During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing response to the illegal introduction of walleye into Strawberry Reservoir. Trena Hedges, the cold water sport fish coordinator, provided insights on the measures being taken to address this issue.

Hedges explained that specialized nets are being utilized to capture walleye, which have been introduced unlawfully into the reservoir. These nets are designed with larger mesh sizes to target bigger fish, thereby reducing bycatch of smaller species that are important to the local ecosystem. This approach aims to minimize the impact on the reservoir's native fish populations.

When questioned about the confidence in managing the walleye situation, Hedges conveyed a cautious stance, reflecting the sentiments of her colleague Alan Warden. She emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and not prematurely concluding that walleye will not pose a significant threat to the reservoir's ecosystem.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of managing invasive species and the ongoing efforts to protect local aquatic life in Strawberry Reservoir.