Yellowstone National Park announced that Buffalo Creek, a tributary of Slough Creek in the park’s northern sector, will be closed to the public from Monday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6. The closure allows park biologists to treat the waterway with rotenone, a chemical approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for fish management, to eliminate invasive rainbow trout that threaten the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Why the treatment matters
According to a park news release, the rainbow trout in Buffalo Creek have been competing with, and hybridizing with, the park’s native cutthroat trout in downstream waters such as Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, and the Lamar River. Removing the source population in Buffalo Creek is considered essential for the long‑term survival of the pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout throughout the Lamar River watershed.
What will happen during the closure
Park staff will apply rotenone from the northern park boundary downstream to the creek’s confluence with Slough Creek. The chemical will lethally remove the non‑native fish while leaving the water safe for humans and other wildlife. The park emphasized that the treatment will not affect the potability of water at the nearby Slough Creek Campground, and signage will be posted to inform visitors of the temporary closure.
Before the chemical application, crews will conduct electrofishing to capture any Yellowstone cutthroat trout present in Buffalo Creek, though such fish are rarely found there. Captured trout will be relocated to suitable habitats within the park.
Importance of the native cutthroat trout
Yellowstone cutthroat trout are the only native trout species in the park and are regarded as the most ecologically important fish in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Anglers across the Intermountain West also prize these trout for their historic and recreational value. Over recent decades, genetically pure populations have declined due to competition, predation, hybridization, and habitat degradation.
What visitors need to know
During the week‑long closure, all recreational activities on Buffalo Creek—including fishing, hiking along the creek banks, and wildlife observation—will be prohibited. The park asks visitors to respect the closure signs and to plan alternative routes or activities elsewhere in the park. Buffalo Creek is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 7, and the park will monitor the creek to assess the success of the treatment.
Broader conservation context
This effort is part of a larger, ongoing conservation program within Yellowstone aimed at restoring native fish populations and protecting the ecological balance of the park’s waterways. By targeting invasive species at their source, park managers hope to reduce the need for repeated chemical treatments and to foster a healthier, more resilient ecosystem for future generations of wildlife and visitors.
For updates on the project’s progress and any additional closures, visitors should consult the official Yellowstone National Park website or contact park rangers at the information centers.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
