Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) recently shared a press release detailing a vital restoration project aimed at protecting our local westslope cutthroat trout. These fish carry a unique genetic heritage native to north-central Montana, and FWP is looking to secure their future in the Little Belt Mountains before they require federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The plan focuses on Harley Creek, where the team intends to install a fish barrier to isolate about 5.5 miles of stream. This “gate” will keep non-native populations at bay, allowing the native cutthroats from Graveyard Gulch to reclaim and thrive in a much larger stretch of their home waters.
If you’re interested in the specifics of this conservation effort, there is a public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on May 20 at the Monarch-Neihart Community and Senior Center. An FWP biologist will be on hand to walk through the project and answer questions directly. With a draft Environmental Assessment coming up for public review soon, this is a great chance to get informed early. If you can’t make it but want to stay in the loop, you can reach out to Alex Poole at the FWP office to discuss how this project might impact the Belt Creek drainage.
