Western Native Trout Initiative

In WNTI’s first two years, more than $2.14 million has been applied to western native trout habitat, research and population enhancement projects across the West. This funding is the result of collaboration between the WNTI member states, the National Fish Habitat Board, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribal interests, and other private partners.

In 2008, WNT received $601,000 in National Fish Habitat Board Funding, and provided approximately $205,000 in project funding from the WNTI Multi-state Grant. This represents the best year for funds to date. The following list provides a peek at the scope of actions that are being directed towards western native trout:

WNTI -funded projects:

• Redband Trout data and status review Workshop
• State of Washington Redband Trout status and data collection development
• Westslope cutthroat trout status review update
• Coastal Cutthroat Trout Status and data review
• California Golden Trout data collection and report
• Klamath Basin Crooked Creek habitat Improvement

NFHAP – funded projects:

• N. Fk. Ahtanum Ck. fish passage -Bull Trout
• Black Canyon fish barrier -Gila trout
• Elk Creek Palisades Reservoir passage -Yellowstone cutthroat trout
• Teton Creek Habitat restore – Yellowstone cutthroat trout
• Install protective fish barrier – Lahontan cutthroat trout
• Install head-gate fish ladder – Bonneville cutthroat trout
• Trappers Creek Riparian zone protective fence – Colorado cutthroat trout
• Alamitos Creek Fish barrier – Rio Grande Cutthroat trout
• Cunningham Creek habitat restoration – Colorado R. cutthroat trout
• Honey Creek diversion – Redband trout
• Maggie Creek protective barrier – Lahontan cutthroat trout
• La Garita Creek habitat – Rio Grande cutthroat trout
• Wolf Creek protective barrier – Rio Grande cutthroat trout
• Bear Wallow Creek population renovation – Apache trout
• Trail Creek fish passage – Redband trout
• E. Fk. Parachute Creek protective barrier – Colorado R. cutthroat trout

Future Funding Needs

The future demand for project funding is great. The WNTI Species Assessment listed over 150 projects that are needed to help improve the status of western native trout over the next 5 to 10 years.

Where to Donate

WNTI gladly accepts donations for native trout projects. We now have a 501 ( c ) 3 Foundation to accept your tax deductible donation. Send a check to:

Foundation for Western Fish and Wildlife
Western Native Trout Initiative
c/o Steve Barton, Treasurer
2903 Saintsbury Plaza, #106
Fairfax, VA 22031