Western Native Trout Initiative

Proposed Accomplishment Summary
The project will increase occupied range of Gila trout by 5 miles, support de-listing criteria identified in the Recovery Plan, and support continued development of partnerships between U.S. Forest Service and NM Game and Fish Department through WNTI.

The importance to the Resource
Protection and range expansion for two lineages of Gila trout which currently have limited distribution.

The problem
Hybrid salmonid populations currently existing in both streams do not count towards recovery of the species. Identification and restoration of recovery streams that can support self-sustaining Gila trout populations is imperative to increasing distribution of lineages. One lineage of Gila trout currently has very limited distribution.

The method
Stream habitats will be treated with piscicide to remove hybrid salmonids. Gila trout will be introduced into McKenna and Iron Creek after treatment completion. Populations will be monitored and subsequent stocking provided as necessary until the populations are stable.

Further description
This is a multi-year project in which environmental compliance will be obtained in the first year, followed by restoration and subsequent stocking. Whiskey Creek Gila trout exist in only one remnant and one replicate stream. Expansion of this lineage into McKenna Creek would almost double the amount of stream currently occupied. Iron Creek occurs in the Middle Fork Gila River which did not have a relict lineage of Gila trout, so a mixed lineage (Main Diamond and South Diamond) population will be stocked. This project satisfies the WNTI Joint Venture's goal of building, funding and implementing collaborative conservation efforts. Nonnative and salmonids have caused the extirpation of and continue to threaten Gila trout populations through hybridization, competition, and predation. Re-establishment of Gila trout within McKenna and Iron Creeks will increase occupied range and support recovery of the species.