We examined and summarized existing knowledge regarding the distribution and status of selfsustaining populations of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis at the subwatershed scale (mean subwatershed area ¼ 8,972 ha) across their native range in the eastern USA. This region represents approximately 25% of the species' entire native range and 70% of the U.S. portion of the native range. This assessment resulted in an updated and detailed range map of historical and current brook trout distribution in the study area. Based on known and predicted brook trout status, each subwatershed was classified according to the percentage of historical brook trout habitat that still maintained self-sustaining populations. We identified 1,660 subwatersheds (31%) in which over 50% of brook trout habitat was intact; 1,859 subwatersheds (35%) in which less than 50% of brook trout habitat was intact; 1,482 subwatersheds (28%) from which self-sustaining populations were extirpated; and 278 subwatersheds (5%) where brook trout were absent but the explanation for the absence was unknown (i.e., either extirpation from or a lack of historical occurrence in those subwatersheds). A classification and regression tree using five core subwatershed metrics (percent total forest, sulfate and nitrate deposition, percent mixed forest in the water corridor, percent agriculture, and road density) was a useful predictor of brook trout distribution and status, producing an overall correct classification rate of 71%. Among the intact subwatersheds, 94% had forested lands encompassing over 68% of the land base. Continued habitat loss from land use practices and the presence of naturalized exotic fishes threaten the remaining brook trout populations. The distribution of brook trout subwatershed status and related threshold metrics can be used for risk assessment and prioritization of conservation efforts.

Stream simulation design is a geomorphic, engineering, and ecologically based approach to designing road–stream crossings that creates a natural and dynamic channel through the crossing structure similar in dimensions and characteristics to the adjacent natural channel, allowing for unimpeded passage of aquatic organisms, debris, and water during various flow conditions, including floods. A retrospective case study of the survival and failure of road–stream crossings was conducted in the upper White River watershed and the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont following record flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011. Damage was largely avoided at two road–stream crossings where stream simulation design was implemented and extensive at multiple road–stream crossings constructed using traditional undersized hydraulic designs. Cost analyses suggest that relatively modest increases in initial investment to implement stream simulation designs yield substantial societal and economic benefits. Recommendations are presented to help agencies and stakeholders improve road–stream crossings, including increasing coordination to adopt stream simulation design methodology, increasing funding and flexibility for agencies and partners to upgrade failed crossings for flood resiliency, and expanding training workshops targeting federal, state, and local stakeholders.

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The U.S. Forest Service has a long, rich history of helping to steward the nation's fish and aquatic resources and contributing to the broader fish and aquatic conservation and scientific community in the United States and worldwide. The agency recently updated its national strategy for fish and aquatic resource stewardship. The new strategy builds on 30 years of lessons learned through implementing the agency's original Rise to the Future: National Fish and Aquatic Strategy, the first national freshwater fisheries strategy by a federal agency. It also addresses 21st century challenges, establishing a stronger foundation for integrated aquatic resource stewardship throughout the agency and renewing an emphasis on cooperation with local, state, federal, and tribal governments and partnering with nongovernmental organizations, private landowners and water users, private businesses, the sportfishing industry, and others. The new strategy outlines six goals that provide a robust framework to guide future efforts: (1) conserve fish and aquatic resources; (2) connect people to the outdoors through fishing, boating, and other aquatic activities; (3) strengthen partnerships and work across boundaries; (4) deliver and apply scientific research; (5) build capacity through mentoring and training; and (6) communicate the value of fish and aquatic resources.

The socioeconomic benefits of recreational, commercial, and subsistence fishing associated with lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service are substantial and are expected to increase over time. Recreational fishing on national forests and grasslands generate over US$2.2 billion annually through fishing equipment, boats, travel, outfitter and guiding services, fuel, and licenses, which in turn provide critical funding for fisheries habitat management and conservation by federal and state agencies. The sustainable nature of recreational fishing by the public complements the agency's multiple use mandate to conserve fish and aquatic resources, which include a high percentage of the nation's threatened, endangered, and sensitive fish and aquatic species. National forests in the Pacific Northwest and the western USA, particularly Alaska, support significant commercial and subsistence salmon fisheries. A growing restoration economy associated with fisheries habitat and watershed restoration contributes to local economies. Although more difficult to quantify, important social and cultural benefits of fishing are provided to the public nationwide, including connecting the public to the outdoors and to public lands. Managing fisheries habitat and watershed health amid competing demands for water, natural resources, and outdoor recreation will continue to challenge the U.S. Forest Service and its partners into the future.