June, 1998

Description:	Bull trout are native chars and part of the salmonid family. Dolly Varden, also found in Washington, are similar in appearance to bull trout. Native char are found in fresh water streams, lakes and some migrate to salt water for a portion of their lives. Adult bull trout and Dolly Varden range from eight inches to more than two feet in length. They are olive green to brown on the back and sides.
Where they live:	They are found in small streams, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and in salt waters across the state.
Status:	A 1998 WDFW study found 80 bull trout/Dolly Varden populations in Washington: 14 (18 percent) were healthy; two (3 percent) were in poor condition; six (8 percent) were critical and the status of 58 (72 percent) stocks was unknown. WDFW is continuing to evaluate the status of the stocks.
Why some are in decline:	Human activities that degrade bull trout habitat include: disturbing spawning and rearing areas through mineral prospecting, dredging and allowing farm animals into rivers; egg-smothering siltation from road building; worsening the gravel-scouring effects of flooding by urban development; removing pool-building wood debris and water-cooling shade by logging and water withdrawals for agriculture, industry and urban development.
WDFW actions to protect bull trout:	Restricting activities in streams when bull trout spawn and rear Since 1993, restricted fishing for bull trout and Dolly Varden to waters with healthy populations Since 1993, eliminated hatchery trout plants in waters where the fish would compete with bull trout and Dolly Varden for food or space or breed with them Since 1993, increased the brook trout daily limit from two to five to reduce hybridization with native char Adopted the Wild Salmonid Policy in 1997: That Fish and Wildlife Commission policy is intended to protect, restore and enhance the productivity, production and diversity of bull trout and other wild salmonids and their ecosystems Completing this year the Bull Trout and Dolly Varden Management Plan as an addendum to the Wild Salmonid Policy Environmental Impact Statement Completing a preliminary study designed to identify distinct stocks of bull trout and Dolly Varden using DNA techniques to verify the results Habitat protection measures in the following areas: U.S. Forest Service/Bureau of Land Manage ment lands (Northwest Forest Plan Washington Department of Natural Resources lands (DNR Habitat Conservation Plan) Murray-Pacific Corp. lands (Habitat Conservation Plan) Plum Creek Corp. lands (Habitat Conservation Plan) Identifying bull trout waters as critical areas in county planning efforts required by the state’s Growth Management Act Additional habitat conservation measures in development: Interim Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management property Developing seven state pilot landowner landscape plans with private property owners. Several federal habitat protection plans also are in development Participation in Gov. Gary Locke’s Salmon Initiative that is designed to resolve the major habitat issues involving land use, was well as water quality and quantity for salmonids
What ESA listings mean:	The Endangered Species Act is a federal law that makes it illegal to possess, kill or harm a listed species. For additional information, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (360) 753-9440.

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