A presentation by:

Jeff Barry Nehring, retired Aquatic Researcher from Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Whirling Disease (WD) is caused by a parasite that can infect and kill brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout when exposed during the first 2 to 3 months of life. While this malady was first described in the late 1890s in Germany, the actual life cycle of the parasite remained an enigma until 1984. It was first detected in fish hatcheries in Colorado in late 1987, found in wild trout in Colorado streams 1988-1989, and began causing the collapse of wild rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout populations in numerous coldwater streams in Colorado in the 1990s. Although it is "old news" WD continues to complicate coldwater fisheries management in the state to this day.

Barry began his career as an Aquatic Researcher working on wild trout and coldwater trout streams for the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) in 1978, He began working exclusively on the Whirling Disease problem in Colorado in 1993 and has continued to do so after retiring from the CDOW up to the present time. Barry's presentation will focus on: What Have We Learned? What Do We Know? What Are We Doing? What Can You Do?

This program is part of Roaring Fork Conservancy's Brooksher Watershed Institute whose presentations address our most precious resource, water. We discuss the most current water-related issues at the local, state and regional level, and provide opportunities for one-on-one dialogue with these water leaders.

This is an in-person, free program offered in partnership with Basalt Regional Library. This presentation will not be live streamed or recorded.

Registration is required at www.roaringfork.org/events.