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Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarkii Bouvieri)

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus Clarkii Bouvieri)

Yellowstone Cutthroat ( clarkii bouvieri)

Data: Range-wide status assessment of Yellowstone (2001, 2007, 2016) Memorandum of Agreement for Conservation and Management of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (2002) Partners: Department of Fish and Game, Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Department of Wildlife, Utah Division of Wildlife, Game and Fish Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, US Bureau of Land Management, US Na- tional Park Service, US Geological Survey, Crow Tribe of Indians, , Montana Trout Unlimited, Friends of the Teton , Western Native Trout Initiative

Photo credit: Mark Smith. ii | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | iii

Introduction Historical and Current Compared to the historical distribution, the streambed, which Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout current distribution of Yellowstone Cutthroat require for spawning. Streams without accumu- The Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhyn( - Distribution Trout is a substantial reduction of occupied lation of fine sediment produce more inverte- chus clarkii bouvieri) is one among a diversity of stream habitat (Figure 1), but the amount of brates, which is an important food source for trout native to the western . They Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are native to the occupied habitat has increased markedly. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Shading and occupy waters in Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Yellowstone and watersheds, a Stream habitat decreased from about 17,800 channel maintenance reduce the surface area of Utah, and Nevada. Like all cutthroat trout, distribution that crosses the Continental Di- miles to 7,500 miles, meaning Yellowstone stream exposed to sunlight, which keeps water Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout sport a red slash vide (Figure 1) . Historically, or pre-European Cutthroat Trout occupy 43% of their historical cooler. settlement, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout were stream habitat. Stocking mountain for along their jawline. They tend to be golden Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout use a range of present in an estimated 17,800 miles of stream. recreation has expanded the number of occu- brown with relatively large, dark spots con- habitat types and need to be able to swim This distribution included large parts of Wyo- pied lakes supporting Yellowstone Cutthroat centrated towards the tail. The Fine-Spotted throughout their home range. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout is another form of Yellowstone ming, Montana, Idaho, with a few streams sup- Trout from 61 to more than 230. Cutthroat Trout vary by population in the Cutthroat Trout, and as the name suggests, porting Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout extending The pattern of reduction of occupied stream of habitat they need. The fish in Yellowstone a dense distribution of small spots covers its into small portions of Utah and Nevada. Yel- habitat is a general contraction towards the Lake have an adfluvial life history strategy flanks. This stunning fish lives alongside -Yel lowstone Lake, at 90,000 acres, was by far the center of its historical range (Figure 1). Much meaning they live mostly in the lake, but lowstone Cutthroat Trout in the Snake River largest lake available to Yellowstone Cutthroat of this habitat is at high elevation and is in in streams feeding the lake. Yellowstone Cut- drainage. The potential for the Fine-Spotted Trout. Occupied lake habitat was otherwise areas likely to remain resilient to climate throat Trout in larger , like the Yellow- Cutthroat Trout to be a separate limited, with 61 lakes providing a cumulative change. Small, isolated populations remain stone River, spawn in smaller streams, has been the subject of speculation; however, 35,700 acres of lake. Many high mountain on the fringe of the historical distribution. which is the fluvial life history strategy. Their genetic analyses do not support this idea. The lakes formed by glaciers were inaccessible, with These isolated populations are at elevated risk fry drift into the soon after fine-spotted form is considered a Yellowstone waterfalls forming passage barriers. Cutthroat Trout in management; however, the of disappearing. Isolation from neighbors can hatching. In smaller watersheds, the resident status of this form is monitored separately. lead to inbreeding with disruption of flow, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are less migratory, and prevent recolonization of habitat where but still need access to spawning habitat within Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout have disappeared extreme flooding or wildfire kills the occupant a watershed. In smaller watersheds, Yellow- from a substantial portion of their historical fish. stone Cutthroat Trout are less migratory but range and are less abundant in some waters still need access to a variety of habitat types for they still occupy. State and federal agencies as- Habitat Requirements spawning, rearing, summer and fall residence, sign Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout special status and surviving the winter. as “species of concern” or “sensitive species”. The