Yellowstone National Park will temporarily close Buffalo Creek from Aug. 31 through Sept. 7 as biologists work to remove invasive rainbow trout and protect the park’s native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
According to the National Park Service, Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Slough Creek in the northern portion of the park, is the source of invasive rainbow trout that have spread into Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River. The invasive fish compete with native Yellowstone cutthroat trout and can interbreed with them, threatening the genetic integrity of the native species.
During the project, Buffalo Creek will be closed from the park’s northern boundary downstream to its confluence with Slough Creek. Biologists will use the EPA approved piscicide rotenone to remove the invasive fish population.
The National Park Service said the treatment will not affect drinking water at Slough Creek Campground and the water will remain safe for public consumption throughout the project.
Before treatment begins, any Yellowstone cutthroat trout captured within the project area will be relocated to waters outside the treatment zone.
Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the only trout species native to Yellowstone National Park and play an important role in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The species has declined across much of its historic range because of competition from nonnative fish, hybridization and habitat degradation.
Buffalo Creek is scheduled to reopen to the public on Sept. 7.