12/14/1999 698

PETITION FILED TO LIST COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT AS ENDANGERED IN AZ, NM, UT, CO, AND WY

On 10-9-99, The Center for Biological Diversity led a coalition including the Biodiversity Associates, Biodiversity Legal Foundation, Southwest Trout, Ancient Forest Rescue, Wild Utah Forest Campaign, Center for Native Ecosystems and Colorado Wild in filing a formal petition to list the Colorado River cutthroat trout as an endangered species. Formally widespread in all cold water streams of the Colorado River in parts of Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and extreme northern Arizona and New Mexico, the trout has been eliminated from 95% of its range and is no longer found in the latter two states. This severe range reduction was caused by introduction of exotic game trout, and habitat loss caused by overgrazing, dams, logging, water diversions, mining, and road building.

Remaining populations of native trout are closely associated with roadless, wilderness, and undeveloped areas. They are one the West's best indicators of healthy watersheds. To ensure the protection of the West's dwindling wildlands, the Center has filed petitions to protect the Gila trout, and the Rio Grande and Colorado River cutthroat trout, and has filed suit to stop habitat loss for the Apache, Gila, and Steelhead trout.