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Early Origins: The Wild Trout Research Laboratory Montana State University-Bozeman MSU started construction of the Wild Trout Research Laboratory in July of 1996. A specially-designed 26' x 73' double-wide trailer, the building was dedicated in September. State-of-the-art aquaculture equipment for fish research was donated by the Whirling Disease Foundation and other private parties. On May 1, 1997, the Montana University System Water Center hired Cal Fraser to build the closed recirculating system and manage the lab. MSU's Biology Department set up an invertebrate ecology lab in one-quarter of the space for Dr. Billie Keran’s research on the worm host of the whirling disease parasite. The first whirling disease experiment began in July of 1997, one year after construction was initiated. Since then, the experiments of numerous researchers from several states have been accommodated. New Dedication: The Aquatic Sciences Laboratory In 2005 the Montana Water Center and various interested parties made the decision to renovate the Wild Trout Research Laboratory. Other labs and facilities are now able to conduct whirling disease research, and there is a need to broaden research capabilities for study of many aquatic species. In 2005, the Montana Water Center hired Trey Kucherka to plan and conduct the laboratory renovation, as well as manage the lab. Due to the widening vision for the laboratory, the decision was made to rename the facility the Aquatic Sciences Laboratory to reflect its broader purpose and mission. The official re-dedication of the lab is set for September 7, 2006. Contributors Funds for the current renovation of the laboratory are solely from the Wild Fish Habitat Initiative based out of the Montana Water Center. Numerous individuals and organizations have contributed to the creation and maintenance of the original: Research Laboratory Planning Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, Joe Brooks Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Madison Gallatin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Whirling Disease Foundation, and Kirby Alton. Laboratory Building Construction U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Wet Lab Equipment E.L. Wiegand Foundation of Reno, Nevada; Minneapolis Foundation; Montana Trout Foundation; Struble Manufacturing Co.; James J. Barney; Harry Brittenham; Bud Lilly's Trout Shop in West Yellowstone; Tim Crawford; William Dana, Jr.; Donald D. Dodge; Monte Dolack; Cal and Janice Dunbar; John and Shelly Elam; Sarah and John Etchart; Michael and Sandra Masselink; Wells (Bud) Morris; Farwell Smith; Volney Steele; Harrison Trask; Whirling Disease Foundation; Harry B. Wilson; and Craig Woodson. Operating Support The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks contributed more than one-half of the operating expenses from 1997 to 2000. |
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