Silver Creek fish kill a step closer

Comments are being sought on an environmental impact statement that clears the way for poisoning non-native fish out of Silver King Creek in Alpine County so Paiute cutthroat trout can be planted there.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the statement today calling for removal of fish from the creek above Llewellyn Falls downstream to Silver King Canyon and accessible portions of Tamarack Creek, Tamarack Lake Creek and the lower reaches of Coyote Valley Creek.

Officials are seeking permission to use rotenone to remove the fish and then neutralize the poison. Signs would be erected where the poison had been applied, and its levels monitored. Silver King Creek is a tributary of the Carson River's East Fork.

The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is scheduled to hear a request for the project 7 p.m. Thursday.

"After multiple years of evaluation, agency biologists and researchers have determined the preferred alternative is the best option to restore and recover this native species within its historic habitat," said Fish and Wildlife Service Nevada Supervisor Bob Williams. "We believe implementation of the preferred alternative will recover Paiute cutthroat trout so that it will no longer need protection under the Endangered Species Act."

Don Weirauch, who owns the Angler's Edge in Gardnerville said the decision was disappointing.

"We made comments all the way through the process," he said. "It's upsetting to say the least. It seems like wild mustangs which are not native can get federal protection, but we've got to have this whole press to have native species here."

Weirauch said Silver King Creek has excellent fishing despite the fact it hasn't been stocked in years.

"Most everything out there is wild fish," he said. "True they are the descendants of the originally stocked fish, but they are wild. The color on them is spectacular, with lots of sparks and brilliant red stripes."

He said the creek, which is in the back country was reasonably accessible for day trips.

"It's back far enough that there isn't a whole lot of angling pressure, but easy enough to get there to do a day trim out of it. It was a real special place."

Fish and Game officials have been working for nearly five years to get to the point where they can remove non-native fish from the creek.

They were close to conducting a kill when a federal judge ruled 2005 that they had to conduct an impact statement.

Comments will be accepted on the proposal until May 10. They may be addressed to Robert D. Williams, State Supervisor, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Suite 234, Reno NV 89502.

Comments may also be faxed to (775) 861-6301.

Copies of the statement are available at www.fws.gov/nevada, or by calling the service at (775) 861-6300.