Dry Run Creek Enhancement Project

Dry Run Creek Enhancement Project

 

Dry Run Creek is adjacent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Quarry Park and Campground on the Norfork tailwater (Baxter County, Arkansas).  The Dry Run Creek Enhancement Project was a cooperative project involving the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery (FNNFH), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Trout Unlimited (TU)-Stream Explorer Program, and the USACE.  It was designed to enhance aquatic habitat, protect the riparian zone, and improve angler access for youth and the mobility impaired.  These three components function cooperatively to provide an easy, enjoyable, and productive fishing experience in a fishery with exceptional numbers and quality of trout.  Bank stabilization and habitat improvement were needed on the creek due to streambank erosion, heavy angling pressure along with limited fishable water, and a major flood event in April 2008.  The AGFC’s Trout Habitat Program initiated construction activities, funded by a donation from the FNNFH and Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) funds, in September, 2009 and completed the project in April, 2010.  The project helped improve the overall quality of the fishery, and provided additional areas for quality angling opportunities for youth. The long term benefits of providing enjoyable fishing experiences are to create license buying anglers in the future which supports the continued success of the Sport Fish Restoration program, and to increase the visitation and participation in the Dry Run Creek area which provides significant tourism, social, and economic benefits to the State of Arkansas.