Western Native Trout Initiative

Proposed Accomplishment Summary
This project will increase the occupied range of the Spruce Creek lineage of Gila trout by 9 miles and create a donor population of Gila trout for future recovery streams, improve public awareness with interpretation signs, assess if habitat restoration would improve trout habitat in Raspberry Creek, and support continued development of partnerships between AZ and NM Game and Fish Department's, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service, through NFHI and WNTI.

The importance to the Resource
Protection and range expansion of Spruce Creek lineage will decrease the likelihood of natural catastrophe affecting recovery of the species. Creating a self-sustaining population will count towards Gila trout recovery and established population can be used as a donor population to establish future recovery streams.

The problem
Only two replications of Spruce Creek lineage Gila trout currently exist; both are small and vulnerable to the same threats that would pose a risk to Spruce Creek. There has been an inability to create a hatchery broodstock of this lineage due to its ‘wild’ nature. Establishing additional replications of Spruce Creek is neccessary for recovery.

The method
KP Creek will be treated with a piscicide to remove nonnative salmonids. After successful completion Spruce Creek lineage Gila trout and other native fishes will be stocked. Evaluation of habitat in Raspberry Creek will resutl recommendations and design for habitat restoration that would improve Gila trout habitat.

Further description
KP Creek supports a population of nonnative trout. Establishment of Gila trout within KP Creek will provide a population of Spruce Creek lineage and increase the security of this lineage. To further increase the distribution and protection of this lineage, productive donor streams are necessary. This is a multi-year project in which environmental compliance will be obtained in year 1, piscicide application year 2, and stocking year 3. This project satisfies the NFHI and WNTI Joint Venture's goal of building, funding, and implementing collaborative conservation efforts. This is consistent with the Service's Fisheries Program Vision for the Future and the NFHI.

Raspberry Creek supports a small population of Gila trout from the Spruce Creek lineage. An evaluation of the habitat in the lower 3 miles of stream will determine if habitat can be improved to create more pools and cover, thus expanding suitable trout habitat throughout the stream. For this project at this stage, this objective would result in evaluation of the habitat by a habitat restoration organization that would make recommendations and the implementation design for habitat improvement.