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• 21. [Image] Endangered Species Act : successes and challenges in agency collaboration and the use of scientific information in the decision making process : testimony before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate / statement of Robin M. Nazzaro

  	Summary In summary, we found that federal agencies have taken steps to improve collaboration as a way to reduce conflicts that often occur between species protections and other resource uses, but that ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Endangered Species Act : successes and challenges in agency collaboration and the use of scientific information in the decision making process : testimony before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate / statement of Robin M. Nazzaro Author: Nazzaro, Robin M Year: 2005, 2007 Summary In summary, we found that federal agencies have taken steps to improve collaboration as a way to reduce conflicts that often occur between species protections and other resource uses, but that more could be done to promote routine use of collaboration and clarify agencies' responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. In September 2003, we reported on efforts taken by the Department of Defense (DOD) to coordinate with other federal land managers in order to reduce the impact of species protections on military activities. We found several cases where such efforts were successful. For example, at the Barry M. Goldwater range in Arizona, Air Force officials worked with officials at FWS and the National Park Service to enhance food sources for the endangered Sonoran pronghorn in locations away from military training areas. As a result, the Air Force was able to minimize the impact of restrictions on training missions due to the presence of the pronghorn. However, such cases were few and far between because, among other things, there were no procedures or centralized information sources for facilitating such collaboration. In March 2004, we reported on collaboration that takes place pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the act?referred to as the consultation process?in the Pacific Northwest. In this area, large numbers of protected species and vast amounts of federal land conspire to make balancing species protection and resource use a contentious endeavor. We found that steps the Services and other federal agencies had taken made the consultation process run smoother and contributed to improved interagency relationships. However, some problems have persisted. For example, some agencies disagree with the Services about when consultation is necessary and how much analysis is required to determine potential impacts on protected species. In each of these reports, we made recommendations intended to further improve collaboration among federal agencies with regard to balancing species protections and other resource uses, and?in the March 2004 report?to resolve disagreements about the consultations process. DOD and FWS have begun discussing an implementation strategy to improve collaboration regarding species protection on military and other federal lands and development of a training program. With regard to the consultation process, while FWS and NMFS have continued to take steps to expand their collaboration processes, the agencies did not believe that disagreements about the consultation process require additional steps. They believe that current training and guidance is sufficient to address questions about the process. With regard to the use of science, we have found that FWS generally used the best available information in key Endangered Species Act decisions, although the agency was not always integrating new research into ongoing species management decisions. In addition, we identified concerns with the adequacy of the information available to make critical habitat decisions. In December 2002, we reported on many aspects of the decision making for species protections regarding the Mojave Desert tortoise. We found that the decision to list the tortoise as threatened, its critical habitat designation, and the recommended steps in the species' recovery plan, were based on the best available information. However, despite over $100 million in expenditures on recovery actions and research over the past 25 years, it is still unclear what the status of the tortoise is and what effect, if any, recovery actions are having on the species because research has not been coordinated in a way to provide essential management information. Such information is critically important as some of the protective actions, such as restrictions on grazing and off road vehicle use, are vigorously opposed by interest groups who question whether they are necessary for the tortoise's recovery. Accordingly, we recommended that FWS better link land management decisions with research results to ensure that conservation actions and land use restrictions actually benefit the tortoise. In response, FWS recently established a new office with a tortoise recovery coordinator and plans to create an advisory committee to ensure that monitoring and recovery actions are fed back into management decisions. In August 2003, we found that, similar to the decision making regarding the tortoise, FWS decisions about listing species for protection under the act were generally based on the best available information. However, while most critical habitat designations also appeared to be based on the best available information, there were concerns about the adequacy of the information available at the time these decisions are made. Specifically, critical habitat decisions require detailed information of a species' life history and habitat needs and the economic impacts of such decisions?information that is often not available and that FWS is unable to gather before it is obligated under the act to make the decision. As a result, we recommended that the Secretary of the Interior clarify how and when critical habitat should be designated and identify if any policy, regulatory, or legislative changes are required to enable the department to make better informed designations. FWS has not responded to our recommendation. Title: Endangered Species Act : successes and challenges in agency collaboration and the use of scientific information in the decision making process : testimony before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate / statement of Robin M. Nazzaro Author: Nazzaro, Robin M Year: 2005, 2007 Summary In summary, we found that federal agencies have taken steps to improve collaboration as a way to reduce conflicts that often occur between species protections and other resource uses, but that more could be done to promote routine use of collaboration and clarify agencies' responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. In September 2003, we reported on efforts taken by the Department of Defense (DOD) to coordinate with other federal land managers in order to reduce the impact of species protections on military activities. We found several cases where such efforts were successful. For example, at the Barry M. Goldwater range in Arizona, Air Force officials worked with officials at FWS and the National Park Service to enhance food sources for the endangered Sonoran pronghorn in locations away from military training areas. As a result, the Air Force was able to minimize the impact of restrictions on training missions due to the presence of the pronghorn. However, such cases were few and far between because, among other things, there were no procedures or centralized information sources for facilitating such collaboration. In March 2004, we reported on collaboration that takes place pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the act?referred to as the consultation process?in the Pacific Northwest. In this area, large numbers of protected species and vast amounts of federal land conspire to make balancing species protection and resource use a contentious endeavor. We found that steps the Services and other federal agencies had taken made the consultation process run smoother and contributed to improved interagency relationships. However, some problems have persisted. For example, some agencies disagree with the Services about when consultation is necessary and how much analysis is required to determine potential impacts on protected species. In each of these reports, we made recommendations intended to further improve collaboration among federal agencies with regard to balancing species protections and other resource uses, and?in the March 2004 report?to resolve disagreements about the consultations process. DOD and FWS have begun discussing an implementation strategy to improve collaboration regarding species protection on military and other federal lands and development of a training program. With regard to the consultation process, while FWS and NMFS have continued to take steps to expand their collaboration processes, the agencies did not believe that disagreements about the consultation process require additional steps. They believe that current training and guidance is sufficient to address questions about the process. With regard to the use of science, we have found that FWS generally used the best available information in key Endangered Species Act decisions, although the agency was not always integrating new research into ongoing species management decisions. In addition, we identified concerns with the adequacy of the information available to make critical habitat decisions. In December 2002, we reported on many aspects of the decision making for species protections regarding the Mojave Desert tortoise. We found that the decision to list the tortoise as threatened, its critical habitat designation, and the recommended steps in the species' recovery plan, were based on the best available information. However, despite over $100 million in expenditures on recovery actions and research over the past 25 years, it is still unclear what the status of the tortoise is and what effect, if any, recovery actions are having on the species because research has not been coordinated in a way to provide essential management information. Such information is critically important as some of the protective actions, such as restrictions on grazing and off road vehicle use, are vigorously opposed by interest groups who question whether they are necessary for the tortoise's recovery. Accordingly, we recommended that FWS better link land management decisions with research results to ensure that conservation actions and land use restrictions actually benefit the tortoise. In response, FWS recently established a new office with a tortoise recovery coordinator and plans to create an advisory committee to ensure that monitoring and recovery actions are fed back into management decisions. In August 2003, we found that, similar to the decision making regarding the tortoise, FWS decisions about listing species for protection under the act were generally based on the best available information. However, while most critical habitat designations also appeared to be based on the best available information, there were concerns about the adequacy of the information available at the time these decisions are made. Specifically, critical habitat decisions require detailed information of a species' life history and habitat needs and the economic impacts of such decisions?information that is often not available and that FWS is unable to gather before it is obligated under the act to make the decision. As a result, we recommended that the Secretary of the Interior clarify how and when critical habitat should be designated and identify if any policy, regulatory, or legislative changes are required to enable the department to make better informed designations. FWS has not responded to our recommendation. Close

• 22. [Image] Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp

  	"April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66)
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oregon State Office Year: 1998, 2004 "April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66) Title: Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oregon State Office Year: 1998, 2004 "April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66) Close

• 23. [Image] Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status of the Shortnose Sucker and the Lost River Sucker

  	The Service determines endangered status for the shortnose sucker [Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River sucker [Deltistes luxatus), fishes restricted to the Klamath Basin of south-central Oregon and ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status of the Shortnose Sucker and the Lost River Sucker Author: Williams, Jack E. Year: 1988, 2008, 2005 The Service determines endangered status for the shortnose sucker [Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River sucker [Deltistes luxatus), fishes restricted to the Klamath Basin of south-central Oregon and north-central California. Dams, draining of marshes, diversion of rivers and dredging of lakes have reduced the range and numbers of both species by more than 95 percent. Remaining populations are composed of older individuals with little or no successful recruitment for many years. Both species are jeopardized by continued loss of habitat, hybridization with more common closely related species, competition and predation by exotic species, and insularization of remaining habitats. This rule implements the protection provided by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for the shortnose sucker and Lost River sucker Title: Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status of the Shortnose Sucker and the Lost River Sucker Author: Williams, Jack E. Year: 1988, 2008, 2005 The Service determines endangered status for the shortnose sucker [Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River sucker [Deltistes luxatus), fishes restricted to the Klamath Basin of south-central Oregon and north-central California. Dams, draining of marshes, diversion of rivers and dredging of lakes have reduced the range and numbers of both species by more than 95 percent. Remaining populations are composed of older individuals with little or no successful recruitment for many years. Both species are jeopardized by continued loss of habitat, hybridization with more common closely related species, competition and predation by exotic species, and insularization of remaining habitats. This rule implements the protection provided by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for the shortnose sucker and Lost River sucker Close

• 24. [Image] Upper Klamath Basin bull trout conservation strategy : part 1, a conceptual framework for recovery, final

