TheGoldenSpruce

According to the scholarly article linked below, 'the spread of hybridization may be constrained more by demographic than by environmental factors'. So natural species may not be as well adapted to survive in our local stream. http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/f03-125#.VrJ3B7IrLIU In contrast; according to the following article, climate change is significant factor responsible for the increase in hybridization between the species. http://www.npr.org/2014/05/27/316316952/hybrid-trout-threaten-montanas-native-cutthroats Protection of our headwaters is important, but that alone will not lead to rebound of these threatened species. Some finer point management may be required.

Not to downplay the importance of protecting critical habitat, but another significant threat to the native cutthroat is the introduction of invasive species; mainly the rainbow trout. I'm unfamiliar with the population dynamics in the Castle wilderness area but I am certain that competition and hybridization between native and invasive species contributes to the west-slopes being listed as threatened.