WEST VIRGINIA (Cont. ) 



3. National Forests Fishery Management Program. 



Lake sites are being located and surveyed in conjunction with the general 

 lake -building program now in progress. Construction of a 26-acre trout im- 

 poundment, known as Spruce Knob Lake, was completed and officially opened to 

 public fishing in June of 195 3. 



Stream improvement also is under way on the National Forest areas in ad- 

 dition to establishing several trout- stocking methods for assuring higher angler 

 success. A fishery biologist is in supervision of all of these above activities. 



U. S. Forest Service cooperating; George Washington and Monongahela 

 National Forests ; began 1952, indefinite; $5,000; Jack D. Larmoyeux, Leader; 

 reports available. 



Address inquiries to: Harry Van Meter, as in No. 1 above. 



4. Population Manipulation and Creel Census of Two West Virginia Smallmouth 

 Bass Streams. (FA: F-l-R) 



Objectives of the study are to obtain a clear picture of the existing popula- 

 tions of fish in the streams under study by using electric shockers in designated 

 areas. Several fish management techniques are being employed for altering the 

 fish populations to note any increase in the productivity of angler-desired species. 

 A creel census is in effect to estimate the extent to which various species of 

 fish are being harvested. 



Hardy County; began May 1952, to close 1955; $26,672; George D. Helton, 

 Carl Sullivan, Leaders; reports available. 



Address inquiries to: Harry Van Meter, as in No. 1 above. 



5. Distribution of West Virginia Fishes. 



Collections of fishes are being made on all the major streams and tribu- 

 taries in the State in order to acquire knowledge of the different fish species 

 present, their range of distribution and abundance in West Virginia waters. 

 All collections are turned over to Dr. Edward Raney of Cornell University for 

 positive identification. In conjunction with this project, scale samples and 

 measurements of varied game fish species are being recorded for determining 

 and establishing a standard growth pattern of these species. 



Cornell University cooperating; hdqrs. Charleston; began 1951, to close 1956; 

 $500. 



Address inquiries to: Harry Van Meter, as in No. 1 above. 



6. Small Impoundments Investigation and Research. (FA: F-3-R) 



The project was originated to investigate various types of small fishing im- 

 poundments and to make an assay of pond conditions in respect to fish popula- 

 tions; to catalogue the many farm ponds and small impounded areas throughout 

 the State; to conduct suitable experiments in hatchery ponds for the purpose of 

 learning additional facts about managing fish populations under varying condi- 

 tions; and to offer limited assistance through recommendation and suggestion to 

 private pond owners throughout the State. 



Hdqrs. Elizabeth; began May 1953, indefinite; $10,346; Curtis Simes, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Harry Van Meter, as in No. 1 above. 



7. Elk River Investigational Project. 



The study of a popular bass stream is being continued as a result of public 

 controversy as to the reported decline in fishing success over recent years. 

 Creel census, limited hatchery stockings, tagging, age and growth studies, 

 pollution factors and a thorough check into the stream habitat is being compiled. 

 The 128 miles of river entering into this investigation are divided into six areas, 

 with each undergoing separate and detailed study. 



126 