In streams and rivers, Yellowstone Cutthroat state and federal agencies in states supporting Trout have habitat similar requirements to Except for , which provides Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout formed the In- most trout, but they are more sensitive to substantial habitat to adfluvial Yellowstone terstate Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Steering habitat damage, warmer water temperatures, Cutthroat Trout, lake habitat was historically Committee in 2000. Among the committee’s and sedimentation than nonnative trout. A limited. Expansion of the distribution of Yel- responsibilities are to continually update a cen- healthy, functioning riparian area is an essential lowstone Cutthroat Trout into high mountain tralized database containing data on distribu- component of stream health. Trees, shrubs, and lakes for recreation has provided more lake tion, genetic status, and threats to Yellowstone herbaceous plants along the bank maintain the habitat, as has creation of reservoirs. To sustain Cutthroat Trout. The information reported Figure 1. The distribution of Yellowstone Cutthroat stability of stream channels, protect banks from self-reproducing populations, these lakes need here comes from this multi-state, multi-agency Trout crosses the Continental Divide. erosion, and provide shade and overhead cover. inlet or outlet streams with gravel suitable for collaboration and reflects the most recent data By reducing erosion and filtering sediment, spawning. (Endicott et al. 2016). riparian vegetation helps maintain a clean iv | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | v

Reproduction lowstone National Park. Each state within the gan in the late 1800s, and billions were stocked became less suitable for the sensitive Yel- historical range of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in waters occupied by Yellowstone Cutthroat lowstone Cutthroat Trout through pollution, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are spring spawn- manages them as a and have regula- Trout for decades before this practice ended. warmer temperature, and damaged habitat. ers and spawn from May through July. Yel- tions in place to prevent overharvest. In many Through much of its historical range, the are currently the greatest threat lowstone Cutthroat Trout are locally adapted places, mandatory regulations prolonged onslaught of stocked to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in headwater to the waters in which they evolved, so popula- are in place. Where fishing pressure is unlikely into Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout habitat streams. Brook Trout excel at invading new tions vary in timing of their spawning runs, to have population level effects, some harvest is eventually swamped out Yellowstone Cutthroat habitat, and they share much of the habitat and the habitat they select, and the factors that cue allowed. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout planted Trout . food needs as Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. their spawning. The most typical high-quality in high mountain lakes are usually managed as Although stocking of Rainbow Trout into Brook Trout invasion often results in the quick spawning habitat is in the tails of pools, where recreational fisheries, and state fishing regula- waters supporting Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout disappearance of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. clean gravel swept with surface water and an tions allows limited harvest. Anglers should has ceased, their nonnative genes continue to Fall spawning may be a substantial factor upwelling of water provides ideal habitat for always check fishing regulations for the waters threaten Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout with contributing to the rapid loss of Yellowstone females to dig redds and for the embryos to they are fishing. When in doubt, release them some populations having variable levels of Cutthroat Trout following Brook Trout inva- incubate and emerge. unharmed with minimal handling. hybridization. Hybridization eventually leads to sion. Brook Trout fry emerge in late winter or In the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Cut- Threats the loss of the features that make Yellowstone early spring, and these fish have several months throat Trout spawn in . They time Cutthroat Trout distinctive. Also, although of growth before Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout their spawning when spring runoff in the river Threats to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout come stocking of Rainbow Trout in Yellowstone emerge from the gravel. The tiny new Yellow- has passed its peak and flows are decreasing. from several fronts and often act together in Cutthroat Trout habitat has stopped, Rainbow stone Cutthroat Trout fry cannot compete for The tributary streams are often steep, and boul- making streams and lakes less suitable for Trout are strong swimmers and leapers, and rearing habitat with the much larger Brook der dominated, with gravel available in small Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Humans have they continue to invade strongholds for Yellow- Trout. patches, often on the downstream side of boul- stone Cutthroat Trout. altered the biological, physical, and chemical In the mid-1990s, began to be ders or along the channel margins. Yellowstone environment in which Yellowstone Cutthroat were also stocked by the billions