RESERVE – The New Mexico Game Commission approved
a proposal to remove non-native fish and replace them with native Gila
trout on the West Fork of the Gila River, adopted rules for the
upcoming waterfowl and upland game seasons, and heard a status report
on the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Program at its meeting July 7 in
Reserve.

With the Commission’s approval, the Department
will move ahead with plans to chemically treat the West Fork of the
Gila to remove non-native fish. Native Gila trout will be stocked in
the stream sometime this fall. Restoration of Gila trout to more of its
historical habitat will contribute to the recovery of the endangered
species and its proposed downlisting to “threatened.” Downlisting may
open angling opportunities for Gila trout. The proposal has received
support from area residents and state anglers, including the New Mexico
Council of Trout Unlimited,