Western Native Trout Initiative

Proposed Accomplishment Summary
Establish partnership with Pueblo of Taos to restore native cutthroat trout and expand occupied range of the species by 2.5 stream miles, and promote tribal cooperation and partnerships through WNTI.

The importance to the Resource
Identifying and protecting populations of Rio Grande cutthroat trout from threats posed by encroachment and hybridization of nonnative salmonids, and habitat degradation decreases the likelihood of placing this species in jeopardy thus requiring listing under the Endangered Species Act.

The problem
Habitat degradation and hybridization and competition with nonnative salmonids have reduced the distribution of native Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Fish surveys conducted in headwater streams often reveals remote populations not encroached upon by nonnative salmonids however genetic purity remains unknown.

The method
Inventory the Martinez Canyon Creek population of Rio Grande Cutthroat trout, PIT-tag individuals, and take fin clips for genetic testing. Characterize instream habitat and assess potential for supporting self-sustaining cutthroat trout population in conjunction with identifying potential natural barriers to prevent nonnative salmonid encroachment.

Further description
The Native American Fish and Wildlife Policy ensure that technical assistance is provided to tribes to assist with resource management. A population of cutthroat trout of unknown taxonomic status was recently discovered in Martinez Canyon Creek, tributary of Rio Lucero. Identifying the genetic purity of this population will assist with the management decisions on developing and implementing conservations efforts to sustain native trout populations on Pueblo of Taos. This project satisfies WNTI's goal of funding and implementing collaborative conservation efforts.