A recent poisoning disaster on Cherry Creek near Bozeman apparently hasn’t slowed Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ commitment to poison additional pristine waterways in the name of “native fish restoration.” The agency announced that this summer it will target seven mountain lakes and 18.5 miles of stream on the upper Boulder River in an attempt to restore native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout.

Unfortunately, the $40,000 project will eliminate more than targeted Rainbow trout and Rainbow hybrids. Non-target native fish, amphibians and insects will be wiped out during these poisonings as well. Research has shown that some species never return.  Public comment is being taken until June 20, 2011.

Read the full article: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_fa50d3e3-4f7b-566a-962d-b30995338376.html?mode=story

Read the draft EA: http://fwpiis.mt.gov/content/getItem.aspx?id=50506

Tags: aquatic, boulder, cherry creek, disaster, ecosystem, fish, lake, montana, mt, native, native fish restoration, poison, poisoning, restoration, river, rotenone, stream, Yellowstone