
The National Fish Habitat Partnership
released its first video in a series highlighting the work of the National Fish
Habitat Partnerships across the country. The first video highlights restoration
efforts on Aaron Run, a tributary of the Savage River in Western Maryland.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (Bureau of Mines), Western Maryland
Resource Conservation and Development Council, Maryland Department of Natural
Resources and Trout Unlimited collaborated in implementing this National Fish
Habitat Partnership project through the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture. The
Joint Venture is a unique partnership between state and federal agencies,
regional and local governments, businesses, conservation organizations,
academia, scientific societies and private citizens working toward protecting,
restoring and enhancing brook trout populations and their habitats across their
native range.
Aaron Run was recognized as a National Fish Habitat Partnership "Water to
Watch" in 2008 and has since undergone a restoration effort through
installation of a limestone doser, which will help to
maintain natural pH levels in the stream and leach beds in the headwaters.
These efforts are helping to restore water quality conditions in four stream
miles, all of which are detailed in the new video.
In addition, the Aaron run restoration has sloped 300 feet of streambank to reestablish the natural stream channel,
replanted about 20 acres of native riparian vegetation and created a
stream-side wetland area.
With the habitat restored, brook trout have been reintroduced to the stream and
a population, once lost, is returning to Aaron Run. This will reconnect the
tributary population to mainstem populations of brook
trout in Savage and North Branch Potomac rivers and will enhance recreational
fishing opportunities for the future.
To see the video, visit:
fishhabitat.org:
http://fishhabitat.org/news/new-video-highlights-aaron-run-md-eastern-brook-trout-restoration
You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFzXdE2xKCQ&list=PLoQjlYDcwr2dm-jw_NcQ3ooaGTDTsbM0Z&index=1
About the National Fish Habitat Partnership:
The National Fish Habitat Partnership works to conserve fish habitat
nationwide, leveraging federal, state, and private funding sources to achieve
the greatest impact on fish populations through priority conservation projects.
The national partnership implements the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and
supports 18 regional grassroots partner organizations.