Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes; they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the Federal government and the Service have distinct and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.

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Putting the trout back into Trout Creek

Place names are the biography of the land. Trout Creek on the Oneida Indian Reservation near Green Bay, WI once harbored native brook trout. But poor land use practices caused sediment to fill the creek. The brook trout population waned. The name of the creek was for a time a quaint anecdote of history – but not anymore. After a decade of watershed improvements by Oneida Indians, Creektrout habitat has been re-established, and it’s time to bring the fish back.

Toward that end, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gathered some 5,000 fertilized brook trout eggs last fall from fish in nearby Ash Creek. The eggs incubated at Genoa National Fish Hatchery. The young will be about two inches long when they go into their namesake waters, probably in June. Genoa’s manager, Doug Aloisi said he expects 3,500 fish to be stocked. The endeavor will be repeated for at least two more autumns, with the intent of introducing multiple age-classes of fish. That will further ensure a successful reintroduction, returning a native trout to Native American lands. (Craig Springer).

Disclaimer: Resource accomplishments provided by the tribe are for informational purposes only. It does not imply endorsement of any kind by the U.S. Government.