Va.'s trout population on the rebound

Trout Stocking at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Va. (James A. Parcell-The Washington Post)

A long-term study shows that Virginia’s trout streams are rebounding from acidification, though not as quickly or as thoroughly as waters in some other parts of the country, the (Charlottesville) Daily Progress reports.

The results were derived from a series of extensive surveys of water quality conducted in 1987, 2000 and 2010 by University of Virginia scientists. More than 100 volunteers — many from Trout Unlimited, which is cooperating with U-Va. on the study — fanned out across the state’s mountains to collect this year’s samples.

The study showed a marked improvement in water quality for brook trout since 2000, in contrast with the infinitesimal uptick in water quality scientists found between 1987 and 2000.

Read more about the trout population in Virginia in the Daily Progress.