AZ White Mountains’ Apache trout delisted, no longer endangered

• Governor Hobbs celebrates Apache trout recovery.
• $5.1 million from Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
• First sportfish delisted due to recovery under ESA.

September 11, 2024 — In a landmark event last week, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and officials from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and conservation partners celebrated the removal of the Apache trout from the federal Endangered Species list. This achievement marks a significant milestone in conservation history, highlighting the success of collaborative efforts over five decades.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, White Mountain Apache Tribe Chairman Kasey Velasquez, and other key figures joined Governor Hobbs at a special event in Mesa, Arizona. Secretary Haaland announced the delisting, attributing the success to the collective efforts of federal, state, Tribal, and non-governmental organizations, bolstered by $5.1 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

“After more than 50 years of devoted efforts among federal, state, Tribal, and non-governmental organizations, the incredible recovery of the Apache trout reminds us of the transformational power that collaborative conservation efforts – grounded in Indigenous Knowledge – can have on fish and wildlife,” said Secretary Haaland. “This recovery is a testament to the importance of the Endangered Species Act and its tools and resources that are allowing the Interior Department and the federal government to protect vital species in every corner of America.”

Arizona’s State Fish Exclusive to the White Mountains.

The Apache trout, Arizona’s state fish, was one of the first species listed as endangered in 1967. Early conservation efforts led to its downlisting to threatened in 1975. The species’ recovery was driven by a comprehensive cooperative management plan involving the Arizona Game and Fish Department, White Mountain Apache Tribe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Trout Unlimited.

Governor Hobbs praised the collaborative efforts, stating, “This is a historic day that is the result of decades of collaboration and partnership. Preserving the Apache Trout, our state fish, is a testament to what is possible when leaders work together toward a common goal. Thank you to the hard work of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona Game & Fish, the Interior Department, and everyday Arizonans on the ground who all played essential roles in making today possible.”

The recovery efforts were further supported by significant projects funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the 2022 Apache Trout Recovery Fish Passage Infrastructure Project and the 2023 Crooked Creek Route 55 Culvert Fish Passage Project, both led by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

The Apache trout, found exclusively in the White Mountains of Arizona, faced threats from habitat loss and non-native species. Conservation actions such as habitat restoration and removing non-native trout were crucial in achieving recovery. Today, 30 populations of Apache trout occupy 175 miles of habitat, a significant increase from the 14 populations in 1979.

Ongoing Management; Final Rulemaking.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners will continue to collaborate under a cooperative management plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of Apache trout populations and their habitats, providing sportfishing opportunities for Arizonans while maintaining the species’ recovered status.

Other speakers at the event included Siva Sundaresan and Amy Leuders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Michael Martinez from the U.S. Forest Service; and Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. The final rule regarding the delisting will soon be available in the Federal Register and on regulations.gov.

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