Idaho

Trestle Creek

Conserving one of the most important bull trout spawning stream in the Pacific Northwest

Trestle Creek
In 2000, Western Rivers Conservancy forever removed the risk streamside development along an extensive reach of Trestle Creek. The 20-acre parcel of land we purchased was slated for a rural subdivision, which could have had devastating consequences for bull trout.
Trestle Creek, a tributary to Lake Pend Oreille, drains nearly 15,000 acres of the Cabinet Mountains in northern Idaho and supports the largest population of bull trout in the Pend Oreille system. Bull trout are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Trestle Creek, a tributary to Lake Pend Oreille, drains nearly 15,000 acres of the Cabinet Mountains in northern Idaho and supports the largest population of bull trout in the Pend Oreille system. Bull trout are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Photography | Sartore / National Geographic Stock with Wade Fredenberg/USFWS.
Trestle Creek, Idaho
Trestle Creek, Idaho
Photography | Sarah Glahe

Trestle Creek is one the most important bull trout spawning streams in the Pacific Northwest, hosting an annual spawning run up to 1,000 adult fish from Lake Pend Oreille. Recognizing the threat that development poses for this federally listed threatened species, Western Rivers Conservancy initiated an effort to purchase and consolidate a rural subdivision, before damaging streamside homes could be constructed.

In 2000, WRC acquired and protected the first 20-acre lot with funding provided by the Avista Corporation. Now our partners, including the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and the Inland Northwest Land Trust, are working to secure additional conservation acquisitions in this crucial watershed.

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