Imagine the ability to determine the status of wild animal populations without having to laboriously count them. The old paradigm of 'how much is out there' is being replaced by a new method prototyped by the Rocky Mountain Research Station, which is easier to use and provides more comprehensive results than older methods. Linking newly developed occupancy modeling approaches with genetic patterns provides both a reliable measure of the spatial extent of populations and insights into how those populations function. This approach is being prototyped for salmonids, and initial results are promising. The method is being applied to understand what characteristics might impede the undesirable spread of exotic brook trout in Rocky Mountain streams and to validate an existing map of the distribution of native bull trout. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Research Station is relating data on species distributions and genetic patterns to stream conditions and habitat to determine which stream characteristics are the best predictors of robust and genetically intact fish populations. This work has involved unique partnerships with the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission, National Forest managers, and the states of Montana and Idaho.