caught in Yellowstone Lake. This nonnative Cutthroat Trout in the Yellowstone River have Trout have evolved, and these changes are re- in streams historically occupied by Yellowstone species threatened not only the highly valued adapted to this seemingly marginal habitat, and sponsible for declines in Yellowstone Cutthroat Cutthroat Trout. Brown Trout are fall spawn- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, but also the these small streams can produce many fry. Trout. ers, so hybridization was not a problem. Nev- community of that coevolved with Embryos incubate in stream gravel for several Nonnative Trout and Genetic Status ertheless, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout disap- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Yellowstone weeks, after which they hatch, then emerge peared from many streams and rivers stocked Cutthroat Trout are more available to mamma- from the gravel. Resident fry disperse to rearing Introduction of nonnative Rainbow Trout (O. with Brown Trout. The mechanism is unclear lian and avian predators than nonnative Lake habitat nearby. Fluvial fry drift out of the tribu- mykiss), Brook Trout ( fontinalis), and may differ among populations of Yellow- Trout, as they live closer to the surface of the taries into the river. Like , fry tend to and Brown Trout ( trutta) has been the stone Cutthroat Trout. Predation is a potential lake and spawn in streams. Lake Trout occupy imprint on their natal stream and return there most influential cause of decline of Yellowstone cause, as Brown Trout often eat other fish, deeper water and spawn within the lake, out to spawn as adults, although some fish will Cutthroat Trout throughout its historical range. although predation does not seem to be the of reach of predators. Yellowstone Cutthroat pioneer new habitat if it comes available. Lake Trout (S. namaycush) have devastated cause in tributary streams studied in Montana Trout numbers plummeted as the voracious Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Yellowstone (Al-Chokachy and Sepulveda 2019). Competi- Lake Trout feasted on this population that did Sportfishing Lake. These nonnatives differ in how they have tion for food and space likely has contributed not coevolve with predaceous fish. The annual harmed Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. to reduction and disappearance of Yellowstone spring spawning runs of Yellowstone Cutthroat Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are highly valued Rainbow Trout and Yellowstone Cutthroat Cutthroat Trout in streams with Brown Trout. Trout into streams feeding the lake crashed, game fish that attract anglers worldwide to fish Trout interbreed and produce hybridized, yet In some cases, Brown Trout may have replaced leaving grizzly bears, otters, bald eagles, and waters in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Yel- fertile offspring. Stocking Rainbow Trout be- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in streams that osprey without their essential food supply. Ag- vi | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | vii

gressive Lake Trout removal actions have been pollutants in discrete portions of the Yellow- Irrigation withdrawals also have potential to disease (PKD), which has caused fish kills in in place for decades and are gaining ground stone Cutthroat Trout’s historical range. capture, or entrain, fish. Adults entrained into the Snake River. In the Yellowstone River, a against this voracious predator. The Yellowstone Passage Barriers irrigation canals often cannot make it back to PKD outbreak in 2017 killed mostly Mountain Cutthroat Trout population is on the rise, and the stream. Fry are weak swimmers and are Whitefish Prosopium( williamsoni); however, their predators are returning. Nevertheless, Roads, railroads, and irrigation diversions have unable to swim against the current flowing some Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout succumbed. Lake Trout control will need to continue in blocked movement of Yellowstone Cutthroat into the ditch. In some cases, the potential for Viruses that can infect Yellowstone Cutthroat perpetuity if we are to protect this precious Trout throughout their historical range. Impas- entrainment in irrigation canals is considerable. Trout include the infectious hematopoetic ne- natural resource in our first national park. sible culverts were installed at road and railroad Climate Change crosis, infectious pancreatic necrosis, and viral Isolation crossings, and some irrigation diversions block hemorrhagic septicemia. State, federal, and pri- upstream movement of Yellowstone Cutthroat Climate change is having a measurable effect vate hatcheries are screened for these diseases Isolated populations of the fringe of the Trout. In some cases, these barriers blocked on stream flow and water temperature within to prevent spread into the wild from hatchery historically occupied habitat are at consider- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from spawning the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout’s historical sources. Fishing gear and watercraft can also able risk of extirpation. The lack of connectiv- habitat. Barriers also isolate fish populations, range. The trend is for reduced snowpack and transport disease-causing organisms into lakes ity with other populations prevents gene flow, which restricts gene flow. Paradoxically, some more precipitation falling as rain. Streams in and streams. which can result in