Partnerships are Saving the Native Cutthroat Trout

Because the native cutthroat trout populations are declining drastically throughout the west, the Targhee National Forest in Southeast Idaho set up challenge cost share agreements with partners like the Henry's Fork Foundation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho State University, Henry's Fork Watershed Council and the National Forest Foundation. Savings from the two year partnership is $50,000. A 12-member (10 agencies/organizations represented) group assists with planning, funding and implementing the ambitious recovery program that covers two million acres of federal and adjacent private lands, mainly along the Henry's Fork of the Snake River. So far the partners completed research about the historical relationship between cutthroat and the non-native trouts; conducted 300 miles of stream habitat and population surveys; identified 10 potential habitat improvements; increased public awareness in the media and in public presentations; developed a free informational brochure, interpretive signing and posters; and restored 1 mile of cutthroat trout stream. Continued success of the partners will mean that the native trout may never appear on an endangered species list.

(Dan Delany:R04F15A; Targhee National Forest, P.O. Box 208, St. Anthony, ID 83445; 208-624-3151.)