Glenwood, NM, June 29, 2018—Native fish restoration efforts will continue to be implemented in the waterways of Whitewater Canyon.

As part of the Whitewater Native Fish Restoration Project, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) will be using rotenone to continue with the eradication of non-native fish from the waterways in Whitewater Canyon for the restoration of Gila Trout and other native fishes. The EPA has determined that rotenone is highly effective for selective removal of invasive fishes and that the resulting concentrations of ingredients poses little, if any, hazards to public health. Once the rotenone has been introduced, the water will then be treated with a neutralizing agent, potassium permanganate, which prevents the treated water from being carried beyond the project area. It is Federal regulation that people cannot be near the water corridor while these treatment and neutralizing processes are in place.

A temporary closure order will be signed by the Forest Supervisor, Adam Mendonca, and implemented prior to and during the restoration efforts. NMDGF will be treating portions of the watershed from July 10-11, weather contingent. The weather needs to stay dry as current low water levels are conducive to the treatment within these reaches.

For information on the Gila National Forest, check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila