This project will remove seven culvert barriers throughout the Upper Greenbrier Watershed in West Virginia. The improvements will open habitat in the tributaries as well as provide connectivity along the main river, and they will improve climate resiliency by providing a network of high elevation, cold-water habitats. Species benefited from this project include brook trout, green floater, eastern hellbender and federally endangered candy darter. This project is part of a larger ten-year effort to remove all barriers into the West Fork and East Fork Greenbrier to create a network of 105 miles of connected cold-water habitat. The surrounding area has a high risk of severe flooding and undersized culverts pose a significant hazard to those who rely on these roads. Some of these sites are within the Monongahela National Forest, a tourism destination that boasts 3 million visitors annually. Replacing the road stream crossings with fish friendly structures that can withstand higher flow events will provide both public safety and recreational benefits.
Project Quick Facts:
Project Status | In Development |
Location | WV, Pocahontas County |
NFPP Project Funding | $939,500 |
Restoration Techniques | Culvert Replacement |
Accomplishments | 25 Stream Miles Reopened |
Partner Project Lead | Trout Unlimited |
The National Fish Passage Program: Leaders in Building Bridges and Fostering Connections
The National Fish Passage Program is a national leader connecting watersheds and people. The program has decades of experience implementing infrastructure projects with partners. Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. However, proposals must be submitted and completed in cooperation with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. (Please note that fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.
Learn more about fish passage projects being used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by existing federal or state regulatory programs are not eligible for funding through the National Fish Passage Program.)
CONTACT A FISH PASSAGE COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA TO GET STARTED.
200 Million Dollar Investment in Rivers, Wildlife, and Communities
Clean free-flowing waterways are vital to wildlife, people, and ecosystems. But across the country, millions of barriers fragment rivers, block fish migration, and put communities at higher risk to flooding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.
Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , signed in November 2021, included $200 million for restoring fish and wildlife passage by removing in-stream barriers and providing technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program.
