Project Title: North River (Augusta County) Stream Channel Restoration for Brook Trout (FFS #R5UA)

State: Virginia

Project Description: The North River historically was among the best and largest native Eastern brook trout streams in Virginia. Important trout habitat was lost, however, when channels were made in the river bed in the 1950s and 60s to prevent flooding of a nearby road.

Under a cooperative agreement, the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited received Recovery Act funding from the Fish and Wildlife Service to install a series of cross-vein and J-structure devices in a stretch of the river to restore the “pool and riffle” habitat that brook trout prefer. In addition, the project will improve water quality, protect downstream areas from flooding, and recharge groundwater reserves in this area within the George Washington National Forest in Augusta County.

This Recovery Act project was completed in late September 2009, and will restore brook trout habitat in a three-quarter mile length of the North River. Over time, the conservation partnership hopes to re-establish brook trout in six river miles, which would also allow the fish to reach some tributaries. The project helps to meet goals in both the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture (easternbrooktrout.org) and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (fishhabitat.org).

For further information:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Appalachian Partnership Coordination Office
400 East Main Street
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
304.536.4760
TDD: 800.877.8339

Photos: These photos show one site within the project area on the North River before, during, and after the Recovery Act project.

Before…

…during…

…and after the project

Originally posted 09/23/2009
Updated 09/30/2009
Page Completed 01/25/2011