ZGTU Current Projects
CRAYFISH CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT IN
ARIZONA'S WHITE MOUNTIANS
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE TROUT STREAMS IN ARIZONA
BACKGROUND
Coldwater streams in the Southwestern U.S. are limited in scope but provide key habitat for several species of trout including the rare and beautiful Apache and Gila trout. These stream systems are best represented in the White Mountains of East-Central Arizona. Unfortunately, most of these streams have been severely impacted by crayfish. Crayfish are not native to Arizona, and wherever they have been introduced they prey on fish, aquatic insects and stream vegetation to the point of eliminating everything in the stream except for incredible numbers of crayfish. They also degrade water quality by increasing turbidity and sedimentation.
Over the last five years, the Zane Grey Chapter of TU (ZGTU) has actively and successfully worked to educate the public and wildlife management agencies on the devastating effects crayfish have on trout streams in Arizona. ZGTU strongly supported the Arizona Game & Fish Department's proposal and implementation of five significant new rules restricting the sale or live transport of crayfish in the state.
Even with these comprehensive rule changes, ZGTU recognizes there is still much work to be done to preserve the few remaining streams not yet invaded by crayfish, and to attempt to restore some streams that have historically supported healthy trout populations, but now hold only crayfish. In conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, ZGTU initiated and provided over $10,000 to support an effort to unite anglers, biologists, government agencies, private conservation organizations and other volunteers in a grass roots effort to improve the quality and sustainability of Arizona trout streams in the White Mountains. This growing consortium is called the White Mountains Crayfish Working Group. We have developed a database on crayfish distribution in the White Mountains that will be used to develop a cooperative management strategy for controlling crayfish populations (http://www.wildinfonet.org/crayfish). We believe our efforts will result in dramatically improved habitat for trout. This project could serve as a model for the entire State of Arizona, and eventually other states, for collaborative efforts to manage introduced crayfish and other invasive species that threaten trout and their stream habitats.
STRATEGIES
- Create a comprehensive crayfish information and distribution database and other technological products such as a crayfish distribution map of crayfish in the White Mountains and a web site accessible to all those interested in helping with the effort.
- Research, develop and use the most effective crayfish control methods.
- Develop a crayfish control plan which includes stream habitat restoration.
- Use volunteers and funding partners to conduct crayfish surveys and control efforts and habitat restoration activities.
- Monitor the results of our crayfish control efforts and their effects on stream habitat restoration.
- Initiate and innovate public outreach and education programs.
- Increase collaborations to extend crayfish control and habitat restoration efforts state-wide.
WHITE MOUNTAIN CRAYFISH WORKING GROUP MEMBERS
Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited
White Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Arizona Flycasters
The Nature Conservancy
Pacific Biodiversity Institute
White Mountain Conservation League
Arizona Game and Fish Department
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
White Mountain Apache Tribe
Grand Canyon University
University of Arizona
Individual Volunteers
FUNDING CONTRIBUTORS
Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Arizona Flycaters
Federation of Fly Fishers
Defenders of Wildlife
Pacific Biodiversity Institute
National Wildlife Federation
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