One of the primary issues facing our native trout in New Mexico is that due to habitat degradation and the presence of non-native fish, they are relegated to the small headwater streams. This is a problem  as it makes the fish more susceptible to environmental threats, including disease, in-stream flows, water temperature and turbidity and wildfire.

One of the objectives of NMTU is to expand the range of both Gila trout and Rio Grande cutthroat through restoration projects.  The Costilla project is an effort to re-connect around 150 miles of stream for the benefit of Rio Grande cutthroat.

Gila trout face an even more tenuous situation, as there are not a lot of stream miles in which to re-introduce trout.  Currently the focus is on a couple of streams in Arizona that potentially offer very good habitat.

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