Projects and Research

The Service’s National Fish Passage Program provides funding as well as engineering support for habitat restoration projects. The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture and the Atlantic Coast Fish Habitat Partnership also help support habitat restoration in Virginia with funding and technical support coordinated through this office. 

Since 1999, our office and our partners have removed over 25 barriers to fish passage, and opened over 1800 miles of rivers. These efforts will contribute millions of dollars in economic value to Americans every year, through increased tourism, fishing, and recreation. These projects also improve water quality, increase safety for people recreating in rivers, and protect public and private property from impacts of flooding.

Harvell Dam Removal, Appomattox River, Virginia

The Harvell dam had blocked migration of river herring and other migratory fishes for over 70 years. There is even historical evidence of a dam structure near the site dating back to the mid-1700s. 

Together, these structures impounded the river’s flow, and blocked upstream movement of American…

Stream Smart Training Program

Learn more about the Stream Smart training program and resources for anyone interested in planning, designing, or constructing road-stream crossings.