In 2010, demolition began to remove a diversion dam on Spread Creek that allowed no fish passage or migration. Through a coordinated private-public partnership, Trout Unlimited and others removed the dam and replaced it with a structure much less harmful to local fish populations. The partnership then began working to recover riparian zones and create better trout habitat. This work has provided native and migratory Snake River cutthroat trout with some 50 miles of new accessible habitat.
“The story of Spread Creek is a story of persistence,” said Trout Unlimited’s NW Wyoming Program Director Leslie Steen. “It’s a story of resiliency, not just for the fish and the stream and our beautiful, native cutthroat trout, but also the partnerships and the relationships we’ve built.â€
Be sure to watch the video to learn more about this  commendable partnership with TU, the Jackson community, and state and federal government entities and how Spread Creek has improved as a result of their efforts.
“Partnerships such as this makes these improvements a reality,” said Mary Cernicek, Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Affairs Officer, “resulting in increased ecological connectivity and improved watershed condition, while also protecting infrastructure to withstand flooding and increased stream runoff.â€
Keep partnerships and restoration successes like Spread Creek coming, Trout Unlimited!
