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Protection First priority of any conservation strategy should be focused on protection of remaining populations. It is essential that genetic and population integrity be preserved and protected. This includes not only protection of individual fish and associated populations, it includes protection of aquatic environ- ments and related watersheds. Protection implies that there is sufficient information available to identify where genetically pure populations exist and an understanding of population health and environmental (ecological) condition. Protection implies elimination of detrimental influences. 1. Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations need to be screened for genetic purity. This is especially true for populations in Idaho and Wyoming where only limited testing has occurred to date. Information collected during genetic validation of Montana cutthroat populations revealed that a substantial number of populations have been contaminated by rainbow trout and other cutthroat subspecies. Information on genetic status will provide a clearer under- standing of the need for protection. 2. Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations in all three states will benefit from protection from non-native fish, primarily introduced salmon ids. Hybridization and replacement have drastical- ly influenced Yellowstone cutthroat trout throughout the historic range. Introductions of rain- bow and hatchery cultured cutthroat trout have contributed to massive hybridization. Introduc- tions of brown trout, brook trout and other fish species have depressed cutthroat populations and have in some instances led to total biotic replacement. Protection of remaining popula- tions of genetically pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout will require States to insure that stocking of non-native salmonids does not occur and that non-native fish access into Yellowstone cutthroat trout habitat is restricted. 3. Protection of Yellowstone cutthroat habitat is essential for preservation of current popula- tions. A significant number of populations exist within headwater areas in small stream set- tings. Habitat condition, to a substantial degree, serves as the controlling influence of individu- al health and populatiqn stability. land-uses which can have negative influences on habitat need to be modified to minimize affects. This is particularly true for habitat on the National Forests and other federal lands. Future preservation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout will likely be dependent upon healthy aquatic ecosystems occurring within Yellowstone National Park, the eight National Forests and to a lesser degree BLM lands. 4. Implementation of harvest regulations is necessary for population protection. States should review current harvest regulations and implement those changes that would serve to protect Yellowstone cutthroat from over harvest. The National Forests, National Park Service and other land management agencies need to evaluate access and user facilities and implement chang- es needed to provide protection. Maintenance and Enhancement It is important to take the necessary actions to improve upon conditions that are considered to be less than ideal so as to insure long-term maintenance of the pure populations. Maintenance and enhancement therefore become the second priority of Yellowstone cutthroat trout conservation. Enhancement of ecological condition, both biotic and abiotic, serves as a primary action. Mainte- nance would include those actions necessary to improve the potential for long-term existence of each pure population. 24