The state of New York historically was known for its vast web of cold, clear streams that were teeming with brook trout.
That was before the construction of roads, bridges and dams altered the natural flow of rivers, which unleashed a torrent of sediment from eroding stream banks.
Restoring natural stability and fish passage in New York's Clear Creek was undertaken with the goal of improving trout populations. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo).
The excess sediment buried gravel trout spawning beds under a blanket of sand and silt, making large stretches of many streams unsuitable for trout.
A group of government agencies and private organizations are now working to restore natural stability and fish passage with the intent of improving trout populations in Clear Creek, in Freedom, N.Y.
Go here to read more about the project.
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