Alvord Cutthroat Call for Support

Anders,

Shannon Hurn, ODFW Fisheries Biologist for SE Oregon, has shown some interest in these trout and their future.  A focused sampling project was implemented in July 2010, and select clips were sent via Helen Neville, TU Research Scientist, to Mary Peacock, Associate Professor - genetics - UNR, for analysis.  By October 5th USFWS agreed to fund analysis of ***** Creek samples along with museum specemins from the orignal Hubbs' alvordensis collection at UMMZ via an extant "genetic monitoring program." As of the end of November the funds were not yet "in hand" and UNR had yet to order samples from UMMZ.  I've requested an update, but have not heard back yet.

ODFW has a copy of a letter from Dr. Behnke, stating, among other things: "If all of the proposed actions, especially "genetic testing", were attempted to be carried out with all of the associated planning and funding, I doubt the goal will ever be attained. It's human nature to put off until tomorrow what could and should be done today. Accept that ***** Creek trout are not pure, but retain the heridatary basis to phenotypically duplicate alvordensis. What can more and more genetic analysis tell us except that the present population is most likely the product of more than one parental population?"

It seems TU was hoping that genetic "evidence" would help strengthen the case for these trout. This summer marks the five year anniversary since Dr. Behnke certified that Alvord phenotypes are present in this system, and urged ODFW to translocate these remnants to a suitable stream.

Part of the challenge is that the suitable streams on the west side of the Steens Mountains have had Willow/Whitehorse Cutthroat Trout introduced to them.  In the Pueblos, there are three streams that may be able to support trout, but would require riparian/habitat restoration and flow work; which would be a significant project unto itself (though improving any streams habitat would seem to make sense and have its own built-in value in this rugged remote arid environment).

With much other work essentially mandated for ODFW (based on the ESA, etc.), it seems that a project for these trout would be indefinately "back-burnered," unless positive encouragement and genuine offers of support from native trout enthusiasts helps keep awareness in the forefront and ultimately helps bring a plan to fruition.  

In the meantime, it does seem that a geneitic timeclock is ticking away at this unique opportunity. Our hope is that any remnant of alvordensis, no matter how fragile, may be preserved for future generations to truly enjoy and appreciate.

Some communication highlights and etc. can be found at http://kortumofdiscovery.wordpress.com