NOTICE OF INTENT: Assess the Recovery of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling in Restoration Areas

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The Native Fish Conservation Plan (Koel et al. 2010) proposed a framework for conserving native fish in Yellowstone National Park from 2011-2031. An important component of the Native Fish Conservation Plan is to focus on the restoration of westslope cutthroat trout and arctic grayling populations in streams, rivers, and lakes in the Madison and Gallatin river drainages in the park. All fish populations in these watersheds are evaluated in an adaptive management framework (table 6; fig. 6 of the Native Fish Conservation Plan) that specifies conservation actions, defines success in terms of quantitative responses and performance metrics, and identifies alternatives to be considered if conservation actions do not produce a desired result. Desired conditions are for specific waters (project areas) within the Madison and Gallatin river drainages. The cumulative result of multiple projects for westslope cutthroat trout and arctic grayling would be designed to meet the Native Fish Conservation Plan measureable objectives. Objectives defined are to restore westslope cutthroat trout and arctic grayling until they each occupy at least 200 km (124 mi.) of stream habitat in Yellowstone National Park (Koel et al. 2017). The NPS and partners intend to work within a few project areas each year, with the cumulative results of multiple restoration projects meeting these objectives within 20 years.

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