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• 1. [Article] Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin

  Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current surveys to assess changes in poo1 habitats in the Columbia River basin. Streams from across the basin, representing a wide range of geologies, stream sizes and land-use histories, were used to evaluate habitat change. We classified streams as managed or unmanaged, based on their land-use histories. Managed basins were watersheds managed predominantly for multiple-use (e.g., timber harvest, livestock grazing) and unmanaged basins were minimally affected by human disturbance (e.g., wilderness/roadless areas). The quantity and quality of pool habitats increased or remained the same in unmanaged streams, and decreased in managed streams since the 1930s. Despite differences in stream size and land-use history, the magnitude and direction of theses changes were consistent. In addition, the decrease in pool habitats did not differ between public and private lands. Ecoregions were used to assess regional patterns to these changes. Our analysis showed that pool habitats decreased in all Ecoregions except the North Cascades Ecoregion. Regional land-use histories were documented for the study streams. The overgrazing of most rangelands had been documented by 1900. Grazing practices began to change after 1930, but current information suggests that while uplands have improved, riparian areas have not. By World War II, stream habitats had been affected by the loss of riparian vegetation, large woody debris, and aquatic habitats due to splash dams, log drives, and riparian timber harvest. Timber harvest expanded to the uplands after World War II, as the demand for timber expanded. Rapidly developing road networks increased runoff and sedimentation, which continued the impact of timber harvest on already damaged stream ecosystems. Almost 90% of managed streams had roads along the channel or within the floodplain. "Stream improvements," such as channelization and stream cleaning, also affected stream ecosystems. We concluded that the chronic and persistent effects of land-use practices had simplified stream channels and reduced habitat complexity in most managed watersheds in the Columbia River basin. Title: Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current surveys to assess changes in poo1 habitats in the Columbia River basin. Streams from across the basin, representing a wide range of geologies, stream sizes and land-use histories, were used to evaluate habitat change. We classified streams as managed or unmanaged, based on their land-use histories. Managed basins were watersheds managed predominantly for multiple-use (e.g., timber harvest, livestock grazing) and unmanaged basins were minimally affected by human disturbance (e.g., wilderness/roadless areas). The quantity and quality of pool habitats increased or remained the same in unmanaged streams, and decreased in managed streams since the 1930s. Despite differences in stream size and land-use history, the magnitude and direction of theses changes were consistent. In addition, the decrease in pool habitats did not differ between public and private lands. Ecoregions were used to assess regional patterns to these changes. Our analysis showed that pool habitats decreased in all Ecoregions except the North Cascades Ecoregion. Regional land-use histories were documented for the study streams. The overgrazing of most rangelands had been documented by 1900. Grazing practices began to change after 1930, but current information suggests that while uplands have improved, riparian areas have not. By World War II, stream habitats had been affected by the loss of riparian vegetation, large woody debris, and aquatic habitats due to splash dams, log drives, and riparian timber harvest. Timber harvest expanded to the uplands after World War II, as the demand for timber expanded. Rapidly developing road networks increased runoff and sedimentation, which continued the impact of timber harvest on already damaged stream ecosystems. Almost 90% of managed streams had roads along the channel or within the floodplain. "Stream improvements," such as channelization and stream cleaning, also affected stream ecosystems. We concluded that the chronic and persistent effects of land-use practices had simplified stream channels and reduced habitat complexity in most managed watersheds in the Columbia River basin. Close

