NOTE:  Effective 2013, the Jackson Hole One Fly Stream Improvement Program will not be offered as a stand-alone grant program. Instead, the Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation is partnering with the NFWF through the Bring Back the Natives/More Fish program. Project priorities and funding previously available through the Jackson Hole One Fly Stream Improvement Program will now be offered through the Bring Back the Natives/More Fish program. Applicants should refer to the Bring Back the Natives/More Fish program webpage (www.nfwf.org/bbnmorefish) for additional information on application procedures and deadlines.

Historically, Yellowstone cutthroat trout and Snake River spotted cutthroat trout were widely distributed in the Snake and Yellowstone River systems. Today, conversion of lower-elevation private lands to agriculture and urban development has resulted in a shift of these native cutthroat trout to higher elevations and drier environments, resulting in the species' eminent decline.

In response to this loss of biodiversity, the Jackson Hole One Fly Stream Improvement Program funds stream protection, restoration, and enhancement projects that will benefit these two fish species. These projects help address the most critical factors affecting the long-term viability of important subspecies and populations of native cutthroat trout in a manner that ensures species diversity and genetic purity. In addition, they strengthen community involvement and stewardship on private lands. These projects also help implement the goals of the Western Native Trout Initiative and National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

Funding priorities include:

• Restoration projects in areas with high-quality stronghold populations with no or relatively minor non-native trout presence (Gros Ventre River, Hoback River, Lower Greys River, Willow Creek, Shields River, and Greybull River, and associated spring creeks)
• Restoration projects in larger systems (mainstem of the Snake River and the South Fork of the Snake River) that focus on providing specific advantages to native cutthroat trout and disadvantages to non-native trout
• Restoration projects in areas with peripheral populations with no or relatively minor non-native trout presence (Tongue River, Raft River and Big Cottonwood Creek, and Beavercreek tributaries, and associated spring creeks)
• Other local projects that provide unique conservation opportunities for strategic partnerships, local community involvement, and/or education to promote native cutthroat trout conservation.

Note: Projects that will benefit rainbow trout as well as cutthroat trout will be a low priority.