WNTI Strategic Planning Robin Knox – WNTI Coordinator “A National Fish Habitat Partnership”

Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI) Presented by Robin Knox Coordinator

Western Native Trout Initiative

Distribution of Native Inland Trout (Oncorhynchus) and Char (Salvelinus) Of the Western United States Adapted from Behnke 1992 Bull trout Lahontan Cutthroat Paiute Cutthroat Little Kern Golden trout California Golden trout Bonneville Cutthroat Gila trout Apache trout Rio Grande Cutthroat Greenback Cutthroat Colorado River Cutthroat Yellowstone Cutthroat Westslope Cutthroat Coastal Cutthroat Redband trout

Western Native Trout Initiative A program of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) to provide consistency to management of western native trout among state and federal agencies with the goal of improving the status of the species resulting in de-listing and increased public benefits.

Western Native Trout Initiative Governance: WNTI Management Structure - WAFWA Directors - Inland & Marine Fisheries Committee - WNTI Executive Management Team - WNTI Coordinator

The WNTI Steering Committee will not exceed 11 members with the following representation: One chairperson – appointed by Inland and Marine Fisheries Committee Chair Four state agencies - one from each of the four WNTI geographical groupings (WAFWA IMFC members) Three federal agencies – selected from WAFWA member federal agencies (FWS, FS, BLM) One conservation organization representative One tribal nation or organizational representative One Canadian provincial representative Support staff - WNTI coordinator

Western Native Trout Initiative Partnership Development:  12 Western States  5 Federal Agencies – FWS, BLM, FS, NPS, NRCS  Tribal Interests  NFWF, TU, FFF, MWC, YF, Others  Locally, at the watershed level

Western Native Trout Initiative Strategic Planning: Completion Jan ‘08 MSG Phase 1 – Species Status Assessment Report MSG Phase 2 – Strategic Plan Development

Western Native Trout Initiative WNTI Species Assessment Report – Obstacles to Native Trout Conservation : Habitat Concerns - degradation, connectivity, land use impacts, water quality, energy development, climate change Population Concerns – fragmentation, lack of timely data, impact of non-native and invasive species, disease, genetic guidance inconsistencies Regulatory concerns – inconsistency in enforcement of regulations and inconsistent policies Education and Outreach Concerns – public understanding and support, lack of outreach and educational materials Coordinated Planning Concerns – Collaborative strategic actions, coordinated approaches

WNTI’s Strategic Approach Mission The mission of WNTI is to serve as a key catalyst for the implementation of conservation or management actions, through partnerships and cooperative eff orts that result in improved species status, improved aquatic habitats, and improved recreational opportunities for native trout anglers. Vision The vision of the Western Native Trout Initiative is three-fold: To have healthy, fishable western native trout populations. This will result from increased commitment to action on common conservation, management and communication goals through partnerships and joint venture conservation strategies.

To inspire greater public involvement in the conservation of native trout through multiple partners working together, sharing resources, and speaking with a united voice about the conservation and value of western native trout. To increase funding for strategic actions through increased community and financial support from initiative partners and collaborators. Approach The Western Native Trout Initiative is a partnership comprised of agencies, organizations, tribes and others committed to smarter, better, faster and more well-funded conservation efforts for native trout.

Western Native Trout Initiative WNTI Strategic Plan – Principal Objectives  Conserve, enhance and restore native trout habitats  Protect, enhance and restore native trout populations throughout their ranges  Implement collaborative and coordinated approaches at regional, state, and local levels  Develop effective communication and outreach tools to increase public awareness and support for native trout  Increase funding and local partnerships to implement specific native trout projects that improve the status of the fish.  Gain recognition as a National Fish Habitat Partnership to receive increased funding

Western Native Trout Initiative WNTI Success Stories – Projects funded: La Barge Creek Barrier construction – WY – Colorado River cutthroat Bear Wallow Creek barrier construction – AZ, FS, San Carlos Apache Tribe – Apache trout Badger Creek reconnection and habitat improvement – ID, TU, private landowners – Bull Trout WNTI HFHAP funded projects FWS Terminal Lakes funded projects National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funded projects

“It’s time to move the Needle!!” IMPLEMENT!!! Jim Martin, Berkley Conservation Institute

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout