PRESS RELEASE - Jan 13, 2010

CONTACT: Arlene Montgomery, Friends of the Wild Swan, 406-886-2011
Michael Garrity, Executive Director, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, 406 459-5936

Bull Trout Critical Habitat

Environmental groups Alliance for the Wild Rockies Friends and Friends of the Wild Swan welcomed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed critical habitat for bull trout. The new proposal contains more stream miles than the previous critical habitat designation including more habitat that is important for connecting populations.

"We are pleased to see that the new proposal is more comprehensive and science-based," said Arlene Montgomery of Friends of the Wild Swan. "Rather than dismissing the importance of critical habitat this proposal acknowledges the crucial role it plays in protecting and recovering this imperiled fish."

Michael Garrity, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies said, "We are thrilled that the Obama administration and the Fish and Wildlife Service followed the recommendations of their own scientists. This proposal will not only benefit bull trout but also many other fish, animals and people. We all depend on clean water."

Bull trout are excellent indicators of water quality because they need cold, clean water and streambeds with little fine sediment. Protecting and restoring bull trout habitat also protects water quality providing benefits for fish and people."

Please see the attachments from the U.S. FWS.