Embrace-A-Stream

Tennessee and North Carolina Councils (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

$10,000 provided by Trout Unlimited through its 1998 Embrace-A-Stream program will be used by its Tennessee and North Carolina’s Council to restore and protect brook trout -- the only trout native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. First, participants will reestablish stable, reproducing populations of brook trout in carefully selected segments of its original range in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are buffered from acid rain. Second, rainbow trout will be prevented from encroaching on brook trout habitat by utilizing natural impassable barriers such as waterfalls.

Overmountain Chapter (Limestone Cove - North Indian Creek)  

With their EAS grant of $7,600, Overmountain Chapter will fulfill their objective of providing a quality wild brown trout fishing area.  First, eroding banks will be restored and stabilized by installing logs and rocks along the shoreline. Other structures will be placed in the stream to create pools or holding areas and cover for trout. Second, an access area will be developed that allows disabled individuals to access the area for angling and fish watching. Finally, an educational program will be established to inform and educate the public about trout and their management, conservation ethics, and project cooperators.

Westslope Chapter (Union Creek/Blackfoot River)

A $9,150 grant will go towards Westslope Chapter’s bank stabilization, erosion control, and revegetation efforts along Union Creek, a tributary of the legendary Blackfoot River (featured in Norman Maclean’s "A River Runs Through It"). Major benefits of this project will include reduced sediment loads, decreased pollution from nearby cattle, and decreased water temperatures -- all of which will vastly improve conditions for the rainbow, brown, and bull trout found there.

Endangered Species Act

TU supports legislation aimed at preservation of Bull Trout, Chinook Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.

Hatchery Reform

Trout Unlimited funds and participates in studies that demonstrate the deleterious effects of stocking programs on native trout populations.  Problems include depletion of food supply, dilution of genetic diversity among species, and introduction of diseases.

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