Effects on nonnative fishes on wilderness lake ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada and recommendations for reducing impacts

Abstract

Wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada, California contain thousands of lakes and ponds, nearly all of which were historically fishless. After more than a century of fish stocking, introduced trout are now present in up to 80% of larger lakes. These nonnative fishes have had profound impacts on native fishes, amphibians, and invertebrates. Several of these native species are either already listed under the Endangered Species Act, or are likely to be petitioned for listing in the near future. Reducing impacts to aquatic ecosystems within wilderness areas should be a high priority, and will require that some lakes be restored to their historic fishless condition.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Knapp, R. A.; Matthews, Kathleen R. 2000. Effects on nonnative fishes on wilderness lake ecosystems in the Sierra Nevada and recommendations for reducing impacts. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-5. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 312-317