Apache : ( apache) DATA: Apache Trout Recovery Plan, Second Revision – 2009; NFWF Apache Trout Business Plan Partners: Game and Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, White Mountain Apache Tribe, San Carlos Apache Tribe, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Apache Trout Status review: The closures at relict populations. Apache Trout was first listed as an • AGFD and WMAT have established Endangered Species on March 11, 1967 (32 several Apache Trout sport fisheries in FR 4001). It was down-listed to threatened in July 1975 (40 FR 29863, Final Special Rule, streams and reservoirs using hatchery-reared 17.44(a)) based on recovery actions and a re- fish (from State and Federal hatcheries) and analysis of data. The down-listing allowed angling regulations that are enforced; these state, tribal, and federal agencies and partners fisheries do not count towards recovery. to conduct management actions under the Recovery Plan, regulate take of the species, Apache Trout Distribution: Historically, and establish sport fishing opportunities. The Apache Trout occupied streams and rivers in Recovery Plan was completed in 1979, the upper White, Black, and Little Colorado revised in 1983 and 2009. River drainages in the White Mountains of east-central Arizona. Currently, 27 pure Sportfishing Status of the Apache Trout: In (non-hybridized) Apache Trout populations 1975, Apache Trout was one of the first exist within their historical range in Gila, species to be downlisted from endangered to Apache, and Greenlee counties of Arizona, threatened. The downlisting with a 4(d) rule on lands of the Fort Apache Indian allows the Arizona Game and Fish Reservation (FAIR) and Apache-Sitgreaves Department (AGFD) and the White National Forest (ASNF). Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) (on FAIR lands) to selectively establish sport fishing Range of the Apache Trout: opportunities and regulate methods of take (via angling), possession limits, seasons, and close specific areas to fishing. (To prevent overutilization the following steps have been taken: • Streams on FAIR that contain relict lineages of Apache Trout have been closed to fishing since 1955. • Angling opportunities, methods of take, and harvest of Apache Trout on USFS streams has been addressed by AGFD by imposing and enforcing restrictive regulations via Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) Title 17. Similar restrictions have been developed and enforced by WMAT Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division for FAIR streams, including maintaining angling and access

Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016

Apache Trout: (Oncorhynchus gilae apache)______

Thirteen natural populations occur on the Concerns, Issues, or Obstacles FAIR, three reestablished populations on the relative to the Conservation and FAIR, nine reestablished populations on the Improvement of the status of ASNF, and two reestablished populations in streams that occur both on the FAIR and Apache Trout: ASNF. Two streams outside of historical range have pure replicate populations, North The main factors in the decline of distribution Canyon Creek (Ord Creek stock) and Grant and abundance have been habitat degradation Creek. North Canyon Creek received Ord from human activities and associated water Creek stock in the early 1960s. The natural withdrawal, competition and predation from population in Ord Creek was compromised by non-native trout species, hybridization with and was renovated and replaced introduced rainbow and , and with replicated Ord Creek stock from Coyote population impacts due to drought and loss of (ASNF) and North Canyon (North Kaibab water. Aquatic invasive species, disease, National Forest) creeks in 1996. Grant Creek increasing water temperatures, and the effects in the Pinaleño Mountains also has a of large catastrophic wildfires are potential replicated pure population of Apache Trout new concerns for Apache Trout. which were stocked in the late 1960’s.

Apache Trout Habitat Requirements: Habitat Concerns In-formation concerning specific stream habitat requirements for all life stages of Apache Trout distribution and population Apache Trout is limited. Apache Trout levels decreased primarily because of habitat evolved in streams primarily above 1,800 m alterations and negative interactions with non- elevation, within mixed and native salmonids. Land-use practices including ponderosa pine forests. Apache Trout logging, livestock grazing, reservoir generally require water temperatures below construction, agriculture, and road 25 C (77 F) with adequate stream flow and construction caused damage to Apache Trout shading to minimize lethal temperatures and habitat (USFWS 2009). Effects were multi- maintain pools that provide refuge during faceted and included: changes to riparian periods of drought and temperature extremes. corridors (vegetation) and streambank Apache Trout require clean coarse gravel morphology; increased erosion potential and substrates for spawning and prefer cover in greater susceptibility of streams to damage the form of woody debris, pools, from floods (particularly high intensity, short rocks/boulders, undercut stream-banks, or duration events); reduced quantity and quality overhanging vegetation at stream margins. In of spawning and rearing areas; altered stream addition to suitable water temperatures and flow volume and temperature; and negative available cover, protected streams (or portions influences to stream productivity and food thereof) must have conditions favorable to supply (e.g., stream dwelling ). Threats persistence of Apache Trout including vary in intensity, complexity, and damage minimization or elimination of threats from depending on location, but ultimately reduce competitive or brook trout and the ability of Apache Trout to effectively elimination of interbreeding rainbow or persist at all life stages throughout its cutthroat trout. historical range.

Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016

Apache Trout: (Oncorhynchus gilae apache)______

Introduced Species Concerns recovery waters. The inadvertent stocking or use of introgressed fish for restoration Non-native salmonids such as , purposes would compromise the recovery Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook effort. Trout were introduced throughout the range of Apache Trout for recreational fishing. Introduction of these species has resulted in Over-utilization Concerns competition for resources or habitats, direct Although not identified as a reason that led to predation, and hybridization (with Rainbow listing in 1969, unregulated harvest of Apache and Cutthroat trout). Brown and Brook trout Trout was another factor that contributed to are predators to Apache Trout, as well as the species decline from the late 1800s to competitors for food and space. Such 1950s. Angling opportunities, methods of competition has been identified as a cause of take, and harvest of Apache Trout on USFS the decline of Apache Trout. streams have been addressed by AGFD through the imposition and enforcing of restrictive regulations. Similar restrictions Aquatic Invasive Species have been developed and enforced by WMAT for FAIR streams. AGFD and USFWS Disease has not been considered a factor in monitor and manage collection permits so the decline of Apache Trout and was not damage to populations from scientific identified as such at the time of listing. collection is prevented or minimized. However, the closely related has tested positive for the antigens for Bacterial Opportunities to Improve the Status Kidney Disease (BKD) in low amounts in populations of the upper West Fork Gila of Apache Trout River, including Whiskey Creek (USFWS 2003). There is no evidence of the carrier in The management objectives to protect and Apache Trout populations. restore the Apache Trout include: 1) establishment and maintenance of 30 self- Whirling disease is not known to be present in sustaining discrete populations of pure any wild or hatchery population of Apache Apache Trout throughout its historic range; Trout. However, preliminary results from 2) survey and manage pure Apache Trout controlled laboratory testing confirmed that populations presently existing in waters Apache Trout (and Gila Trout) are highly outside the historic range; 3) provide habitat vulnerable to whirling disease (Jim protection through implementation of land Thompson, former USFWS Fish Health management practices, habitat improvement Specialist, personal communication). Wild programs, acquisitions, and barrier fish health surveys are being conducted on construction and maintenance; 4) provide Apache Trout recovery populations, donor adequate enforcement of all federal, state, and populations, and State and Federal hatchery tribal laws and regulations to ensure facilities and to date disease does not appear protection of Apache Trout; 5) develop public to be a significant threat to Apache Trout. support of the Apache Trout program through an information and education campaign; and Genetic Concerns 6) Work with the National Fish and Wildlife

Continued monitoring of the pure Apache Trout populations is necessary to protect the genetic purity of restored populations in

Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016

Apache Trout: (Oncorhynchus gilae apache)______

Foundation (NFWF) to implement their Apache Trout Business Plan1.  Survey and manage Apache Trout populations presently existing in waters. Proposed actions to protect and secure long-  Reestablish populations with genetically term population viability include: appropriate fish in renovated streams.  Population manipulations such as surveys,  Finalize Apache Trout broodstock genetic analyses, non-native fish removal, management plan. use of hatchery reared fish, and  Prevent reinvasion of non-natives by salvage/refugia plans in emergencies maintaining or establishing in-stream  Reestablishment of populations with barriers as needed. genetically appropriate fish  Habitat manipulations (placing fish barriers, improving riparian zones, Maintenance of quality habitat for Apache securing water) Trout  Maintenance of appropriate fishing regulations and property closures Recovery streams that are subject to multiple  Continue to exclude stocking of non- land-use practices, such as timber harvest or native within the same drainage as thinning, prescribed fire, livestock grazing, and endemic or replicate Apache Trout intensive recreation, should be managed to populations maintain healthy riparian corridors that promote  Protection of Apache Trout populations sufficient habitat conditions for all Apache Trout from over-utilization and disease life functions. Occupied streams that have  Development and implementation of unstable or declining conditions should be the BMPs. FMPs and AMPs to enhance focus of remedial actions. Routine monitoring habitat restoration in livestock/elk use should be used to assess stream conditions. areas  Creation of an inter-connected Key actions include: metapopulation of Apache Trout that will better withstand stochastic events  Identifying and baseline existing habitat conditions using a standard protocol. Population manipulations  Complete habitat improvement or protection on a priority basis. The recovery strategy for Apache Trout is to  Develop BMPs, AMPs or FPs for establish and maintain 30 self-sustaining grazing control in the Apache Trout populations. A population will be considered drainages to reduce land use impacts. established when it is self-sustaining, capable of  Manage human impacts through persisting under the range of variation in habitat appropriate regulations and control of conditions that occur in the restoration stream, public access. and when the population is protected from immigration of non-native trout. Protect Apache Trout in non-historical Key actions include: habitats

1 Apache Trout Species Leads. 2008. A business plan for the conservation of the Apache Trout: a 10-year plan to secure a unique To protect against a catastrophic event that southwest native trout, prepared for the National Fish and Wildlife could affect isolated Apache Trout Foundation. Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016

Apache Trout: (Oncorhynchus gilae apache)______populations the out-of-basin populations 2. Implement the actions and objectives in the should be maintained as Apache Trout Revised Apache Trout Recovery Plan and the refugia. NFWF Apache Trout Business Plan.

