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Abstract
The Upper Clark Fork (UCF) river basin is the subject of both a massive Superfund clean-up of metals contamination in the mainstem, and an ambitious Aquatic Restoration Plan in its tributaries. Montana agencies (FWP and NRDP) have long-term goals to restore a fishery which has a salmonid density similar to reference streams, high species diversity, characteristics of healthy reproduction/recruitment, and includes species which are less tolerant to metals contamination. Brown trout make up 99% of the trout fishery in the uppermost reach of UCF (Reach A). But FWP has set the goal to re-establish native trout as 10 percent of the sport fishery in Reach A, as well. This will require dramatic improvements in both recruitment and survival of native trout, particularly fluvial westslope cutthroat trout, or re-establishment of fluvial populations where only headwater resident fish remain. Although westslope cutthroat trout are still widespread in tributary headwaters, the opportunities for restoring fluvial cutthroat life histories in this environment are scarce, complex and expensive. Brief case histories of early restoration efforts in three native fish tributaries (ONeill, Cottonwood, Dry Cottonwood), and their potential to enhance the westslope cutthroat population in Reach A, are examined.
Start Date
2-3-2021 11:10 AM
End Date
2-3-2021 11:25 AM
Document Type
Video
McDowell presentation: video transcript
Long Shot: the potential to restore fluvial native trout in a fragmented, contaminated basin
The Upper Clark Fork (UCF) river basin is the subject of both a massive Superfund clean-up of metals contamination in the mainstem, and an ambitious Aquatic Restoration Plan in its tributaries. Montana agencies (FWP and NRDP) have long-term goals to restore a fishery which has a salmonid density similar to reference streams, high species diversity, characteristics of healthy reproduction/recruitment, and includes species which are less tolerant to metals contamination. Brown trout make up 99% of the trout fishery in the uppermost reach of UCF (Reach A). But FWP has set the goal to re-establish native trout as 10 percent of the sport fishery in Reach A, as well. This will require dramatic improvements in both recruitment and survival of native trout, particularly fluvial westslope cutthroat trout, or re-establishment of fluvial populations where only headwater resident fish remain. Although westslope cutthroat trout are still widespread in tributary headwaters, the opportunities for restoring fluvial cutthroat life histories in this environment are scarce, complex and expensive. Brief case histories of early restoration efforts in three native fish tributaries (ONeill, Cottonwood, Dry Cottonwood), and their potential to enhance the westslope cutthroat population in Reach A, are examined.