DWR to treat water in High Uintas to restore native cutthroat trout population

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be conducting follow-up treatments to help restore the native Colorado River cutthroat trout in two drainages in the High Uintas later this year.

“Over the past decade, DWR biologists have treated different waterbodies on the north and south slopes of the Uintas with rotenone to help with native cutthroat trout conservation,” the DWR said in a press release.

The DWR said rotenone is a substance that comes from the roots of a tropical plant in the bean family, and while it is a respiratory toxin to fish, the “extremely low quantities” used to treat bodies of water are not harmful to people, pets, or other wildlife.

“The treatments consist of using rotenone to remove non-native fish from the areas where native cutthroat trout will be restored,” the DWR said.

The DWR said two to three treatments are standard protocol for the restoration of the cutthroat trout, and the treatment areas will be restocked at various times upon the completion of the rotenone treatments.

While the treatments are being administered, the public has been advised to stay out of the affected areas as the U.S. Forest Service will be closing those areas.

Where the treatments will be administered

The DWR will be conducting treatments in two different areas in the High Uintas to help the cutthroat trout population:

• Oweep Creek drainage, south slope
  • Affected from July 28 through July 31
  • Expected to reopen to the public on Aug. 2
• South Fork Sheep Creek, north slope
  • Affected on Aug. 28
  • Expected to reopen to the public on Sept. 2

“The treatments will remove the brook trout, non-native cutthroat trout and rainbow trout currently found in the streams,” the DWR said. “Biologists predict that brook trout populations could completely replace cutthroat trout in these areas in less than 20 years without intervention.”

The DWR said no emergency fishing changes for any lakes or drainages will be administered because the planned treatments are follow-ups.

“The temporary closure of the treatment area only affects treated waters and prohibits the public from entering the water and obtaining drinking water from sources in the treatment area,” DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby said. “All hiking trails and other access will remain open to public use.”

Kieffer-Selby said the treatment areas will be clearly marked with signs and will reopen when rotenone levels are not detectable.

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