The Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI) is a pioneering collaborative effort that unites relevant agencies, organizations, and private interests to address the concerns surrounding western native trout populations. This initiative represents a collective commitment to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts and raise public awareness of the urgent need to protect these imperiled species. By fostering coordination between resource management agencies and local community groups, leveraging public and private resources for common priorities, and measuring the impact of their work over time, WNTI aims to rejuvenate native trout populations across the western United States.

WNTI’s strategic plan, developed in 2008 and later updated in 2016, outlines specific goals, objectives, and actions for the conservation, protection, and restoration of 15 native trout char and inland salmon species and sub-species in the western United States. This plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap to guide conservation efforts and prioritize resources effectively. Additionally, WNTI has identified core conservation populations of several native trout species and continues to work toward their protection and recovery. This initiative plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the biodiversity of native trout in the western United States by bringing together diverse stakeholders dedicated to their conservation.