grazing animals away from the water's edge. Leave naturally fallen trees in a stream to shelter aquatic life. Don't dam or pump dry a small brook. Don't allow ATV's, construction equipment, or skidders to cut across streams. Store manure and other fertilizers on a dry level site well away from stream.
Community groups can take a long-term role in protecting and monitoring the health of a stream.
Make a watershed survey of your stream to pinpoint pollution sources and suggest remedies. Organize a stream litter clean-up weekend with neighbors, Scouts, and school groups. Develop a water quality monitoring program. Join your town's Comprehensive Planning or Implementation Committee. Become an advocate for your waterways at the town and state level.