Bull Trout Photo credit: W. Meyer
Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1998. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the agency responsible for recovery planning and consultation on actions that may affect the species.
In 2002 USFWS released a Draft Bull Trout Recovery Plan. Finalization of the plan was deferred while a 5 Year Status Review was completed in 2008. The USFWS is now returning to recovery planning with an expected completion date of 2013.
Meanwhile, local bull trout biologists in the Yakima Basin have completed the Bull Trout Action Plan. This document is an up to date, locally vetted summary of information about Yakima Basin bull trout populations. It includes information about population status, habitat, and a detailed analysis of threats by life stage and corresponding monitoring and restoration actions. This document serves as an accessible repository for information on bull trout populations, and is linked to a document library of local bull trout documents (grey literature) as well as published documents. It will be used to supplement and inform the USFWS Recovery Plan.
Just released: Yakima Basin Bull Trout Action Plan! Thanks to all who gave comments and feedback.