IFB P2560016, Rough Creek Native Aquatic Assemblage Restoration

The Rough Creek drainage is a complex of cold, spring-fed streams located east of Bridgeport, California. The California portion of the system contains 24-miles of stream habitat and could provide an excellent refuge for native fish. Unfortunately, it currently is inhabited by non-native trout which exclude the native fish assemblage. This contract includes the removal of non-native trout within Rough Creek from the headwaters and monitoring to confirm removal success. The removal will be completed in two (2) years. After evaluation and planning, we will reintroduce the native fish assemblage (Walker-strain Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, Paiute Sculpin, Lahontan Redside Shiner, Lahontan Speckled Dace, Mountain Whitefish, Tahoe Sucker, and Mountain Sucker). When complete, the restoration will achieve three (3) recovery objectives listed in the 2019 Updated Goals and Objectives for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery (USFWS, 2019) and help stabilize two (2) declining species. In addition, this project will benefit four Species of Greatest Conservation Need identified in the 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan, increase the vertebrate biodiversity in the East Walker River Basin, and simultaneously provide a unique angling opportunity for fishermen. This is a first-of-its-kind species assemblage restoration and will restore a suite of species that has not occurred on the landscape in living memory. Click "View Event Package" to Download IFB