• 2. [Article] Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03

  Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03 Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers in central Oregon were confronted with that question in an effort to reestablish fish populations in 375 kilometers of stream above the Round Butte-Pelton Dam complex (Rkm 161) on the Deschutes River. Stream surveys had been conducted in most of the available stream habitat, but had not been synthesized in a form that allowed managers to view the quality and complexity of stream habitat in an easily-understandable fashion. In response, we developed a limiting factors model (HabRate) that assessed the potential quality of stream habitat using stream survey data for each juvenile life stage of salmon and steelhead. The model was developed for a specific application to the middle Deschutes River basin in Oregon, but was intended for general application to Pacific Northwest basins. To paramatize the model, we summarized available literature on salmonid habitat requirements. Habitat criteria were developed for discrete life history stages (i.e. spawning, egg survival, emergence, summer rearing, and winter rearing) and used to rate the quality of stream reaches as poor, fair, or good, based on attributes relating to stream substrate, habitat unit type, cover, gradient, temperature, and flow. Reach level summaries of stream habitat data were entered into MS Excel, and interpreted by a series of algorithms to provide a limiting factor assessment of potential egg-to-fry and fry-to-parr survival for each reach. Model output lists habitat quality by species and life stage for each reach of stream. The model is a decision making tool that is intended to provide a qualitative assessment of the habitat potential of stream reaches within a basin context. Design criteria for the model were simplicity, flexibility, and transparency. While HabRate was based on our interpretations of the published literature, specific criteria for habitat quality were structured to be easily adjusted where interpretations differ from ours. Information not common to standard stream survey designs, such as seasonal flow or temperature extremes can be included as input from professional judgment. The results were integrated into a GIS coverage coupled with the stream network and habitat data to provide a comprehensive map-based perspective of habitat quality in a watershed. Title: Habrate: A Limiting Factors Model for Accessing Stream Habitat Quality for Salmon and Steelhead in the Deschutes River Basin, 2010. Information Reports Number 2010-03 Abstract -- Fishery managers are commonly tasked with the basic question "Will the contemporary habitat above a barrier support the fish populations that historically resided in the watershed?" Managers in central Oregon were confronted with that question in an effort to reestablish fish populations in 375 kilometers of stream above the Round Butte-Pelton Dam complex (Rkm 161) on the Deschutes River. Stream surveys had been conducted in most of the available stream habitat, but had not been synthesized in a form that allowed managers to view the quality and complexity of stream habitat in an easily-understandable fashion. In response, we developed a limiting factors model (HabRate) that assessed the potential quality of stream habitat using stream survey data for each juvenile life stage of salmon and steelhead. The model was developed for a specific application to the middle Deschutes River basin in Oregon, but was intended for general application to Pacific Northwest basins. To paramatize the model, we summarized available literature on salmonid habitat requirements. Habitat criteria were developed for discrete life history stages (i.e. spawning, egg survival, emergence, summer rearing, and winter rearing) and used to rate the quality of stream reaches as poor, fair, or good, based on attributes relating to stream substrate, habitat unit type, cover, gradient, temperature, and flow. Reach level summaries of stream habitat data were entered into MS Excel, and interpreted by a series of algorithms to provide a limiting factor assessment of potential egg-to-fry and fry-to-parr survival for each reach. Model output lists habitat quality by species and life stage for each reach of stream. The model is a decision making tool that is intended to provide a qualitative assessment of the habitat potential of stream reaches within a basin context. Design criteria for the model were simplicity, flexibility, and transparency. While HabRate was based on our interpretations of the published literature, specific criteria for habitat quality were structured to be easily adjusted where interpretations differ from ours. Information not common to standard stream survey designs, such as seasonal flow or temperature extremes can be included as input from professional judgment. The results were integrated into a GIS coverage coupled with the stream network and habitat data to provide a comprehensive map-based perspective of habitat quality in a watershed. Close

• 3. [Article] Historical changes in anadromous fish habitat in the Upper Grande Ronde River, Oregon, 1941-1990

