June and July are going to be very busy months for on-stream work in the National Park. So a large number of volunteers are needed. If you want to help with any of the work shown below, please contact Charlie Chmielewski (charlieflyfish@gmail.com or 865-661-7325). He will prepare the volunteer lists and get out more information for those who sign up.
June 17 – 19 – Lynn Camp Prong Evaluation: Assist with the electro-fish evaluation to determine the success of the previous work to remove rainbow trout and restore native brook trout. Meet at end of Tremont Road at 8:30 AM each day. Expect to finish each day between 4 – 6 PM. Need 3 more helpers June 17, 2 more on June 18 & 19. Schedule for Lynn Camp Prong Evaluation
June 20 – TN Kids Fly Fish and Ecology Adventure: Assist with electro-fish demo and fish identification for students. Meet at Smoky Mountain Institute at 9:00 AM, finish at noon. Need 2 more helpers.
June 24 – Large Stream Sample East Prong of Little River above Elkmont cabins: Assist with the electro-fish evaluation to monitor fish population. New technique should finish early afternoon. Need 5 – 7 helpers. Brook Trout Genetics general information –Several years ago, it was discovered that the brook trout moved from one stream for some of the restoration work did not seem to breed with brook trout moved from a different stream. A Penn State University graduate student has been investigating the brook trout to see if there are genetic differences. The work continues again this year. Since the brook trout are found in remote high elevation areas, this work in July will require long hikes carrying some gear and camping at back country sites for 3 nights each trip. Work gear will be packed in on horses as will some of the cook gear and food. However, some gear will have to be carried in. It should be a great experience but obviously this work is not for everybody.
July 8 – 11 – East Prong Little River Brook Trout Genetics Collections: Assist with electro-fish collection of brook trout from remote areas in upper Little River. Camp three nights at back country site 30 (Three Forks ). Can use 2 – 3 helpers.
July 22 – 25 – Goshen/Fish Camp Prong Brook Trout Genetics Collections: Assist with electro-fish collection of brook trout from remote areas in upper Little River. Camp three nights at back country site 23 (Goshen/Fish Camp split) . Can use 2 – 3 helpers.
July 30 – Large Stream Sample East Prong of Little River just above the Wye: Assist with the electro-fish evaluation to monitor fish population. New technique should finish early afternoon. Need 5 – 7 helpers.
