The coloration of the Gila trout has been likened to a New Mexico sunset. Courtesy/Michael Altherr

By MICHAEL ALTHERR
Los Alamos

On this Earth Day, I want to pay tribute to the Federal employees and all those who insured the successes of the environmental movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. In spite of the Vietnam War, and the sins of the Nixon administration, that period of time gave rise to The Clean Air Act (63’); The Wilderness Act (64’); The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (68’); The Endangered Species Act (74’); The Clean Water Act (77’) and others. It seems nostalgic to remember a time when  politicians actually cared about their constituencies; and the Federal government actually worked for the people and not solely for the enrichment of a few.

I came of age during this time; and I have always taken solace in wild places whether backpacking, peak bagging, backcountry skiing, wilderness climbing, or most recently backcountry fly fishing. While age has tempered my capabilities, my quest for peace and solitude in the woods still drives me to the wilderness. I recently had the good fortune to visit The Gila Wilderness – the world’s first designated wilderness area (1934) right here in New Mexico. While there, I was able to complete the New Mexico Trout Challenge by catching a beautiful Gila trout. The coloration of this fish has been likened to a New Mexico sunset. I agree, but I will let you decide for yourself. 

By the end of the 1960’s, most of the Western United States’ native trout populations, including the Gila, were thought to be extinct, endangered, or (at best) threatened. This was due to loss of habitat, and to hybridization with introduced nonnative trout. Over time, small isolated genetically pure populations of many of these natives have been found, raised in hatcheries; and in conjunction with habitat restoration efforts, reintroduced in sufficient numbers to their native ranges that they are once again being pursued in the wild by anglers. The fact that the Gila and other western native trout still exist is a testament to The Endangered Species Act, the Federal employees of the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and here in New Mexico to the Department of Game and Fish. Thank you all! Our country, and the World writ large, is richer for your service.