  The U.S. Bureau of Fisheries (now National Marine Fisheries Service) conducted stream habitat surveys in the Upper Grande Ronde River Basin in 1941. This survey was part of an extensive inventory of stream ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical changes in anadromous fish habitat in the Upper Grande Ronde River, Oregon, 1941-1990 Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. The U.S. Bureau of Fisheries (now National Marine Fisheries Service) conducted stream habitat surveys in the Upper Grande Ronde River Basin in 1941. This survey was part of an extensive inventory of stream habitat conditions for anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) throughout the Columbia River Basin. The survey systematically inventoried 158 km of streams within the 3000 km2 watershed. Stream habitat was degraded from land-use activities (riparian timber harvest, splash dams, stream channelization, livestock grazing, and mining) prior to the 1941 survey. A 1990 resurvey determined how stream habitat conditions had continued to change. The historical survey and the 1990 resurvey inventoried streams according to pool and substrate characteristics. Pools were classified by size and depth criteria, while substrate was divided into size-classes. Losses in total pools/km (> 20m2 area and > 0.5 m depth) ranged from 43 to 83% (mean = 65%, 12.2 to 4.31km), while the loss in large pools/km (> 20m2 and > 1.0 m depth) ranged from 20 to 89% (mean = 68%, 6.2 to 2.0/1cm) for individual streams. The loss of variability in pool frequencies from 1941 to 1990 (total pools/km a2 = 43.9 to 2.8, large pools/km a2 = 23.2 to 3.2) demonstrates that stream channels have become less diverse. Classifying streams by reach types indicated that the decline in pool frequencies was not significantly related to geomorphic constraints. Substrate composition appears to have shifted toward smaller size-classes, with an increase in fine sediments (< 6mm) in the headwaters. Livestock grazing declined 78% (229,000 to 51,000 aum) from 1911 to 1990, while annual timber harvest increased 172% (36 to 98 mmbf) from the pre-survey period (1896-1940) to the post-survey period (1940-1990). Road densities have increased concurrent with timber harvest, currently averaging 4 miles/mile2. Base discharge has increased 51% (18.5 to 28.0 cfs), while there has been a 27% decrease in annual precipitation (22.0" to 16.0") and snowpack (April 1 water equivalent) (15.0" to 10.5") from 1941 to 1990. In an era of presumably improving management (1941-1990), large-scale losses in the fish habitat necessary for the continued viability of resident and anadromous fish populations continued to occur. Title: Historical changes in anadromous fish habitat in the Upper Grande Ronde River, Oregon, 1941-1990 Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. The U.S. Bureau of Fisheries (now National Marine Fisheries Service) conducted stream habitat surveys in the Upper Grande Ronde River Basin in 1941. This survey was part of an extensive inventory of stream habitat conditions for anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) throughout the Columbia River Basin. The survey systematically inventoried 158 km of streams within the 3000 km2 watershed. Stream habitat was degraded from land-use activities (riparian timber harvest, splash dams, stream channelization, livestock grazing, and mining) prior to the 1941 survey. A 1990 resurvey determined how stream habitat conditions had continued to change. The historical survey and the 1990 resurvey inventoried streams according to pool and substrate characteristics. Pools were classified by size and depth criteria, while substrate was divided into size-classes. Losses in total pools/km (> 20m2 area and > 0.5 m depth) ranged from 43 to 83% (mean = 65%, 12.2 to 4.31km), while the loss in large pools/km (> 20m2 and > 1.0 m depth) ranged from 20 to 89% (mean = 68%, 6.2 to 2.0/1cm) for individual streams. The loss of variability in pool frequencies from 1941 to 1990 (total pools/km a2 = 43.9 to 2.8, large pools/km a2 = 23.2 to 3.2) demonstrates that stream channels have become less diverse. Classifying streams by reach types indicated that the decline in pool frequencies was not significantly related to geomorphic constraints. Substrate composition appears to have shifted toward smaller size-classes, with an increase in fine sediments (< 6mm) in the headwaters. Livestock grazing declined 78% (229,000 to 51,000 aum) from 1911 to 1990, while annual timber harvest increased 172% (36 to 98 mmbf) from the pre-survey period (1896-1940) to the post-survey period (1940-1990). Road densities have increased concurrent with timber harvest, currently averaging 4 miles/mile2. Base discharge has increased 51% (18.5 to 28.0 cfs), while there has been a 27% decrease in annual precipitation (22.0" to 16.0") and snowpack (April 1 water equivalent) (15.0" to 10.5") from 1941 to 1990. In an era of presumably improving management (1941-1990), large-scale losses in the fish habitat necessary for the continued viability of resident and anadromous fish populations continued to occur. Close

