Maryland Brook Trout Plan Update

[Andrew Sarcinello]

Dear TPFR members,

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend (on behalf of NCC-TU) a presentation by MD DNR's Freshwater Fisheries staff regarding results of their past 5 years of monitoring brook trout populations statewide and their proposed updates to the pre-existing Brook Trout Management Plan from 2006. In attendance were representatives from other MD TU chapters and leaders of watershed advocacy groups (such as Gunpowder River Keeper). DNR is seeking feedback on the information presented before bringing their brook trout plan before the Sportfish Advisory Commission. 

Unfortunately I don't have time to do the most thorough summary possible but I will try to explain the key points.

The presentation began with the results of the last 5 years of sampling for brook trout presence in known brook trout watersheds. When compared to the past 30 years of data, DNR found a 27% decline in number of brook trout streams statewide.  The losses are broken down by region:

15% loss in the western region (Garrett & Allegany counties) - these were random, isolated streams.

20% loss in the Catoctin Mountain Region - these were by and large previously marginal populations on the edge of the Frederick suburbs, but higher elevation populations remained intact.

49% loss in the Central Region (Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties) - staggering losses due to urban/suburban sprawl and competition with brown trout.

In light of the statewide declines, DNR Brook Trout Program staff are rightfully alarmed and recognize the need to act NOW if we are to expect to still be able to fish for brook trout 40 or 50 years from now. 

The new guiding motto will be "Resiliency, Protection, Restoration" - meaning that the top priority will be to identify watersheds that are most resilient to future impacts from climate change, land use changes, and biological threats (brown trout), and to take immediate action to secure the integrity of these core populations long term.  While this is happening, lesser-quality watersheds will still enjoy the current enhanced environmental protections that current regulations require, but since they are seen as more at-risk, DNR feels that limited time and resources that many groups are dealing with should not be wasted on isolated streams that will fall victim to climate change or development in the near future.  Additionally, DNR is always on the lookout for restoration/reintroduction opportunities. The long term focus will shift to restoration and reintroduction AFTER first securing core populations.

I have a few concerns about the above but will refrain from mentioning that just yet.

I won't get into the full details here, but rest assured that DNR is using a very modern, data-heavy approach to monitoring populations moving forward. They have the capability to track land use changes over time on a stream by stream basis and are going to be utilizing genetic testing to evaluate strength of populations (measure genetic diversity).  They have internal mapping that can show them within a matter of minutes where negative land uses have encroached on stream buffer zones and who owns that land, so they know who to talk to.

DNR stressed that they have limited manpower and funding to address the massive challenges facing Maryland brook trout, and that saving these fish will require coordination and assistance from groups and private citizens across the state. I have been working closely with fellow TPFR and NCC-TU president Andrew Reichardt the past few months discussing the issues facing all wild trout in Maryland and we see many opportunities to work with DNR and other TU chapters to protect the only native trout in the region - more information on those efforts will be coming soon. 

With that, I'd like to turn it over to you all and see if anyone has any comments, concerns, or feedback that I can relay to MD DNR, or any ideas for what we might be able to do as a club to help the cause.  I know that we have to drive a while from DC to reach any worthwhile brook trout fishing and this might not register as a priority for many club members, but keep in mind that protecting the clean water that brook trout need to survive has a positive impact on the Chesapeake Bay and by extension, the Potomac.

I can provide the Powerpoint Presentation from the meeting to anyone who wants it, just send me an email. Will attach a few slides to this post later today if I get a chance.

Sincerely,

Andrew Sarcinello

[Andrew Sarcinello]

I've attached a select few slides for more information - all credit to Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Freshwater Fisheries Program.

Again, just ask if you want the full presentation. We were encouraged to share this information with our groups.

[Jamie Carracher]

This is an awesome update, Andrew. Thank you for sharing. I’ve learned a ton from your analysis and reading reports like this.

It makes me think of an article I read a few months ago from northeast Ohio, where I grew up. There are just a few small native brook trout streams in all of Ohio, which are protected essentially under secrecy. Fishing for them is illegal and the state DNR is just trying to keep them from extinction as they are wholly unique from other states brookies. Even with the declines, MD is lucky to have streams with fish that can handle angling pressure. For the state, that could be something they could use as marketing to anglers. Especially if they can protect and build the population. http://ediblecleveland.com/stories/summer-2019/saving-the-brook-trout

[Andrew Sarcinello]

Hey Jamie,

Agree - when they identify the strong populations with good access, those are places that can be used to increase awareness of brook trout and the benefits of protecting them. 

What is kind of scary in MD is those central region fish may be a bit different from the ones in Catoctin Mtn and Western MD. These are brook trout that have found a way to survive at low elevations and often as low density populations. They grow faster too. Yet if there is no slowing of the current trend, in another 30 years this whole subset of the population will be wiped out - fly anglers will have to go to Catoctin to see a brook trout in the wild.