Utah Cutthroat Slam funds three conservation projects

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has announced three conservation projects for Utah’s native cutthroat trout population. They were all funded by the Utah Cutthroat Slam.

“Prior to our recent restoration efforts, cutthroat trout had experienced a significant reduction in their native ranges in the state, with the Colorado River cutthroat trout reduced by almost 90%,”  said Trina Hedrick, the DWR sportfish coordinator. 

Firstly, the DWR, Fishlake National Forest, and a local grazing permittee will work to replant vegetation that has not grown back since the 2010 Twitchell Canyon Fire. Bonneville cutthroat trout are native to the area. 

Secondly, Bonneville cutthroat trout will be re-stocked and sampled into Red Cedar Creek. Trout already live in the body of water due to past stocking. However, the DWR press release said it restocks them for three to five years until they begin to reproduce independently. 

The project funding will help biologists get to the hard-to-reach creek, enabling them to assess the Bonneville trout population. 

The third project will bring a mural of Bear River cutthroat trout to Logan. The latest mural in a project called Utah Wildlife Walls, murals have aided in conservation outreach efforts throughout Utah. 

Cutthroat trout murals have been painted in Sugarhouse and Bonneville, according to the press release. Painted in Sugarhouse and Vernal, murals depicting cutthroat trout feature subspecies that live in each city’s region. 

What is the Utah Cutthroat Slam? 

Founded in 2016 by the DWR and Trout Unlimited, the Utah Cutthroat Slam is a challenge for anglers. 

Per the DWR, it requires participants to catch, photograph, and release the four cutthroat trout subspecies found throughout Utah. Registration fees go toward conservation, restoration, and outreach projects. 

According to the press release, the Utah Cutthroat Slam has generated $91,800 for conservation efforts. 

“Anglers should consider participating in this fun challenge because their registration fee goes directly toward the conservation of cutthroat trout and helps us create better angling opportunities for this important species throughout Utah,” said Hedrick. 

Of the 4,928 registrants, 1,310 have completed the challenge. Those who catch and photograph all four subspecies receive a certificate and medal, according to the press release. 

Those who are interested in participating in the Utah Cutthroat Slam can visit the challenge’s website for more information. 

Related: 

• Roundtail chub nursery pond created by Moab City, DWR