New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Public contact, Information Center: (888) 248-6866
Media contact, Tristanna Bickford: (505) 476-8027
tristanna.bickford@state.nm.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 12, 2018:
Native fish restoration activity planned for Whitewater Creek
Santa Fe – Native Gila trout restoration efforts will continue in Whitewater Creek June 20-21, 2018.
As part of the Whitewater Creek Native Fish Restoration Project, the department will remove non-native trout from Whitewater Creek to allow restoration of Gila trout to its native range. This portion of the project starts at the Gila National Forest boundary below the Catwalk National Recreation Trail parking area and continues upstream approximately two miles to the intersection with Gold Dust Trail (Forest Trail #41).
The department will apply CFT Legumin®, 5 percent rotenone and Prentox® Prenfish Toxicant Powder™ to the stream to remove non-native salmonids. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that rotenone is highly effective for removal of invasive fishes and that the resulting concentrations of ingredients poses little, if any, hazards to public health. Treated water will not leave the project area.
A temporary closure for June 20-21 will be issued by the Gila National Forest Supervisor Adam Mendonca. Signs will be posted at all trailheads that access closed areas. For more information on the Gila National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/gila/. For information on the native Gila trout, visit http://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/fishing/native-new-mexico-fish/gila-trout-recovery-angling/.
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