  	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document presents the framework of a plan to reverse the decline of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations in the Klamath Basin. If successful, we expect bull trout ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Klamath Basin bull trout conservation strategy : part 1, a conceptual framework for recovery, final Author: Light, Jeffrey Year: 1996, 2008, 2005 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document presents the framework of a plan to reverse the decline of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations in the Klamath Basin. If successful, we expect bull trout to recover to a level where they will have a reasonable chance of long-term viability. The work is the collective effort of fish biologists, foresters, other natural resource management professionals, and local landowners representing a diverse array of interests and organizations. Together, these individuals have worked for several years to gather information pertaining to the distribution and status of Klamath bull trout populations and threats to their persistence. The members of the Bull Trout Working Group share the common desire to restore bull trout populations while at the same time sustaining their respective land use interests in the Klamath Basin. This approach provides incentives to all the interested parties to seek agreement on solutions, encouraging cooperative work on an otherwise ambitious and daunting task. The following few pages summarize the plan. Each area is covered again in greater detail in the body of the document. The goals established by the Bull Trout Working Group for this recovery plan are to (1) Secure existing bull trout populations, and (2) Expand the populations to some of their former range and numbers. We pursue these goals with a three step approach of assessment, implementation, and evaluation. We begin with a review of the distribution and status of bull trout generally, then specifically within the Klamath Basin. Next we present available data and interpretations supporting our conclusions regarding the type, magnitude, and extent of physical and biological factors or concerns that may hamper bull trout persistence. Land and fish management activities that contribute to these problem situations are then identified. This is followed by a blueprint for stepwise development and implementation of practical solutions. Finally, a monitoring plan is proposed to measure the success of the recovery efforts. The Klamath Basin Bull trout populations represent a valuable biological resource. These populations exist at the southern edge of the species' distribution, and have distinctive genetic character. In the Upper Klamath River Basin, bull trout are presently found as resident forms in eight isolated headwater streams within six small drainages. (4Headwater streams' in this document refers to very small streams, rather than rivers which are the headwaters for larger rivers). These streams occur in three general locations: they are tributaries of the Sprague River, of the Sycan River and of Upper Klamath Lake. Together, the known populations occupy approximately 23 miles (37 km) of perennial streams. Formerly, bull trout may have occurred in the mainstems of these systems (Gilbert 1897. Dambacher et al. 1992, Roger Smith, ODFW, pers. coram. 1994). In addition to existing populations, other populations are known to have recently occupied nearby streams (Cherry and Coyote creeks, the Upper Sycan River). Estimated current population sizes in each drainage range between 133 and 1,293, indicating that populations are low enough to warrant concern. These population sizes are smaller than the minimum viable population sizes predicted by conservation biology theory. A substantial risk of extirpation via natural disturbance cycles and stochastic events exists for such small populations. Streams that are presently inhabited by bull trout are typically small and spring-fed with steep gradients. They originate in the higher elevations of mountains within the Upper Klamath Basin and flow through forests where land uses range from wilderness and national parkland to commercial forestry and grazing. Eventually, these tributaries or their mainstem receiving waters leave the forest and flow through broad sagebrush-covered valleys or marshes where they widen and flatten. Here livestock grazing and agriculture are the dominant land uses. An assessment of the current situation regarding Klamath Basin bull trout was performed using existing and new information on life history, distribution, habitat requirements by lifestage, environmental requirements, exotic species interactions, angling pressure, land use interactions, habitat fragmentation, population fragmentation and many other factors. Basin-specific information on each of these factors was collected and analyzed, complemented by a thorough review of the literature. Past, present and possible future distributions of bull trout were examined. Particular emphasis was placed on determining the nature and extent of biotic interactions, because this potential agent of bull trout decline has not been thoroughly addressed in other works. Analysis of the assembled information resulted in the identification of several specific natural and anthropogenic factors which are thought to limit the distribution and persistence of bull trout. Habitat quality and quantity are affected by land use to some degree in all currently inhabited bull trout streams except upper Sun Creek. Generally, habitat conditions vary from fair to good in existing bull trout streams. We identified several land uses that have reduced habitat quality. Principal among the abiotic factors of concern is fine sediment loading from (1) road erosion, (2) stream bank and adjacent ground disturbance by livestock, and (3) Bull Trout Document - Final - - 6 - 26-Jan-96 stream-adjacent hillslope erosion from logging. Second among the abiotic factors of concern is elevated temperature. Other concerns include diminished large woody debris (LWD) recruitment, declining bank integrity, low flows, changes in stream morphology, and blocked or hindered fish passage. The relative importance of each of these factors or concerns differs by watershed, or by location within a watershed. In most cases, information on specific issues and their locations is available with sufficient resolution to allow land managers to develop action plans to address them. Possible exceptions may include Deming Creek, where Watershed Analysis has not yet been performed. Based on the assessment results to date, the following strategy was developed to address limiting factors and concerns. Competitive and genetic interactions with non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) were found to be important biotic factors currently threatening the persistence of bull trout in the Klamath Basin. This conclusion was based on the almost pervasive presence of these exotic competitors and the significance of their negative interactions as determined from the literature and from local observations in headwater streams. Temperature may be a significant issue, especially for juvenile rearing, although the temperature tolerances of bull trout are not well understood. Habitat fragmentation and alteration appear to have been major issues in the past, resulting in population fragmentation, particularly at lower elevations and in larger streams where bull trout may have ranged historically. These final two factors appear less important than exotic competitors or temperature for bull trout in the current limited ranges in headwater streams, though they are important in mainstems and larger tributaries. They will need to be addressed if large scale restoration is undertaken. With the exceptions of temperature and fine sediment, brook trout have habitat requirements and environmental tolerances similar to bull trout, and they thrive in many Klamath Basin headwater streams while bull trout do not. Brown trout pose a competitive threat similar to that posed by brook trout, but the mechanisms of displacement and the areas where they occur differ. Even in environments unaltered by land management, such as Sun Creek within Crater Lake National Park, exotic trout are displacing bull trout. This conclusion is consistent with findings throughout the west, where competition with exotic species has clearly had a major effect on bull trout range, resulting in widespread declines in bull trout distribution. Changes in habitat may have altered competitive interactions between bull trout and other salmonids, both directly and indirectly. Since changes in environmental factors can exacerbate competition issues in sensitive populations, habitat condition remains a concern. Near-term, mid-term, and long-term strategy for Recovery of Bull Trout Populations Our approach to recovery of the Klamath basin's bull trout populations is a two-phase effort corresponding to near- and mid-term objectives, and an examination of possible long-term recovery objectives. It entails securing and maintaining existing populations followed by expansion into former headwater and downstream habitats, and ultimately the possibility of connecting tributaries with mainstem linkages. Assessment, research and monitoring needs associated with each phase were identified (see main body of text). Specific project details such as funding, work schedules, participant responsibilities, specific actions, implementation methods and costs are not presented but are to be developed collectively by the Bull Trout Working Group. Phase 1: Securing existing populations This phase of the recovery plan focuses on the six small drainages where bull trout populations are known to exist today. Here we wish to prevent further decline of individual populations as a step toward securing the viability of the Klamath Basin metapopulation(s).1 This is accomplished by addressing biotic and abiotic factors that threaten the persistence of these populations. The most immediate threat is the continued presence of non-native salmonids. Localized areas of habitat degradation or alteration from sediment inputs and shade removal are an additional serious concern. It may be feasible to isolate bull trout populations above barriers, followed by eradication of brook and brown trout within each isolated stream reach. This approach will be tested early in Phase 7, with particular attention to unforeseen consequences on the ecology of the test streams. Assuming it is viable, this approach will become the focus of Phases 1 & 2, in parallel with habitat enhancement efforts. Habitat enhancement is generally feasible, particularly in areas where roads or livestock are the issues. Where needed, such habitat enhancement efforts are expected to be completed as part of Phases 1&2. It will be necessary to understand the distribution of genetic variation among existing sub-populations of bull trout in order to embark on a well 1 For an understanding of metapopulation considerations, see the body of the text, in particular the section on 'Metapopulations and sub-populations' on page 60. Bull Trout Document - Final - - 7 - 26-Jan-96 directed range expansion program. Baseline data would be essential for genetic monitoring activities and for the development of stocks for establishing new sub-populations in subsequent phases. If successful, the actions taken in Phase 1 are expected to eliminate the direct threats to existing bull trout sub-populations posed by non-native salmonids. Parallel efforts to improve the in-stream physical environment to ensure habitat is suitable for bull trout are expected to eliminate proximate environmental threats to existing bull trout sub-populations. This effort will require that abiotic limiting factors and concerns be addressed via land management activities, most of which fall within the realm of forest land management. Timber harvest and regeneration, roads (construction, use, and maintenance), and livestock grazing programs are considered. Immediate actions may take the form of road erosion abatement, including road abandonment and revegetation. Some of these actions can be accomplished when a particular unit is harvested, while others may be pursued as independent restoration activities (e.g., livestock management plans, culvert replacements). Presently, no in-stream fish habitat improvement projects have been proposed, and none are foreseen for stream reaches affected by this phase of the recovery plan. Most of the concerns related to livestock are focused within the riparian zone. Some riparian locations are much more sensitive than others, for example the large meadow in Long Creek. Actions to address these concerns will vary by landowner and location, and may range from complete riparian exclosure to short-term grazing to continuous but moderate access. The preferred actions will depend on the success of these various strategies in bringing about the desired response of the channel and fish habitat, and can be expected to change as recovery of riparian areas progresses. Effectiveness monitoring will be invaluable for measuring the success of these efforts, and in adapting our management strategy during the implementation. No water diversion concerns have been identified for this phase of the plan, except for Deming Creek, where screening of irrigation ditches may be warranted. Some additional fish management actions may also be applicable in Phase 7, for example to continue to monitor compliance with existing no kill regulations in bull trout streams. Other pertinent fish management issues have been addressed already, for example the cessation of exotic trout stocking (brook, brown or non-native rainbow) in bull trout streams. Phase 2: Expanding the range of bull trout within headwater streams In Phase 2, bull trout populations are refounded in headwater streams which now support brook trout, e.g. Calahan and Cherry creeks, or possibly in creeks without fish, e.g. Sheep Creek on the North Fork Sprague. This serves to expand the number of sub-populations, increases the number of refugia, and increases the overall size of the Klamath metapopulation(s). This is a major step in the establishment of viable metapopulations; by increasing the number of sub-populations, the effect of the loss or decline of any particular sub-population is reduced, making the metapopulation(s) more resilient to natural disturbance, variations in breeding success, disease outbreaks and other stochastic factors. Phase 2 consists of two parts: Phase 2a, in which sub-populations are founded in streams which only recently lost bull trout (e.g. Cherry Creek, Coyote Creek and the upper Sycan River) and Phase 2b, in which sub-populations are founded in other suitable headwater habitat, as indicated by the presence of thriving brook trout sub-populations (e.g. Sevenmile Creek, Calahan Creek, Annie Creek, Camp Creek, Jackson Creek, Deep Creek and Corral Creek). Both parts of Phase 2 are accomplished in much the same way as Phase 7: Barriers are constructed to exclude brook trout and brown trout, then the exotic species are eradicated above the barriers. Bull trout populations are then founded with human-introduced bull trout, whether via transplantation from wild sources or from a hatchery. Care must be exercised to maintain adequate genetic diversity in the founded sub-populations as establishment of genetically healthy populations is a non-trivial task. An inherent risk in newly created sub-populations is the loss of genetic variation (founder effect), which if great enough can reduce the vigor of the population and its long-term viability. As in Phase 7, stresses from abiotic factors, such as excessive delivery of fine sediment, low flows, or warm water temperatures, need to be reduced in parallel with the removal of exotics. Streamside roads, road crossings, low flows in upper reaches, and livestock are situations of concern in many of the streams, and warm temperatures are in some. Also as in phase 7, monitoring for the presence of exotics, bull trout population parameters, and abiotic factors is an important follow-up activity to track and ensure long-term success. In addition, genetic monitoring of newly founded populations is indicated. Bull Trout Document - Final - -8- 26-Jan-96 A possible future direction after Phase 2 Once Phase 2 is complete, the Bull Trout Working Group will pause to assess the efforts completed and plan future efforts. If phases 1 and 2 are successful, there will be significant numbers of bull trout in various tributaries, but possibly little genetic exchange between them. Bull trout range may still be restricted to headwater streams. During the evaluation and reassessment of the recovery effort, the group will re-consider the long-term recovery objectives. Based on what we know now, two possible recovery objectives are likely to be considered. The first such possible objective is the establishment of natural movement corridors between adjacent headwater streams, thereby establishing complete and viable metapopulation(s) of bull trout within the Upper Klamath Basin. Connectivity between headwater streams would allow volitional movement of bull trout. Movement would allow dispersal, founding of new sub-populations, and interbreeding between sub-populations, within the local sub-basin. Establishing natural movement corridors between headwater streams may require that selected reaches of larger tributaries or even portions of mainstem rivers be restored to suitable habitat for bull trout. This would be an ambitious undertaking, which may be infeasible. It might require the elimination or exclusion of exotics, the removal of man-made barriers which prevent movement between streams, or alterations in current land use to reduce anthropogenically induced fine sediment loads, low flows, warm stream temperatures, or changes in channel morphology. The change in focus from headwater streams to larger tributaries represents an escalation in the scale and complexity of the restoration effort. Exclusion of exotics is much more difficult. Land use effects, whether from water diversions or livestock grazing are often more significant. The second possible objective of future efforts after Phase 2 is to attemp to re-establish fluvial populations of bull trout in selected mainstem rivers of the Upper Klamath Basin, in such a way as to connect the sub-populations of each metapopulation. Fluvial bull trout are far larger than stream resident bull trout, and have much higher fecundity as a result. This gives them a tremendous advantage in breeding, whether in founding new sub-populations, or augmenting existing sub-populations. By establishing a fluvial form of bull trout in the Upper Klamath Basin, overall viability of the metapopulation(s) should be greatly increased. Timeline for implementation A prototype Phase 1 implementation is likely to be completed within 2-5 years. Full implementation of Phase 1 may take many years, but the bulk of the work could be completed in 10-20 years. Further assessment work and some aspects of Phase 2 will be accomplished concurrent with Phase 1 efforts over the next several years, but may require 5-10 years before being well underway. Specific timelines for individual projects in phases 1 and 2 and the overall recovery effort will be developed by the Bull Trout Working Group. Summary and prognosis for bull trout populations in the Upper Klamath River Basin If our analysis is accurate, the Klamath Basin's native bull trout populations are imperiled, yet their future need not be bleak. They persist today as a handful of isolated sub-populations in small, headwater streams. If a fluvial life history form existed, as it may have at one time in the Wood River2, no longer occurs or is a very small (i.e., undetectable) component of the current Klamath River Basin population. Gene flow between these sub-populations has apparently ceased. Individual population sizes are small enough to be near or below minimum viable levels as defined by current theorists in conservation biology. Competition from introduced brook and brown trout is widespread, with severe long-term consequences. Habitat conditions vary from stream to stream, depending on the nature and extent of land uses around and downstream of the bull trout tributaries. Fine sediment inputs and elevated stream temperatures are the principal habitat issue. Water withdrawals, altered channels and flood plains, and other anthropogenic influences have contributed to loss of mainstem fluvial habitat, and may have ultimately resulted in habitat fragmentation, followed by isolation of the remaining populations. Together, these conditions do not bode well for the longevity of native bull trout populations. We believe concerted efforts to resolve the identified problems can achieve the goals of maintaining, and possibly restoring, Klamath bull trout populations. Further, we believe that without attention, one or more of the identified limiting factors will almost certainly spell an end to most or all of the sub-populations in the basin. 