Cooperative Agreement F24AC01571

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI) awarded a $499,999 Cooperative Agreement under the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) to the Canaan Valley Institute, a non-profit organization. The project will remove a hazardous low-head dam on the McClure River in Clinchco, Virginia, to benefit the federally threatened Big Sandy crayfish. This will reconnect 22 miles of the McClure River, restoring movement between two isolated crayfish populations and providing 83 miles of upstream habitat. In addition to species recovery benefits, the project will create new river recreation and tourism opportunities for the historically underserved Clinchco community. The award period is from June 2024 through September 2028.