inbreeding. Flooding, wild- barriers have been beneficial, as Yellowstone the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout’s native range Aquatic nuisance species have the potential fire, or drought are substantial threats to these Cutthroat Trout would likely no longer exist depend on snowpack for late season flows. Re- to reduce the suitability of waters to support small, isolated populations, as these events can in some streams without the presence of these duced snowpack, combined with irrigation de- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Invasive aquatic kill most or all of the fish present. Without human-made barriers that keep non-native fish mands, results in low stream flows and warmer plants can choke waterways and impair water connection to neighboring populations, Yel- from invading. water temperatures. The contraction of Yellow- quality when they die and decompose. Inva- lowstone Cutthroat Trout cannot repopulate a stone Cutthroat Trout’s occupied habitat to the Dewatering and Entrainment sive mollusks can cover streambeds and other disturbed area. higher elevation, center of the historically oc- surfaces and are not suitable prey species for Irrigation is essential to the agricultural econ- cupied habitat reflects the role climate change Habitat Damage and Pollution Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Fishing gear and omy in western states supporting native trout. is having on the hydrology and temperature watercraft can spread adult or larval forms of Humans have altered the landscape within Water rights laws generally follow a “first in regime of streams. The warming projected for mollusks among waters. Likewise, aquatic nui- the historical range of Yellowstone Cutthroat time, first in right” requirement, where senior the future will further shrink suitable habitat sance plants can also be spread into new waters Trout, and many of these changes were harmful water rights supersede fisheries needs, or the for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, and climate from watercraft or fishing gear. These species over the short-term and long-term. Livestock ability of those with junior rights to withdraw change will work in concert with other threats can reproduce vegetatively, so fragments of a grazing and forestry practices that removed ri- water from streams. Often, the demand for to make conservation more challenging. parian vegetation harmed stream channels, fed water exceeds the supply, and streams have Disease and Aquatic Nuisance Species plant are enough to infest new waters. sediment to streams, and greatly reduced shade low flows, or even no flow, during the critical provided by streamside vegetation. Towns and time when Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout fry Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are vulnerable to Conservation residential development also altered streams, are ready to hatch and emerge. Fry or develop- several diseases that affect salmonids to vary- Securing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout for replaced riparian vegetation with shallow-root- ing embryos often die from desiccation, warm ing degrees. Diseases with potential to infect future generations to enjoy requires a diversity ed nonnative grasses, and delivered pollutants water, or lack of flow to move them to rearing Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout include the of actions that address the factors contributing from yards, streets, and parking lots. Forestry habitat. Likewise, these low flows make dewa- bacterial borne diseases furnunculosis, enteric to their decline. Educating the public is essen- practices that removed too many trees in- tered reaches unsuitable for juvenile and adult redmouth, and bacterial kidney disease. Para- tial in conservation of Yellowstone Cutthroat creased the amount of runoff to some streams, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout with warmer sites are responsible for whirling disease are Trout, as informed people are more likely to which overwhelmed the ability of the channel temperatures and reduced habitat limiting their found in numerous populations of Yellowstone value natural resources. Conservation partners to move the water and added fine sediment. use of dewatered streams. Cutthroat Trout and may have population level are diverse, with state and federal agencies, Mining has altered stream channels and added effects. A parasite carries proliferative kidney nonprofit groups, private industry and private viii | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | ix

landowners being key players. As 50% of the Cutthroat Trout. Fishing regulations protect their effective management. As signatories of infeasible. The National Park Service will con- remaining Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout are in Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout from overharvest the MOU for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout tinue Lake Trout removal efforts and explore waters on private land, and recreational use of and range from mandatory catch and release, conservation, state and federal agencies agree new technologies to target and remove this Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and the waters it to prescribing the maximum number of Yel- to implement a statistically based monitoring voracious predator. inhabits is substantial, partnerships are essential lowstone Cutthroat Trout that can be kept per plan. This regular inventory