Early mussel restoration efforts show promise on Abrams Creek
Flowing over nutrient-rich limestone rock that fueled a diverse assemblage of species, Abrams Creek was once one of the most productive streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That changed in 1957, when wildlife managers intent on expanding opportunities for anglers stocked it with non-native rainbow trout—after applying the fish pesticide rotenone to the entire lower portion of the creek, hoping to protect the trout
Holly Kays
November 3, 2025