2 A 330 mm specimen was collected from Fort Creek, a tributary to the Wood River, in 1876. Cited in Cavendar 1978; Smithsonian Accession Number 16793. Bull Trout Document - Final - -9 - 26-Jan-96 Title: Upper Klamath Basin bull trout conservation strategy : part 1, a conceptual framework for recovery, final Author: Light, Jeffrey Year: 1996, 2008, 2005 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document presents the framework of a plan to reverse the decline of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations in the Klamath Basin. If successful, we expect bull trout to recover to a level where they will have a reasonable chance of long-term viability. The work is the collective effort of fish biologists, foresters, other natural resource management professionals, and local landowners representing a diverse array of interests and organizations. Together, these individuals have worked for several years to gather information pertaining to the distribution and status of Klamath bull trout populations and threats to their persistence. The members of the Bull Trout Working Group share the common desire to restore bull trout populations while at the same time sustaining their respective land use interests in the Klamath Basin. This approach provides incentives to all the interested parties to seek agreement on solutions, encouraging cooperative work on an otherwise ambitious and daunting task. The following few pages summarize the plan. Each area is covered again in greater detail in the body of the document. The goals established by the Bull Trout Working Group for this recovery plan are to (1) Secure existing bull trout populations, and (2) Expand the populations to some of their former range and numbers. We pursue these goals with a three step approach of assessment, implementation, and evaluation. We begin with a review of the distribution and status of bull trout generally, then specifically within the Klamath Basin. Next we present available data and interpretations supporting our conclusions regarding the type, magnitude, and extent of physical and biological factors or concerns that may hamper bull trout persistence. Land and fish management activities that contribute to these problem situations are then identified. This is followed by a blueprint for stepwise development and implementation of practical solutions. Finally, a monitoring plan is proposed to measure the success of the recovery efforts. The Klamath Basin Bull trout populations represent a valuable biological resource. These populations exist at the southern edge of the species' distribution, and have distinctive genetic character. In the Upper Klamath River Basin, bull trout are presently found as resident forms in eight isolated headwater streams within six small drainages. (4Headwater streams' in this document refers to very small streams, rather than rivers which are the headwaters for larger rivers). These streams occur in three general locations: they are tributaries of the Sprague River, of the Sycan River and of Upper Klamath Lake. Together, the known populations occupy approximately 23 miles (37 km) of perennial streams. Formerly, bull trout may have occurred in the mainstems of these systems (Gilbert 1897. Dambacher et al. 1992, Roger Smith, ODFW, pers. coram. 1994). In addition to existing populations, other populations are known to have recently occupied nearby streams (Cherry and Coyote creeks, the Upper Sycan River). Estimated current population sizes in each drainage range between 133 and 1,293, indicating that populations are low enough to warrant concern. These population sizes are smaller than the minimum viable population sizes predicted by conservation biology theory. A substantial risk of extirpation via natural disturbance cycles and stochastic events exists for such small populations. Streams that are presently inhabited by bull trout are typically small and spring-fed with steep gradients. They originate in the higher elevations of mountains within the Upper Klamath Basin and flow through forests where land uses range from wilderness and national parkland to commercial forestry and grazing. Eventually, these tributaries or their mainstem receiving waters leave the forest and flow through broad sagebrush-covered valleys or marshes where they widen and flatten. Here livestock grazing and agriculture are the dominant land uses. An assessment of the current situation regarding Klamath Basin bull trout was performed using existing and new information on life history, distribution, habitat requirements by lifestage, environmental requirements, exotic species interactions, angling pressure, land use interactions, habitat fragmentation, population fragmentation and many other factors. Basin-specific information on each of these factors was collected and analyzed, complemented by a thorough review of the literature. Past, present and possible future distributions of bull trout were examined. Particular emphasis was placed on determining the nature and extent of biotic interactions, because this potential agent of bull trout decline has not been thoroughly addressed in other works. Analysis of the assembled information resulted in the identification of several specific natural and anthropogenic factors which are thought to limit the distribution and persistence of bull trout. Habitat quality and quantity are affected by land use to some degree in all currently inhabited bull trout streams except upper Sun Creek. Generally, habitat conditions vary from fair to good in existing bull trout streams. We identified several land uses that have reduced habitat quality. Principal among the abiotic factors of concern is fine sediment loading from (1) road erosion, (2) stream bank and adjacent ground disturbance by livestock, and (3) Bull Trout Document - Final - - 6 - 26-Jan-96 stream-adjacent hillslope erosion from logging. Second among the abiotic factors of concern is elevated temperature. Other concerns include diminished large woody debris (LWD) recruitment, declining bank integrity, low flows, changes in stream morphology, and blocked or hindered fish passage. The relative importance of each of these factors or concerns differs by watershed, or by location within a watershed. In most cases, information on specific issues and their locations is available with sufficient resolution to allow land managers to develop action plans to address them. Possible exceptions may include Deming Creek, where Watershed Analysis has not yet been performed. Based on the assessment results to date, the following strategy was developed to address limiting factors and concerns. Competitive and genetic interactions with non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) were found to be important biotic factors currently threatening the persistence of bull trout in the Klamath Basin. This conclusion was based on the almost pervasive presence of these exotic competitors and the significance of their negative interactions as determined from the literature and from local observations in headwater streams. Temperature may be a significant issue, especially for juvenile rearing, although the temperature tolerances of bull trout are not well understood. Habitat fragmentation and alteration appear to have been major issues in the past, resulting in population fragmentation, particularly at lower elevations and in larger streams where bull trout may have ranged historically. These final two factors appear less important than exotic competitors or temperature for bull trout in the current limited ranges in headwater streams, though they are important in mainstems and larger tributaries. They will need to be addressed if large scale restoration is undertaken. With the exceptions of temperature and fine sediment, brook trout have habitat requirements and environmental tolerances similar to bull trout, and they thrive in many Klamath Basin headwater streams while bull trout do not. Brown trout pose a competitive threat similar to that posed by brook trout, but the mechanisms of displacement and the areas where they occur differ. Even in environments unaltered by land management, such as Sun Creek within Crater Lake National Park, exotic trout are displacing bull trout. This conclusion is consistent with findings throughout the west, where competition with exotic species has clearly had a major effect on bull trout range, resulting in widespread declines in bull trout distribution. Changes in habitat may have altered competitive interactions between bull trout and other salmonids, both directly and indirectly. Since changes in environmental factors can exacerbate competition issues in sensitive populations, habitat condition remains a concern. Near-term, mid-term, and long-term strategy for Recovery of Bull Trout Populations Our approach to recovery of the Klamath basin's bull trout populations is a two-phase effort corresponding to near- and mid-term objectives, and an examination of possible long-term recovery objectives. It entails securing and maintaining existing populations followed by expansion into former headwater and downstream habitats, and ultimately the possibility of connecting tributaries with mainstem linkages. Assessment, research and monitoring needs associated with each phase were identified (see main body of text). Specific project details such as funding, work schedules, participant responsibilities, specific actions, implementation methods and costs are not presented but are to be developed collectively by the Bull Trout Working Group. Phase 1: Securing existing populations This phase of the recovery plan focuses on the six small drainages where bull trout populations are known to exist today. Here we wish to prevent further decline of individual populations as a step toward securing the viability of the Klamath Basin metapopulation(s).1 This is accomplished by addressing biotic and abiotic factors that threaten the persistence of these populations. The most immediate threat is the continued presence of non-native salmonids. Localized areas of habitat degradation or alteration from sediment inputs and shade removal are an additional serious concern. It may be feasible to isolate bull trout populations above barriers, followed by eradication of brook and brown trout within each isolated stream reach. This approach will be tested early in Phase 7, with particular attention to unforeseen consequences on the ecology of the test streams. Assuming it is viable, this approach will become the focus of Phases 1 & 2, in parallel with habitat enhancement efforts. Habitat enhancement is generally feasible, particularly in areas where roads or livestock are the issues. Where needed, such habitat enhancement efforts are expected to be completed as part of Phases 1&2. It will be necessary to understand the distribution of genetic variation among existing sub-populations of bull trout in order to embark on a well 1 For an understanding of metapopulation considerations, see the body of the text, in particular the section on 'Metapopulations and sub-populations' on page 60. Bull Trout Document - Final - - 7 - 26-Jan-96 directed range expansion program. Baseline data would be essential for genetic monitoring activities and for the development of stocks for establishing new sub-populations in subsequent phases. If successful, the actions taken in Phase 1 are expected to eliminate the direct threats to existing bull trout sub-populations posed by non-native salmonids. Parallel efforts to improve the in-stream physical environment to ensure habitat is suitable for bull trout are expected to eliminate proximate environmental threats to existing bull trout sub-populations. This effort will require that abiotic limiting factors and concerns be addressed via land management activities, most of which fall within the realm of forest land management. Timber harvest and regeneration, roads (construction, use, and maintenance), and livestock grazing programs are considered. Immediate actions may take the form of road erosion abatement, including road abandonment and revegetation. Some of these actions can be accomplished when a particular unit is harvested, while others may be pursued as independent restoration activities (e.g., livestock management plans, culvert replacements). Presently, no in-stream fish habitat improvement projects have been proposed, and none are foreseen for stream reaches affected by this phase of the recovery plan. Most of the concerns related to livestock are focused within the riparian zone. Some riparian locations are much more sensitive than others, for example the large meadow in Long Creek. Actions to address these concerns will vary by landowner and location, and may range from complete riparian exclosure to short-term grazing to continuous but moderate access. The preferred actions will depend on the success of these various strategies in bringing about the desired response of the channel and fish habitat, and can be expected to change as recovery of riparian areas progresses. Effectiveness monitoring will be invaluable for measuring the success of these efforts, and in adapting our management strategy during the implementation. No water diversion concerns have been identified for this phase of the plan, except for Deming Creek, where screening of irrigation ditches may be warranted. Some additional fish management actions may also be applicable in Phase 7, for example to continue to monitor compliance with existing no kill regulations in bull trout streams. Other pertinent fish management issues have been addressed already, for example the cessation of exotic trout stocking (brook, brown or non-native rainbow) in bull trout streams. Phase 2: Expanding the range of bull trout within headwater streams In Phase 2, bull trout populations are refounded in headwater streams which now support brook trout, e.g. Calahan and Cherry creeks, or possibly in creeks without fish, e.g. Sheep Creek on the North Fork Sprague. This serves to expand the number of sub-populations, increases the number of refugia, and increases the overall size of the Klamath metapopulation(s). This is a major step in the establishment of viable metapopulations; by increasing the number of sub-populations, the effect of the loss or decline of any particular sub-population is reduced, making the metapopulation(s) more resilient to natural disturbance, variations in breeding success, disease outbreaks and other stochastic factors. Phase 2 consists of two parts: Phase 2a, in which sub-populations are founded in streams which only recently lost bull trout (e.g. Cherry Creek, Coyote Creek and the upper Sycan River) and Phase 2b, in which sub-populations are founded in other suitable headwater habitat, as indicated by the presence of thriving brook trout sub-populations (e.g. Sevenmile Creek, Calahan Creek, Annie Creek, Camp Creek, Jackson Creek, Deep Creek and Corral Creek). Both parts of Phase 2 are accomplished in much the same way as Phase 7: Barriers are constructed to exclude brook trout and brown trout, then the exotic species are eradicated above the barriers. Bull trout populations are then founded with human-introduced bull trout, whether via transplantation from wild sources or from a hatchery. Care must be exercised to maintain adequate genetic diversity in the founded sub-populations as establishment of genetically healthy populations is a non-trivial task. An inherent risk in newly created sub-populations is the loss of genetic variation (founder effect), which if great enough can reduce the vigor of the population and its long-term viability. As in Phase 7, stresses from abiotic factors, such as excessive delivery of fine sediment, low flows, or warm water temperatures, need to be reduced in parallel with the removal of exotics. Streamside roads, road crossings, low flows in upper reaches, and livestock are situations of concern in many of the streams, and warm temperatures are in some. Also as in phase 7, monitoring for the presence of exotics, bull trout population parameters, and abiotic factors is an important follow-up activity to track and ensure long-term success. In addition, genetic monitoring of newly founded populations is indicated. Bull Trout Document - Final - -8- 26-Jan-96 A possible future direction after Phase 2 Once Phase 2 is complete, the Bull Trout Working Group will pause to assess the efforts completed and plan future efforts. If phases 1 and 2 are successful, there will be significant numbers of bull trout in various tributaries, but possibly little genetic exchange between them. Bull trout range may still be restricted to headwater streams. During the evaluation and reassessment of the recovery effort, the group will re-consider the long-term recovery objectives. Based on what we know now, two possible recovery objectives are likely to be considered. The first such possible objective is the establishment of natural movement corridors between adjacent headwater streams, thereby establishing complete and viable metapopulation(s) of bull trout within the Upper Klamath Basin. Connectivity between headwater streams would allow volitional movement of bull trout. Movement would allow dispersal, founding of new sub-populations, and interbreeding between sub-populations, within the local sub-basin. Establishing natural movement corridors between headwater streams may require that selected reaches of larger tributaries or even portions of mainstem rivers be restored to suitable habitat for bull trout. This would be an ambitious undertaking, which may be infeasible. It might require the elimination or exclusion of exotics, the removal of man-made barriers which prevent movement between streams, or alterations in current land use to reduce anthropogenically induced fine sediment loads, low flows, warm stream temperatures, or changes in channel morphology. The change in focus from headwater streams to larger tributaries represents an escalation in the scale and complexity of the restoration effort. Exclusion of exotics is much more difficult. Land use effects, whether from water diversions or livestock grazing are often more significant. The second possible objective of future efforts after Phase 2 is to attemp to re-establish fluvial populations of bull trout in selected mainstem rivers of the Upper Klamath Basin, in such a way as to connect the sub-populations of each metapopulation. Fluvial bull trout are far larger than stream resident bull trout, and have much higher fecundity as a result. This gives them a tremendous advantage in breeding, whether in founding new sub-populations, or augmenting existing sub-populations. By establishing a fluvial form of bull trout in the Upper Klamath Basin, overall viability of the metapopulation(s) should be greatly increased. Timeline for implementation A prototype Phase 1 implementation is likely to be completed within 2-5 years. Full implementation of Phase 1 may take many years, but the bulk of the work could be completed in 10-20 years. Further assessment work and some aspects of Phase 2 will be accomplished concurrent with Phase 1 efforts over the next several years, but may require 5-10 years before being well underway. Specific timelines for individual projects in phases 1 and 2 and the overall recovery effort will be developed by the Bull Trout Working Group. Summary and prognosis for bull trout populations in the Upper Klamath River Basin If our analysis is accurate, the Klamath Basin's native bull trout populations are imperiled, yet their future need not be bleak. They persist today as a handful of isolated sub-populations in small, headwater streams. If a fluvial life history form existed, as it may have at one time in the Wood River2, no longer occurs or is a very small (i.e., undetectable) component of the current Klamath River Basin population. Gene flow between these sub-populations has apparently ceased. Individual population sizes are small enough to be near or below minimum viable levels as defined by current theorists in conservation biology. Competition from introduced brook and brown trout is widespread, with severe long-term consequences. Habitat conditions vary from stream to stream, depending on the nature and extent of land uses around and downstream of the bull trout tributaries. Fine sediment inputs and elevated stream temperatures are the principal habitat issue. Water withdrawals, altered channels and flood plains, and other anthropogenic influences have contributed to loss of mainstem fluvial habitat, and may have ultimately resulted in habitat fragmentation, followed by isolation of the remaining populations. Together, these conditions do not bode well for the longevity of native bull trout populations. We believe concerted efforts to resolve the identified problems can achieve the goals of maintaining, and possibly restoring, Klamath bull trout populations. Further, we believe that without attention, one or more of the identified limiting factors will almost certainly spell an end to most or all of the sub-populations in the basin. 2 A 330 mm specimen was collected from Fort Creek, a tributary to the Wood River, in 1876. Cited in Cavendar 1978; Smithsonian Accession Number 16793. Bull Trout Document - Final - -9 - 26-Jan-96 Close

