7858

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7858
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Draft Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan.
• USFW Year: 1995.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

88ECOTIVB 8U!®lARY
Current Species Status: The greenback cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchua clarki
' atomise) is the only trout endemic to both the headwaters of the South Platte
and Arkansas River drainages. Although once abundant, their numbers declined
in the late 1800's due to over-harvest and the introduction of exotic trout
species. The greenback was extirpated from most of its native range by the
early 1900'x, and Greene (1937) considered the subspecies extinct. In 1973,
two small populations were confirmed that represented approximately 2,000
greenbacks in 4.6 la:- of stream. The subspecies was listed as "endangered" in
1973, and downlieted to "threatened" in 1978. As a result of recovery
efforts, captive broodatocks were established, non-native fish were removed
from suitable habitat, greenbacks were reintroduced, stable populations were
developed and catch-and-release fisheries were initiated.
' Greenback cutthroat trout are present in 51 sites that total 100 hectares (247
acres) of lakes and ponds and 146 kilometers (90 miles) of stream habitat.
Twenty nine sites are open to catch-and-release fishing and 19 populations are
considered to be stable. Seventeen stable populations are located in the
South Platte drainage, and two stable populations are located within the
' Arkansas drainage. These numbers may change as new projects are accomplished.
Habitat Requireaents sad Limiting Factors: This species inhabits cold water
streams and cold water lakes with adequate stream spawning habitat present in
the spring of the year. Limiting factors include other spring spawning trout
species that hybridize with greenbacks, and fall spawning species that compete
with greenbacks for food and space, combined with over-harvest of greenbacks.
' Recovery Objective: Delisting.
Recovery Criteria: The goal of this Plan is to restore the greenback
cutthroat trout to non-threatened statue within its native range. Delisting
of this subspecies is considered to be possible by the year 2000. This may be
accomplished through maintaining at least 20 stable greenback populations
occupying at least 50 hectares (123 acres) of lakes and ponds and 50
kilometers (31 miles) of stream. At least five of the stable populations
' should occur in the Arkansas-drainage.
Actions Needed:
1. Maintain existing populations of greenbacks.
2. Establish or document, 20 stable populations of greenbacks.
3. Establish captive and wild greenback broodatocks within Colorado.
4. Conduct research on greenback angling programs and stocking programs.
5. Conduct greenback information and education programs.
' 6. Promote partnerships, and expand efforts to obtain non-agency funding.
7. Prepare a long-term greenback management plan and cooperative agreement.
Date of Recovery: 2000.
' Cost of Recovery: $634,000.
iii