Holistic Stream Restoration: A New Approach
A complete inventory of dams and stream crossings before making any recommendations…
“When it comes to fish conservation, we’ve never really gotten it right. The emphasis has been too gamefish centric, too accepting of nonnatives, and too reliant on artificial propagation and other forms of husbandry. This is especially true in regard to trout.”
As part of his conservation guest column with MidCurrent, sponsored by Epic Fly Rods, NFC Executive Director Bob Mallard talks about “Holistic Assessment and Restoration,” a new way of looking at aquatic ecosystem conservation.
With the help of MidCurrent, NFC is working to develop a methodology that brings a big picture holistic approach to stream restoration. All inclusive. Look before you leap. A top to bottom assessment of the watershed before taking any action. Full public disclosure of findings, issues and recommendations in regard to potential mitigation. And most importantly, only doing the right thing in the right place and for the right reason—the preservation of wild native fish…
“For years I’ve watched as agencies and organizations take down dams, build fish ladders and other forms of passage, replace or remove culverts and bridges, cut trees, plant trees, deposit in-stream structure including trees they cut, and rebuild stream banks. While the results are usually positive, it isn’t always positive.”