• 25. [Image] Water allocation in the Klamath Reclamation Project, 2001 : an assessment of natural resource, economic, social, and institutional issues with a focus on the Upper Klamath Basin

  	"Reprinted May 2003."; Includes bibliographical references; Also available at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/sr/sr1037/sr1037.html
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water allocation in the Klamath Reclamation Project, 2001 : an assessment of natural resource, economic, social, and institutional issues with a focus on the Upper Klamath Basin Author: Braunworth, William S. Year: 2003, 2004 "Reprinted May 2003."; Includes bibliographical references; Also available at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/sr/sr1037/sr1037.html Title: Water allocation in the Klamath Reclamation Project, 2001 : an assessment of natural resource, economic, social, and institutional issues with a focus on the Upper Klamath Basin Author: Braunworth, William S. Year: 2003, 2004 "Reprinted May 2003."; Includes bibliographical references; Also available at http://eesc.oregonstate.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/sr/sr1037/sr1037.html Close

• 26. [Image] Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources)

  	I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources) Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources Year: 2005, 2007 I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. This report examines the implementation of selected aspects of the endangered species program relying predominately on information provided by the primary implementing agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and offers some recommendations for possible improvements to the program. Debate over the ESA has traditionally been highly polarized. For example, compensating landowners for takings or reductions in property value has been opposed by some who argue updating the law to address this is not necessary. While consensus on other issues such as the need for increasing conservation incentives and the role states play in endangered species conservation has begun to emerge, one of the most debated aspects of ESA implementation continues to be whether the ESA is effectively conserving endangered and threatened species. While there have been significant strides in conserving individual species such as the whooping crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gray wolf, few species have been delisted (removed from the endangered list) or downlisted (changed in status from endangered to threatened) because of successful ESA conservation efforts. Some argue that the number of recovered species is an unfair measure, asserting that the three decades the ESA has been in existence is an insufficient amount of time for the lengthy process of species recovery and point to listed species that have not gone extinct as evidence the ESA 'saves' species. From the opposing perspective, while recovery to the point of delisting may require a substantial amount of time for many species, after three decades more progress should be demonstrable through species that have recovered and been delisted. Even if a species has increased in numbers or distribution or the threats facing the species have been reduced, if it has not been delisted on the basis of recovery, the ESA's prohibitions and regulations remain applicable and the ESA should not be a 'one way street.' Of 40 total species removed from the list, 10 domestic species were delisted because of "recovery". Of 33 reclassified species, 10 domestic downlistings (a change from endangered to threatened status) reflected a reduced threat assessment which also allowed more flexibility in management. The FWS's most recent report to Congress (Fiscal years 2001-2002) shows that 77 percent of listed species fall in the 0 to 25 percent recovery achieved bracket and 2 percent fall in the 76 to 100 percent recovery achieved bracket. 39 percent of the FWS managed species are of uncertain status. Of those with an assessed trend, at one end of the spectrum are 3 percent possibly extinct, 1 percent occurring only in captivity and 21 percent declining and at the other end are 30 percent stable and 6 percent improving. These assessments however are subjective. Additionally, the assessment that a species is improving or stable may reflect, for example, a reduction in perceived threats or corrections to inaccurate threat assessments that stemmed from erroneous data rather than actual changes in species' trends that are demonstrated by improved numbers, distribution or other such measurements. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of conservation trends under the ESA using these data is not possible. The data used to list a number of species has been subsequently determined to be erroneous and species that likely do not merit classification as endangered or threatened remain listed. This can consume resources that could be directed to species that do merit listing. The assignment of recovery priorities appears highly skewed and the recovery priority for some species seems questionable. A meaningful distinction between endangered status and threatened status has been blurred as has been the framework for the mechanism of critical habitat. Expenditure reporting has improved but presents an incomplete picture of financial resources dedicated to endangered species. Workloads for litigation regarding activities such as consultation and listing under the ESA's complex structure compete for resources that could otherwise be directed at recovery efforts. The demands associated with ESA Section 4 determinations in combination with the pace of species listings and delistings, the number of possible future additions to the list and the economic impact of listings likely indicate that the current program is not sustainable. Title: Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources) Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources Year: 2005, 2007 I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. This report examines the implementation of selected aspects of the endangered species program relying predominately on information provided by the primary implementing agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and offers some recommendations for possible improvements to the program. Debate over the ESA has traditionally been highly polarized. For example, compensating landowners for takings or reductions in property value has been opposed by some who argue updating the law to address this is not necessary. While consensus on other issues such as the need for increasing conservation incentives and the role states play in endangered species conservation has begun to emerge, one of the most debated aspects of ESA implementation continues to be whether the ESA is effectively conserving endangered and threatened species. While there have been significant strides in conserving individual species such as the whooping crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gray wolf, few species have been delisted (removed from the endangered list) or downlisted (changed in status from endangered to threatened) because of successful ESA conservation efforts. Some argue that the number of recovered species is an unfair measure, asserting that the three decades the ESA has been in existence is an insufficient amount of time for the lengthy process of species recovery and point to listed species that have not gone extinct as evidence the ESA 'saves' species. From the opposing perspective, while recovery to the point of delisting may require a substantial amount of time for many species, after three decades more progress should be demonstrable through species that have recovered and been delisted. Even if a species has increased in numbers or distribution or the threats facing the species have been reduced, if it has not been delisted on the basis of recovery, the ESA's prohibitions and regulations remain applicable and the ESA should not be a 'one way street.' Of 40 total species removed from the list, 10 domestic species were delisted because of "recovery". Of 33 reclassified species, 10 domestic downlistings (a change from endangered to threatened status) reflected a reduced threat assessment which also allowed more flexibility in management. The FWS's most recent report to Congress (Fiscal years 2001-2002) shows that 77 percent of listed species fall in the 0 to 25 percent recovery achieved bracket and 2 percent fall in the 76 to 100 percent recovery achieved bracket. 39 percent of the FWS managed species are of uncertain status. Of those with an assessed trend, at one end of the spectrum are 3 percent possibly extinct, 1 percent occurring only in captivity and 21 percent declining and at the other end are 30 percent stable and 6 percent improving. These assessments however are subjective. Additionally, the assessment that a species is improving or stable may reflect, for example, a reduction in perceived threats or corrections to inaccurate threat assessments that stemmed from erroneous data rather than actual changes in species' trends that are demonstrated by improved numbers, distribution or other such measurements. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of conservation trends under the ESA using these data is not possible. The data used to list a number of species has been subsequently determined to be erroneous and species that likely do not merit classification as endangered or threatened remain listed. This can consume resources that could be directed to species that do merit listing. The assignment of recovery priorities appears highly skewed and the recovery priority for some species seems questionable. A meaningful distinction between endangered status and threatened status has been blurred as has been the framework for the mechanism of critical habitat. Expenditure reporting has improved but presents an incomplete picture of financial resources dedicated to endangered species. Workloads for litigation regarding activities such as consultation and listing under the ESA's complex structure compete for resources that could otherwise be directed at recovery efforts. The demands associated with ESA Section 4 determinations in combination with the pace of species listings and delistings, the number of possible future additions to the list and the economic impact of listings likely indicate that the current program is not sustainable. Close

