The Best Streams: AOP Project Sites

In 2015, TU's Southeast Conservation Project will complete four AOP projects in the initial phase, and three additional projects will be designed for future completion. Approximately 11 stream miles will be reconnected, giving aquatic species access to over 3,800 acres currently located above stream barriers. The work will take place on and adjacent to National Forest lands in Western North Carolina in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains' most pristine streams and watersheds.

Buck Creek, Clay County, NC | Nantahala National Forest

Entirely within the National Forest, the Buck Creek watershed will be the focus of multiple conservation projects including removal of aquaticbarriers, deconstructing a failing dam and bank erosion remediation

Mill Station Creek, Transylvania County, NC | Pisgah National Forest
Nestled in one of the region’s highest rainfall watersheds, the Mill Station creek AOP project will address a ‘blown out’ culvert that continues to block aquatic passage and reconnect habitat for brook trout restoration.

Chastain Creek, Jackson County, NC | Nantahala National Forest and Private Land/NCDOT
Native brook trout are abundant in Chastain Creek and are protected from non-native rainbow trout by a series of natural waterfalls.  Two culvert barriers and one wet ford will be addressed. This project epitomizes TU’s partner-centered work on the best of the region’s coldwater streams. 

Aquatic barriers on Cathy’s Creek and Jones Creek in Transylvania County, Little Creek and Big Creek in Madison County, Caney Fork in Jackson County and Alarka Creek in Swain County are additional AOP project priorities in areas where survey work is complete.