The proposed replacement of conservation barriers on aspen and crooked creeks on the fort apache indian reservation is a high priority for the white mountain apache tribe and the white mountain apache…

The White Mountain Apache Tribe received a $379,307.98 Project Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination and Assistance Program (CFDA 15.664) on May 1, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of August 31, 2025. The grant funds the replacement of conservation barriers on Aspen and Crooked Creeks located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona. This project directly supports the tribe's dual conservation objectives: protecting Apache trout and other native species while maintaining and enhancing sportfishing opportunities on tribal lands.

The conservation barrier replacement project addresses a high-priority initiative for the White Mountain Apache Tribe and its Game and Fish Department. By replacing existing barriers on these waterways, the project enables improved species management and habitat protection while generating recreational and economic benefits through enhanced angling opportunities. The funding supports infrastructure improvements critical to the tribe's long-term environmental stewardship and revenue generation objectives for tribal programs and services.

The proposed replacement of conservation barriers on aspen and crooked creeks on the fort apache indian reservation is a high priority for the white mountain apache tribe and the white mountain apache game and fish department because they pursue two coequal goals of conserving their namesake trout and other native species and management of sportfishing opportunities on tribal lands that enhance angling opportunities and generate important revenues for the department and the tribe.