News release May 5, 2025
Contact: Kenneth Behen, 360-522-6410
Media contact: Mark Yuasa, 360-902-2262
OLYMPIA – State fishery managers will host a virtual public meeting on May 12 to discuss plans to treat Upper West Branch LeClerc Creek in Pend Oreille County with rotenone, a naturally occurring pesticide commonly used to remove undesirable and illegally stocked fish species from lakes and streams.
“Upper West Branch LeClerc Creek will be treated to remove non-native eastern brook trout,” said Kenneth Behen, WDFW warmwater fish program manager. “Presence of eastern brook trout has led to westslope cutthroat trout population declines throughout their range due to competition between the two species. This project will remove these non-native fish from approximately 8 miles of stream habitat. Following removal, native Cutthroat Trout sourced from the project area will be reintroduced to their natal stream.”
The virtual public meeting to discuss the planned lake and stream treatments will be on Monday, May 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Members of the public may tune into the meeting on Microsoft Teams, or call in by dialing 1-564-999-2000 and entering the conference ID: 130 951 180#.
A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination has been issued for the proposal and is now undergoing a public comment period. The determination and supporting documents are available for review on the WDFW’s SEPA webpage. The public can submit a comment through the WDFW Public Input portal or via email LeClercCreekTroutRestoration@PublicInput.com.
Comments must be received before 5 p.m. on May 20. The WDFW director will decide on whether to proceed with the planned treatments in June.
Rotenone is an organic substance derived from the roots of tropical plants, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved for use as a fish pesticide. WDFW has applied rotenone in lake and stream rehabilitations for more than 80 years and is commonly used by other fish and wildlife management agencies nationwide.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, or call 833-885-1012 or TTY (711), or email CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.