Invertebrate community datasets from before and after piscicide application in two high elevation Rocky Mountain streams in Colorado, 2015 through 2020

In western United States streams, Oncorhynchus virginalis stomias (Greenback Cutthroat Trout; GBCT) was thought to be extinct; however, a genetically verified population was identified and used for subsequent conservation efforts to reestablish populations. To restore native trout habitat, stream reaches upstream of a dispersal barrier are treated with a piscicide (rotenone) to remove non-native trout before reintroduction. This method potentially affects non-target invertebrates, which could subsequently hinder native trout establishment. To better understand the potential effects of this method on non-target invertebrates, invertebrate communities were sampled for 5 years in two streams where GBCT were reintroduced. Pre- and post-treatment rotenone sampling allowed for examination of acute (1 to 2 months), short- (1 to 2 years) and long-term (3 to 5 years) responses to invertebrate communities. Data were collected in 2015 through 2020. Samples were collected in the summer and fall each year. Herman Gulch was treated with rotenone from 30 September to 1 October 2015, and Dry Gulch was treated with rotenone from 27 to 28 September 2016. Overall, 248 samples were collected: 120 from Herman Gulch (60 summer and 60 fall) and 128 from Dry Gulch (60 summer and 68 fall). Data include treatment groups and calculated invertebrate metrics, as well as individual densities for selected taxa.