Projects and Research

Private landowners provide long-term stewardship of the land and are a key component in all successful restoration projects. We work with landowners and other partners to restore streams, wetlands, and forest and upland habitats for migratory birds and fish, pollinators, and federally listed species. Voluntary cost-share programs offer a chance to regain some of West Virginia's most important natural resources and build on the strength and interest of committed individuals and organizations to accomplish shared conservation goals. View our Projects page to learn more about some of the programs we work through to us help restore habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands.

West Virginia’s Potomac Headwaters Home Rivers Initiative

Partners: Trout Unlimited, USDA Farm Service Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and West Virginia Conservation Agency
Location: Upper North Fork South Branch Potomac River, West Virginia
The need: High elevations and Project...

Removing three dams on the West Fork River back in 2016 has improved boating access and fish passage along the river. But perhaps more importantly to local residents, the river's water quality and drinking water is improved, and it's safe to go boating and swimming now that the dams have been removed. Indeed, the river is becoming a tourist destination for anglers and boaters - improving...

Across the landscape, undersized, aging and improperly placed road-stream crossings create barriers in our rivers, streams, and tidal wetlands. These structures fragment aquatic habitat and prevent or greatly reduce the ability of aquatic species to move freely to migrate, feed, and reproduce. These poorly designed structures are also more prone to clogging, causing flooding, and washing out...