U.S. Wildlife extends $1 million trout-stocking funding
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority celebrated their continued multi-agency agreement to provide $1 million in annual funding for three federal fish hatcheries that have stocked waters in Georgia and Tennessee with millions of trout.
Special Photo: Georgia DNRStaff Reports
[email protected]
ATLANTA ‒ There’s great news for those who fish for trout in Georgia. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Valley Authority celebrated their continued multi-agency agreement to provide $1 million in annual funding for three federal fish hatcheries that have stocked waters in Georgia and Tennessee with millions of trout.
The partnership includes the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Since 2013, TVA has provided funding for trout production at three national fish hatcheries managed by the service: Dale Hollow and Erwin in Tennessee and Chattahoochee Forest in Georgia. The hatchery-raised trout are then provided to the following tailwaters and reservoirs: Appalachia (Hiwassee River), Blue Ridge, Boone, Cherokee, Fort Patrick Henry, Normandy, Norris, South Holston, Tims Ford and Wilbur. Trout-stocked reservoirs in the plan include Fort Patrick Henry, South Holston, Parksville, Watauga, and Wilbur reservoirs. Once stocked, the public can enjoy fishing in these locations.
The four partner agencies announced the continuation of the agreement during a small celebration downstream of Blue Ridge Dam on Nov. 25, which included releasing fish, beside Sugar Creek near Blue Ridge. The agreement provides partnership funding through Fiscal Year 2027 for a total of $3 million.
“This partnership connects state and federal agencies in our work to support the nation’s interest in outdoor recreation,” Mike Oetker, regional director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said. “By working together, we strengthen the economy, promote clean water, and enhance recreation in the Tennessee Valley. Recreational fishing brings people together, creates lasting memories, and teaches the value of conservation.”
Each year, the TVA-Service partnership provides 500,000 brook, brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout to TVA waters. More than 256,000 anglers are estimated to fish for trout in Tennessee and Georgia waters each year, spending about $75 for every $1 invested in the hatchery program, and producing an economic impact of about $50 million.
Author
Related Articles
Albany police investigate suspicious Sunday death
A 21-year-old Turner Job Corps student who was found unresponsive on Sunday evening was later pronounced dead at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The death is under investigation.
Unexplained checks, missing records, benefit errors surface in Terrell schools audit
A payroll performance review commissioned by the Terrell County School System found widespread documentation deficiencies, unexplained payroll discrepancies, inconsistent employee benefit deductions and weaknesses in internal controls, while also crediting district leadership for taking steps to improve oversight after significant staff turnover.
Terrell schools project $1.36 million revenue decline in proposed FY ’27 budget
The Terrell County Board of Education is scheduled to receive Superintendent Dr. Shereca R. Harvey’s monthly report and review budget information during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. tonight, Monday, June 22, with agenda materials outlining the district’s current financial position, fiscal year 2027 projections, a new grant award, state policy updates and enrollment trends.
