Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is proposing a westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) conservation effort in Leverich Creek, a tributary to Bozeman Creek near Bozeman, Montana. The native WCT population in Leverich Creek is currently threatened by competition from introduced non-native brook trout. FWP is proposing to remove brook trout from about 1.4 miles of stream using electrofishing and trapping. The use of fish toxicants is not being proposed. A fish migration barrier would also be installed to prevent reinvasion by brook trout once they are removed. WCT only occupy 7 streams and < 5% of their historic habitat in the Gallatin River drainage. Comments on the Environmental Assessment will be accepted until 5:00 pm, September 15, 2008 and can be given at the FWP web page: fwp.mt.gov, or in writing to: Lee Nelson, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 415 South Front Street, Townsend, MT 59644 or E-mail: leenelson@mt.gov. Thank you for you interest.
