Project Overview

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is located in eastern Idaho, western Wyoming, and northern Utah. The majority of the forest lies within the Greater Yellowstone Area and is comprised of over 12 million acres that is the largest remaining block of relatively undisturbed plant and animal habitat in the contiguous United States. In this area, which the United Nations identified as a Biosphere Reserve, there were forest distribution surveys conducted for four years. 2003 was the last year of data collection and through these studies they noted that the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations in the Henrys Fork and Teton Rivers are decreasing. This survey data is now in the process of being implemented to restore, better manage and protect streams in hopes of increasing and enhancing the habitat for these native fish.

The Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation – National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Conservation Partnership Program is providing funding for this program to improve Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations in the Henrys Fork Sub basin by increasing knowledge through surveys, restoring connectivity between populations though a fish passage project and increasing pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations by replacing a non native fish population with native fish. The USDA Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game designated Yellowstone cutthroat trout as being sensitive and a species of concern, therefore, it is imperative that we assist and focus attention to this species to ensure its livelihood and survival.