Your help is needed in 2015. Our Acid Deposition Sampling Program that began in 1993 will add another sample route on the Tennessee side of the Park (Middle Prong Little Pigeon River).
Why is the Program Important?
- Because of our data and other air policy, over the past three decades, TVA and other eastern U.S. power producers, have decreased sulfate deposition by 57% and nitrate deposition has decreased by 23%.
- However, there is a puzzle to be solved. Stream acid levels at most elevations have not improved as expected and brook trout continue to lose habitat, so more study is needed.
- Air regulators and policy makers would like to see additional stream response data across the park and how park plants and animals respond to the improving air emissions.
Why is Another Sample Route Being Added?
- To solve the puzzle, NPS plant, soil, and stream experts are working together and expanding their joint efforts to collocate sites around the park as well sample all elevations. This means we are setting up an additional watershed where soil, plant and stream samples are taken.
How Do I Sign Up to Learn More and To Help?
A meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 9:00 AM at Park Headquarters.
- To sign up contact Charlie Chmielewski at charlieflyfish@gmail.com mobile phone 865-661-7325.
- A free breakfast will be provided, so please notify Charlie ahead of the meeting so enough food will be available.
- At the meeting, we will provide up to date data results, show the routes, conduct training, organize the sample teams, and develop the schedule for the next year of sampling.
Field & Stream magazine recognized Charlie Chmieliewski
The recognition is a result of his devoted work in preserving and restoring native brook trout in GSMNP. Congratulate him the next time you see him.
