ZGTU Past Projects

Projects previously lead by ZGTU include the renovation of Canyon Creek and Gila Trout re-introductions in the White Mountains.

The Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited was the leader in one of the first extensive stream improvement projects in the United States. For several years during the 1980s, Zane Grey was part of an official triumvirate which included the U.S. Forest Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The team's goal was to improve Canyon Creek, on the Mogollon Rim, through trout habitat enhancement and stream stabilization. Zane Grey, along with volunteers from other fishing organizations, provided extensive financing, manpower and equipment for in-stream structures and streamside plantings. These efforts were designed to stabilize the streambanks from abuses of flooding, cattle grazing and logging, while providing channelization, pools and shade for trout. Many of the structures were anchored to bedrock in innovative ways, in order to prevent flood damage. Some of those structures, which represented experimental concepts for their time, are still in place, but many others did not fare well and have been washed away. In particular, the flooding following the Rodeo-Chediski fire in the summer of 2002 did extensive damage to Canyon Creek. Zane Grey's efforts were partially rewarded by the adoption of "quality water" regulations on parts of the creek by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Today, streamside signs memorialize the Canyon Creek Project.