Secretary Haaland celebrates the restoration of Arizona state fish.
The Department of the Interior announced that the Apache trout has been removed from the endangered wildlife list after five decades of conservation efforts. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Chairman of the White Mountain Apache Tribe Kasey Velasquez joined Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to make the announcement.
“After more than 50 years of devoted efforts among federal, state, Tribal and non-governmental organizations, the incredible recovery of the Apache trout reminds us of the transformational power that collaborative conservation efforts – grounded in Indigenous Knowledge – can have on fish and wildlife,” said Secretary Haaland. “This recovery is a testament to the importance of the Endangered Species Act and its tools and resources that are allowing the Interior Department and the federal government to protect vital species in every corner of America.”
The Apache trout was placed on the endangered species list in 1973, shortly after its discovery. It is exclusively found in the eastern part of Arizona, and its repopulation has been facilitated by habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and habitat reintroduction.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For state and Native American leaders as they collaborate with federal officials on preservation and conservation programs.
- For Secretary Haaland and Interior Department officials as they assess species on the endangered list.
Sources: Department of the Interior
