FWP plan would restore cutthroat to Martin Creek near Olney

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for public input on a new proposal that would restore westslope cutthroat trout in Martin Creek near Olney.

The creek, located above Lower Stillwater Lake, currently contains an isolated population of hybridized cutthroat trout that were originally stocked in the 1930s. A large waterfall upstream of the confluence with the Stillwater River blocks upstream fish passage.

As part of the proposal, FWP is looking to remove the current fish using a plant-derived fish toxicant called rotenone, then restock with area with native, nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout.

Westslope cutthroat trout are recognized as a species of concern in Montana, and are currently confined to small stretches of headwater streams.

Rotenone is used in fishery management and allows the eradication of unwanted species without damaging the surrounding habitat. It was previously used to remove illegally-introduced northern pike from the Martin Lakes in 2005.

Westslope cutthroats have significantly declined in abundance due to interactions with nonnative species, FWP said, like nonnative rainbow and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, which can lead to further hybridization.

FWP has conducted preliminary habitat and biological surveys to assess the project’s feasibility, concluding that based on experience from previous projects, the proposal has a high chance of successfully restoring the westslope cutthroat population.

The proposal involves efforts from FWP and the Flathead National Forest Tally Lake Ranger District.

Alternatives to the proposed action involve no action, mechanical removal using backpack electrofishers and angling.

The draft environmental assessment is online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices. The public comment deadline is July 19.

Submit comments to: Sam Bourret, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, or call (406) 751-4556, or email sbourret@mt.gov. Comments can also be submitted online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/publicScoping.