RESTORING AND CONSERVING NATIVE FISH HABITAT
This initiative focuses on studying the life histories of native fish in the Snake River, alpine lakes, and associated waterways in Grand Teton and applying that knowledge to targeted habitat restoration projects throughout the park. The park’s only native trout—Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout—is subjected to many stressors, including culverts and other impediments to fish passage, competition with several nonnative species of trout, and warming stream temperatures. In 2022, GTNPF funds will be used to continue examinations of how fish use Ditch Creek since a 2017 GTNPF-funded project restored fish passage in the creek.
Prior to this project, fish passage to historic cutthroat trout spawning areas had been blocked by culverts and other obstructions for fifty-seven years. Funding in 2022 will also enable park fisheries staff to conduct a census of spawning cutthroat using a video weir. This will expand understanding of the dynamics, threats, and challenges the park's native aquatic fauna face. In addition to GTNPF support, the park will continue to leverage outside funding to work on cooperative projects with Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Trout Unlimited, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Posts About This Initiative
Adventure Journal: Fly Fishing in Grand Teton
VIDEO: Restoring Fish Passage in Ditch Creek
