The headwaters of the Muddy Creek are clear and rich with trout but according to Rebecca Watson, Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals, the lower and middle sections that drain into the Cheat River are degraded by acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines.

“And this is the result of mining that was done back at the turn of the century, to help us in World War One and World War Two. I’ve been up in this area and I’ve seen creeks in the area with orange water and then I’ve seen the results of good work like we’re funding here, turn those creeks clean and bring back life.”

The Friends of the Cheat will use limestone leech beds that are expected to remove 141 tons of acid per year. When trout are restored to the river, it’s hoped tourists will follow.

“Recreational economy is big business in ‘Wild West Virginia’ as they call it. And by cleaning up the river you can then invite people back in to enjoy the river.”

Eliminating acid mine drainage is a group effort. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is contributing more than $145,000 to the project. Ron Tull, Washington.