• 4. [Article] Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01

  Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01 Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for biologists and land managers, to establish monitoring programs, and to direct or focus habitat restoration efforts. Development of an Aquatic Inventories Project began within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in 1989 with sponsorship by the Restoration and Enhancement Program. Drafting of stream survey methods and implementation of field work began in 1990. The conceptual background for this work came from the experience of project staff and from interactions with Oregon State University, forest industry, and USFS PNW research scientists (Bisson et al. 1982, Grant 1986, Everest et al. 1987, Hankin and Reeves 1988, Moore and Gregory 1989, and Gregory et al. 1991). Significant contributions and review of these methods were provided by ODFW research staff, and from consultation with ODFW and United States Forest Service (USFS) biologists working on similar programs. Members of the Umpqua Basin Fisheries Restoration Initiative and the Oregon Forest Industry Council have provided additional review and consultation. This methodology was designed to be compatible with other stream habitat inventories and classification systems (i.e., Rosgen 1985, Frissell et al. 1986, Cupp 1989, Ralph 1989, USFS Region 6 Level II Inventory 1992, and Hawkins et al. 1993). This compatibility is achieved by systematically identifying and quantifying valley and stream geomorphic features. The resulting matrix of measurements and spatial relationships can then be generalized into frequently occurring valley and channel types or translated into the nomenclature of a particular system. For example, information summarized at the reach level (valley width, channel type, slope, terrace height and width, sinuosity, width, depth, substrate, eroding banks, etc.) can be used to characterize the stream into one of the types described by Rosgen (1985) or to match the parameters collected in other quantitative (USFS) or historic (U.S. Bureau of Fisheries) surveys. The process of conducting a stream survey involves collection of general information from maps and other sources and the direct observation of stream characteristics in the field. This information is both collected and analyzed based on a hierarchical system of regions, basins, streams, reaches, and habitat units. Supervisors are responsible for collecting the general information on regions and basins and for directing the activities of the survey crews. Survey teams will collect field data based on stream, reach and channel unit characteristics. Region and basin data will primarily come from ODFW-EPA region and sub region classifications, and from map analysis. The following instructions and definitions provide the outline for these activities and a description of the tasks involved in conducting ODFW’s stream habitat inventory. Each field crew is comprised of two people with each member responsible for specific tasks. The "Estimator" will focus on the identification of channel unit characteristics. The "Numerator" will focus on the counts and relative distribution of several unit attributes and will verify the length and width estimates for a subset of units. The "Estimator" and "Numerator" share the responsibility for describing reach characteristics, riparian conditions, identifying habitat unit types, and for quantifying the amount of large woody debris. Crew members may switch responsibility for estimator or numerator when they start a new stream. They will not, however, switch estimator and numerator jobs on the same stream. Title: Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys: Aquatic Inventories Project Information Reports 2007-01 Abstract -- The Aquatic Inventories Project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for biologists and land managers, to establish monitoring programs, and to direct or focus habitat restoration efforts. Development of an Aquatic Inventories Project began within the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) in 1989 with sponsorship by the Restoration and Enhancement Program. Drafting of stream survey methods and implementation of field work began in 1990. The conceptual background for this work came from the experience of project staff and from interactions with Oregon State University, forest industry, and USFS PNW research scientists (Bisson et al. 1982, Grant 1986, Everest et al. 1987, Hankin and Reeves 1988, Moore and Gregory 1989, and Gregory et al. 1991). Significant contributions and review of these methods were provided by ODFW research staff, and from consultation with ODFW and United States Forest Service (USFS) biologists working on similar programs. Members of the Umpqua Basin Fisheries Restoration Initiative and the Oregon Forest Industry Council have provided additional review and consultation. This methodology was designed to be compatible with other stream habitat inventories and classification systems (i.e., Rosgen 1985, Frissell et al. 1986, Cupp 1989, Ralph 1989, USFS Region 6 Level II Inventory 1992, and Hawkins et al. 1993). This compatibility is achieved by systematically identifying and quantifying valley and stream geomorphic features. The resulting matrix of measurements and spatial relationships can then be generalized into frequently occurring valley and channel types or translated into the nomenclature of a particular system. For example, information summarized at the reach level (valley width, channel type, slope, terrace height and width, sinuosity, width, depth, substrate, eroding banks, etc.) can be used to characterize the stream into one of the types described by