This project is the final step in the 25-year Rio Costilla Watershed Native Species Restoration Project, the largest native trout restoration project in history. Work to date has included eradication of non-native species and the reintroduction of pure Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Rio Grande sucker, and Rio Grande chub into 120 stream miles, 10 lakes, and one reservoir. This project will address and remove remaining fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.
Learn more about fish passage barriers within the project area. Additionally, the project aims to expedite fish passage work in the Ponil Creek watershed for the Canadian Lineage Rio Grande cutthroat trout. These barrier removals will increase flood resiliency and support local angler tourism.
Project Quick Facts:
| Location | New Mexico |
| NFPP Project Funding | $1,117,434 |
| Restoration Techniques | Barrier removal |
| Partner Project Lead | Trout Unlimited |
The National Fish Passage Program: Leaders in Building Bridges and Fostering Connections
The National Fish Passage Program is a national leader connecting watersheds and people. The program has decades of experience implementing infrastructure projects with partners. Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. However, proposals must be submitted and completed in cooperation with a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. (Please note that fish passage projects being used for federal or state compensatory mitigation or required by existing federal or state regulatory programs are not eligible for funding through the National Fish Passage Program.)
CONTACT A FISH PASSAGE COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA TO GET STARTED.
200 Million Dollar Investment in Rivers, Wildlife, and Communities
Clean free-flowing waterways are vital to wildlife, people, and ecosystems. But across the country, millions of barriers fragment rivers, block fish migration, and put communities at higher risk to flooding. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.
Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law , signed in November 2021, included $200 million for restoring fish and wildlife passage by removing in-stream barriers and providing technical assistance under the National Fish Passage Program.
