-
Big Run Restoration, West Virginia
-
The Big Run project is part of Trout Unlimited’s Home Rivers Initiative Potomac Headwaters Restoration Project. The stream has suffered habitat degradation in the riparian zone, stream banks and instream due to long-term livestock grazing. There currently exists a lifetime grazing allotment on that portion of the Monongahela National Forest that supports Big Run. The Forest Service, Trout Unlimited and others have teamed up to work with the allotment holder to fence the riparian zone, create crossings and alternative water sources to completely remove the cattle from the stream. Over time, riparian reforestation will stabilize banks and provide vital shade during warm summer months. This is the initial project on Big Run. Resources have already been secured to move down stream on the Forest and on to private property. The project will include informational and educational kiosks and trails that will improve access for anglers and hikers. The project will restore 45 acres of riparian forest and enhance 1.5 miles of stream habitat.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
Oats Run, Upper Shavers Fork, Aquatic Passage Project in Pocahontas County, WV
-
This project will restore habitat linkages between a brook trout spawning tributary in Oats Run and the mainstem of the Upper Shaver's Fork at Spruce West Virginia. One passage barrier will be removed and replaced with passage friendly culverts and natural stream design techniques will be utilized above and below the new structure to ensure fish passage. The project will provide 4 miles of passage for brook trout.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
Thorn Creek Aquatic Passage Project, Pendelton County, West Virginia
-
This project will remove the 9 identified fish passage barriers in a 50 square mile wild brook trout watershed in Thorn Creek of the South Branch of the Potomac. These impediments block passage in one or both directions, and serve to sustain an outward migration of brook trout into waters which, currently, are lethally warm for brook trout in typical summer conditions. Removal of the blockages will open over 25 miles of perennial stream to brook trout, improving the long term security of the population. Thorn Creek serves as a brook trout nursery for the upper South Branch of the Potomac.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
Upper Shavers Fork Aquatic Passage Project, West Virginia
-
This project seeks to restore habitat linkages between two spawning tributaries and the mainstem of Upper Shaver's Fork between Cheat Bridge and Spruce, West Virginia. Poor tributary-mainstem connections continue to threaten the sustainability and expansion of brook trout populations in genetically isolated tributaries as well as those in the mainstem of Upper Shaver's Fork. To address these problems, two blocking railroad culverts will be replaced with passage-friendly culverts to provide over 8 miles of passage for brook trout.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
West Virginia Brook Trout Distribution Assessment
-
The EBTJV range wide assessment of brook trout identified a distinct gap in our knowledge of the status and distribution of brook trout in West Virginia. This project will compile existing data on brook trout in southeastern West Virginia, conduct field surveys to fill in gaps, and collect samples for micro-satellite DNA analysis. The results will be used to produce a quality assured GIS based data set for the entire state of West Virginia that includes spatially explicit information on brook trout reproduction, population status, habitat and water quality.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
Whitethorn Creek Restoration, West Virginia
-
Whitethorn Creek, the most significant tributary in the Thorn Creek drainage of the South Branch of the Potomac, is historically recognized as supporting one of the best brook trout populations in West Virginia. This population has been significantly reduced in recent years as a result of land use impacts and two devastating flood events. The purpose of this project is to remove threats from agricultural impacts and in-stream habitat loss caused by the flood related activities by restoring approximately 1.5 miles of stream habitat and reestablishing 24 acres of riparian vegetation.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
-
Whitethorn Creek Restoration, West Virginia
-
Whitethorn Creek, which is the most significant tributary in the Thorn Creek drainage of
the South Branch of the Potomac, is historically recognized as supporting one of the
best brook trout populations in West Virginia. This population has been significantly
reduced in recent years as a result of land use impacts and two devastating flood
events. The flood events altered instream habitat quality and washed away a large
portion of riparian cover in the watershed. Following the loss of the relatively stable
vegetated riparian corridor, livestock grazing has prevented re-growth and has caused
widespread bank instability as a result of unregulated stream access. will result in the restoration and protection of approximately one mile of
degraded brook trout habitat. This project will result in the reconnection of upstream
spawning and rearing habitat to the mainstem of Thorn Creek. Reestablishment of the
riparian corridor will provide lower overall water temperatures in addition to refuge areas
during lower flows. The instream restoration will create habitat zones and a more stable
hydrology through this reach and downstream.
Located in
Funded Projects
/
EBTJV Projects
