Western North Carolina Aquatic Connectivity Project
The goal of this project is to complete aquatic organism passage restoration projects on strategic coldwater streams for the long-term viability of brook trout and other aquatic species through the removal or replacement of culverts that block fish passage.
Counties Impacted:
- AVERY COUNTY
- TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY
- JACKSON COUNTY
Wild and native brook trout are keystone species in North Carolina's mountain streams and they will not survive without clean, cold water. This project reconnects trout with nine more miles of high quality stream baitat, helping to ensure that these fish, so essential to stream health, will reamin viable over the long term. Trout Unlimted is working throughout the southern Appalachians with public and private partners to replicate the successes that Duke Water Resources Fund has enabled this year. Stay tuned-more source water protection, restoration and reconnection to come!
- Andy Brown, Trout Unlimited’s Southern Appalachian Stream Restoration Manager