Rosgen (1985) or to match the parameters collected in other quantitative (USFS) or historic (U.S. Bureau of Fisheries) surveys. The process of conducting a stream survey involves collection of general information from maps and other sources and the direct observation of stream characteristics in the field. This information is both collected and analyzed based on a hierarchical system of regions, basins, streams, reaches, and habitat units. Supervisors are responsible for collecting the general information on regions and basins and for directing the activities of the survey crews. Survey teams will collect field data based on stream, reach and channel unit characteristics. Region and basin data will primarily come from ODFW-EPA region and sub region classifications, and from map analysis. The following instructions and definitions provide the outline for these activities and a description of the tasks involved in conducting ODFW’s stream habitat inventory. Each field crew is comprised of two people with each member responsible for specific tasks. The "Estimator" will focus on the identification of channel unit characteristics. The "Numerator" will focus on the counts and relative distribution of several unit attributes and will verify the length and width estimates for a subset of units. The "Estimator" and "Numerator" share the responsibility for describing reach characteristics, riparian conditions, identifying habitat unit types, and for quantifying the amount of large woody debris. Crew members may switch responsibility for estimator or numerator when they start a new stream. They will not, however, switch estimator and numerator jobs on the same stream. Close

• 5. [Article] Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5

  Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Title: Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon 2005 Monitoring Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2007-5 Abstract -- Monitoring programs under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds were designed to assess the status and trend in fish populations and aquatic habitat in Oregon’s coastal basins. Although the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds was initiated in response to the petition to list Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), monitoring was subsequently expanded to include other salmonids. Through coordinated surveys we are able to evaluate freshwater habitat, fish distribution, and abundance of juvenile and adult coho salmon and steelhead trout. The habitat survey project has the broadest geographic scope of inference and ties to other program components as well – basin surveys, surveys at habitat restoration sites, adult and juvenile coho surveys, and life cycle watersheds (Flitcroft et al. 2002). The Oregon Plan facilitated cooperation and partnerships to study the contemporary life history dynamics of coho salmon in the Oregon coastal ESU (Evolutionary Significant Unit). A viability and status assessment of Oregon coastal Coho (Chilcote 2005) and the Conservation Plan for the Oregon Coast Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (Nicholas 2006) evaluated the relationship of aquatic habitat to the productivity of coho salmon populations and recommended actions to promote recovery. The habitat portion of the viability assessment was based on a review of aquatic and riparian habitat collected by the Aquatic Inventories Project (ODFW) from 1990 to 2004 (Rodgers et al. 2005). The authors of the habitat assessment (Rodgers et al 2005) and viability assessment (Chilcote 2005) concluded that coho productivity in 22 coastal coho populations was limited by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The term “stream complexity” integrates geomorphic and structural characteristics of streams and associated aquatic habitat. Complex geomorphic features may be observed in low gradient streams flowing through wide valley floors with multiple channels and off-channel habitats. Structural complexity refers to the size and configuration of pools, large wood pieces and jams, substrate, and undercut banks. The combination of geomorphic and structural features provides cover and refugia during high winter flows for juvenile coho. Stream reaches that can or have the potential to create these conditions are commonly located in lower reaches of moderate size streams in areas with wide valley floors and are considered to contain high quality habitat for juvenile coho. Burnett et al. (2007) developed spatial models to estimate high-quality habitat rearing potential, termed intrinsic potential, in coastal streams. A stream’s intrinsic potential was modeled using valley width, gradient, and stream flow. Historically, streams identified as having high intrinsic potential may have been the most productive for juvenile coho salmon; restoration of these reaches may be the key to recovery of coho salmon. The viability assessment and Coho Plan recommend that we monitor the trends in total amount and spatial distribution of these habitats in coastal drainages. This report discusses the findings from aquatic habitat surveys conducted in summer 2005 in coastal drainages. Our objectives are to describe and compare channel morphology, instream habitat and complexity, and riparian conditions in all wadeable streams in five monitoring areas. The sample design permitted us to post stratify the sample sites into three additional frames: sites within coho and steelhead distribution, sites outside coho distribution, and sites within high intrinsic potential for coho. We also used two habitat models to integrate habitat attributes to describe the habitat quality and capacity for different life stages of juvenile coho and steelhead. Close

