Placing nearly ten tons of limestone sand into the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Williams River in the Monongahela National Forest will improve water quality for brook trout, the state’s official fish, according to the Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited, which announced today the success of their 9th Annual Bucket Brigade.
Today, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WV DNR), members of the Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited, fishing enthusiasts from across West Virginia, and employees of several local Walmart stores placed nearly ten tons of limestone sand by hand into the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Williams River located in the Cranberry Wilderness Area of the Monongahela National Forest.
“The Bucket Brigade is one of the largest outings for the Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The hand placement of nearly ten tons of limestone sand by our members and volunteers in this headwater will improve the water quality and maintain the brook trout in the Middle Fork of the Williams River. It’s one of the many projects we do across West Virginia to ensure cold, clean, fishable waters,” said Jeff Nelsen, project coordinator for the Bucket Brigade for the Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
In addition to members and supporters of the Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited, several other chapters within the West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited participated in the Bucket Brigade. Friends and employees of several local Walmart stores, also helped with the limestone sand placement, provided drinks, snacks, and lunch for the outing. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources supplied nearly ten tons of limestone sand.
The purpose of the Bucket Brigade project is to improve the pH water quality of the Middle Fork of the Williams River so brook trout will continue their resurgence after being absent from the watershed for over fifty years. The stream is within a wilderness area, which means no machinery can be used to place the limestone in the river. Nearly ten tons of limestone sand was placed by hand using buckets carried by volunteers.
“This event would not be possible without our members and volunteers who care deeply about the quality of our state’s waters and fisheries. We’re always thankful for supporters, notably the West Virginia DNR and Walmart today, for supporting our organization and mission. The Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited will continue to look at ways we can enhance trout waters across our region,” concluded Nelsen.
