UDWR and USFS Conducting Waterbody Treatment on Pleasant Creek

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) will be coordinating with the Fishlake National Forest to conduct a rotenone treatment on Pleasant Creek, Fremont River Ranger District, during the week of August 10th. The goal of this work is to restore a conservation population of Colorado River cutthroat trout in Pleasant Creek and its tributaries by removing rainbow and brook trout that have invaded the stream. An additional objective of the project is to allow the management and assessment of productive aquatic ecosystems and high-quality recreational fisheries. Liquid rotenone will be applied to Pleasant Creek from upper Pleasant Creek, Behanin Creek, Meeks Draw, and North Fork Pleasant Creek, 7 miles downstream to Highway 12. Rotenone is a natural substance that comes from the roots of a tropical plant in the bean family. It's a respiratory toxin to fish, but it is not dangerous to people, pets or other wildlife. especially in the extremely low quantities that biologists use to treat streams and lakes. However, there will be crews and equipment in the area during the treatments, and the impacted area will be temporarily inaccessible. The public should stay out of the water during the treatment, to ensure that the DWR can safely and effectively complete the project. Recreational access (wading, fishing, etc.) within the treatment area is discouraged during rotenone application. Additionally, no consumption of dead fish from treated water is advised. The designated treatment area will be clearly marked and will become accessible again once the treatment process has concluded, and levels of rotenone are no longer detectable in the streams.