Fish restoration project proposed in Blackfoot River watershed
The Lolo National Forest is seeking public comment on a fish restoration project located in the Scapegoat Wilderness on Seeley Lake and Lincoln Ranger Districts.
The North Fork Blackfoot River Native Fish Restoration Project would authorize Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to implement fish management and stocking actions within the wilderness — measures that would “establish a secure population of native trout, replacing an existing hybrid population,” a news release states.
The westslope cutthroat trout is native to the Blackfoot River watershed. Concerns surrounding the species have grown over the years as populations have decreased in abundance and distribution across their historical range. Threats to trout include hybridization with rainbow trout, barriers to movement, habitat degradation and climate change.
Recognizing the pressures the species faces, the Forest Service and FWP have a vested interest in conserving the fish “where feasible and consistent with other management interests.”
The project proposes the application of rotenone, a naturally derived piscicide used to kill fish, in order to eradicate non-native fish species, the use of motorized equipment such as a boat motor, generator, and helicopter to transport equipment, supplies, and fish for stocking, the temporary development of structures or installations, and the use of various chemicals.
According to a decision notice filed by FWP, liquid rotenone would be applied to fish-bearing waters in the watershed. The rotenone would be “deactivated” downstream of the confluence of the North Fork Blackfoot River and East Fork Blackfoot River using potassium permanganate, which is a strong oxidizer that neutralizes the piscicide. Three connected lakes, Parker, Meadow and West Twin, also would be treated with rotenone.
Following the treatments, non-hybridized westslope cutthroat trout from FWP brood would be stocked in the North Fork Blackfoot Watershed. The agency’s brood stock, the notice states, has “proven successful at populating watersheds and has outperformed westslope cutthroat trout from wild stock,” which is likely due to its greater genetic diversity.
Stocking would occur for a minimum of three years within a five-year span. The project would begin in August. Waters would be closed during the period of application, which could last up to four weeks.
The Forest Service assessed the suitability of the proposed activities in the Scapegoat Wilderness through a process called a “minimum requirements analysis.” This is used to identify, analyze, and recommend management actions that are the minimum necessary for wilderness administration, as directed by the Wilderness Act of 1964.
The agency has completed a Montana Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for the project, which is available for review at https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2020/nov/north-fork-wct-11092020
Project comments will be accepted through Feb. 10 by email at comments-northern-lolo-seeley-lake@fs.fed.us; for verbal comments call 406-677-2233.