Stover Creek Project

The Gold Rush Chapter of Trout Unlimited (GRC), in conjunction with the Oconee River Chapter, applied for an Embrace-A-Stream grant from TU National in 2007 to restore Eastern Brook Trout (EBT) habitat in Stover Creek, a tributary to Noontootla Creek in Fannin County.  The grant was awarded in early 2008 in time to initiate the first of two years of restoration in summer 2008.  Work includes installation of 30 to 40 instream habitat structures in the upper reaches of Stover Creek upstream of a natural barrier waterfall.  Previous grants from TU National to the Georgia Council of TU funded stream surveys for EBT as well as raising the natural waterfall barrier on Stover Creek to ensure that existing EBT can thrive without competition from rainbow and brown trout, both non-native to the eastern U.S.

Planning is currently underway for volunteer workdays on Stover Creek in summer 2009.  All volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to attend.  Check out the photo gallery on our Chapter website to view 2008 work days on the creek.

Stover Creek is one of the three tributaries that join at Three Forks to form Noontootla Creek.  The Appalachian Trail and Benton Mackaye Trail are situated on either side of Stover Creek, with a parking area, camp sites, and bulletin board located at the Three Forks trailhead or nearby.  Noontootla Creek is a trophy-managed stream and affords anglers easy access to prime waters supporting wild rainbows and browns.  The upper reaches of Stover Creek support EBT in a small stream setting where a six foot rod and some mountain-laurel-induced acrobatic prowess are helpful.

Come join us on our summer 2009 workdays and enjoy working on the stream or assisting the picnic crew, with time left over to sample the local water, all in one day!!

The following links will take you to the Embrace-A-Stream Grant Application and 2008 grant progress report:

EMBRACE-A-STREAM GRANT APPLICATION

2008 EMBRACE-A-STREAM PROJECT EVALUATION & REPORT