TU tackles SW native trout challenge

Jack Williams, TU senior scientist, addresses the conference. 

by Randy Scholfield

They are survivors -- Gila, Apache, and Rio Grande cutthroat trout, natives that have survived in the rugged high mountain streams of Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado for tens of thousands of years. But today, these natives face a daunting array of threats, including massive wildfires, pressure from non-native fish, climate change, drought and development.

More than 100 biologists, anglers, and trout enthusiasts representing more than 35 agencies and organizations gathered in Phoenix today at the 7th annual Native and Wild Trout Conference to network and share ideas on how to give them a fighting chance.

“We can do more by working together—the conference is a great opportunity to take a pulse check on our current recovery strategy and adapt to new challenges,” said Jack Williams, senior scientist for Trout Unlimited, in a release. “Southwest native trout are survivors—but today, they’re facing a one-two punch of climate change and invading non-native species. We need to act now to protect these rare, beautiful species, before it’s too late.”

Scientists and project managers identified several opportunities for native trout recovery. In Arizona and New Mexico, projects in the works in 2016 include:

• increasing the “resilience” of native trout to climate change and drought by reconnecting watersheds and creating larger, more interconnected populations.
• expanding stream restoration projects with AZ TU grassroots chapters taking the lead.
• conducting research on climate change impacts and trout genetics in conjunction with state agency scientists and universities.
• Restoring Gila trout to 24 miles of Whitewater Creek in Catron County, New Mexico, where a Gila trout population was wiped out by massive wildfires in 2012.
• TU Science staff and volunteers working with agencies and New Mexico State University to initiate a long-term stream temperature monitoring program for Gila trout streams in NM and AZ—this is the first year of a multi-year project.
• Completing a fish migration barrier on the Rio Costilla in northern New Mexico to protect a population of Rio Grande cutthroat trout from non-native fish. 

“For anglers, Southwest native trout provide abundant recreational opportunities to pursue rare and beautiful trout found nowhere else on Earth, in remote, rugged landscapes of wild grandeur. These trout are also a rich part of our cultural and biological heritage here in the Southwest. They are worth protecting and preserving,” said Steve LaFalce, president of TU’s Arizona Council.