Akokala fish barrier proposed

Glacier National Park is seeking comment on plans to construct a fish passage barrier on lower Akokala Creek near the Akokala Creek bridge to protect native fish.

Akokala Creek is a tributary of the North Fork of the Flathead River and is susceptible to invasion by non-native lake trout, rainbow trout and possibly brook trout. Park officials say lake trout have already invaded nine of 12 accessible lakes on the Park’s west side and severely impacted bull trout populations.

Akokala Lake is one of the last bull trout supporting lakes on the west side of Glacier Park that is accessible by non-native lake trout but not yet colonized by them. Genetic testing in 2008 suggests genetically pure westslope cutthroat trout are also present in upper portions of the drainage, including Akokala Lake. Bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout are native fish.

Park officials say rainbow trout have moved into North Fork tributaries and threaten westslope cutthroat trout populations by competition and hybridization. Genetic samples collected in 2009 indicate that hybridization between rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat trout has occurred in the lower reaches of Akokala Creek.

Brook trout can out-compete westslope cutthroat trout and hybridize with bull trout. While brook trout are not currently known to occur in the North Fork, Park officials say they are present in tributaries of the Middle Fork and the potential exists for brook trout to invade the North Fork.

Public scoping is the first step involving the public in the environmental assessment process. Two alternatives have been identified to date — construct a fish passage barrier at or near the Akokala Creek bridge or no action.

For more information, visit online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/AkokalaFishBarrier. Comments can be posted there or mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: Akokala Fish Barrier EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier MT, 59936. Deadline is Sept. 4.