Severy Creek status update

In 1999, a population of native Greenback Cutthroat Trout, (GBCT), was discovered in the Severy Creek drainage. This species is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The Colorado Division of Wildlife, (CDOW) requested and was granted permission to close the drainage for three years while they study the situation, and stabilize the population. It was determined by CDOW that the population of GBCT was jeopardized by the presence of non native Brook Trout, and by the possibility of potential diseases, which could be transported to the water by hikers using the Severy Creek Trail.

Trout barrier to keep the Brook trout out of the lower mile of Severy Creek

Brook trout out compete GBCT. To increase and expand the habitat available to the greenback cutthroat trout, brook trout were removed from the lower 1 mile of Severy Creek. To protect the lower 1 mile of stream from re-colonization by the non native brook trout, the CDOW worked with volunteers from Trout Unlimited to build a barrier, (waterfall) which is located at the lower road crossing.

To mitigate the potential for introducing pathogens via hikers boots, we will be building bridges so the trail can cross over the stream without the hiker stepping into the water.

Signage has been designed to help educate the trail user in the danger of introducing pathogens, and how to avoid it. This population of GBCT has been determined to be a “pure strain” So it behooves us all to take every precaution to ensure its continued survival. Will the trail be re-opened? Most probably yes. The USFS is currently analyzing macro invertebrate sampling data, collected over the past few years to determine the presence or absence of T. tubifex, an intermediate host in the life cycle of whirling disease. Assuming these tests come back negative, and the bridges are completed, the trail will be opened this year.