• 27. [Image] Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010

  	Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010 Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office. Year: 2000, 2005, 2004 Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office (ERO) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. These restoration activities are needed due to the large-scale loss of wetland and riparian habitat and degraded water quality. The purpose of these restoration efforts is the improvement of conditions of the watershed with specific regard to habitat and water quality, resulting in, among other benefits, improved conditions for the endangered fish species (bull trout and Lost River and shortnose sucker) populations of the basin. The geographic scope of this EA is defined as the upper Klamath River basin, including the entire watershed from Irongate Dam upstream to the headwaters. This EA is intended to provide NEPA compliance for restoration projects conducted between the years 2000 and 2010. The ERO was established in 1993 to sponsor and assist with a variety of restoration activities in the Klamath Basin. The ERO funds and provides technical assistance to restoration projects involving private landholders, concerned groups, and other state, federal, and tribal agencies. Four alternatives are presented in this EA. The proposed alternative (Alternative 1) consists of a comprehensive program of ecosystem restoration, promoting projects in both riparian areas and in upland habitats. This would continue the current program in effect since 1994. NEPA compliance would primarily be carried out via a single, programmatic document saving time and funds. The Fish & Wildlife Service proposes to fund and administer the following projects types: Riparian Projects: (fencing for livestock management; native plant establishment & diversification; non-native plant removal/control; erosion control; contour re-establishment; impoundment removal; wildlife habitat improvements) Wetland Projects: (fencing; wetland restoration and enhancement; wildlife habitat improvements) Upland or Road Projects: (road abandonment, decommissioning, & obliteration; road drainage improvements and storm proofing, re-establishment of historic contours; silvicultural treatments; native plant establishment/diversification; non-native plant removal/control; fencing; landslide treatments; culvert/stream crossing upgrades; erosion control; wildlife habitat improvements). In-stream Projects: (habitat complexity and diversity improvements; hydrologic regime improvements; coarse woody debris supplementation; natural or artificial barrier removal, modification &/or creation; fish screens installation). Alternative 2 would concentrate restoration efforts only on riparian, instream, and wetland areas. Road projects would be conducted only within the riparian corridor, as defined. NEPA compliance would also be conducted programmatically. Alternative 3 would cease all restoration activities conducted and funded by the ERO in the Klamath Basin. This alternative would serve as a benchmark against which the effects of the restoration alternatives discussed above can be compared. Alternative 4, the "No Action" alternative, would continue current management policies with regard to NEPA compliance, providing compliance on a project by project basis requiring independent analysis for each project. The affected environment of the region is described in detail. The environment has been changed significantly since the 1890's due to logging, agriculture and urban development. An extensive system of dams, canals, and drainage structures has resulted in the conversion of approximately 80% of pre-settlement wetlands to agricultural uses. Riparian corridors have been similarly impacted, and upland forests regions have been affected by logging, road construction and other factors. These changes have contributed to problems with the water quality in the region, contributing to the listing of several fish species as threatened or endangered; loss of habitat has affected a large number of other species as well. The environmental effects of each alternative is analyzed. Some short term negative impacts could occur as a result of the projects authorized by both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2, but these would be strongly offset by the expected beneficial results to water quality and habitat conditions. Alternative 1 would be expected to have a greater overall effect on the environment than Alternative 2, since many of the underlying factors with which restoration efforts are concerned originate in upland conditions (i.e. sedimentation and hydrologic functionality). Alternative 3 would result in conditions remaining much as they are currently, although other programs and organizations are making efforts at restoration activities. The environmental impacts of individual projects anticipated under Alternative 4 would be generally the same as for similar projects under Alternative 1. The primary difference between the two alternatives would be the higher efficiency and improved cumulative analysis resulting from a programmatic approach as proposed in Alternative 1. Public participation in the NEPA process has been, and will continue to be, solicited and welcomed. Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as guidelines for contaminant surveys, will be carried out as detailed. While these projects are expected to play an important role in the restoration of the region, none of these alternatives are expected to have a significant impact when compared with the loss of wetland, riparian and upland habitats over the past century, impacts which do occur would be of a cumulatively beneficial nature. Other restoration efforts are being carried out in the area by other governmental and private groups, and it is expected that these combined efforts will achieve important beneficial results for the ecosystem. Title: Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010 Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office. Year: 2000, 2005, 2004 Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office (ERO) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. These restoration activities are needed due to the large-scale loss of wetland and riparian habitat and degraded water quality. The purpose of these restoration efforts is the improvement of conditions of the watershed with specific regard to habitat and water quality, resulting in, among other benefits, improved conditions for the endangered fish species (bull trout and Lost River and shortnose sucker) populations of the basin. The geographic scope of this EA is defined as the upper Klamath River basin, including the entire watershed from Irongate Dam upstream to the headwaters. This EA is intended to provide NEPA compliance for restoration projects conducted between the years 2000 and 2010. The ERO was established in 1993 to sponsor and assist with a variety of restoration activities in the Klamath Basin. The ERO funds and provides technical assistance to restoration projects involving private landholders, concerned groups, and other state, federal, and tribal agencies. Four alternatives are presented in this EA. The proposed alternative (Alternative 1) consists of a comprehensive program of ecosystem restoration, promoting projects in both riparian areas and in upland habitats. This would continue the current program in effect since 1994. NEPA compliance would primarily be carried out via a single, programmatic document saving time and funds. The Fish & Wildlife Service proposes to fund and administer the following projects types: Riparian Projects: (fencing for livestock management; native plant establishment & diversification; non-native plant removal/control; erosion control; contour re-establishment; impoundment removal; wildlife habitat improvements) Wetland Projects: (fencing; wetland restoration and enhancement; wildlife habitat improvements) Upland or Road Projects: (road abandonment, decommissioning, & obliteration; road drainage improvements and storm proofing, re-establishment of historic contours; silvicultural treatments; native plant establishment/diversification; non-native plant removal/control; fencing; landslide treatments; culvert/stream crossing upgrades; erosion control; wildlife habitat improvements). In-stream Projects: (habitat complexity and diversity improvements; hydrologic regime improvements; coarse woody debris supplementation; natural or artificial barrier removal, modification &/or creation; fish screens installation). Alternative 2 would concentrate restoration efforts only on riparian, instream, and wetland areas. Road projects would be conducted only within the riparian corridor, as defined. NEPA compliance would also be conducted programmatically. Alternative 3 would cease all restoration activities conducted and funded by the ERO in the Klamath Basin. This alternative would serve as a benchmark against which the effects of the restoration alternatives discussed above can be compared. Alternative 4, the "No Action" alternative, would continue current management policies with regard to NEPA compliance, providing compliance on a project by project basis requiring independent analysis for each project. The affected environment of the region is described in detail. The environment has been changed significantly since the 1890's due to logging, agriculture and urban development. An extensive system of dams, canals, and drainage structures has resulted in the conversion of approximately 80% of pre-settlement wetlands to agricultural uses. Riparian corridors have been similarly impacted, and upland forests regions have been affected by logging, road construction and other factors. These changes have contributed to problems with the water quality in the region, contributing to the listing of several fish species as threatened or endangered; loss of habitat has affected a large number of other species as well. The environmental effects of each alternative is analyzed. Some short term negative impacts could occur as a result of the projects authorized by both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2, but these would be strongly offset by the expected beneficial results to water quality and habitat conditions. Alternative 1 would be expected to have a greater overall effect on the environment than Alternative 2, since many of the underlying factors with which restoration efforts are concerned originate in upland conditions (i.e. sedimentation and hydrologic functionality). Alternative 3 would result in conditions remaining much as they are currently, although other programs and organizations are making efforts at restoration activities. The environmental impacts of individual projects anticipated under Alternative 4 would be generally the same as for similar projects under Alternative 1. The primary difference between the two alternatives would be the higher efficiency and improved cumulative analysis resulting from a programmatic approach as proposed in Alternative 1. Public participation in the NEPA process has been, and will continue to be, solicited and welcomed. Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as guidelines for contaminant surveys, will be carried out as detailed. While these projects are expected to play an important role in the restoration of the region, none of these alternatives are expected to have a significant impact when compared with the loss of wetland, riparian and upland habitats over the past century, impacts which do occur would be of a cumulatively beneficial nature. Other restoration efforts are being carried out in the area by other governmental and private groups, and it is expected that these combined efforts will achieve important beneficial results for the ecosystem. Close

• 28. [Image] Evaluation of Interim Instream Flow Needs in the Klamath River Phase II Final Report

