This project involves the restoration and habitat enhancement of native Southern Appalachian Brook Trout for Wright, Abner, Dogwood, and Emory Creeks within the Jocassee Gorges of South Carolina. The effort will restore appx 9.1 miles of stream habitat by removing non-native Rainbow Trout above natural barriers, adding large woody debris to improve pool habitat and substrate conditions, and reintroducing genetically appropriate native Brook Trout.
The project is led by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Trout Unlimited and Duke Energy, and all project streams are permanently protected under public ownership or conservation easement. Successful implementation will re-establish self-sustaining Brook Trout populations in three priority patches, expand recreational fishing opportunities, and advance Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture conservation goals