• 6. [Article] A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003

  Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003 Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been available to fisheries biologists and studies to quantify total annual escapement have not been conducted. Techniques used to estimate spawning escapement were often not documented (Van Cleave and Ting 1960, Oregon Fish Commission, unpublished data; Smith 1975). While other estimates have formed the basis for compensating losses due to the construction of the lower Snake River dams and setting subbasin supplementation goals, the accuracy of these estimates is unknown (USACE 1975, Carmichael and Boyce 1987, ODFW 1990). As populations continue to decline, accurate historic and current escapement estimates are needed to set management goals for conservation, recovery, supplementation, harvest, and to monitor population health. Spawning populations of spring/summer Chinook salmon have been monitored in Northeast Oregon streams since 1948 by visually counting redds. The Oregon Fish Commission established early surveys and in 1961 the Oregon Game Commission also began surveys. The two agencies were merged into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1975. In the past, time and budget limitations prevented fishery biologists from surveying entire streams. Redd counts, therefore, were limited to only a portion of the available spawning habitat on each stream termed the “index” area. The index area was chosen as the area most likely to provide a good sample (represent majority of spawning) of spawning escapement for a given stream. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Title: A Compendium of Grande Ronde River and Imnaha River Basins Spring Chinook Salmon Spawning Ground Surveys Conducted from 1948 through 2003 Abstract -- A variety of methods have been used to estimate the number of spring/summer Chinook salmon returning to spawn in Northeast Oregon streams. However, little quantitative information has been available to fisheries biologists and studies to quantify total annual escapement have not been conducted. Techniques used to estimate spawning escapement were often not documented (Van Cleave and Ting 1960, Oregon Fish Commission, unpublished data; Smith 1975). While other estimates have formed the basis for compensating losses due to the construction of the lower Snake River dams and setting subbasin supplementation goals, the accuracy of these estimates is unknown (USACE 1975, Carmichael and Boyce 1987, ODFW 1990). As populations continue to decline, accurate historic and current escapement estimates are needed to set management goals for conservation, recovery, supplementation, harvest, and to monitor population health. Spawning populations of spring/summer Chinook salmon have been monitored in Northeast Oregon streams since 1948 by visually counting redds. The Oregon Fish Commission established early surveys and in 1961 the Oregon Game Commission also began surveys. The two agencies were merged into the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1975. In the past, time and budget limitations prevented fishery biologists from surveying entire streams. Redd counts, therefore, were limited to only a portion of the available spawning habitat on each stream termed the “index” area. The index area was chosen as the area most likely to provide a good sample (represent majority of spawning) of spawning escapement for a given stream. Lower Snake River Compensation Plan (LSRCP) ODFW- Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR) Close

• 7. [Article] Historical Vegetation of Three Salmon-Bearing Watersheds in the Interior Columbia River Basin

