Feds to Release Final Bull Trout Recovery Plan for 5 States

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Federal officials say they'll release their final plan Wednesday to recover struggling bull trout in five Western states with the goal of lifting Endangered Species Act protections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the Bull Trout Recovery Plan outlines conservation actions needed to boost bull trout populations in six recovery units spread over Idaho, Oregon, Washington, California and northern Nevada. Bull trout are a cold water species listed as threatened in the lower 48 in 1999.

Scientists say threats include warming water caused by climate change, isolated populations and hybridization with non-native brook trout. The plan is the result of a settlement the agency made last year following a lawsuit by two environmental groups — the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Friends of the Wild Swan.