Wildlife team stocks 2.5 million walleye fry at Willard Bay

Under the bright lights of a government meeting room, officials gathered to discuss the latest developments in Utah's aquatic and wildlife management efforts. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as updates poured in about successful spawning activities and habitat restoration initiatives.

In a remarkable five-day effort at Willard Bay, biologists collected an impressive 9.5 million walleye eggs, leading to the stocking of 2.5 million walleye fry back into the waters. This year has already shown promise for fish populations, with walleye, wiper, and catfish thriving as spring unfolds.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing surveys at Lost Creek, Kasey, and East Canyon Reservoirs, where teams are monitoring spotted frog populations. Additionally, tiger muskies were recently stocked in Pine View and Newton Reservoirs, with reports of successful catches. In Rich County, efforts to spawn Bear Lake cutthroat trout are underway, showcasing the commitment to maintaining diverse aquatic life.

On the shores of the Great Salt Lake, the completion of the Intermountain West Shorebird survey marked a significant milestone. This extensive survey, alongside waterfowl studies, reflects a comprehensive approach to understanding and preserving local bird populations. Notably, the return of pelicans to Gunnison and Hat Island, with counts reaching around 1,400 individuals, signals a positive trend for these iconic birds.

The meeting also introduced two new faces to the Great Salt Lake Integrated Project (GSLIP): wildlife biologist Jesslyn Bowman and wildlife technician Spencer Baxter, both eager to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. Meanwhile, the waterfowl management areas have seen extensive activity, with over 2,000 acres treated through prescriptive burns, a collaborative effort with the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands.

In the habitat section, the promotion of Josh Butcher to habitat restoration biologist and the hiring of Sarah Kappel as an impact analysis biologist reflect a strengthening of the team dedicated to preserving Utah's natural resources.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of progress and dedication to wildlife management was palpable, leaving attendees optimistic about the future of Utah's aquatic ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect and enhance them.