Home Rivers Initiative

The Home Rivers Initiative focuses primarily on private lands and is our flagship watershed restoration program. Home Rivers projects are collaborative multi-year efforts that combine scientific and economic research, community outreach, on-the-ground restoration, and the development of long-term conservation and management strategies and tools. TU selects watersheds where we can both make a significant difference in the condition of the particular river or fishery and also demonstrate innovative and transferable restoration strategies and techniques.

Since the first Home Rivers project on the Beaverkill the program has established five additional projects across the nation including the Kickapoo River in Wisconsin, Kettle Creek in Pennsylvania, the Jefferson River Project in Montana, the South Fork Snake River Project in Idaho, and our latest project on the American Fork Canyon in Utah. The projects have addressed such diverse resource concerns as acid mine drainage, native species restoration, irrigation efficiency, improving in-stream flows, and abandoned hard rock mine remediation. All Home Rivers projects involve public-private partnerships and have been extremely successful in engaging local communities, demonstrating cutting-edge restoration practices, and leveraging significant resources to benefit the watersheds.

When selecting new Home Rivers sites several factors come into play. We look for coldwater systems that have regional or national significance where we will be able to substantially improve the condition of the resource. In addition, we try to maintain a geographic balance and demonstrate an array of restoration techniques. The presence of willing and capable partners and local community support are critical elements to potential project success. Finally, we must be able to secure funding to support a full-time staff person to manage the project for at least three years.

Regional Initiatives

As Trout Unlimited has grown more experienced and adept at watershed restoration efforts, we have increased the scope of our work in several regions of the country. Click on the links below to learn more about our efforts in Maine, Pennsylvania, and California.

Current Projects

Boise River, ID

Snake River, CO

Potomac Headwaters, WV

Bear River, ID, WY, UT

American Fork, UT

South Fork Snake River, ID

Jefferson River, MT

Kettle Creek, PA

Regional Projects

Driftless Area Restoration Effort (TUDARE)

West Branch Susquehanna River, PA

North Coast Coho, CA

Penobscot River, ME

Completed Projects

Kickapoo River, WI

Beaverkill/Willowemoc Rivers, NY