Offloading Lake Trout onto the M/V Argo May 2007 (photo by Scott Frost USFWS)

Lake Trout being released into Lake Erie May 2007 (photo by Scott Frost USFWS)

Allegheny National Fish Hatchery, Warren Pennsylvania, provided personnel and equipment for lake trout distribution to lakes Erie and Ontario. Almost 591,000 lake trout reared at the Pittsford (Chittenden VT) and White River (Bethel VT) National Fish Hatcheries were stocked during April and May 2007. Two distribution trucks, one driver, and one 'support staff' from the Pennsylvania facility were provided for the operation. During the distribution period of April 30, 2007 through May 18, 2007, Tracy Copeland, Project Leader, provided staff support at the White River and Pittsford hatcheries; Assistant Project Leader Dave Blick assisted with transportation of the lake trout. Additional distribution support was provided by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, White River National Fish Hatchery, and Nashua National Fish Hatchery.

Allegheny NFH was depopulated of lake trout in November 2005 because of fish health issues. Until such time as infrastructure improvements are completed and lake trout production returns to the Pennsylvania facility, Allegheny NFH will continue to aid White River NFH and Pittsford NFH in the 1,000 mile round trip stocking endeavor from Vermont to Lake Erie, as well as to multiple locations along Lake Ontario.