Watershed Scale Native Fish Restoration in the Rio Costilla, New Mexico; Progress and Lessons Learned

New Mexico’s state fish, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, has declined over the last 150 years and currently occupies 11% of its historic range. To address this decline, an ambitious restoration project in the Rio Costilla basin of Northern New Mexico began in 2002 to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout and other native fishes to 120 stream miles, 16 small lakes, and Costilla Reservoir. This project is one of the largest native trout projects in the country requiring cooperation among state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and federal and private landowners. Project challenges include environmental compliance for piscicides, temporary barrier function, broodstock genetic status, and agreeable project implementation timelines. To date, cooperators have restored 70 stream miles and all 16 lakes with Costilla Reservoir planned for fall 2015. When complete, this project will increase the current range of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout by approximately 20%.