National Park Service announces decision to implement a fish management plan at Mount Rainier National Park

ASHFORD, Wash. - The National Park Service (NPS), has issued its decision and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Mount Rainier National Park's Fish Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA).

The decision will direct the long-term management for fish within lakes, rivers and streams in Mount Rainier National Park. Fish management actions and revisions to fishing regulations will conserve native fish populations, including threatened bull trout, and restore ecosystems in the park by reducing or eliminating non-native fish. The plan also provides for continued and expanded recreational fishing opportunities and related visitor experiences.

The EA analyzed three alternatives. The selected alternative will update fishing regulations emphasizing catch and release of native fish species and retention or harvest of nonnative fish species, implement nonnative fish suppression and/or eradication from selected streams and rivers in bull trout habitat, include fish removal from up to 10 lakes, expand research and monitoring, and allow adaptive management. A no action alternative (status quo management) and a more expansive action alternative were also considered.

The FONSI, its appendices, and the EA are available on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/,oralfishmgtplan by selecting Document List from the left navigation bar.

The National Park service appreciates the public taking the time to share their comments, ideas and concerns, and contributing to the Mount Rainier National Park planning process. If you have questions about this decision contact Kevin Skerl, Chief of Natural and Cultural Resources or Tracy Swartout, Deputy Superintendent at 360-569-6510