When I think of the Little Truckee River, I can see the wild trout, unparalleled scenery and happy fishermen all along the river. The Little Truckee River is held dear in the hearts of many anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The river sits eight miles from the mountain town of Truckee, California, where many people go to try their luck on the ski slopes that sit oh-so-close to the town. Everyone who sees the Little Truckee River would agree that it is worth preserving, protecting, and improving for generations to come.

Trout Unlimited (TU)Trout Unlimited (TU), along with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), has led the charge in taking steps to keep the Little Truckee River healthy. This September, TU will oversee the Little Truckee River Fish Habitat Improvement Project which aims to improve the overall health of the existing fishery.

This will be done by placing 250 boulders and 100 adult trees into the river channel, creating deeper and more complex habitats to support the trout populations in the river. We will also add new backwater habitat for juvenile trout rearing and place new spawning gravels in locations that desperately need them. Finally, adult willows will be transplanted along the banks of the river to boost the health of the riparian corridor and improve the habitat of the threatened willow flycatcher.

None of this great work would be possible without the help of the NFF. The NFF awarded a $472,000 grant to help complete the Little Truckee River Habitat Improvement Project. At TU, we are so thankful for the partnership that we share with the NFF. It is special to carry out this project knowing that we have partners who care about the survival of the natural places people hold dear. We look forward to working hard to complete the task at hand and utilizing the NFF grant to knock the Little Truckee River Habitat Restoration Project out of the park.

Thank you again, NFF, for all the support!