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2001

CRESTON NATIONAL FISH , MONTANA RESTORING AMERICA’S

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"CRESTON NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY, MONTANA RESTORING AMERICA’S FISHERIES" (2001). US Fish & Wildlife Publications. 175. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usfwspubs/175

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the US Fish & Wildlife Service at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in US Fish & Wildlife Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Creston National Fish Hatchery, Montana Restoring America’s Fisheries

Creston National Fish Hatchery As a result of the Cre ston NFH’s Established in 1936, Creston NFH stocking efforts and originally provided fingerling trout for program, annual economic benefits stocking waters in Glacier National weigh-in at over 100,000 angler days Park. Today, the hatchery has three valued at over $5 million. main purposes: provide trout for management activities on the seven The Service is in the process of disease- Tribal Reservations in Montana, stock proofing the water supply by capturing fish for mitigation purposes under the the springs that feed into Jessup M ill Hungry Horse Dam Mitigation Pond and funneling the water directly to Program, and produce native bull trout the hatchery without exposure to the eggs and fry for research projects at surface. This m easure will continue to various State, Federal, and educational guarantee that Creston NFH remains “The mission of the U.S. Fish and facilities through the Federal disease free even as whirling disease Wildlife Service is working with others Broodstock Program. becomes established throughout the to conserve, protect and enhance fish, Flathead Basin in western Montana. wildlife, plants and their habitats for Currently, four fish species are being Construction will begin in 2001 and the continuing benefit of the American reared at Creston NFH: should be completed in 2002. Hatchery people.” production may be somewhat curtailed # during this period. # # kokanee salmon How Does the Hatchery Help? National Fish Hatchery System; # bull trout Creston NFH helps in m any ways. Who We Are Currently, the hatchery produces trout The National Fish Hatchery System As part of the National Broodstock and trout eggs to fill Tribal, State, and (NFHS) is comprised of 70 Fish Program to produce viable eggs, research needs across Montana. These , 7 Fish Technology Centers, Creston NFH places special emp hasis fish help to replenish and encourage and 9 Fish Health Centers nation wide. on the production of bull trout for native sustainable trout populations and The NFHS operated by the U.S. Fish & Montana fish species research. This provide opportunities for Wildlife Service has a unique research will help biologists to make recreational users like you. responsibility in helping restore native future management decisions to help aquatic populations, mitigate for sustain bull trout populations. fisheries lost as a result of federal water projects, provide fish to benefit Tribes In fiscal year 2000, over 1 million fish and the National Wildlife Refuges, and were distributed in over 60 Tribal and to recover species listed under the State water areas, and over 100,000 bull Endangered Species Act. The NFHS trout eggs were distributed to research works closely with other programs in facilities. To meet these high fish the Service and with the States, Tribes, production demands, Creston NFH and the private sector to complement facilities support 48 fish rearing habitat restoration and other resource raceways fed by a 15,000 gpm spring management strategies for maintaining and one well. healthy ecosystems that support healthy Creston National Fish Hatchery fisheries. raceways; USFWS Educational programs/tours are These many dedicated partners help provided for the public and school keep Creston NFH operating to bring groups when scheduled in advance. recreational angling opportunities and healthy aquatic ecosystems to you, your When visiting the hatchery, be sure to family, and future generations! explore additional recreational opportunities around the hatchery. Try Creston NFH is located at the Creston your luck on the Jessup Mill Fish & Wildlife Center in Flathead fishing pond while picnicking and County, Montana. To locate the enjoying the beautiful surroundings. hatchery from Kalispell, take State And be sure to bring your binoculars for Highway 35 east to Creston, continue the wildlife and bird watching. east on Highway 35 approximately one mile and turn north on Creston Partnerships Make it Happen! Hatchery Road, and then follow road for Creston NFH operates with support approximately one mile to the station . from partners, including: Montana Come prepared for a day of fun! Tribes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Glacier National Park, Bonneville Power Administration, researchers, and other Service hatcheries. In addition, the hatchery Successful day at the Creston NFH proudly partners with local schools for National Fishing Week fishing derby; fishery and resource educational USFWS programs, and participates in the Hooked-On-Fishing program.

As the aquatic habitat chan ges due to natural (drought, flood, habitat destruction) or human (over-harvest, pollution, habitat loss due to development and dam construction) influences, the repro duction of fish in the wild declines. Stocking of fish is one of the many management strategies used by biologists to help replenish the populations for years to com e.

Public Use Opportunities Open to the public, Creston NFH welcomes visitors to the hatchery for a closeup view of the fish production process. With over 8,000 visitors annually, the dedicated staff at the hatchery w ill normally be available to answer your questions. Visitors are invited to walk around the raceways where most of the adult trout are held, and visit the hatchery building where Creston National Fish H atchery employees educating school groups on aquatic eggs and small fish are reared. education and fish biology; USFWS

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service For Additional Information, Creston National Fish Hatchery 1 800/344 WILD Please Contact: 780 Creston Hatchery Road http://www.fws.gov Kalispell, MT 59901 April 2001 406/758 6868 [email protected]