Trout Unlimited fights Crayfish Invasion in Arizona
The Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited (ZGTU) based in Phoenix Arizona, was formally recognized by the Arizona Game & Fish Department for an $18,400 gift that will help fight the destructive spread of crayfish in Arizona. Trout Unlimited is a conservation organization dedicated to conserving and restoring cold water fisheries. Crayfish, introduced into Arizona’s lakes and streams to control water weeds, have done too good of a job removing the aquatic vegetation that provides important habitat for trout and other aquatic species and threatens efforts to establish sustainable populations of fish including the native Apache trout. ZGTU provided to the Department a computerized mapping database to document the present distribution of crayfish in Arizona and their potential spread. In the near future, there will be an interactive website that fishermen can use to report their own observations of crayfish they encounter. This information will be used as a tool for management of fisheries throughout the state, but especially in the mountain streams and lakes of central and eastern Arizona. AGFD director, Duane Shroufe said “The crayfish GIS database will likely become a key part of the Department’s role in supporting Governor Napolitano’s Committee on Aquatic Nuisance Species and in helping communicate and coordinate exotic species management in the State.” More information on ZGTU’s conservation efforts are described on their website ZGTU.org.
Recognition Letter (must have Adobe Reader to view) |