Western Native Trout Initiative

Proposed Accomplishment Summary
Secure a population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout in 3 stream miles of occupied stream habitat.

The importance to the Resource
Without continued efforts to conserve Rio Grande cutthroat trout, threats posed by nonnative species and habitat degradation may place this species in jeopardy; Rio Grande cutthroat trout is a candidate species under ESA.

The problem
Historical fisheries management programs have emphasized use of nonnative salmonids to the detriment of natives through hybridization, predation, and competition impacts. In addition, land use practices by public agency and private landowners have contributed to habitat degradation.

The method
The existing barrier will be removed and replaced with a permanent structure. Non-native trout will will be blocked from currently occupied habitat by native trout. This barrier will help to protect a core conservation population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout to be used as a donor population for population expansion projects.

Further description
The Tanques Creek watershed is predominantly owned by Carson National Forest. Tanques Creek contains a small, isolated population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout that is vital to range-wide recovery efforts. Protection of this habitat from non-native trout encroachment has been identified as a priority by project partners. All environmental compliance to construct the original barrier is complete. Additional environmental compliance and archaeological permits are expected to be obtained in 2009. Additional support to cooperators is required to ensure timely completion of the project which satisfies WNTI's goal of supporting collaborative conservation efforts.