06-25-2013, 03:56 AM
The Mill Creek Restoration Project is a model project. It combines resources from private and public sectors to restore a captive section of pristine water to what will be arguably its original condition. There are tangent aspects of this project that will enhance and promote riparian conservation and fishery knowledge beyond this project. For example, the Mill Creek project has spurred local interest in Trout in the Classroom. Trout in the Classroom is a TU program where fish are raised from egg to release. One of the local school districts will be Utah’s first to participate. That has come about directly from interest in the Mill Creek Restoration Project. The BSA has expressed interest in becoming an integral part of this project.
Understandably, there are some who disagree with the concept of a single native species fishery. Particularly when it requires eradication of several generations of artificially introduced invasive species of fish. In the history of Mill Creek virtually every species of fish have been introduced. Including, some salt water species. Many have failed but both Rainbow and Brown trout have flourished. Albeit, with some help from hatcheries. However, Mill Creek is a natural habitat that has fish barriers in selective locations that will keep the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in a segregated environment.
In my personal opinion, having spent over 50 years of my life living along the Wasatch Front and fishing the same for 3 decades, this is an incredible project. I am in complete support, as are most of the people (fishermen and non). I find it ironic that many of the vocal opposition are unaware of the history of Mill Creek. How it was used in an attempt to create a renewable food source habitat, and that most of the fish currently in Mill Creek are introduced invasive species. Many of those in opposition are responding strictly based on short term emotion and not on fact. I suggest that if some time is given to some research, and understanding, of the long term benefits to the riparian habitat of this project, many who currently oppose with become supporters.
There are many waters in Utah that host multi species environments. But, few that have exclusively native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout. Why not let those of us who desire to target that species the opportunity? Did you know that other states buy and import BCT eggs for their hatcheries? And, that the waters that have BCT are highly desired fisheries? Why not embrace and promote BCT in their native environment?
Attend the DWR open house at Skyline High. Attend with an open mind and take the opportunity to gain some knowledge and understanding of the scope of this incredible project.
"You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs." Joseph Stalin -
[signature]
Understandably, there are some who disagree with the concept of a single native species fishery. Particularly when it requires eradication of several generations of artificially introduced invasive species of fish. In the history of Mill Creek virtually every species of fish have been introduced. Including, some salt water species. Many have failed but both Rainbow and Brown trout have flourished. Albeit, with some help from hatcheries. However, Mill Creek is a natural habitat that has fish barriers in selective locations that will keep the Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in a segregated environment.
In my personal opinion, having spent over 50 years of my life living along the Wasatch Front and fishing the same for 3 decades, this is an incredible project. I am in complete support, as are most of the people (fishermen and non). I find it ironic that many of the vocal opposition are unaware of the history of Mill Creek. How it was used in an attempt to create a renewable food source habitat, and that most of the fish currently in Mill Creek are introduced invasive species. Many of those in opposition are responding strictly based on short term emotion and not on fact. I suggest that if some time is given to some research, and understanding, of the long term benefits to the riparian habitat of this project, many who currently oppose with become supporters.
There are many waters in Utah that host multi species environments. But, few that have exclusively native Bonneville Cutthroat Trout. Why not let those of us who desire to target that species the opportunity? Did you know that other states buy and import BCT eggs for their hatcheries? And, that the waters that have BCT are highly desired fisheries? Why not embrace and promote BCT in their native environment?
Attend the DWR open house at Skyline High. Attend with an open mind and take the opportunity to gain some knowledge and understanding of the scope of this incredible project.
"You can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs." Joseph Stalin -
[signature]