  Land use practices can be a contributing factor to environmental degradation and have been the focus of many ecological studies. One aspect that is less addressed is land use history and the effects that ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical Vegetation of Three Salmon-Bearing Watersheds in the Interior Columbia River Basin Author: Smith, Tyanna Year: 2014 Land use practices can be a contributing factor to environmental degradation and have been the focus of many ecological studies. One aspect that is less addressed is land use history and the effects that past practices, such as logging and grazing, can have on the current landscape. This paper describes research and the synthesis of material on the environmental history and watershed characteristics for three watersheds located within spawning and rearing areas for Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde River Basin in Northeast Oregon: upper Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, and Minam River. The Grande Ronde Basin is critical spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act. The primary historical data sources for reconstructing 19th century stream and riparian conditions are the General Land Office township survey notes from 1863 - 1901. Data about the habitat conditions of the landscape were extracted from notes of each township survey source regarding vegetation, stream crossings, and other features found on the landscape in tabular and spatial forms. Data were organized to describe common stream and riparian conditions for the historical time period using a geographic information system. Watershed basin, Chinook salmon life history, ecoregion and surveyor were analyzed using multivariate techniques to determine which parameters were strongly connected to historical vegetation. Ecoregion had the strongest correlation with plant communities. For future research, these historical data could be compared to current habitat survey data, such as the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Habitat Inventories, to evaluate the degree of change over time of stream and riparian conditions. Title: Historical Vegetation of Three Salmon-Bearing Watersheds in the Interior Columbia River Basin Author: Smith, Tyanna Year: 2014 Land use practices can be a contributing factor to environmental degradation and have been the focus of many ecological studies. One aspect that is less addressed is land use history and the effects that past practices, such as logging and grazing, can have on the current landscape. This paper describes research and the synthesis of material on the environmental history and watershed characteristics for three watersheds located within spawning and rearing areas for Chinook salmon in the Grande Ronde River Basin in Northeast Oregon: upper Grande Ronde River, Catherine Creek, and Minam River. The Grande Ronde Basin is critical spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act. The primary historical data sources for reconstructing 19th century stream and riparian conditions are the General Land Office township survey notes from 1863 - 1901. Data about the habitat conditions of the landscape were extracted from notes of each township survey source regarding vegetation, stream crossings, and other features found on the landscape in tabular and spatial forms. Data were organized to describe common stream and riparian conditions for the historical time period using a geographic information system. Watershed basin, Chinook salmon life history, ecoregion and surveyor were analyzed using multivariate techniques to determine which parameters were strongly connected to historical vegetation. Ecoregion had the strongest correlation with plant communities. For future research, these historical data could be compared to current habitat survey data, such as the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Aquatic Habitat Inventories, to evaluate the degree of change over time of stream and riparian conditions. Close

• 8. [Article] The influence of contemporary forest harvesting on summer stream temperatures in headwater streams of Hinkle Creek, Oregon

  Stream temperature is a water quality parameter that directly influences the quality of aquatic habitat, particularly for cold-water species such as Pacific salmonids. Forest harvesting adjacent to a stream ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The influence of contemporary forest harvesting on summer stream temperatures in headwater streams of Hinkle Creek, Oregon Author: Kibler, Kelly Maren Stream temperature is a water quality parameter that directly influences the quality of aquatic habitat, particularly for cold-water species such as Pacific salmonids. Forest harvesting adjacent to a stream can increase the amount of solar radiation the stream receives, which can elevate stream temperatures and impair aquatic habitat. Oregon Forest Practice Rules mandate that forest operators leave Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) adjacent to streams in order to minimize the water quality impacts from forest harvesting. However, RMAs that contain overstory merchantable conifers are not required for small non-fish-bearing streams in Oregon, thus there is potential for increases in stream temperature to occur in headwater streams after harvesting. There is concern that increases in stream temperatures and changes to onsite processes in non-fish-bearing, headwater streams may propagate downstream and impair habitat in fish-bearing streams. The objectives of the following work are to assess the effects of contemporary forest management practices on stream temperatures of small non-fish-bearing headwater streams and to develop new knowledge regarding the physical processes that control reach-level stream temperature patterns. Summer stream temperatures were measured for five years in six headwater streams in the Hinkle Creek basin in southern Oregon. After four years, four of the streams were harvested and vegetated RMAs were not left between the streams and harvest units. The watersheds of the two remaining streams were not disturbed. Post-harvest stream temperatures were monitored for one year in all six streams. Each harvested stream was paired with one unharvested stream and regression relationships for maximum, minimum and mean daily stream temperatures were developed. Changes to temperatures of harvested streams were detected by comparing the mean pre-harvest regression relationship to the mean post-harvest relationship. Change detection analyses that considered the mean response among all four harvested streams indicated that maximum daily stream temperatures did not increase after harvesting, but that minimum and mean daily temperatures decreased significantly after harvesting. Additionally, diel stream temperature fluctuations were significantly greater one year after harvesting. Pre- and post-harvest surveys of canopy closure in the harvested and unharvested streams were completed in order to compare levels of stream shading before and after harvest. The post-harvest survey quantified canopy closure from remaining overstory vegetation as well as from logging slash that partially covered the harvested streams. The surveys indicated that mean overstory canopy closure in the harvested streams decreased by 84% as a result of the harvest, but as the logging slash provided considerable cover, total canopy closure decreased by only 20%. It is possible that the logging slash effectively attenuated solar radiation and prevented extreme temperature increases in the harvested streams. However, it is likely that streamflow increased after harvesting and that the increased streamflow also prevented increases to maximum temperatures and contributed to lower minimum and mean stream temperatures. Title: The influence of contemporary forest harvesting on summer stream temperatures in headwater streams of Hinkle Creek, Oregon Author: Kibler, Kelly Maren Stream temperature is a water quality parameter that directly influences the quality of aquatic habitat, particularly for cold-water species such as Pacific salmonids. Forest harvesting adjacent to a stream can increase the amount of solar radiation the stream receives, which can elevate stream temperatures and impair aquatic habitat. Oregon Forest Practice Rules mandate that forest operators leave Riparian Management Areas (RMAs) adjacent to streams in order to minimize the water quality impacts from forest harvesting. However, RMAs that contain overstory merchantable conifers are not required for small non-fish-bearing streams in Oregon, thus there is potential for increases in stream temperature to occur in headwater streams after harvesting. There is concern that increases in stream temperatures and changes to onsite processes in non-fish-bearing, headwater streams may propagate downstream and impair habitat in fish-bearing streams. The objectives of the following work are to assess the effects of contemporary forest management practices on stream temperatures of small non-fish-bearing headwater streams and to develop new knowledge regarding the physical processes that control reach-level stream temperature patterns. Summer stream temperatures were measured for five years in six headwater streams in the Hinkle Creek basin in southern Oregon. After four years, four of the streams were harvested and vegetated RMAs were not left between the streams and harvest units. The watersheds of the two remaining streams were not disturbed. Post-harvest stream temperatures were monitored for one year in all six streams. Each harvested stream was paired with one unharvested stream and regression relationships for maximum, minimum and mean daily stream temperatures were developed. Changes to temperatures of harvested streams were detected by comparing the mean pre-harvest regression relationship to the mean post-harvest relationship. Change detection analyses that considered the mean response among all four harvested streams indicated that maximum daily stream temperatures did not increase after harvesting, but that minimum and mean daily temperatures decreased significantly after harvesting. Additionally, diel stream temperature fluctuations were significantly greater one year after harvesting. Pre- and post-harvest surveys of canopy closure in the harvested and unharvested streams were completed in order to compare levels of stream shading before and after harvest. The post-harvest survey quantified canopy closure from remaining overstory vegetation as well as from logging slash that partially covered the harvested streams. The surveys indicated that mean overstory canopy closure in the harvested streams decreased by 84% as a result of the harvest, but as the logging slash provided considerable cover, total canopy closure decreased by only 20%. It is possible that the logging slash effectively attenuated solar radiation and prevented extreme temperature increases in the harvested streams. However, it is likely that streamflow increased after harvesting and that the increased streamflow also prevented increases to maximum temperatures and contributed to lower minimum and mean stream temperatures. Close

