[freeze69]

found this article in one of my emails.

New Data Shows Brook Trout In Danger Throughout Eastern United States


ARLINGTON, VA—Brook trout populations have been eliminated or greatly reduced throughout almost half of their historical habitat in the eastern United States, according to a newly released assessment by Trout Unlimited and a coalition of state and federal agencies.
“Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality,” said Gary Berti, Trout Unlimited’s eastern brook trout campaign coordinator. “The presence of brook trout in a watershed indicates that water quality is excellent. Declining brook trout populations can provide an early warning that the health of an entire stream, lake or river is at risk.”

The report, titled “Eastern Brook Trout: Status and Threats,” is the first comprehensive assessment of the status of brook trout in the eastern United States. Brook trout historically thrived in rivers and streams from Maine to Georgia, but land use pressures have largely relegated the remaining isolated populations to the headwaters of high elevation streams.

The report says brook trout populations remain strong in only 5 percent of their historical habitat in the eastern United States, and that the fish have been eliminated from 19 percent of their historic habitat, and are greatly reduced in another 27 percent of habitat that formerly supported them. The report says Maine is the last true stronghold for brook trout in the East, although Vermont, Virginia, New Hampshire and New York all have high-quality habitat and strong brook trout populations.

The assessment represents the first stage of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture’s collaborative efforts to restore brook trout habitat. The venture was initiated in 2002 as a pilot program of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. Participants include fish and wildlife agencies from 17 states, federal partners, conservation organizations and academic institutions. The results of this assessment will be used to develop state-by-state strategies for brook trout conservation and recovery.

The full assesment, as well as state-specific data and maps, are available online at brookie.org.