Porcupine Lake Access Trails Temporarily Closed

Two U.S. Forest Service trails, which provide access to Porcupine Lake, will be closed temporarily during a scheduled brook trout removal project. The trails will be closed August 9 through 13. Rob Ryan, Fisheries Biologist with Idaho Fish and Game reports that trails 642 and 114 will be closed temporarily to public access for the removal of brook trout from Porcupine Lake and upper Porcupine Creek. The project is a cooperative effort between Fish and Game and the Forest Service Sandpoint Ranger District. Rotenone, naturally toxic to fish, will be applied to remove brook trout so that westslope cutthroat trout may be stocked in 2011. Brook trout are non-native fish that pose a risk to native fish populations in the drainage. Porcupine Lake is about five miles north of Clark Fork, in the Lightning Creek drainage. Rotenone occurs naturally in the roots and stems of several plants. Indigenous tribes are known to have smashed roots of these plants and released them into the water as a means of capturing fish for their own consumption. Rotenone is lethal to fish because it readily enters the blood stream of fish through their gills. "Rotenone is toxic to fish in small concentrations, but when used properly is not harmful to humans," said Ryan. "However, precautionary measures are required during the application of rotenone products to limit human exposure." Any questions regarding the scheduled trail closure should be directed to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Attn Rob Ryan, 2885 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID, 83815. Ryan can also be reached by phone at (208) 769-1414.