allows assessment Expansion of Occupied Habitat in effective conservation of Yellowstone Cut- day or in possession. States also issue permits of the status of populations and identifies throat Trout and their habitat. for scientific collection and genetic testing to populations in need of quick conservation ac- The extent to which Yellowstone Cutthroat Regulatory Framework prevent these activities from harming Yellow- tion, such streams where discovery of Rainbow Trout have been eliminated from historically stone Cutthroat Trout populations. Trout or Brook Trout invasion into waters occupied habitat makes reestablishing popula- State and federal agencies have regulatory previously free of nonnative species. tions in streams where they have been elimi- In some cases, fishing regulations require mechanisms developed to provide protection nated a conservation priority. Construction mandatory kill of nonnative trout. Such is the Nonnative Trout of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and its habi- of barriers and reestablishing populations in case for Lake Trout caught in Yellowstone Lake tat throughout its native range. Federal land Nonnative trout have had the largest negative formerly occupied habitat are common actions in Yellowstone National Park. Likewise, some management agencies, such as the U. S. Forest effect on the distribution and abundance of and will continue where feasible. Nonnative streams in the park have regulations requiring Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. States develop fishes have been introduced into historically removal of Rainbow Trout caught by anglers. (BLM), National Park Service (NPS) and the fisheries management plans that designate fishless waters, usually upstream of waterfalls. These streams are strongholds for Yellow- U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) must which waters will be managed for recreational Removing the nonnatives and stocking Yel- stone Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout are adhere to federal laws such as the National En- sportfishing of nonnatives and which will sup- lowstone Cutthroat Trout can provide secure threatening the populations with hybridization. vironmental Protection Act (NEPA) and the port secure populations of Yellowstone Cut- habitat within their native range. Any unique Clean Water Act that provide specific consid- Collaboration among state and federal agen- throat Trout. States balance the importance of character these areas had before introduction of eration of the potential for government actions cies is an essential component of Yellowstone the recreational opportunities provided by non- nonnative trout is unknown and lost. Moreover, to affect Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Cutthroat Trout conservation. States regularly native trout with the need to conserve Yellow- these areas are usually at high elevation and are avoid or mitigate for actions that could harm partner with adjacent states when conserva- stone Cutthroat Trout. Conservation actions likely to be resilient to climate change, which them. The USFS develops forest plans that tion projects cross state boundaries. Likewise, related to nonnative trout include installation is substantially constricting thermally suitable address Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout conserva- the USFS, BLM, and the National Park of barriers to protect habitat for existing or habitat for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Na- tion along with their other forest management Service collaborate with each other and states restored populations and removing nonnatives. tional Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and activities. Likewise, the BLM develops resource on projects benefiting Yellowstone Cutthroat In limited situations, removal of nonnatives environmental assessments prepared by states management plans that are blueprints for land Trout. Federal and state agencies are required through capture with nets or electrofishing need to evaluate the potential for these projects management on the land they administer. These to implement conservation actions under state is possible; however, this option only works to negatively affect other ecological values. in short reaches where the habitat does not plans must follow NEPA requirements. Federal and federal law and should apportion funds Introducing populations of Yellowstone Cut- agencies must follow state laws or regulations accordingly. The USFWS often provides funds provide cover for nonnative fish to escape cap- ture. Where Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout live throat Trout into fishless waters is also an that address forestry practices, stream chan- for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout conservation option; however, these projects need to be nel or wetland protection, water quality, water with the intention of conserving the subspecies alongside nonnative trout, and barrier construc- tion is not feasible, maintaining the quality of well-vetted. Introducing Yellowstone Cutthroat rights and in-stream flow, habitat mitigation, as and preventing their inclusion for protection Trout into waters where they would harm other well as regulations established by state fish and under the Endangered Species Act. the habitat can provide Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout resilience and a better chance of persist- species is not appropriate. As most stream- game agencies designed to protect Yellowstone Monitoring and Assessment ing with competing species. dwelling invertebrates coevolved with fish, in- Cutthroat Trout. troduction of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout into Maintaining up-to-date assessments of the State agencies establish regulations and per- Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake will be a per- fishless waters above natural barriers is unlikely distribution, abundance, and genetic status of mitting requirements to protect Yellowstone petual threat to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, to affect aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout is essential to as eradication from such a large lake is likely x | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | xi

