Title
Resolution of Acceptance for the Bear Creek Greenback Cutthroat Trout Habitat Restoration Grant
Presenter:
Tilah Larson, Grants Analyst - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Karen Palus, Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department are seeking a resolution of acceptance for a Great Outdoors Colorado Habitat Restoration grant award. The Department has been granted $52,725.00 to assist with habitat restoration needs of the Bear Creek Greenback Cutthroat Trout.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
GOCO Habitat Restoration Grant:
GOCO funding for habitat restoration improves and restores Colorado's rivers, streams, wetlands, and critical habitat. The program offers $500,000 in available funding each grant cycle.
Bear Creek Greenback Cutthroat Trout:
A 2012 study found that the greenback cutthroat trout population in Bear Creek is the sole remaining naturally-reproducing and genetically pure population of the fish, an exciting discovery that resulted in further research to ensure continued viability of Colorado's state fish. The Department of the Interior listed the greenbacks as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, a status that has remained since 1978. According to the 2016 US Fish and Wildlife Biological Survey, about 2,240 greenbacks occupy 3.4 miles of Bear Creek, with about 750 adult genetically pure fish.
This project aims to protect and enhance aquatic habitat, reduce harmful sediment, provide critical bank stabilization, and increase species resiliency to ensure the survivability of the threatened greenbacks. Beginning in the late 1800's loss of habitat caused by agriculture, mining, ranching and the introduction of non-native trout species began to take a toll on the greenbacks. By the early 1900's greenbacks had all but disappeared from Colorado's waters. The unanticipated discovery of the genetically pure population of greenbacks in...
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