Tribal Assistance

Channel catfish stocking. Credit: USFWS

Colorado pikeminnow. Credit: USFWS

Fyke nets at NAPI ponds. Credit: USFWS

Poso Creek. Credit: USFWS

Fyke nets on NAPI ponds. Credit: USFWS

Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Credit: USFWS

For more than twenty years, NMFWCO has been providing technical assistance to NM tribes to develop and enhance native fish conservation and recreational fisheries on their homelands.  Duties have ranged from lake and stream surveys, habitat assessments and improvements, fish passage, native fish conservation, non-native fish removal, educational outreach, and ESA collaboration.  There are 22 federally recognized tribes within the State of New Mexico that NMFWCO has the opportunity to assist.

Additionally, NMFWCO is the lead office for several Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) programs throughout New Mexico.  These tribal YCC programs employ Native American youth for 8 weeks during the summer.  Student employees assist staff with daily fisheries management activities, trail maintenance, and fish culture activities.  The NMFWCO works cooperatively with our tribal partners to make this a successful and rewarding program for all involved.  Through this experience it is hoped that these youth will be encouraged to pursue a career in natural resource conservation.

Project Lead:  D. Chris Kitcheyan; 505-342-9900 ext. 107; Chris_Kitcheyan@fws.gov