From Deseret News archives:
Public comment sought on trout restoration projects
Public comments will be accepted until July 23.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in cooperation with the Fishlake National Forest, Dixie National Forest and Bureau of Land Management, is proposing to establish populations of native Bonneville cutthroat trout or Colorado River cutthroat trout in 10 streams in south central and southwestern Utah.
Non-native trout in project streams would be removed.
Fish migration barriers would be constructed where necessary to prevent the reinvasion of non-native trout.
Native trout from core populations or fish produced from the DWR's native trout brood stocks would be introduced to establish self-sustaining populations. In addition, non-native fish would be removed from one marsh area, where they impact waterfowl use and production.
Liquid emulsifiable and powder rotenone would be used to treat target waters.
The DEA, prepared by the DWR, along with its partners, analyzes the proposed action, which is intended to expand the range and number of populations of native trout within their historic range.
It also follows recommendations from the wildlife agency and UDWR to reduce threats to native trout and provide for the long-term conservation of the species. The proposed action at the marsh area will improve water quality and forage conditions for waterfowl.
Improved use by waterfowl will increase hunting, wildlife watching and other recreational opportunities.
Actions will be implemented between 2007-11. Specific elements of the project will be implemented in coordination with related land management projects in the associated drainages.
This DEA documents the analysis of the proposed action as well as the "no action" alternative that would result in no increase in native trout populations or habitat, and thus no progress would be made toward meeting the primary objective of the project.
The lack of continued progress in restoring and securing these native fish would make them more vulnerable and may increase the likelihood of being listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Public comment on the proposal and draft environmental assessment will help the wildlife agency decide whether to approve the proposed project.
The FWS also must determine the proposed project's eligibility under the Sport Fish Restoration Act grant program, assess its character and design and ensure compliance with federal rules and regulations.
Copies of the draft environmental assessment, which include details of the DWR's proposed action, alternative actions and decisions to be made by the FWS, are available online at mountain-prairie.fws.gov/federalassistance.
Those without Internet access may request copies by calling the FWS's Division of Federal Assistance, 303-236-5420.
Send comments to Chief, Division of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO 80225.
