COAL TOWNSHIP - Habitat for Wildlife (HFW) Wednesday afternoon released 1,000 small Brook Trout into Carbon Run, a small stream that flows into Shamokin Creek at Shamokin.
Yes, you read that right. Trout were released into a tributary of Shamokin Creek, which for decades has run orange because of acid-mine discharge.
The 2- to 3-inch trout were placed into the stream approximately one-half mile from the Third Patch of Bear Valley in Coal Township.
The fish were purchased from Zion Grove Trout Hatchery, Zion, with money that was originally slated to be spent at the Alaska Site in Excelsor. HFW abanonded plans at the site when county commissioners did not renew the lease at the end of 2010.
Dave Kaleta, president of HFW, said the pH levels in Carbon Run have been reduced by two passive treatment systems installed by Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance.
"We checked the insect levels here, and there are plenty for the trout to eat," he said. "The fish will not be ready for fishing for about two years. Hopes are high that they will take (to the water) and reproduce."
Kaleta said brook trout will not migrate far and should not make their way into Shamokin Creek, where fish aren't able to survive until further down stream.