Nationally, the Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, inhabit 5% of their native range. De-forestation, habitat degradation, acid rain, and pressure from invasive species have banished this once proud species into the headwaters and remote ponds throughout its traditional range. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Adirondack Region of New York State. Political infighting, land use interests, and prejudices that have been passed through generations make this 6 million acre plot of public and private land a war zone with the Brook Trout as collateral damage.
Seven strains of brook trout survive the firestorm. Evolved from populations cut off from other watersheds, with distinct and unique genetics, they have been named Heritage Strain Brook Trout. The State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation has identified only 3 that are viable enough to save. The other four are written off to extinction or survive on their own. Nobody knows how many unique strains of brook trout were once thriving within the Adirondacks. Estimates are in the hundreds.
Beginning in the spring of 2010, www.theanglersnet.com, will start filming a documentary to chronicle the plight of the Adirondack Heritage Strain Brook Trout. Saving Our Heritage will record the efforts of state and national agencies, follow former and current Adirondack Guides into the back country, and tell the story of the Heritage Strain Brook Trout's history, current reality, and outlook into the future.
Our goals are to submit our documentary to film festivals, fly fishing film tours, pubic television outlets, and produce a DVD available to the general public to raise awareness of the Brook Trout's struggles. We are looking for grants or sponsorships to help us with production and distribution costs. If your organization is interested in helping us bring these issues to a national level.
If you are Interested in helping us and the Adirondack Brook Trout, Please contact us at brooktrout@theanglersnet.com.
We are looking for Brook Trout Stories, Adirondack Stories, Old Photos, New Photos, Conservation Projects, Volunteers, and any other information about the Heritage Strain Brook Trout of the Adirondacks.
Connect tippetts to leaders quickly and effectively with the double surgeon's knot. Basically 2 overhand knots with the tag ends facing away from each other. Double Surgeon's Knot
Preserving Our Heritage
