Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Gila Trout" Signed lower right. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting on Masonite.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Gila Trout stamp issued October 2, 1996. The golden-yellow Gila Trout was once widespread throughout the Gila and San Francisco Rivers in New Mexico. Today, however, the trout is only found in a few creeks in the Gila National Forest. This fish developed in the high reaches of rivers and streams where water is clear and cool. Isolated from other trout species, the Gila Trout is a genetically distinct subspecies. Unfortunately, this fish was nearly destroyed by hatchery programs that breed and release non-native species into new areas. Rainbow trout are a popular hatchery and introductory fish because of its extremely hardy and adaptive nature. Although distinct subspecies of one another, the Gila Trout and the rainbow trout are similar enough to successfully mate. Following the introduction of the rainbow trout into the Gila Trout's waters, the two species hybridized and it became nearly impossible to distinguish between them. Fortunately, scientists recognized that the hybridized breeding was eliminating the Gila Trout. Efforts were taken to separate the fish and move the rainbow trout and the new hybridized species to other waters. Today, rivers and creeks where the Gila Trout thrive are protected from other fish and fishermen. Barricades placed in the rivers halt the natural upstream migration of rainbow trout and other fish from lower sections of the rivers.

Image Size: 14.5 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 17.75 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B15511)

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17.75 x 15 in