Officials plan helicopter support for cutthroat trout restoration in Uinta Mountains

The Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council meeting held on March 20, 2025, focused on the critical role of helicopter support in enhancing fish restoration efforts in Utah's Uinta Mountains. The meeting highlighted plans to utilize helicopters for transporting personnel and equipment during rodent treatments aimed at restoring native cutthroat trout populations.

Key discussions centered on the necessity of helicopter support for the South Fork Sheep Creek Treatment, which requires moving larger boats to high-elevation lakes that are difficult to access. The use of helicopters is expected to significantly reduce the time needed for these operations, allowing treatments to be completed in just days rather than weeks.

Additionally, the council discussed the ongoing multiyear project in the Oweep Drainage, where helicopters are employed to restock fish after treatments. This method allows for the rapid transport of fish to remote locations, minimizing stress on the fish and ensuring their health during relocation.

The council set specific objectives for the upcoming year, including completing the South Fork Sheep Creek treatment within two days and restocking the Oweep drainage with pure cutthroat trout in one day. To assess the effectiveness of these treatments, the council plans to use environmental DNA surveys to monitor fish populations.

Financially, the total budget for these projects is $42,000, with requests of $27,000 for the South Fork Sheep treatment and $15,000 for the Oweep stocking. The council emphasized the importance of these initiatives in preserving cutthroat trout populations and preventing them from becoming endangered.

Overall, the meeting underscored the significance of helicopter support in facilitating efficient and effective fish restoration efforts in Utah's mountainous regions.