The major evaluation was done by post-treatment creel censuses on the three segments of the river. Post-treatment censuses were conducted during the open-water seasons from 1974-1976 on the upper section, 1974-1977 on Ford Lake, and 1975-1978 on Belleville Lake. Pre-treatment data were taken from a one-year census in 1972 on the upper section and from a mail survey in 1973 on Belleville Lake. On the upper segment of the river, no significant change in fishing pressure was evident after treatment. On Ford Lake and Belleville Lake during the post-treatment period, the mean annual increases in angler trips were 18, 259 and 83,388, respectively. Based on an expanded 5-year pre- and post-treatment period and a recreational value of $8.99 per angler trip, the benefit:cost ratio was 4. 1:1 (15. 3:1) on the upper segment, 5. 7:1 (± . 0: 1) on Ford Lake, and 2 5. 3:1 (± 4 . 5: 1) on Belleville Lake. The benefit:cost ratio for the entire reclamation project was 13.9:1 (± 2. 2:1).