Restoring Connections – By Eliminating Barriers

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Trout stream restoration project on the Robinson River. Photo by Bri West

The job of our rivers naturally is to move the mountains to the sea. Dams and other barriers like culverts can disrupt natural stream flow, disconnect fish and wildlife habitat, and impair water quality. Removing unnatural barriers and disruptions is particularly important for conserving our waterways.

Restoring stream connections restores aquatic habitat and creates a healthy stream flow. PEC promotes eco-friendly alternatives to traditional culverts and low water crossings that improve stream health.

Pipelines for gas and transmission lines for power can disrupt watersheds, too. Forests and fields that provide habitat and filter clean water for streams are impacted by large-scale infrastructure. PEC encourages smart management of energy infrastructure, so the placement of gas pipelines and transmission lines do not create a harmful barrier for stream pathways.

  • Culverts
  • Low-water crossings
  • Energy infrastructure — such as gas pipelines, transmission lines

Trout Stream Restoration Projects: We are working to improve stream health and connectivity by removing or replacing culverts in the upper Rappahanock watershed with more wildlife-friendly versions. Learn more >>