Grand Teton to eradicate non-native species

Grand Teton National Park will use rotenone pesticide treatment to kill non-native species in the Kelly Warm Spring and outflow. A temporary closure will be implemented August 20.

Kelly Warm Spring is located in the southern area of the park,about a mile northeast of Kelly, Wyoming.

The spring has been the unusual and unfortunate target for the illegal dumping of aquarium fish for decades. The non-native species, including swordtails, convict cichlids, guppies, goldfish and tadpole madtoms are harmful to native fish. They are capable of surviving a range of water temperatures.

While the exotics could possibly find their way to the Snake River, they have not been found there. The spring is located within a mile of the river.

After considering public comments and environmental effects, the park has approved a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act for control action based on restoration of non-controversial native species into suitable habitats within their historic range and elimination of exotic species.

Park biologists considered several alternatives to remove the exotic species, such as netting and trapping, electrofishing and pesticide treatment. Based on scientific review, public input and consultation with Wyoming Game and Fish Department, park biologists identified pesticide treatment as the preferred method.