• 9. [Article] Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains

  Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains Author: Goetz, Frederick Allen Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington from 1989 to 1991, using day snorkeling, night snorkeling, and electrofishing. These methods were selected after a preliminary diel streamside study of juvenile bull trout showed fry (age 0) counts were significantly higher (P<0.00l) during the day, while counts of juvenile fish (age 1 and 2) were significantly higher (P<0.00l) at night. The highest counts of juveniles occurred during a "quiet period" immediately after dusk, during which time fish were inactive, out of cover, and easily counted with underwater flashlights. In a comparison of four sampling methods on Jack Creek, electrofishing was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with day (r=0.8l) and night (r=0.89) snorkeling counts, but not with streambank counts. In a comparison of day and night snorkeling in 10 streams, total density estimates were significantly greater (P<0.0l) for night snorkeling than day. The diel study and sampling methods comparison suggested surveys of distribution and habitat use of bull trout should include night surveys as well as day. Distribution surveys found that, except for one stream, juvenile bull trout were found only in, or near, spring-fed areas created by recent lava flows. Presence of bull trout in a stream was related to cold groundwater temperatures, as they were not found in streams with temperatures above 14°C. Distribution of bull trout in Oregon and Washington followed a pattern of decreasing elevation with increasing latitude and longitude(Ra=-0.9l6) Presence at lower than expected elevations were explained when groundwater temperatures were predicted from mean annual air temperatures. Actual water temperatures for these spring-fed streams were significantly lower (p<0.00l) than predicted based on elevation, latitude, and longitude. Comparison of historical distribution of bull trout showed extant bull trout were found in the Willamette and Deschutes River Basins of Oregon, respectively, in only 26.2 and 56.2% of their former ranges. Factors associated with bull trout demise in Oregon Cascade streams were (1) isolation and inundation of spring-fed stream habitat by water control structures, (2) introduction of brook trout and brown trout, and (3) large flood events and habitat degradation. Juvenile habitat use was analyzed at the macrohabitat (habitat unit) level in five river basins. Diel and seasonal microhabitat use was also documented for one spring-fed stream, Jack Creek. There was a clear difference in habitat use day and night, associated with the low water temperature of the spring-fed streams (mean=8.0°C). All habitat unit types (pool, riffle, glide, side channel) were used day and night, but bull trout only elected to use side channels in both time periods. Bull trout were found at night in (1) a higher percentage of habitat units, (2) in higher densities by unit, and (3) in increasing numbers with increasing habitat unit area. In Jack Creek, bull trout elected to use shallow water depths, low mean velocities, instream woody debris, and small substrates. Title: Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains Author: Goetz, Frederick Allen Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington from 1989 to 1991, using day snorkeling, night snorkeling, and electrofishing. These methods were selected after a preliminary diel streamside study of juvenile bull trout showed fry (age 0) counts were significantly higher (P<0.00l) during the day, while counts of juvenile fish (age 1 and 2) were significantly higher (P<0.00l) at night. The highest counts of juveniles occurred during a "quiet period" immediately after dusk, during which time fish were inactive, out of cover, and easily counted with underwater flashlights. In a comparison of four sampling methods on Jack Creek, electrofishing was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with day (r=0.8l) and night (r=0.89) snorkeling counts, but not with streambank counts. In a comparison of day and night snorkeling in 10 streams, total density estimates were significantly greater (P<0.0l) for night snorkeling than day. The diel study and sampling methods comparison suggested surveys of distribution and habitat use of bull trout should include night surveys as well as day. Distribution surveys found that, except for one stream, juvenile bull trout were found only in, or near, spring-fed areas created by recent lava flows. Presence of bull trout in a stream was related to cold groundwater temperatures, as they were not found in streams with temperatures above 14°C. Distribution of bull trout in Oregon and Washington followed a pattern of decreasing elevation with increasing latitude and longitude(Ra=-0.9l6) Presence at lower than expected elevations were explained when groundwater temperatures were predicted from mean annual air temperatures. Actual water temperatures for these spring-fed streams were significantly lower (p<0.00l) than predicted based on elevation, latitude, and longitude. Comparison of historical distribution of bull trout showed extant bull trout were found in the Willamette and Deschutes River Basins of Oregon, respectively, in only 26.2 and 56.2% of their former ranges. Factors associated with bull trout demise in Oregon Cascade streams were (1) isolation and inundation of spring-fed stream habitat by water control structures, (2) introduction of brook trout and brown trout, and (3) large flood events and habitat degradation. Juvenile habitat use was analyzed at the macrohabitat (habitat unit) level in five river basins. Diel and seasonal microhabitat use was also documented for one spring-fed stream, Jack Creek. There was a clear difference in habitat use day and night, associated with the low water temperature of the spring-fed streams (mean=8.0°C). All habitat unit types (pool, riffle, glide, side channel) were used day and night, but bull trout only elected to use side channels in both time periods. Bull trout were found at night in (1) a higher percentage of habitat units, (2) in higher densities by unit, and (3) in increasing numbers with increasing habitat unit area. In Jack Creek, bull trout elected to use shallow water depths, low mean velocities, instream woody debris, and small substrates. Close

• 10. [Article] Results and review of a riparian survey method used in eastern Oregon

  In the late 1970s, approximately 400 miles of streams were inventoried by the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management for in-stream and riparian condition. During the summer of 1994, the riparian ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Results and review of a riparian survey method used in eastern Oregon Author: Rasmussen, Christine G. In the late 1970s, approximately 400 miles of streams were inventoried by the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management for in-stream and riparian condition. During the summer of 1994, the riparian portion of the survey was repeated on 17 of the original streams miles, contained within 11 stream sections where grazing strategies had been altered. This project was a case study designed to evaluate efficiency of the original methods and identify factors involved in individual stream responses. The streams selected to be resurveyed varied in community types present, gradient, elevation, grazing system, disturbance history, influence of beaver, and restoration efforts. Community types were identified by their major components (grass-shrub, sedge-rush) and measured for length and width. Length of stream bank damage was estimated and causes noted. Stream sections were surveyed between matching points for the 1976-78 and 1994 surveys. Most streams had increases in riparian area and decreases in bank damage and lengths of cutbanks, suggesting an upward trend in condition. The bank damage, riparian area, and community identification portions of the survey were identified as useful though composition measurements were determined to be less dependable and repeatable. Title: Results and review of a riparian survey method used in eastern Oregon Author: Rasmussen, Christine G. In the late 1970s, approximately 400 miles of streams were inventoried by the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management for in-stream and riparian condition. During the summer of 1994, the riparian portion of the survey was repeated on 17 of the original streams miles, contained within 11 stream sections where grazing strategies had been altered. This project was a case study designed to evaluate efficiency of the original methods and identify factors involved in individual stream responses. The streams selected to be resurveyed varied in community types present, gradient, elevation, grazing system, disturbance history, influence of beaver, and restoration efforts. Community types were identified by their major components (grass-shrub, sedge-rush) and measured for length and width. Length of stream bank damage was estimated and causes noted. Stream sections were surveyed between matching points for the 1976-78 and 1994 surveys. Most streams had increases in riparian area and decreases in bank damage and lengths of cutbanks, suggesting an upward trend in condition. The bank damage, riparian area, and community identification portions of the survey were identified as useful though composition measurements were determined to be less dependable and repeatable. Close