FWP proposes project to benefit westslope cutthroat trout on Big Camas Creek near White Sulphur Springs

GREAT FALLS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review regarding a proposal to mechanically remove nonnative Yellowstone cutthroat trout from Big Camas Creek near White Sulphur Springs, MT by trap net and backpack electrofishing.

Presently, Yellowstone cutthroat trout are found at low densities within the project area. The proposed project seeks to mechanically remove Yellowstone cutthroat trout from Big Camas Creek above Camas Lake for an approximate two-week period during the spawning season, which typically occurs in early summer. Removal of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Big Camas Creek would protect the native westslope cutthroat trout population from competition and minimize the extent of future hybridization.

Copies of the draft EA are available at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office in Great Falls and also on the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2022/feb/0214environmental-assessment-for-the-conservation-of-native-westslope-cutthroat-trout-in-camas-lake-and-big-camas-creek-by-mechanical-removal-of-nonnative-yellowstone-cutthroat-trout

A public review and comment period will be available February 14 – March 16, 2022. Written comment should be delivered to the following address:

Email: fwpr4publiccom@mt.gov

 

or

 

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

R-4 Fisheries

Big Camas Creek Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation

4600 Giant Springs Rd

Great Falls, MT 59405