Comments sought on Quartz Creek fish project

Glacier National Park biologists want to bolster an existing man-made fish barrier on Quartz Creek just downstream of Middle Quartz Lake.

The original barrier was constructed in 2004 in an attempt to keep lake trout from swimming upstream into Quartz Lake. Lake trout are an invasive species that can overrun a lake, driving down populations of endangered bull trout. Quartz is still an excellent bull trout lake.

Construction of the barrier was stopped when lake trout were found in Quartz Lake in 2005. But since then, the Park Service has collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on an experimental netting program to kill lake trout in Quartz Lake.

Now the Park Service would like to improve the fish barrier to prevent more lake trout from invading Quartz Lake and to reduce the likelihood of an invasion by non-native rainbow and brook trout.

Park officials say the project would involve a small number of helicopter flights and use of motorized equipment such as a portable generator. It also would involve cutting down some trees at the site for use in constructing the barrier. The area is recommended wilderness.

The Park has begun a public scoping process for the project. Comments can be posted online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/QuartzFish Barrier or by writing: Superintendent Glacier National Park, Quartz Fish Barrier EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier MT 59936. Comments are due by Sept. 6.