Brook trout habitat is in danger of dwindling
An implementation of the Brook Trout Reserves program has been launched from the DNR, a new initiative to protect Wisconsin’s native brook trout populations from changing environmental conditions.
Cold water streams provide the ideal habitat for native brook trout. Wisconsin has an estimated 22,000 miles of cold water stream habitat, suitable for brook trout to call home. However, with warming stream temperatures, it’s projected that in 30 years, two out of every three miles of this habitat will become too warm to support brook trout.
To help combat this problem, DNR fisheries biologists have used survey and environmental data, to identify cold water streams in 205 subwatersheds that are the most likely to persist in the face of climate change.
Each subwatershed within the Brook Trout Reserves contains self-sustaining brook trout populations; aboveaverage brook trout abundance, exceeding that of non-native trout and salmon; limited or no brown trout stocking; and no more than two stream miles of brook trout habitat are projected to remain by 2050.
There are many ways to get involved in this program, whether a landowner, angler or outdoor enthusiast. Members of the public can help protect brook trout populations by doing the following:
• Enrolling property in the DNR’s Streambank Easement Program.
• Volunteering to help resource managers with forest and fish habitat management projects.
• Planting trees along stream corridors, to restore shade and keep streams cold.
• Implementing healthy land use practices in these watersheds.
• Identifying and fixing steam crossing impairments associated with roads.
• Joining local conservation or watershed groups. To become involved in brook trout habitat projects in the area, contact a local fisheries biologist.
