Acid stream restoration and brook trout

The goal of the Acid Stream Restoration Program is to restore and maintain high-quality sport fisheries in streams and lakes that have been degraded by acid precipitation.  Using limestone sand and drums, the program’s restoration efforts maintain sport fisheries in over 250 miles of 50 streams and three lakes impacted by acid precipitation.  In addition, the program provides major staffing and coordination to support WVDEP’s annual treatment of an additional 130 miles of 30 streams impacted by acid mine drainage.  In total, the program annually maintains or supports sport fisheries in 380 miles of 80 acid-impacted streams and three lakes in 10 counties of the state.  Over 7,000 tons of limestone are annually applied to state waters to sustain fisheries in both tributary and receiving streams.  Approximately 80 percent of the stream mileage annually maintained under the program is managed principally for native brook trout.  Trends in water quality, benthics and fish populations are examined for selected restored streams.  Increased angler expenditures on streams restored under the program greatly exceed the cost of restoration.  Each restoration dollar spent by the state is estimated to produce 46 dollars of economic impact, most of which accrues to private sector businesses.