  	1 Acknowledgements 2 3 The completion of this work in large part can be attributed to the efforts of the 4 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Arcata Field Office staff and in particular to Mr. 5 Thomas Shaw ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of Interim Instream Flow Needs in the Klamath River Phase II Final Report Author: Hardy, Thomas B; Addley. R. Craig Year: 2001, 2008, 2005 1 Acknowledgements 2 3 The completion of this work in large part can be attributed to the efforts of the 4 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Arcata Field Office staff and in particular to Mr. 5 Thomas Shaw for providing much of the supporting site-specific field data, 6 habitat mapping, and fisheries data used in the analyses. The efforts of the 7 various Tribal fisheries personnel were critical in supplying additional fisheries 8 collection data, and intensive site substrate and cover mapping. In particular, the 9 efforts of Tim Hayden, Charlie Chamberlain and Mike Belchik. USGS personnel 10 from the Midcontinent Ecological Science Center also provided valuable 11 assistance and field data used in the cross section based hydraulic and habitat 12 modeling. Mr. Gary Smith and Mike Rode of the California Department of Fish 13 and Game also provided critical information on site-specific habitat suitability 14 criteria and conceptual foundations for the escape cover analysis used in the 15 habitat simulations. Much of this work was also supported by work of Tim 16 Harden (Harden and Associates). The Bureau of Reclamation also provided 17 valuable input during the Phase II study process on Klamath Project operations. 18 A special thanks is also given to Mr. Mike Deas (U.C. Davis) for providing water 19 temperature simulations below Iron Gate Dam. The Technical Team also 20 provided critical input and review of all technical elements of this work as well as 21 providing reviews of the report. Finally, the completion of this work would not 22 have been possible without the tireless efforts of Jennifer Ludlow, Mark 23 Winkelaar, James Shoemaker, Shannon Clemens, Jerilyn Brunson, William 24 Bradford, Sarah Blake, Brandy Blank, Matt Combes, Leon Basdekas, and Aaron 25 Hardy at the Institute for Natural Systems Engineering, Utah State University. 26 27 Executive Summary 28 29 Previous instream flow recommendations developed as part of Phase I (Hardy, 30 1999) recommended interim instream flows in the main stem Klamath River 31 based on analyses of hydrology data. At that time, site-specific data suitable for 32 analysis and evaluation using habitat based modeling were not available. This 33 report details the analytical approach and modeling results from site-specific 34 studies conducted within the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam 35 downstream to the estuary. Study results are utilized to make revised interim 36 instream flow recommendations necessary to protect the aquatic resources 37 within the main stem Klamath River between Iron Gate and the estuary. This 38 report also makes specific recommendations for future research needs as part of 39 the on-going strategic instream flow studies being undertaken by the U.S. Fish 40 and Wildlife Service and collaborating private, local, state, federal, and tribal 41 entities. 42 43 This report was developed for the Department of the Interior (DOI) who provided 44 access to a technical review team composed of representatives of the U.S. Fish 45 and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. 46 Geological Survey, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The technical Draft - Subject to Change 1 review team also included participation by the Yurok, Hoopa Valley, and Karuk 2 Tribes given the Departments trust responsibilities and the California Department 3 of Fish and Game as the state level resource management agency. The 4 technical review team provided invaluable assistance in the review of methods 5 and results used in the analysis, provided comments on draft sections of the 6 report, and provided data and supporting material for use in completion of the 7 Phase II report. In addition, several agencies and private individuals provided 8 written comments on the Preliminary Draft Report, which have been addressed in 9 this report where appropriate. 10 11 This report is organized to follow the general process used to implement the 12 technical studies. It first provides important background information on the 13 historical and current conditions of the anadromous species, highlights factors 14 that have contributed to their decline, provides an overview of the Phase I study 15 process and its principal findings. The report then continues with a description of 16 the Phase II technical study process. Key sections address methods and 17 findings for each technical component such as study design, study site selection, 18 field methods, analytical approaches, summary results, and recommended 19 instream flows. 20 21 The Phase II study relied on state-of-the-art field data collection methodologies 22 and modeling of physical habitat for target species and life stages of anadromous 23 fish. The field methods were directed toward achieving a three-dimensional 24 representation of each study site that incorporated between 0.6 to over one mile 25 of river depending on the specific study site. At each study site, a spatially 26 explicit substrate and vegetation map was developed and then integrated with 27 the three-dimensional channel topography in GIS. Fieldwork also involved 28 collection of hydraulic calibration data and fish observation data. The later 29 information was used in the development of habitat suitability criteria, conceptual 30 habitat model development and implementation, and habitat model validation 31 efforts. 32 33 Hydrology in the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam was estimated 34 differently for different purposes in Phase II. For example, we used simulated 35 unimpaired inflows (i.e., no depletions) to Upper Klamath Lake routed to Iron 36 Gate Dam with no Klamath Project imposed water demands. This simulated 37 scenario represents the best available estimates of the unimpaired flows below 38 Iron Gate Dam for the purposes of this study. The remaining flow scenarios 39 included the use of Upper Klamath Lake net inflows, historical Klamath Project 40 water demands, and the USFWS Biological Opinion (2000) target Upper Klamath 41 Lake water elevations. These scenarios represent different potential operational 42 flow scenarios as points of reference to the instream flow recommendations 43 developed as part of Phase II. Differences between these simulated flow 44 scenarios required the use of different models and/or modeling assumptions. 45 The assumptions and modeling tools are described in the appropriate technical 46 sections of the report. The estimated hydrology at each study site was used in Draft - Subject to Change 1 both the physical habitat modeling and temperature simulations using the USGS 2 Systems Impact Assessment Model (SIAM) or its components. 3 4 Physical habitat modeling at each study site relied on two-dimensional hydraulic 5 simulations that were coupled to three-dimensional habitat models. The 6 analytical form of the habitat models varied for spawning, fry, and 'juveniles' (i.e., 7 pre-smolts). These modeling results were compared to available 1-dimensional 8 cross section based hydraulic and habitat modeling at study sites that overlapped 9 between existing USFWS/USGS and Phase II studies. 10 11 Habitat suitability criteria for target species and life stages of anadromous fish 12 were developed from site-specific data for Chinook spawning, Chinook fry, and 13 steelhead 1+. These curves were validated both by field observations using the 14 habitat modeling results as well as by comparison to results from an individual 15 based bioenergetics model for drift feeding salmonids developed at USU. A 16 separate procedure was developed to obtain habitat suitability curves for Chinook 17 juvenile (i.e., pre-smolts), steelhead fry, and coho fry based on available 18 literature data. This approach used a systematic process to construct an 19 'envelope' habitat suitability curve that encompassed the available literature 20 curves. The overall process included a validation component that compared the 21 habitat versus discharge relationships between envelope curves to the site- 22 specific curves for Chinook spawning, Chinook fry, and steelhead 1+. The results 23 validated the use of the envelope curves for use as interim criteria pending 24 further research and development of site-specific curves for these species and 25 life stages within the Klamath River. 26 27 Habitat modeling involved the integration of substrate and cover mapping with 28 the three-dimensional topography and hydraulic properties at each study site with 29 the habitat suitability curves. Habitat modeling was undertaken for Chinook 30 spawning, fry, and juveniles, coho fry and juveniles, and steelhead fry and 31 steelhead 1+. Different habitat models were developed for spawning, fry, and 32 juveniles. The study generated a salmonid fry habitat model that incorporated a 33 distance to escape cover that also required sufficient depth within the escape 34 cover in order for it to be utilized at a given flow rate. This model also 35 incorporated quantitative differences in the type of escape cover. 36 37 The habitat modeling results for each species and life stage were validated 38 against the spatial distribution of each species and life stage surveyed at study 39 sites at different flow rates. These results generally demonstrated that the 40 integrated habitat modeling was validated for the study in terms of spawning and 41 fry life stages. Our assessment of the pre-smolt or juvenile life stage results is 42 that they are consistent for the existing habitat model assumptions. However, we 43 discuss what we perceive to be inherent biases in these results (juveniles) based 44 on the existing habitat model structure and make specific recommendations of 45 what additional work would likely improve the results for this particular life stage. 46 Draft - Subject to Change jjj 1 Temperature simulations based on the unimpaired flow regime below Iron Gate 2 Dam were conducted with HEC5Q as part of the SIAM applications. These 3 results supported the findings in Phase I that flows lower than ~ 1000 cfs during 4 the late summer would likely increase the environmental risk to anadromous 5 species due to almost continual exposure to chronic temperature thresholds. We 6 believe that these simulation results show that there is very little flexibility for 7 reservoir operations at Iron Gate Dam to mitigate deleterious flow dependent 8 temperature effects. This finding has previously been reported by the USGS 9 (Bartholow 1995) and Deas (1999). 10 11 The integration of the habitat modeling with the unimpaired hydrology was used 12 to develop habitat reference values for target species and life stages at each 13 study reach on a monthly basis for flow exceedence ranges between 10 and 90 14 percent. The reference habitat value was computed as the percent of maximum 15 habitat associated with the unimpaired flow values for each species and life 16 stage on a monthly basis. This reference habitat value was used as one 'target' 17 condition to guide the selection of monthly flow recommendations at a given 18 exceedence flow level. 19 20 The flow recommendation process also employed a prioritization of species and 21 life stages to be considered within the year and/or within a specific month. The 22 prioritization of life stages was taken from the life history sequence of 23 anadromous species (i.e., spawning, fry, and then juveniles). The initial priority 24 order for species was defined as Chinook, then coho, and finally steelhead. It is 25 stressed that this initial prioritization was used to conceptually simplify the flow 26 recommendation process only, and that all species and life stages were 27 examined as part of the overall analysis. The process then relied on an iterative 28 procedure to select target flows for each month at a given exceedence level. 29 This procedure attempted to pick a target flow that would simultaneously 30 preserve the underlying characteristics of the seasonal unimpaired hydrograph at 31 that exceedence flow, the underlying relationship of the unimpaired hydrograph 32 between all exceedence flow levels, while striving to maximize habitat for the 33 priority species and life stages relative to the unimpaired habitat reference 34 conditions. The corresponding monthly flow rates at each exceedence level 35 were then used to compute the percent of maximum habitat for all other species 36 and life stages in a given month. These values were then compared to their 37 respective unimpaired habitat values to ensure that adequate protection of 38 habitat for non-priority species and life stages remained reasonable. 39 40 The flow recommendations developed in the Iron Gate to Shasta River Reach 41 were 'propagated' downstream to each successive reach by addition of the reach 42 gains as presently defined by the USGS in their MODSIM module of SIAM. It is 43 recognized that these reach gains reflect existing depletions in tributary systems 44 (e.g., Shasta and Scott Rivers) but are the only estimates presently available for 45 use in the simulation models for the system. The flow recommendations for each 46 river reach were then used to compute the percent of maximum habitat on a Draft - Subject to Change 1 monthly basis for each species and life stage. The recommended flow based 2 calculation of percent of maximum habitat for each species and life stage was 3 then compared against the associated unimpaired flow based habitat values. 4 5 Although flow recommendations were developed for the 10 to 90 percent 6 exceedence range (i.e., nine water year types), five water year types were 7 identified representing Critically Dry, Dry, Average, Wet, and Extremely Wet 8 inflow conditions for Upper Klamath Lake. These water year classifications 9 parallel those developed for the Trinity River and were used as operational 10 definitions in the Phase I report. Furthermore, the USBR KPSIM model was 11 modified to use this five-water year type format for simulating operations under 12 different instream flow requirements below Iron Gate Dam. The 90, 70, 50, 30, 13 and 10 percent exceedence flow levels were assigned to each of these water 14 year types, respectively (i.e., critically dry to extremely wet). This assignment 15 was used to demonstrate several key points regarding the use of 16 recommendations at this level of resolution (i.e., five water year types) and how 17 the existing operational models for the Klamath Project simulate flow scenarios. 