Matt Kulp, supervisory fish biologist for the park, will outline the timeline and volunteer opportunities for an effort to restore about 2 miles of Little Cataloochee Creek for brook trout. He’ll also give an update on the Anthony Creek brook trout restoration project and the impacts of wildfires in the park. 

In the early 1900s, rainbow and brook trout were stocked in area streams, and these fish outcompeted the native brook trout to virtually wipe them out. The restoration project will entail installing a barrier to prevent non-native fish from entering the restored section, netting non-native fish to place them away from the restoration boundary, adding a chemical that will ensure all non-native species are removed without substantially harming other aquatic life, and reintroducing native brook trout. 

Free, and part of Trout Unlimited Cataloochee’s regular monthly meeting. Come early to eat if desired.