What's New with Western Native Trout? Part 1

With few exceptions, native trout populations have declined across the west, primarily due to habitat alterations and the introduction of nonnative fish.  More recently, wildfire, drought, and challenges with genetic purity have impacted multiple native trout species.  Within the western US, there are 21 species of native trout that are recognized by the Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI), a Fish Habitat Partnership within the National Fish Habitat Partnership and an organization within the Western of Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  The mission of WNTI is to serve as a key catalyst for the implementation of conservation and management actions that benefit western native trout, through partnerships and cooperative efforts that result in improved species status, improved aquatic habitats, and improved recreational opportunities for anglers.  Countless additional native trout conservation projects and programs implemented across the west support a similar mission, which is ultimately to protect, enhance, or restore western native trout populations on the landscape.  The native trout species recognized by WNTI include: Alaska Kokanee, Alaskan Lake Trout, Alaskan Fluvial Rainbow Trout, Apache Trout, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Bull Trout, California Golden Trout, Coastal Cutthroat Trout, Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden, Gila Trout, Greenback Cutthroat Trout, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Little Kern Golden Trout, Paiute Cutthroat Trout, Redband Trout, Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.