So Much Water . . .

. . . SO LITTLE TIME

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Native Fish Get Boost

$1,000,000 = $2,000,000

Grant Matched By NPS

just a start

SEE THE LAKE TROUT?  SEE THE CUTTHROAT?  YUM, YUM !!

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..The Yellowstone Park NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION PROGRAM has been given a boost by the finalization of the $1,000,000 grant from the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

.. Last December we noted that Yellowstone Park was embarking on a comprehensive program to protect and preserve native fish stocks. That program is now underway with the infusion of funds and the implementation of the plan.
.. The recognition that the native fish and their abundance and distribution and behavior constitute a vital link in the ecology of the park has led to this action. As a food source for grizzly bears, birds, coyotes, otters, and other animals the native species are vital to the health of the ecosystem.
.. This effort is designed to address all aspects of the concerns about the dwindling populations of native fish and will guide management for the next two decades and beyond.
.. A major concern, of course, is the impact of Lake Trout on the native cutthroat population. Efforts to ameliorate this impact will include stepped-up gill netting efforts, research, and plans to create a resiliency in the native fish population.
.. It will probably take six years to accomplish the major goals of the project. During this time future strategies and management plans will also be developed to insure that the native fish population can be successfully managed in the face of:
** Predation by non-native fish such as Lake Trout and Brown Trout,
** Hybridization with non native Rainbow Trout,
** Drought, climate change and fishing pressure.
.. The top priority of this action is to decrease the number of Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake.
.. Additionally the project aims to:
+ Restore Yellowstone cutthroat trout to waters within the northern portion of the park;
+ Develop a westslope cutthroat trout brood source;
+ Continue long-term restoration efforts of westslope cutthroat trout; and
+ Begin to restore Arctic grayling within the Gallatin and Madison drainages.
.. Information Resources:
-- Yellowstone Park Foundation Announcement,
-- Yellowstone Park Information Document (PDF),
-- FONSI Native Fish Conservation Plan (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA;  Chapters 1-5 (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendices A-F (PDF),
-- Native Fish Conservation Plan EA; Appendix G (PDF).

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Of Lake Trout & Grizzly Bears

WORLD HERITAGE REPORT

Highlighting Fish & Bears

the state of the park

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.. We note, (from the BILLINGS GAZETTE,) that there are some things that need attending to in Yellowstone National Park.
.. The park is asking for it's funding partners to come up with an additional $1,000,000 each year for the next 6 years to enhance the Lake Trout Eradication efforts in Yellowstone Lake.
.. The Grizzly population in Yellowstone National Park is so genetically isolated that the park may have to import bears to increase the genetic diversity.
.. Bison management inside of and outside of the park remains a concern. And so it goes.

Counterattack!!

JUDAS FISH REPORT

Underwater Receivers

plus Transmitters on Fish

National Park Service biologist Brian Ertel and Student Conservation Association volunteer Jessica Dugan surgically implant a sonic transmitter into a lake trout in this photo. Increased efforts to capture invasive lake trout in Yellowstone Lake are paying off. This summer the catch rate increased substantially. Photo: National Park Service

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.. The counterattack on Lake Trout in Yellowstone lake continues. Read about it HERE. And HERE.

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Worth The Walk ??

THERE'S STILL BIG CUTTS

You Need Young Legs

camp with the grizzly

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.. The secret is out. There are big Yellowstone Cutthroat to be caught. You can walk to this fishing hole.
.. You can cast from shore. And, you will release them swiftly. We won't tell, but you can read about it HERE.

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