7994

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7994
• Author: Duff, D. A., Tech. Ed.
• Title: Conservation Assessment For Inland Cutthroat Trout, Distribution, Status and Habitat Management Implications.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

1. Maintenance and enhancement may require removal of hybridizing and competitive species
from within Yellowstone cutthroat trout watersheds or adjacent drainages. In situations where
Yellowstone cutthroat populations are likely to be negatively influenced by other fish species.
the States will need to take appropriate action to eliminate potential threats.

2. Some populations may require artificial supplementation to off-set negative influences
associated with limited exchange of genetic material or to provide critical mass necessary for
population increases.

3. A significant number of the sub-basins had habitats that were rated less than good. Habitat
restoration and enhancement actions that would lead to increasing habitat quality ratings
should be implemented, especially for habitats within the National Forests and other federal
lands.

4. It may also be beneficial to extend current distribution by introducing Yellowstone cutthroat
into waters which were not historically occupied but are within the historic range. Included
would be lakes and streams that were historically fish less but that currently support non-native
species. It may also be desirable to introduce Yellowstone cutthroat into environments that are
currently fishless pending a thorough analysis of each water proposed.

5. Maintenance of Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations existing outside of the historic range
may serve to enhance the conservation of this subspecies. If populations existing outside of
the historic range pose little threat to native flora and fauna. preservation of these populations
should be considered as a conservation measure. This would only apply to genetically pure
populations and protective and maintenance considerations would apply.

Restoration of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

The third focus (priority) of Yellowstone cutthroat conservation would be associated with Increasing
the number of pure populations and expanding the distribution within the historic range. Protection
and maintenance of existing populations will likely be insufficient to insure long-term Yellowstone
cutthroat existence in some of the smaller streams. There is a very real need to increase population
numbers and distribution as an effective hedge against localized extinctions. To the extent biological-
ly feasible and socially acceptable, Yellowstone cutthroat trout should be re-established into historic
habitats. Decisions associated with restoration should also include provisions for future protection
and maintenance.

1. Consideration should be focused on genetic restoration of hybridized populations through
repeated introductions of genetically pure individuals. Population specific genetic information
will be needed to evaluate the applicability of this option.

2. States should consider replacement of non-native fish species and re-establishment of
genetically pure Yellowstone cutthroat populations in as many streams and lakes as practical.

FINAL CONCLUSIONS

In addition to protection, maintenance and restoration efforts, there is a need for increased research
and education. The current status of Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a result, in large measure, of a poor

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