Stocking Fish into Naturally Fish-free Mountain Lakes

Bruce Freet National Park Service, North Cascades National Park Complex, Sedro-Wooley, WA

Stocking fish in naturally fish-free lakes has been a controversial issue at North Cascades National Park Service Complex since it was established in 1968. Historically, some 60 of 240 high mountain lakes have been stocked with non-native fish by recreational fishing interest groups and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The WDFW wishes to continue fish stocking for recreational fishing as part of its statewide fish management program. The National Park Service (NPS) Management Policies prohibit the stocking of non-native fish in natural zones. All of the lakes involved are in NPS designated natural zones and legislatively designated Wilderness. The Complex is 93% wilderness, where management should use the minimum requirements to administer such land. There are vocal, articulate interest groups that favor either continuing or eliminating fish stocking.

The NPS and WDFW have negotiated a series of agreements since 1979 to provide a variance to the national NPS policy in an effort to promote cooperation. However, between 1986 and 1988, their differing agency mandates and policies combined with opposing positions by several interest groups to heighten the level of controversy and bring national attention to the issue. This conflict culminated in 1988 when the two agencies agreed to a supplemental agreement until the year 2000. It permits WDFW to stock fish in mutually selected lakes while the NPS conducts research. The NPS initiated a research effort through Oregon State University in 1988 to determine the effects of fish stocking on naturally fish-free lakes. A scientific peer review panel was established to assure objectivity and scientific merit, and NPS and WDFW representatives attend their meetings as observers. The first phase research report was completed in 1995, the second phase will be completed in 1998, and the final phase in 2000.

The NPS intends to apply this research and related findings in a collaborative process with WDFW and the interest groups to develop a high mountain lakes-fisheries management plan. Everyone involved realizes that any plan will need full WDFW and public support in order to be effective and sustainable. Any management plan must be adaptive or have the proviso for periodic public and scientific review and refinement. Full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act will also be required.

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