Fish habitat and the brook trout populations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park got a $19,000 boost thanks to a donation from the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Maryville, Tennessee. 

The money will support brook trout restoration efforts and internships with the park’s fisheries management crew. Due to destructive logging practices in the early 20th century and competition from non-native rainbow and brown trout, brookies have taken a beating over the past century. Since 1987, the park has actively worked to restore the native trout to its historical range, restoring more than 27 miles of habitat in 11 streams since that time. 

“Trout Unlimited continues to be a champion of the Smokies fisheries program,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We are grateful not only for this generous donation, but also for the countless hours of hands-on volunteer labor served in the park.”