U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Declines to List Missouri River Trout Population

On August 20, 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) declined to list (pdf) the Upper Missouri River Distinct Population Segment of the Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

According to the Service, ongoing conservation efforts initiated by private landowners and federal and state officials have worked to improve conditions for the species. These voluntary programs, including irrigation flow reductions and fish ladders, have improved habitat quality for the trout. The Service estimates that these efforts have resulted in doubling the species’ population since 2006.

The Service’s Director Dan Ashe noted that the conservation progress for the Arctic grayling shows how effective voluntary conservation agreements can be, including with respect to helping both wildlife and ranching interests.

The Service’s decision concludes the 12-month review of the species, which began last November.