WHAT WE DO

Trout Unlimited has been actively involved in a series of restoration projects in New York aimed at improving trout habitats and ecosystem health across various watersheds. These efforts include projects within the Delaware River watershed and the Batten Kill, focusing on preserving and improving coldwater refuge and connectivity between streams and tributaries. The initiatives are part of Trout Unlimited’s broader strategy to address the challenges facing coldwater fisheries in New York, involving extensive partnerships and volunteer involvement​​.

The organization's Northeast Coldwater Habitat team has designed and implemented a wide array of strategic improvement projects across the state. These projects span from the shores of the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and reach up to the high elevations of the Adirondacks, flowing through the Catskill Mountains. Their work encompasses data collection, stream bank stabilization, and natural habitat improvement projects, with a significant focus on the Delaware Watershed. In 2022, Trout Unlimited completed restoration work along Oquaga Creek and planned further restoration for 2023, including projects on tributaries to the West and East Branch of the Delaware River. These efforts are complemented by collaborations with local landowners and organizations like Friends of the Upper Delaware River, aiming to improve habitat for fish while also stabilizing land to prevent property loss​​.

These projects not only aim to benefit trout populations by enhancing habitat and improving water quality but also strive to mitigate local community impacts from flash floods and other high-water events. In addition to aquatic life benefits, Trout Unlimited's restoration work is designed to support the overall health of watersheds, contributing to the preservation of New York's natural landscape and ensuring the resilience of these ecosystems against climate change and other environmental challenges.