extensive sampling of benthic communities Habitat Damage and Pollution Trout in the upper Yellowstone River spawn in hatcheries are regularly tested for organisms should determine any threats to sensitive inver- tributary streams; however, roads, railroads, and causing disease in fish. Fish from hatcheries Agriculture, forestry practices, and residen- tebrates before a project proceeds. Introduction irrigation infrastructure have blocked some of testing positive for disease are not released into tial development have damaged and polluted of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout into historically these streams for decades. Providing passage the wild. States supporting native Yellowstone streams supporting Yellowstone Cutthroat fishless lakes has potential to adversely affect through or under these features in four spawn- Cutthroat Trout have mandatory check sta- Trout. The USFS and states have best man- amphibians. Like invertebrates, amphibians ing streams has contributed to the resilience of tions for boats entering their borders, and these agement practices to reduce the potential for coevolved with Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, the fluvial Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the stations frequently intercept boats carrying timber harvest and associated road building to and the coevolved community of fish and am- upper Yellowstone River. nonnative mussels and aquatic nuisance plant damage Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout habi- phibians was historically widespread. Still, such Dewatering and Entrainment species. States also monitor waters for the pres- tat. As about 50% of the subspecies’ currently projects should consider site specific conditions ence of aquatic nuisance species. occupied range is on private lands, partnering through the environmental review process in Reducing the potential for dewatering and with landowners and watershed groups is an Education of anglers and other recreational determining whether a project would adversely entrainment to harm Yellowstone Cutthroat essential component of conserving Yellowstone water users is a key component of preventing affect amphibians. Trout populations requires partnerships with Cutthroat Trout. These partnerships facilitate spread of disease and aquatic nuisance species. Isolation landowners and watershed groups to imple- changes in grazing management to reduce ment projects to maintain in-stream flows Recreationists need to clean their boats and stress on streams and improvement of riparian gear before entering other waters. Likewise, Isolated populations are at elevated risk of and prevent entrainment. Increasing water use health and function. Where human activities moving live fish or tissue from dead fish can inbreeding and extirpation from catastrophic efficiency, water leases, and drought plans are have damaged streams to the point that natural spread disease and is illegal. State, federal, and disturbance. Isolated populations require among the tools used in public/private partner- recovery would take decades or longer, stream nonprofit groups have formed partnerships monitoring to detect genetic bottlenecks and ships to maintain in-stream flows. Likewise, restoration may be necessary to meet conserva- to educate water users on practices to prevent evaluate their status following floods, wildfire, these partnerships drive installation of fish tion goals more quickly. spreading disease or aquatic nuisance species and other potentially catastrophic events. Op- screens that prevent loss of fish to irrigation when they move from one body of water to the tions for protecting these populations include Passage Barriers diversions. next. genetic enhancement and population replica- Climate Change Restoring connectivity in streams is a major tion. Genetic augmentation entails stocking conservation focus. Within forested watersheds more genetically diverse Yellowstone Cutthroat Climate change is the greatest challenge to WNTI Completed/Ongoing and on smaller streams, perched culverts often conserving Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Trout in streams where the existing population block fish from miles of available stream habi- is showing signs of inbreeding depression. Ge- which require ample amounts of cold water. Projects tat. Installing passable culverts or bridges, is The approach to conserve Yellowstone Cut- netic replication means using brood stock from beneficial to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and • 2007: Restore eight miles of Yellow- throat Trout in the face of climate change is to an isolated population to establish one or more the channel, as the improved road crossings are stone Cutthroat Habitat, Rainey