Key actions include: 3. Finalize an Apache Trout Conservation Strategy MOU between Arizona Game and Fish  Identify regulatory mechanisms, laws, and Commission, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and policies that are insufficient to fulfill all Wildlife Service, White Mountain Apache Tribe, recovery objectives and protect Apache San Carlos Apache Tribe, Arizona Chapter of Trout. Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fishers, and  Monitor, prevent, and control disease Arizona Wildlife Conservation Council based on and/or causative agents, parasites, and the completed 2007 Revised Recovery Plan and pathogens. Status review.  Implement appropriate laws and regulations to allow Apache Trout 4. Develop proposed delisting rule and post- populations to persist in light of delisting management plan. commercial, scientific, and recreational 5. Complete metapopulation development, uses. barrier construction and stream renovations

needed to get to 30+ populations. Assessment of Appropriate Regulatory  West Fork functions and mechanisms  Bonita Creek watershed The Apache Trout recovery depends, in part, on  Bear Wallow Creek (ASNF) adequate regulatory mechanisms and 6. Reestablish pure Apache Trout in prepared management programs remaining in existence to recovery streams. ensure that all populations of Apache Trout and  Conklin Creek their habitats are maintained.  Rudd/Benton Creeks

Key actions include: 7. Monitor populations to determine current  Monitor the genetic diversity, basic pop- status. ulation viability standards, and population  South Fork LCR – restock after donor sources for re-introductions. Wallow Fire effects  Salvage and provide refugia for Apache  Fish Creek – Install new fish barrier Trout populations that are threatened by and restock after Wallow Fire effects

wildfire, drought, barrier failure or other 8. Monitor and maintain effective barriers unforeseen events when deemed prudent where needed. and necessary. On-going partnerships and joint ventures Highest Priority Strategies and Actions for Apache Trout protection and de- 1. Apache Trout Bring Back the Natives listing: Project: The Apache Trout Recovery Partnership (FWS, AGFD, Trout Unlimited 1. Refurbish existing fish barriers to secure long- [TU], WMAT, and FS) worked with TU term viability of Apache Trout populations. national to develop a $271,600 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant to conduct Apache Trout restoration, research and

Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016

Apache Trout: (Oncorhynchus gilae apache)______education activities. Matching funds from the  Barrier maintenance and monitoring. Arizona Heritage Foundation have added to A long-term barrier maintenance and the effort to restore depleted and extirpated monitoring plan will be developed to populations and develop robust recreational ensure recovery streams are protected fisheries. now and after delisting.

This project has been completed. Key Partners: Arizona Game and Fish Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, White Mountain Apache 2. NFWF/TU/USFWS Apache Trout Tribe, and Trout Unlimited Keystone Initiative: Four key strategies have been developed for this Keystone Initiative to Timing: This project is a 10-year plan to address ongoing threats to the sustainability secure Apache Trout abundance and habitat. of Apache Trout. If goals are achieved with Initiative funding will continue through 2018. this investment, not only would Apache Trout abundance increase by an estimated 50 Estimated Overall Cost of Apache Trout percent by 2017, but abundance would Keystone Initiative: $3,979,000 continue to increase, without financial investment, to an estimated 90 percent by 2020. In combination, actions guided by the WNTI Completed or On-going Projects Recovery Plan will result in recovery and a Bear Wallow Creek Restoration (2007) - $95,200 possible delisting proposal, and the Initiative Conklin Creek Restoration (2008) - $75,000 will implement key actions that could reduce Stinky Creek Restoration (2008) - $75,000 the effects of stochastic events, expand and Bear Wallow Creek Barrier improvement (2009) - improve habitat, and increase Apache Trout $27,500 Wallow Fire Habitat Assessment (2012) - $40,000 abundance, ultimately ensuring their sustainability. References:  Metapopulation creation. The creation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. Gila of three metapopulations will expand Trout Recovery Plan, Third Revision. and connect isolated recovery streams, Albuquerque, New Mexico. making populations less vulnerable to climatic changes, increase population U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2009. Apache numbers, and help maintain genetic Trout Recovery Plan, Second Revision. diversity in populations. Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Habitat restoration. Habitat restoration in meadow reaches of small recovery streams will break “invisible barriers,” encouraging use of this habitat by trout and resulting in increased This publication was funded (or partially funded) population sizes. by Federal Aid to Sportfish Restoration Funds through the Multistate Conservation Grant  Population and habitat assessment Program (Grant WY M-8-P), a program supported and monitoring. A long-term with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish monitoring plan to assess population Restoration Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and habitat conditions will be Service and jointly managed with the Association developed and implemented. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2008-9.

Western Native Trout Status Report – Updated February 2016