The introduction of nonnative fish into wilderness lakes: Good intentions, conflicting mandates, and unintended consequences

Because they have the potential to provide the best remaining standards of relatively unmodified landscapes, protected areas in North America (such as wilderness areas and national parks) have tremendous ecological and scientific value (Cole and Landres 1996). Although the montane ecosystems of western North America are particularly well represented in this complex of protected lands, aquatic habitats within these protected areas are often subject to management practices that are inconsistent with the goal of maintaining natural processes. The most prevalent of these practices is the introduction of salmonid fishes (such as trout) into historically fishless ecosystems to create recreational fisheries.