AUTHORS: Doug Dieterman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Brian Beyerl, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Shawn Haase, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; John Hoxmeier, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Loren Miller, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Jason Roloff, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Vaughn Snook, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Dan Spence, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Melissa Wagner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
ABSTRACT: Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, were the only salmonid native to the cold-water streams of southeast Minnesota but were presumed extirpated following European settlement and subsequent stream degradation. Research beginning in the mid-2000s identified genetic structure patterns that deviated from known stocking histories but consistent with expected geography of native populations, leading to the identification of a presumed native “Heritage” Brook Trout strain. Distribution of this Heritage strain was limited to three stream drainages. In an effort to better manage and expand the distribution of Heritage Brook Trout; managers, culturists and researchers have since implemented several novel approaches including removal of non-native Brown Trout; collection, propagation and stocking of wild Heritage Brook Trout; and implemented new studies to compare performance of Heritage and feral Brook Trout strains in streams. This talk will provide an overview and highlight the current status of these efforts as well as, the many challenges that have arisen.