18 19 These five water year type dependent recommendations were utilized in the U.S. 20 Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Project Simulation Module (KPSIM) to simulate 21 project operations over the 1961 to 1997 period of record. This analysis 22 confirmed that the project could be operated to achieve these recommendations 23 in all but 19 of the 468 simulated months in this period of record. These results 24 also highlighted that an alternative water year 'classification' strategy for 25 specifying instream flows should be considered in lieu of a five water year type 26 scheme. We provide a specific recommendation of how this could be 27 approached based on the instream flow recommendations developed in Phase II. 28 29 30 Draft - Subject to Change Title: Evaluation of Interim Instream Flow Needs in the Klamath River Phase II Final Report Author: Hardy, Thomas B; Addley. R. Craig Year: 2001, 2008, 2005 1 Acknowledgements 2 3 The completion of this work in large part can be attributed to the efforts of the 4 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Arcata Field Office staff and in particular to Mr. 5 Thomas Shaw for providing much of the supporting site-specific field data, 6 habitat mapping, and fisheries data used in the analyses. The efforts of the 7 various Tribal fisheries personnel were critical in supplying additional fisheries 8 collection data, and intensive site substrate and cover mapping. In particular, the 9 efforts of Tim Hayden, Charlie Chamberlain and Mike Belchik. USGS personnel 10 from the Midcontinent Ecological Science Center also provided valuable 11 assistance and field data used in the cross section based hydraulic and habitat 12 modeling. Mr. Gary Smith and Mike Rode of the California Department of Fish 13 and Game also provided critical information on site-specific habitat suitability 14 criteria and conceptual foundations for the escape cover analysis used in the 15 habitat simulations. Much of this work was also supported by work of Tim 16 Harden (Harden and Associates). The Bureau of Reclamation also provided 17 valuable input during the Phase II study process on Klamath Project operations. 18 A special thanks is also given to Mr. Mike Deas (U.C. Davis) for providing water 19 temperature simulations below Iron Gate Dam. The Technical Team also 20 provided critical input and review of all technical elements of this work as well as 21 providing reviews of the report. Finally, the completion of this work would not 22 have been possible without the tireless efforts of Jennifer Ludlow, Mark 23 Winkelaar, James Shoemaker, Shannon Clemens, Jerilyn Brunson, William 24 Bradford, Sarah Blake, Brandy Blank, Matt Combes, Leon Basdekas, and Aaron 25 Hardy at the Institute for Natural Systems Engineering, Utah State University. 26 27 Executive Summary 28 29 Previous instream flow recommendations developed as part of Phase I (Hardy, 30 1999) recommended interim instream flows in the main stem Klamath River 31 based on analyses of hydrology data. At that time, site-specific data suitable for 32 analysis and evaluation using habitat based modeling were not available. This 33 report details the analytical approach and modeling results from site-specific 34 studies conducted within the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam 35 downstream to the estuary. Study results are utilized to make revised interim 36 instream flow recommendations necessary to protect the aquatic resources 37 within the main stem Klamath River between Iron Gate and the estuary. This 38 report also makes specific recommendations for future research needs as part of 39 the on-going strategic instream flow studies being undertaken by the U.S. Fish 40 and Wildlife Service and collaborating private, local, state, federal, and tribal 41 entities. 42 43 This report was developed for the Department of the Interior (DOI) who provided 44 access to a technical review team composed of representatives of the U.S. Fish 45 and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. 46 Geological Survey, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The technical Draft - Subject to Change 1 review team also included participation by the Yurok, Hoopa Valley, and Karuk 2 Tribes given the Departments trust responsibilities and the California Department 3 of Fish and Game as the state level resource management agency. The 4 technical review team provided invaluable assistance in the review of methods 5 and results used in the analysis, provided comments on draft sections of the 6 report, and provided data and supporting material for use in completion of the 7 Phase II report. In addition, several agencies and private individuals provided 8 written comments on the Preliminary Draft Report, which have been addressed in 9 this report where appropriate. 10 11 This report is organized to follow the general process used to implement the 12 technical studies. It first provides important background information on the 13 historical and current conditions of the anadromous species, highlights factors 14 that have contributed to their decline, provides an overview of the Phase I study 15 process and its principal findings. The report then continues with a description of 16 the Phase II technical study process. Key sections address methods and 17 findings for each technical component such as study design, study site selection, 18 field methods, analytical approaches, summary results, and recommended 19 instream flows. 20 21 The Phase II study relied on state-of-the-art field data collection methodologies 22 and modeling of physical habitat for target species and life stages of anadromous 23 fish. The field methods were directed toward achieving a three-dimensional 24 representation of each study site that incorporated between 0.6 to over one mile 25 of river depending on the specific study site. At each study site, a spatially 26 explicit substrate and vegetation map was developed and then integrated with 27 the three-dimensional channel topography in GIS. Fieldwork also involved 28 collection of hydraulic calibration data and fish observation data. The later 29 information was used in the development of habitat suitability criteria, conceptual 30 habitat model development and implementation, and habitat model validation 31 efforts. 32 33 Hydrology in the main stem Klamath River below Iron Gate Dam was estimated 34 differently for different purposes in Phase II. For example, we used simulated 35 unimpaired inflows (i.e., no depletions) to Upper Klamath Lake routed to Iron 36 Gate Dam with no Klamath Project imposed water demands. This simulated 37 scenario represents the best available estimates of the unimpaired flows below 38 Iron Gate Dam for the purposes of this study. The remaining flow scenarios 39 included the use of Upper Klamath Lake net inflows, historical Klamath Project 40 water demands, and the USFWS Biological Opinion (2000) target Upper Klamath 41 Lake water elevations. These scenarios represent different potential operational 42 flow scenarios as points of reference to the instream flow recommendations 43 developed as part of Phase II. Differences between these simulated flow 44 scenarios required the use of different models and/or modeling assumptions. 45 The assumptions and modeling tools are described in the appropriate technical 46 sections of the report. The estimated hydrology at each study site was used in Draft - Subject to Change 1 both the physical habitat modeling and temperature simulations using the USGS 2 Systems Impact Assessment Model (SIAM) or its components. 3 4 Physical habitat modeling at each study site relied on two-dimensional hydraulic 5 simulations that were coupled to three-dimensional habitat models. The 6 analytical form of the habitat models varied for spawning, fry, and 'juveniles' (i.e., 7 pre-smolts). These modeling results were compared to available 1-dimensional 8 cross section based hydraulic and habitat modeling at study sites that overlapped 9 between existing USFWS/USGS and Phase II studies. 10 11 Habitat suitability criteria for target species and life stages of anadromous fish 12 were developed from site-specific data for Chinook spawning, Chinook fry, and 13 steelhead 1+. These curves were validated both by field observations using the 14 habitat modeling results as well as by comparison to results from an individual 15 based bioenergetics model for drift feeding salmonids developed at USU. A 16 separate procedure was developed to obtain habitat suitability curves for Chinook 17 juvenile (i.e., pre-smolts), steelhead fry, and coho fry based on available 18 literature data. This approach used a systematic process to construct an 19 'envelope' habitat suitability curve that encompassed the available literature 20 curves. The overall process included a validation component that compared the 21 habitat versus discharge relationships between envelope curves to the site- 22 specific curves for Chinook spawning, Chinook fry, and steelhead 1+. The results 23 validated the use of the envelope curves for use as interim criteria pending 24 further research and development of site-specific curves for these species and 25 life stages within the Klamath River. 26 27 Habitat modeling involved the integration of substrate and cover mapping with 28 the three-dimensional topography and hydraulic properties at each study site with 29 the habitat suitability curves. Habitat modeling was undertaken for Chinook 30 spawning, fry, and juveniles, coho fry and juveniles, and steelhead fry and 31 steelhead 1+. Different habitat models were developed for spawning, fry, and 32 juveniles. The study generated a salmonid fry habitat model that incorporated a 33 distance to escape cover that also required sufficient depth within the escape 34 cover in order for it to be utilized at a given flow rate. This model also 35 incorporated quantitative differences in the type of escape cover. 36 37 The habitat modeling results for each species and life stage were validated 38 against the spatial distribution of each species and life stage surveyed at study 39 sites at different flow rates. These results generally demonstrated that the 40 integrated habitat modeling was validated for the study in terms of spawning and 41 fry life stages. Our assessment of the pre-smolt or juvenile life stage results is 42 that they are consistent for the existing habitat model assumptions. However, we 43 discuss what we perceive to be inherent biases in these results (juveniles) based 44 on the existing habitat model structure and make specific recommendations of 45 what additional work would likely improve the results for this particular life stage. 46 Draft - Subject to Change jjj 1 Temperature simulations based on the unimpaired flow regime below Iron Gate 2 Dam were conducted with HEC5Q as part of the SIAM applications. These 3 results supported the findings in Phase I that flows lower than ~ 1000 cfs during 4 the late summer would likely increase the environmental risk to anadromous 5 species due to almost continual exposure to chronic temperature thresholds. We 6 believe that these simulation results show that there is very little flexibility for 7 reservoir operations at Iron Gate Dam to mitigate deleterious flow dependent 8 temperature effects. This finding has previously been reported by the USGS 9 (Bartholow 1995) and Deas (1999). 10 11 The integration of the habitat modeling with the unimpaired hydrology was used 12 to develop habitat reference values for target species and life stages at each 13 study reach on a monthly basis for flow exceedence ranges between 10 and 90 14 percent. The reference habitat value was computed as the percent of maximum 15 habitat associated with the unimpaired flow values for each species and life 16 stage on a monthly basis. This reference habitat value was used as one 'target' 17 condition to guide the selection of monthly flow recommendations at a given 18 exceedence flow level. 19 20 The flow recommendation process also employed a prioritization of species and 21 life stages to be considered within the year and/or within a specific month. The 22 prioritization of life stages was taken from the life history sequence of 23 anadromous species (i.e., spawning, fry, and then juveniles). The initial priority 24 order for species was defined as Chinook, then coho, and finally steelhead. It is 25 stressed that this initial prioritization was used to conceptually simplify the flow 26 recommendation process only, and that all species and life stages were 27 examined as part of the overall analysis. The process then relied on an iterative 28 procedure to select target flows for each month at a given exceedence level. 29 This procedure attempted to pick a target flow that would simultaneously 30 preserve the underlying characteristics of the seasonal unimpaired hydrograph at 31 that exceedence flow, the underlying relationship of the unimpaired hydrograph 32 between all exceedence flow levels, while striving to maximize habitat for the 33 priority species and life stages relative to the unimpaired habitat reference 34 conditions. The corresponding monthly flow rates at each exceedence level 35 were then used to compute the percent of maximum habitat for all other species 36 and life stages in a given month. These values were then compared to their 37 respective unimpaired habitat values to ensure that adequate protection of 38 habitat for non-priority species and life stages remained reasonable. 39 40 The flow recommendations developed in the Iron Gate to Shasta River Reach 41 were 'propagated' downstream to each successive reach by addition of the reach 42 gains as presently defined by the USGS in their MODSIM module of SIAM. It is 43 recognized that these reach gains reflect existing depletions in tributary systems 44 (e.g., Shasta and Scott Rivers) but are the only estimates presently available for 45 use in the simulation models for the system. The flow recommendations for each 46 river reach were then used to compute the percent of maximum habitat on a Draft - Subject to Change 1 monthly basis for each species and life stage. The recommended flow based 2 calculation of percent of maximum habitat for each species and life stage was 3 then compared against the associated unimpaired flow based habitat values. 4 5 Although flow recommendations were developed for the 10 to 90 percent 6 exceedence range (i.e., nine water year types), five water year types were 7 identified representing Critically Dry, Dry, Average, Wet, and Extremely Wet 8 inflow conditions for Upper Klamath Lake. These water year classifications 9 parallel those developed for the Trinity River and were used as operational 10 definitions in the Phase I report. Furthermore, the USBR KPSIM model was 11 modified to use this five-water year type format for simulating operations under 12 different instream flow requirements below Iron Gate Dam. The 90, 70, 50, 30, 13 and 10 percent exceedence flow levels were assigned to each of these water 14 year types, respectively (i.e., critically dry to extremely wet). This assignment 15 was used to demonstrate several key points regarding the use of 16 recommendations at this level of resolution (i.e., five water year types) and how 17 the existing operational models for the Klamath Project simulate flow scenarios. 18 19 These five water year type dependent recommendations were utilized in the U.S. 20 Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Project Simulation Module (KPSIM) to simulate 21 project operations over the 1961 to 1997 period of record. This analysis 22 confirmed that the project could be operated to achieve these recommendations 23 in all but 19 of the 468 simulated months in this period of record. These results 24 also highlighted that an alternative water year 'classification' strategy for 25 specifying instream flows should be considered in lieu of a five water year type 26 scheme. We provide a specific recommendation of how this could be 27 approached based on the instream flow recommendations developed in Phase II. 28 29 30 Draft - Subject to Change Close

