For more information contact
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Arizona Fishery Resources Office - Pinetop
1684 E. White Mountain Boulevard
P.O. Box 39
Pinetop, AZ 85935

Project Description:	Fish passage is important to the continued existence of many species by preserving access to habitats necessary for all life stages. Fish passage is also necessary for genetic mixing of populations. Apache trout populations declined due to loss and degradation of habitat, competition with non-native species, and historical over-fishing. Fish passage has been inhibited because of a variety of problems, including poorly designed road crossings that preclude upstream movement of fish. This has created fragmented populations, as well as loss and often degradation of habitat.
Project Outcome:	This project removed impediments to fish passage in two important native fish streams by removing or reworking culverts. Two culverts and the associated portion of road were removed. Two additional crossings were reworked. In addition, associated riparian areas were restored by re-seeding all affected vegetated areas.
Benefits:	This project opened an additional 12 miles of stream habitat to Apache trout. Apache trout are listed as Threatened and could be recovered and proposed for de-listing by December 2003 if recovery criteria are met.