"What we tried to do with this program was to highlight the different problems that have converged to bring native bull trout to their current status, and then demonstrate the range of different strategies Trout Unlimited and others are utilizing to bring the bull trout back," said David Scott, executive director of Idaho Trout Unlimited. Bull trout are currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The 14-minute video focuses on cooperating with private landowners to protect critical bull trout habitat, combating sedimentation which clogs spawning grounds, improving fish passage at road crossings, promoting angler education on fish identification and safe handling, and other ways to protect and restore native bull trout and their habitat.
The program also highlights a recent agreement brokered between Idaho TU and a number of other conservation partners and agencies with Avista Corp. that led to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar commitment to improving bull trout passage and habitat in the basin. Avista owns two large hydroelectric dams on the Lower Clark Fork.
"Bringing Back the Bulls" emphasizes the critical importance of native species to an entire ecosystem. Bull trout - one of the earliest inhabitants of the Lower Clark Fork - Pend Oreille basin following the Missoula Floods some 10,000 years ago - are viewed by biologists as a key indicator of overall ecosystem health, requiring the coldest and cleanest water of all fish in the basin. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem; their absence from historical habitat usually means something has gone awry.
For a copy of "Bringing Back the Bulls," in Idaho call Bob Dunnagan of Idaho TU at 208-263-4433 or
email: president@idahotu.org
Outside Idaho, call Alan Moore at 503-827-5700 x. 10 or amoore@tu.org.