A Plan for Strategic Action
The Western Native Trout Initiative represents the first time relevant agencies, organizations, and private interests have come together to express common concern over the status of western native trout. WNTI makes a unified commitment to improving the effectiveness of management actions and increasing public awareness of and support for the conservation needs of these imperiled species. WNTI provides the opportunity to gain significant new resources to address a common theme - revitalizing native trout resources across the western United States.
WNTI members across the West have worked together to develop A Plan for Strategic Action, establishing strategic goals, objectives and actions - and an approach that includes increased coordination, action, and accountability.
Western Native Trout Initiative - A Plan for Strategic Action
Apache trout in Silver Creek, AZ
(Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department)
Western Native Trout Species on Decline
Populations of the 15 Western native trout species have continued to decline during the past 100 to 150 years because of habitat alteration and human introduction of non-native trout. By working together, however, this trend can and is being reversed. A collaborative approach is necessary because the threats to all Western native trout are similar, cooperative conservation approaches are cost-effective, and watersheds occupied by Western native trout often span federal, state, tribal or other jurisdictions.
Apache trout
(George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department)
Roadmap for Recovery
The Western Native Trout Strategic Plan proposes a phased approach to the management of Western native trout. Its primary goal is to improve and protect the plight of these fish through cooperative application of sound management principles. These management principles will address human-caused and natural factors that have diminished the abundance and range of native trout in the West.
A Partnership Within Partnerships
WNTI is one of several partnerships developed concurrently with the National Fish Habitat Plan, designed to raise awareness of fish initiatives, assign priorities, and generate annual congressional support to improve aquatic habitat. It works in conjunction with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and is funded by a multi-state grant processed through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
WNTI partners serve in many roles:
- Conducting scientific research
- Securing funds and distributing grant money
- Providing educational outreach