Status of Gila Trout in Arizona and New Mexico, Impacts and Opportunities Following Wildfire

Gila Trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) have been significantly impacted by wildfire in both Arizona and New Mexico over the last 5 years. In 2011 and 2012, the largest recorded wildfires in Arizona (Wallow; 535,000 acres) and New Mexico (Whitewater-Baldy; 298,000 acres) occurred. In 2011, the Wallow Fire eliminated 1 population of Gila Trout, and impacted 8 streams identified for Gila Trout Recovery. Debris flows following the fire eliminated non-native trout from 3 streams providing an opportunity to restock with Gila Trout as soon as stream habitat conditions improve. In 2012, the Whitewater Baldy Fire eliminated 9 of 17 recovery populations, including 3 remnant populations. In 2013, the Silver Fire eliminated 2 additional populations. Several streams in New Mexico have been repatriated following these fires, however, habitat conditions in several watersheds will continue to be impacted by flooding. During the fires in New Mexico evacuation efforts were conducted to salvage remnant populations. Gila Trout were transported to Mora NFH, where they will be cultured to provide fish for future recovery efforts. Assessments of fire impacted streams in both Arizona and New Mexico are ongoing, the results of which will provide a framework for Gila Trout recovery over the next decade.