Submitted by tara.granke on Thu, 2015-04-16 13:00 Southeast Conservation Project Vote Up Down +1844 + Picture1.jpg The Southeast Conservation Project is addressing the issue of stream fragmentation head on by using the best methods available to reconnect native trout streams. We address two of the most critical threats to aquatic populations in the region: 1) small population size (or ‘patch size’) due to stream fragmentation, and 2) inability of fish and other aquatic fauna to move to find cold water, spawning habitat, and suitable juvenile and adult habitat. Because these two threats have been identified as issues that are most exacerbated by climate and disturbance stressors, their mitigation has the most potential to benefit native brook trout. Stream Simulation Design. Our best also science informs the project designs. The project uses ’stream simulation’ design to replicate a nearby reference stream and build a natural stream channel spanned by open-bottom arches or bridges. Simulation designs, in contrast with more conventional stream passage designs, are highly effective in eliminating barriers to dispersal and migration at all water flow levels for all aquatic organisms. Wood and flood debris are also transported through the structure, making these sites low or free from maintenance.