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Paiute cutthroat trout are the rarest of native California trout.  The current range of this rare endemic fish is but a scant nine miles of creeks in Alpine County.

Like many of the other eleven remaining native California trout, Paiute are in trouble.  In CalTrout's recent report, SOS: California's Native Fish Crisis, Paiute were given a score of "2".  This means they're vulnerable to extinction within the next 100 years in their native range without substantial intervention.

Fortunately, the California Department of Fish and Game and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are considering proposals to restore the Paiute Cutthroat trout to the remaining eleven miles of its historic range.

The agencies are considering three alternatives: the status quo of fishery management; the removal of invasive species with rotenone, a naturally-derived piscicide; and the physical removal of invasive species through electro fishing, gill netting and seining.

Because the first alternative would limit the genetic integrity and habitat connectivity/availability for the Paiute and would likely result in the eventual extirpation of the species, CalTrout cannot recommend it.

Because most data show that physical removal methods are labor intensive, costly, and ineffective, CalTrout cannot recommend the third alternative.

CalTrout therefore feels strongly that rotenone treatment (Alternative 2) gives the Paiute the best chance at full recovery. 

Rotenone occurs naturally in the roots and stems of several plants.  Research shows that its environmental impacts are minimal and it is harmless to humans when applied properly.

This option would most thoroughly remove the introduced species that threaten the long-term survival of Paiute.

Please forward the letter below to let DFG know you support Alternative 2.