State considers restoration of westslope cutthroat trout in Rainbow Lake
Westslope cutthroat trout and a bull trout swim in the Flathead River system. (Courtesy of Jonny Armstrong, USGS)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on the removal of non-native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and re-establishing native westslope cutthroat trout in Rainbow Lake in the Wigwam River drainage.
The proposed project is in Lincoln County, about 11 miles northeast of Eureka.
As outlined in a draft environmental assessment, one of the objectives of the proposed action is to eliminate a source of Yellowstone cutthroat trout that contributes to the hybridization of westslope cutthroat trout in the Wigwam River drainage.
The removal would involve using the piscicide rotenone. Rotenone is a naturally derived substance commonly used in fish restoration efforts that is toxic to gill-breathing animals and breaks down quickly in the aquatic environment.
Another goal is to re-establish a westslope cutthroat trout recreational fishery in Rainbow Lake by restocking the lake after removal of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Westslope cutthroat trout have experienced marked reductions in numbers and distribution throughout the species’ historic range including the upper Kootenai Basin.
Securing a population of non-hybridized westslope cutthroat trout within the upper Kootenai drainage upstream of Libby Dam would secure an invaluable component of this special area’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Moreover, conservation of native fish brings a range of benefits to local communities and is required under state and federal law.
The proposed action would have short-term, minor effects on wildlife, recreation, and vegetation. Proposed activities would be limited to Rainbow Lake and about one mile of outlet tributary directly downstream of the lake.
The project would require closing public access to the lake via U.S. Forest Service road 7091 and trail 89. These access closures would last about one day. Public access to Rainbow Lake would be closed during the period of rotenone and the deactivating agent persistence.
FWP expects the project to take 4-7 days. FWP would coordinate all closures with the USFS Rexford Ranger District at least one week prior to the project implementation to ensure adequate public notification of the anticipated access delays and closures.
FWP welcomes and encourages public involvement and comment on the proposed actions described in the draft environmental assessment, which is available online at https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices or at any FWP office.
The public comment period will extend from Aug. 11 to Sept. 8.
Interested parties should send comments and questions to:
Mail:
Jim Dunnigan
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: 406-293-4161, ext. 200
Email: jdunnigan@mt.gov