Western Native Trout Initiative

The information about the Western Native Trout Initiative - who we are, what we do, how you can help - has been refreshed and updated. We hope that the information provided here will be helpful to you, and that you will leave your visit here with a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges that confront western native trout and those who seek to improve their status.

The Mission of the Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI as we call it) is to serve as a key catalyst for the implementation of conservation or management actions, through partnerships and cooperative efforts, that result in improved western native trout status, improved aquatic habitats, and improved recreational opportunities for native trout anglers.

The Western Native Trout Initiative, a venture of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and a National Fish Habitat Partnership, is requesting the submittal of project proposals for the 2011 National Fish Habitat Action Plan 2010 funding cycle.

The Initiative, as in past years, requests that native trout conservation and recovery teams, local native trout support groups, and interested parties work with state, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service biologists to review the various species needs, and submit project requests that address habitat or other management needs of the 20 fish species and sub-species served by WNTI.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and WNTI maintain a list of projects that is over 4 years old, and is in constant need of revision as projects are completed or revised, and new projects are added. Also, one of the goals of the Initiative is to serve as a clearing house for matching projects to funding sources beyond just what is provided by the National Fish Habitat Board. The list of WNTI projects can also be helpful in seeking Congressional funding is the future.

The Western Native Trout Initiative works closely with the western states and 5 US Fish and Wildlife Service Regions to prioritize the project requests each year as funding becomes available. Decisions on what projects are moved forward for funding take place in late Fall, in accordance with the guidance provided by the National Fish Habitat Board.

In order to help project proponents put forward the best possible projects, WNTI has a set of criteria by which projects are ranked and selected for funding. Project proponents should address these criteria in their project applications that are sent to the local or Regional Fish and Wildlife Service Western Native Trout Initiative coordinators for inclusion into the FWS FONS project system. Please see the referenced 2011 Project Selection Process. Please send the completed application form to your closest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office and a copy to WNTI, 134 Union Blvd., Suite 665, Lakewood, CO 80228

The 15 native trout species currently addressed by the Western Native Trout Initiative have declined in abundance and distribution in most western states as a result of habitat degradation and competition from introduced non-native fish species.

The Western Native Trout Initiative is a collaborative effort working to stop these declines and improve the status of fish populations. WNTI's cost-effective, on-the-ground projects address habitat and distribution issues and span across federal, state and tribal boundaries.

Now you can help WNTI fund western native trout conservation by donating $20.00 or more to the Foundation for Western Fish and Wildlife and receive a beautiful western native trout T-shirt for your donation. The back of the T-shirt has art work depicting the 15 species of fish WNTI is trying to conserve. The T-Shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton and come in sizes S, M, L. XL, and XXL. Simply download the donation form, and send the form, a check made payable to the Foundation for Western Fish and Wildlife, and your shirt size to:

WNTI
134 Union Blvd.
Suite 665, Lakewood, CO 80228