Drones to monitor bull trout in Yakima, Kittitas counties

YAKIMA – Drones will be used to assess the effects of low water flows on bull trout movement and migration in Kittitas and Yakima counties, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife announced in a news release.

The monitoring is needed because those counties are experiencing drought.

Bull trout are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. As the summer progresses and water levels drop, conditions may develop that create barriers to fish passage.

Biologists will use the data collected during the drone flights to identify areas that may initiate fish rescue efforts due to low water conditions.

WDFW is considering whether to reintroduce bull trout to the Sullivan Lake and Harvey Creek, near Metaline Falls.

Public comment period closed on the proposal June 15.