After over a decade of efforts, Parks Canada has reported the successful return of westslope cutthroat trout to Hidden Lake in Banff National Park. Shelley Humphries, an aquatics specialist for Parks Canada, revealed that the trout are now self-sustaining in their traditional habitat. The agency utilized rotenone to eliminate brook trout in 2018 and 2019 after previous attempts proved ineffective. Subsequent introductions of trout eggs in Hidden Lake over four consecutive years resulted in successful spawning and the presence of fully grown fish this year.
Humphries expressed satisfaction with the current population status, emphasizing the importance of observing the trout utilizing streams and creeks beyond Hidden Lake. The ultimate goal is to witness their expansion into other spawning locations in the future. The westslope cutthroat trout, a threatened species under the Species at Risk Act, had faced habitat challenges due to recreational fishing and the introduction of non-native fish like brook trout in the past, reducing their presence to only 10% of their original waterways.
Parks Canada’s conservation efforts extend to other mountain lakes and creeks, including Helen Lake, Cascade Creek, Katherine Lake, and Corral Creek, with plans underway to protect the threatened bull trout as well. Humphries highlighted the ecological benefits of these initiatives, emphasizing how the preservation of at-risk species can positively impact other wildlife such as birds of prey and bears, especially in comparison to the invasive brook trout.
The agency aims to safeguard endangered species like the westslope cutthroat trout, with Humphries underscoring their commitment to not giving up the fight for their protection. The restoration projects seek to rectify past mistakes and ensure the survival of these vital species in Banff National Park.