Creek, increase the resilience of populations through populations in other streams. The latter option better able to withstand flood waters and move Snake River (ID) ($15,000) implementation of conservation actions de- would also expand the distribution of Yel- bedload and woody debris. Irrigation diversions scribed here. Focusing conservation efforts in • 2007: Reopen four miles of Yellowstone lowstone Cutthroat Trout with locally adapted block movement of Yellowstone Cutthroat high elevation areas likely to support Yellow- Cutthroat habitat in Deep Creek, Salt fish. These actions require consultation with Trout in some streams and replacing or modi- stone Cutthroat Trout is necessary to promote River (ID) ($15,000) fish geneticists to identify genetic bottlenecks fying diversions so they are equipped with a and conserve the diversity of of extant fish ladder allows Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout the most benefit. • 2008: Elk Creek Palisades (ID) Reser- populations. Population replication should to pass over diversions. Disease and Aquatic Nuisance Species voir Yellowstone cutthroat trout passage not remove enough gametes from the original project ($10,000) population to threaten its genetic diversity or Restoring fish passage is especially important Reducing or preventing the spread of disease population size. for populations with a migratory life history and aquatic nuisance species is accomplished • 2008: Teton Creek (ID) Habitat Resto- strategy. For example, Yellowstone Cutthroat on several fronts. Federal, state, and private ration for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout xii | Western Native Trout Status Report - Updated June 2019 YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) | xiii

($20,000) • 2017: Bates Access Signs and Steward- Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2007. ship ($2,500) Management plan for conservation of Yellow- • 2009: Fritz Creek (ID) Livestock stone Cutthroat Trout in Idaho. Idaho Depart- Exclosure, Sinks’ Drainages for Yellow- • 2018: Tincup Creek (ID) Stream Res- ment of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho. stone Cutthroat Trout ($11,350) toration Project, Phase 2 ($36,225) Montana Cutthroat Trout Steering Commit- • 2009: Shields River (MT) Lower Deer • 2018: West Pass Creek (WY) Yel- tee. 2007. Memorandum of understanding and Creek Fish Barrier – Yellowstone Cut- lowstone Cutthroat Trout Restoration conservation agreement for Westslope Cut- throat Trout ($40,000) ($35,000) throat Trout and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout • 2010: Barrier construction and restora- • 2018: Popo Agie Gold (WY) ($3,000) in Montana. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, tion of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Helena, Montana. Four Mile Creek (MT) ($61,325) Literature Shephard, B.B. 2018. Conservation priorities • 2011: Crow Creek (ID) restoration/im- for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the Upper provement Phase 2 ($21,400) Al-Chokhachy, R. and A. Sepulveda. 2018. Im- Yellowstone GMU. Report prepared for the pacts of nonnative Brown Trout Salmo trutta • 2011: Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout con- Upper Yellowstone GMU Workgroup. on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus servation education kiosks along Teton clarkii bouvieri in a tributary stream. North River (ID) ($1,500) American Journal of Fisheries Management 39 • 2012: Canyon Creek (ID) Cutthroat: pages. Connecting People and Habitats Endicott, C., L. Nelson, S. Opitz, A. Peter- ($2,000) son, J. Burckhardt, S. Yekel, D. Garren, T. M. • 2012: Chadbourne Dam fish passage Koel, B. Shepard. 2016. Range-wide status project, Yellowstone River Basin (MT) assessment for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout This publication was funded (or partially ($50,000) (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri): 2012. Report funded) by Federal Aid to Sportfish Restora- prepared for: Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout tion Funds through the Multistate Conser- • 2012: Greybull watershed telemetry Interagency Coordination Group. vation Grant Program (Grant WY M-8-P), study (WY) ($3,000) a program supported with funds from the Endicott, C., S. Opitz, K. Frazer, M. Ruggles, • 2013: Canyon – Canyon Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program J. Wood, B. Shepard, S. Shuler, S. Barndt, C. Creek (ID) Fish Passage Restoration for of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Sestrich, M. Ruhl, T. Koel, R. Wagner, and J. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout ($23,866) jointly managed with the Association of Fish Mogen. 2013. Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout and Wildlife Agencies, 2006-9. • 2016: Connecting Teton Creek (ID): conservation strategy for Montana. Montana Green Property Habitat and Stream Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Helena, Montana. Flow Restoration ($46,310) Endicott, C., S. Opitz, B. Shepard, P. Byorth, S. • 2016: Mulherin (MT) Fish Screen and Shuler, S. Barndt, B. Roberts, L. Roulson. 2012. Yellowstone Cutthroat trout Entrain- Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout conservation ment Prevention ($3,000) strategy for the Shields River watershed above • 2017: Tincup Creek (ID) Stream Res- the Chadbourne diversion. Montana Fish, toration ($44,000) Wildlife & Parks, Helena, Montana.

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