Challenges in Nevada for Recovery of Lahontan and Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

Conservation efforts for both Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) and Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki utah) in Nevada are aimed at restoring the species to their respective historic range.  A principal method to achieve these goals is the chemical eradication of non-native, competing and/or hybridizing salmonids and subsequent reintroduction of cutthroat trout.  Recovery of these two native salmonids has posed numerous challenges both past and present.  Some of these challenges are related to the morphological makeup and unique characteristics of these streams while others are associated with technical and regulatory aspects of these projects.  Procedures for stream eradication projects pertaining to these species in Nevada have evolved over the past 2 ½ decades.  In many cases, previous project failures have had a direct impact in shaping future eradication protocols.  Current eradication strategies and successes, including pre-treatment planning / permitting, barrier construction, piscicide use, and reintroduction / augmentations are a product of cooperation developed and implemented within interagency management groups, private individuals, conservation groups, and non-governmental organizations.