Date:

2009-2012

Abstract:

The Logan River, Utah, supports one of the largest remaining meta-populations of Bonneville cutthroat trout; however, as elsewhere, they are threatened by negative interactions with brown trout. Towards a broader goal of gaining a better understanding of native trout restoration options, we tested the hypothesis of biotic resistance in the Logan River using a large-scale, manipulative field study coupled with controlled laboratory and field experiments. Removal of brown trout conducted in 2009 - 2011 from tributary and mainstem habitat suggest that tributary habitat in the lower extent of the Logan River support high densities of exotic brown trout that demonstrate strong density dependence and likely serve as a source of brown trout to the mainstem Logan River, whereas populations in portions of the mainstem Logan River are likely supported by immigration from small impoundments in the lower river. Experiments testing for evidence of biotic resistance demonstrate that the outcome of competition between Bonneville cutthroat trout and brown trout is strongly influenced by the density of native trout. These results suggest that efforts to conserve high density populations or restore impaired populations are likely to increase resistance by native cutthroat trout to the establishment of invasive brown trout, and that mechanical removal of brown trout may be an effective alternative to eradication if native cutthroat trout can establish high density populations.

Funding:

• Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
• US Geological Survey – CFWRU (in-kind)
• Trout Unlimited, Cache Anglers Chapter
• US Forest Service
• numerous other partners!

Investigators:

• Phaedra Budy, Principle Investigator, USGS – UTCFWRU, USU – Watershed Sciences
• W. Carl Saunders, Post-doctoral Research Scientist, USU – Watershed Sciences
• Gary P. Thiede, Fisheries Biologist, USU – Watershed Sciences
• Reed Chaston, Wes Gordon, Konrad Hafen, Undergraduate Researchers, USU – Watershed Sciences

Publications:

Saunders, W.C., P. Budy, and G.P. Thiede. 2011.
Evaluation of demographic change following two years of mechanical removal of exotic brown trout Salmo trutta in the Logan River, Utah.
2010 Annual Report to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Endangered Species Mitigation Fund, Project # 1111. UTCFWRU 2011(4):1-28.

Budy, P, G.P. Thiede, C. Meredith, and N. Burbank. 2010.
Logan River whirling disease study: factors affecting trout population dynamics, abundance, and distribution in the Logan River, Utah.
2009 Annual Report to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Sport Fish Restoration, Grant number XIII. Project F-47-R. UTCFWRU 2010(2):1-55.