Welcome to another episode of the Spot Burn Podcast, brought to you by Musky Fool! In this episode, hosts Dan and Josh sit down with fisheries ecologist Paul Cunningham from the Wisconsin DNR to discuss the Brook Trout Reserves Program and the future of Wisconsin’s native brook trout. Join us for an in-depth conversation on climate change, habitat conservation, and the challenges of managing one of the state’s most iconic cold-water species. Make sure to tune in for part 2!

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In This Episode:

Meet Paul Cunningham:
Learn about Paul’s journey from rural southern Wisconsin to becoming a key figure in fisheries management since 1992.

Brook Trout Reserves Program:
Discover how the program aims to protect native brook trout from the impacts of warming stream temperatures and climate change.

Climate Change & Habitat Loss:
Paul explains the science behind rising CO2 levels, stream temperature increases, and the projection that up to two-thirds of brook trout habitat may be lost by mid-century.

Fisheries Management & Master Planning:
Insight into how long-term master planning and public access initiatives are shaping the future of Wisconsin’s aquatic resources.

Genetics & Hatchery Influence:
A candid discussion on how hatchery introgression has affected the genetic diversity of brook trout and what it means for conservation.

Angler Perspectives:
Hear about the interplay between brown and brook trout, and how the shifting dynamics affect recreational fishing in Wisconsin.

Big Fish Talk:
The hosts and Paul touch on record-sized brook trout and the ongoing efforts to map and preserve quality trout streams.

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Relevant Links:
Wisconsin DNR Fisheries:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/

Wisconsin Brook Trout Reserves:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/trout/BrookTroutReserves

Brook Trout Reserves Story Map: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1d5dc22ef07e4da7bbd92718206faf23

Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts:
https://wicci.wisc.edu/

For more information on Brook Trout Reserves in Wisconsin, contact Paul Cunningham at Paul.Cunningham@wisconsin.gov or Bradd Sims at Bradd.Sims@wisconsin.gov or send a message to DNRFHBrookTroutReserves@wisconsin.gov

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