F25AC01687

The protection of California golden trout (CAGT) is a high priority for anglers and natural resource managers.

Currently, the iconic subspecies is subject to familiar yet dire threats.

Significant numbers of brown trout and likely hybrid rainbow x golden trout were detected in the South Fork Kern River (SFKR) between Ramshaw and Templeton barriers.

Decades of conservation work were conducted in this same reach of river from the 1960s to 2000s to protect these unique fish.

To illustrate the importance of this reach of river, one only has to refer to the 2004 Conservation Agreement (hereafter the Agreement) that played a crucial role in preventing CAGT from being listed under the Endangered Species Act.

In reference to the reach of the SFKR between Ramshaw and Templeton, the Agreement states this 83-mile reach is the heart of the native California golden trout range, and its protection is crucial to effective conservation and long-term security of the subspecies.

Currently, this reach is unprotected from the harmful impacts of nonnative species, including competition for resources, predation, and hybridization with nonnative rainbow trout.

The putative explanation for how the invasion occurred is the connection between the headwaters of Strawberry Creek and an unnamed tributary to the SFKR (hereafter the Strawberry Creek connection).

The Strawberry Creek flows into the SFKR approximately 4 km downstream of Templeton Barrier; however, the unnamed tributary enters the SFKR between Ramshaw and Templeton.

Hence, the presumed connection between the two creeks under high flows provides known populations of nonnative trout residing just downstream of the barrier unmitigated access to the heart of the CAGT's range.

It is also possible that Templeton Barrier was not completely effective under these flow conditions or that its structural integrity has been compromised.

We are proposing to conduct an assessment to:

1. Determine how the invasion occurred,
2. Enumerate the abundance distribution of nonnative trout present, and
3. Revive an outreach campaign to inform the public of the threats that CAGT currently face.

Ultimately, this work will lead to the development of a suite of options for addressing the situation and the restoration of the SFKR as premier habitat for CAGT.

Given the remoteness of the wilderness area and the amount of personnel and equipment required to conduct the work, we are requesting funds from WNTI to support field operations.

Specifically, we are requesting funds to contract pack stock and procure camping supplies for crews while we assess the severity of the situation.

This current invasion has the potential to undo decades of work, including barrier construction in a wilderness area and extensive chemical treatment to protect these iconic trout.

CAGT are highly valued among trout species for their unique coloration and stunning native habitat.

Immediate action is required to safeguard this WNTI focal species once more.

Unlimited Trout

TO COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESS THE CAUSES OF FISH HABITAT DECLINE BY WORKING TOGETHER WITH PARTNERS TO MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF LIMITED FUNDING FOR FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION.

15.686 - National Fish Habitat Partnership

FWS Headquarters (HQ) [DOI - FWS]

Fish and Wildlife Service Region 8: Pacific Southwest [DOI - FWS]

Kern, California United States

County-Wide

F-FWS-FAC-25-040