Wyoming Wildlife May 2024 - 15

threat knocking at our door, it was critical
we took additional steps to prevent such an
infestation at our hatchery. "
Given the proximity of mudsnails to the
Clark's Fork Hatchery and the subsequent
measures their presence in the hatchery would
cause, hatchery personnel are keen to keep the
tiny invaders at bay. Along with the standard
procedures of AIS inspections of the facility
and diligence in protecting the water inflow
into the facility, new structures have been
built to protect the outflow of water as well.
Previously, water moved through the hatchery
from a natural spring was used and recycled
through the facility and routed back
into the Clark's Fork River. Depending on
the time of year and amount of runoff, the
outflow pipe was either fully submerged or
close to fully submerged. If the snails moved
upriver, they could have made their way into
the pipe and entered the facility's plumbing.
The new structures move the outflow
stream up by a matter of feet, allowing the
outflowing water to cascade down without
providing a surface for snails to climb. They
also are adjustable for the river's height, so
no matter what time of year there will be no
avenue of entry for mudsnails or anything
else - even during high flows of spring runoff.
This not only protects the hatchery from
AIS but also prevents fish and other aquatic
wildlife from entering the facility from the
river. The structures also prevent the potential
transfer of pathogens from the river, protecting
the health of the hatchery's fish.
Though the new structures have curbed the
threats to the hatchery from the river, AIS can
still enter the hatchery in other ways. Game
and Fish personnel remain vigilant, utilizing
multiple extensive strategies to ensure they
protect the hatchery.
" We made improvements to the springs
that supply the hatchery with water to ensure
they would not be susceptible to AIS infestation
from the river, " Snell said. " Signs,
fencing and boot brushes were installed to
educate and direct hatchery visitors so they
don't inadvertently bring AIS into the hatchery.
Fish distribution trucks and equipment
are frequently disinfected. Hatchery staff use
separate gear and equipment when assisting
regional biologists in the field. Also, each fish
hatchery in Wyoming is inspected annually
for AIS and fish pathogens. "
Another upcoming protection will address
river access. In the past, anglers have been
Dean Follett, Clark's Fork Hatchery superintendent, looks at outflow structures designed to keep aquatic invasive
species and fish pathogens out of the facility. (Photo by Chris Martin/WGFD)
An aerial view of the Clark's Fork Fish Hatchery and the nearby Clark's Fork River. (Photo by Laura Burkhardt/WGFD)
able to access the Clark's Fork River directly
through the hatchery grounds. Moving forward,
river access will be moved upstream
of the hatchery facility and away from the
complex to ensure no AIS or pathogens are
accidentally transferred as people exit the
river.
No two hatcheries have the exact same set
of issues, but AIS remains a concern for each.
Other hatcheries around the state, including
the Boulder and Speas hatcheries, have
already or are currently implementing protections
to prevent the intrusion and spread
of AIS. Strengthening protections against AIS
has been and will remain a high priority for
Wyoming's fish hatcheries.
- Stephanie Estell is the Statewide Information
Specialist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
(Photo by Patrick Owen/WGFD)
VISIT A WYOMING FISH HATCHERY
You can see these structures at work yourself by visiting
a hatchery this year. Wyoming's 10 fish hatcheries and
rearing stations are open to the public every day from
8am - 5pm. Some facilities, like the Dubois hatchery, have
self-guided tours and informational signage to walk the
public through the process of raising some of Wyoming's
coolest fish species.
Wyoming Wildlife | 15

Wyoming Wildlife May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Wyoming Wildlife May 2024