• 29. [Image] Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California : progress report, April - November 1999

  	Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, Progress Report, April - November 1999 Lisa A. Hicks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California : progress report, April - November 1999 Author: Hicks, Lisa A.; Mauser, David M.; Beckstrand, John; Thomson, Dani Year: 2000, 2005 Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, Progress Report, April - November 1999 Lisa A. Hicks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 David M. Mauser, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 John Beckstrand, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Dani Thomson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Introduction The Lost River ( Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose ( Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers were federally listed as endangered species on July 18, 1988 ( Federal Register 53: 27130- 27134). Both sucker species are relatively long- lived, have a limited geographic range, and are endemic to the Upper Klamath Basin of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Habitat degradation from water diversions and loss of riparian and wetlands habitats associated with agricultural development within their historic range is believed to be the major reason for the species decline ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). A more detailed description on the life history, habitat requirements, and causes of decline of the species can be found in the Lost River and Shortnose Sucker Recovery Plan ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge ( NWR), established in 1928, consists of 2 return flow sumps ( Sump 1( A) and 1( B)) totaling 13,000 acres surrounded by 17,000 acres of intensively farmed lands ( Fig. 1). The refuge and surrounding private agricultural lands occupy the historic lake bed of Tule Lake, a 95,000 acre lake and marsh area that was reclaimed in the early 1900fs as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project. Current management of the refuge is directed by the Kuchel Act of 1964 which mandates the refuge be managed for the major purpose of waterfowl management but with optimal agricultural use that is consistent therewith. Both sumps are shallow ( 0.1 - 2.0 m) and consist of approximately 10,500 acres of open water with a 2,500 acre shallow (< 0.1 m) emergent marsh at the northeast corner of Sump 1( A). Tule Lake has been identified as a potential refugia for both sucker species ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule T like National Wildlife Sump 3 Lease lands Field . Station Cocbetative Fanning Fields Area J Lease Lands Sump 2 I ease I , ands Figure 1. Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California. During winter, water within the sumps is comprised primarily of local runoff and during summer water is comprised primarily of irrigation return flows, originating from Upper Klamath Lake. Summer water quality in the sumps is similar to other water bodies within the Upper Klamath Basin and is considered hypereutrophic ( Dileanis et al. 1996). Water quality problems include low dissolved oxygen ( DO) and high hydrogen ion concentrations ( pH) and unionized ammonia. Water quality in the Tule Lake sumps is directly affected by hypereutrophic conditions in Upper Klamath Lake ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Studies conducted after publication of the Shortnose and Lost River Sucker Recovery Plan indicate that Tule Lake contains an estimated 159 ( 95% CI = 48- 289) shortnose and 105 ( 95% CI = 25- 175) Lost River suckers ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). Confidence intervals for these estimates are large because of small sample sizes and low rates of recapture. Recruitment rates for the Tule Lake population via spawning below Anderson- Rose Dam is low with significant larval production occurring only in 1995 ( monitoring occurred 1991- 99) ( M. Buettner, pers. comm). Entrainment from the irrigation system is likely the largest source offish for Tule Lake ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 1998). Both species of suckers in Tule lake are in good physical condition relative to fish in Clear Lake and Upper Klamath Lake with Tule Lake fish being generally heavier and exhibiting few if any problems with parasites or lamprey. ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). U. S. Bureau of Reclamation ( Reclamation) biologists tracked 10 radio- marked suckers in Tule Lake from 1993- 95. From these studies, specific use areas by time period were identified with over 99% of radio locations occurring in Sump 1( A). Of particular importance from these studies was identification of an over- summer site in the south central region of Sump 1( A) termed the ADonut Hole# ( DH). In early 1999, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( Service) proposed a wetland enhancement project on the 3,500 acre Sump 1( B). The project was designed to improve habitat for waterfowl and other associated wetland species as well as improve water quality through the conversion of Sump 1( B) from an open body of shallow water to an emergent year- round flooded wetland. The primary mechanism to create the desired habitat condition is a series of annual spring/ summer drawdowns thereby creating conditions suitable for germination of desired emergent plant species. Of principal concern in developing the project was the potential effects on suckers within the sumps. Because of the proximity of both sucker species in adjacent Sump 1( A), a project monitoring plan was developed to ascertain the potential effects of the Sump 1( B) Project on suckers and water quality. Our monitoring design benefitted from studies of water quality and sucker movements by Reclamation biologists from 1992- 95. This report summarizes findings of the first year= s pre- project monitoring effort ( April- December, 1999) relative to water quality and movements of radio- marked suckers. Objectives 1. Describe seasonal distribution and movement patterns of both sucker species in Tule Lake NWR and determine if fish movements have changed since initial studies by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95. 2. Characterize water quality, in space and time, of areas used by adult suckers compared to areas which are not used. 3. Document and describe movements of radio- marked suckers to spawning areas below Anderson- Rose dam. 4. Determine whether recruitment of larvae and juvenile was occurring below Anderson- Rose Dam. Methods Monitoring radio- marked adult suckers In April and May, 1999, Reclamation biologists captured 14 suckers and surgically implanted radio- transmitters ( ATS, Isanti, MN) having a projected battery life of 12 months. Each transmitter had an external antennae that exited the body cavity near the lateral line of the fish. Eleven Lost River and 3 shortnose suckers were captured using trammel nets at the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) ( 9 fish) and immediately downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam on the Lost River ( 5 fish) ( Table 1). We located radio- marked fish via air thrust boats using a scanning receiver and 4- element yagi antennae. Fish were located fish 4 times/ month during March and April, 2 times/ month from May through September, and once per month from October through December. Fish not located via boat were located from fixed wing aircraft. We determined fish locations by moving as close as possible to undisturbed fish and recording locations with a Global Positioning System ( GPS). All GPS positions consisted of 180 rover points/ location and were differentially corrected via post processing software ( PFinder ver. 2.11). We recorded depth information at each fish location. To determine timing and duration of the spawning migration, we monitored radio-marked fish from vehicles on the east levee of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Table 1. Data from Lost River and shortnose suckers captured on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California and Anderson- Rose Dam, Oregon in 1999. RADIO TAG 165.043 165.063 165.073 165.103 165.084 165.094 164.641 164.863 164.494 164.854 165.054 164.845 164.763 164.914 CAPTURE DATE 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 30/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 CAPTURE LOCATION TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM SPECIES LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SEX FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE MALE MALE FEMALE WEIGHT NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 2830 g 1040 g 5260 g NO DATA 2214 g 1542g 2350 g 1811 g FORK LENGTH 777 mm 681 mm 754 mm 473 mm 523 mm 754 mm 544 mm 440 mm 775 mm 753 mm 556 mm 486 mm 594 mm 477 mm PIT TAG NO. 1F3E34432C 1F39064959 1F4C5A6754 1F07315752 1F31462743 1F4C5A6754 1F3726750F 1F36490062 1F37103466 1F390F1801 1F3E2A7702 1F36443235 1F30753309 1F390E6B2F Recruitment Reclamation biologists conducted larval and juvenile sucker surveys during May and June by sampling, visually and with dip nets, the emergent vegetation at the periphery of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Egg viability surveys were conducted in the gravel sediments immediately below the dam in May. Water quality We preselected water quality sampling sites ( Fig. 2, Table 2) in Sump 1( A) to correspond to adult sucker use areas as determined by studies of radio- marked adult suckers conducted by Reclamation in 1993- 95 ( Fig. 3). We selected 2 sites in Sump 1( B) which met or exceeded the minimum depth requirement (> 3ft) for both sucker species ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.) after referring to 1986 bathymetric maps. We attempted to obtain data from each site twice/ month. We moved 2 sample sites ( Donut Hole and Donut Hole Northwest) early in the summer and 1 site ( Donut Hole West) ( Fig. 2) during mid- summer to better represent summer use locations of radio- marked fish. From May through November, we measured water quality parameters ( dissolved oxygen ( DO), hydrogen ion concentration ( pH), and temperature (° C)) using DataSonde 3, 4 and 4a= s ( Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas) ( hereafter referred to as Hydrolabs) 26 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment. We suspended Hydrolabs, within PVC tubes, from metal fence posts driven into the sediment. Data were collected hourly over a 96 hr period at each monitoring site. We downloaded data from Hydrolabs using the Hyperterminal software package v. 690170 to a personal computer. Unit probes were cleaned and calibrated according to Hydrolab guidelines ( Hydrolab Corporation 1997) and local geographic standards. Using the same deployment schedule as with our Hydrolabs, we sampled turbidity at each site using a Portable Turbidimeter model 21 OOP ( Hach Corp., P. O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539). We collected water samples 27 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment at each sample site. We measured turbidity in NTUs, following the guidelines in the product manual and we measured water depth using a hand- crafted wooden pole, marked in measured increments. We summarized water quality data using Microsoft 8 EXCEL software v. 97 SR- 1 and SPSS for Windows release 9.0.0. Because of the apparent difference in summer water quality in the DH versus other sampling sites, data were summarized as DH sites and Non- DH ( NDH) sites. Tule Lake NWR Water Quality Monitoring 1999 MfSVTHOLE \ OKTIIH ' w Background Hvdrolon> Luke m Mudflats Uplands X Water Vionitonny Stations ( Hydrolafa sites) MK ker Radio \ ckmcin L. Hicks. D. .1 Beckitraod, K Miller, USFWS Background HydfOlOf} Sat'I Wetlands Invcnlon LSI Sh S Map Projection UTMZCM IO, WGS-* 4 By: L. Hkks. USFWSUSBR 02/ 00 i Figure 2. Water quality sample sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 8 Table 2. Characteristics of water quality sampling sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake, California, 1999. SITE NAME NORTHWEST SUMP 1A DONUT HOLE NORTHWEST DONUT HOLE WEST DONUT HOLE SOUTH DONUT HOLE DONUT HOLE EAST ENGLISH CHANNEL WEST SUMP IB EAST SUMP IB PUMP 10 SUMP 1A2 SITE ABBREVIATION NWS1A DHNWSlAor DHNW DHWEST DHSOUTH DHSlAorDH DHEAST ECSlAorEC WS1B ES1B PMP10 UTM N 4642199 4638316 4638881 4638144 4637299 4639024 4634604 4634153 4633948 4636635 UTME 620803 620542 321022 621355 621475 621971 625041 636647 628835 624748 DEPTH of MONITORING SITE ( m) 1 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.5 1 Depth of water at deployment 2 Pump 10 data will not be discussed in this document. Results Radio- marked suckers We located fish 231 times in locations similar to those determined by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95 ( Figs 3- 4). Lost River and shortnose suckers did not appear to differentiate use of the sump by species; we located both species intermixed throughout the monitoring period. With the exception DH and DHNW ( Fig. 2), water quality sampling sites were close to seasonal sucker use areas. Of 14 suckers marked, mortality occurred in only 1 fish. A Lost River sucker (# X9) was tagged on 18 May at the Anderson Rose Dam; she was not located again until 23 days later on 9 June. From 9 June to 17 November, # X9 was located by signal within approximately 15 m of the original location based on the location data. It is likely that this fish died in early June within 2- 3 weeks of being radio- marked. It is unknown if this mortality was related to the stress of handling and marking or some other cause. April - May - In April- May, a period of maximum fish movements ( Figs. 5- 18), most suckers congregated in the AEnglish Channel ® between the sumps with a scattering offish located between the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) and the AEnglish Channel ® ( Fig. 4). Only 1 fish radio- marked in Tule Lake moved into the Lost River. This particular fish, a female shortnose sucker (# G9) was radio- marked in the northwest corner of Tule Lake on 9 April, was located in the AEnglish Channel ® on 14 April, and subsequently was located in Lost River below Anderson Rose Dam on 29 April and 6 May. Tule Lake Sucker Radio Telemetry \ pril 1993 - \! a> 1995 Hi tckwtstmd H) drohgy mm Marth/ Wi'lhiml • • River I Sucker Locations o Jan - Mar & Apr - May ° Jim - Sep • O t t - l h i 1 I . . . . . . ydtOl Ig) -: i '•'•, l: i M h - c .1 J I SI WS UtoBiihywwUy KkmrtiiB ••. iraOffia MapPinoiccii.- i rM2oni VM, S- » 4 • HJ I-. IKKV USffW& n SBB Figure 3. Locations of radio- marked suckers from studies conducted by U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1993- 1995. 10 Tule Lake NWR Sucker Radio Telemetry April - December 1999 Oregon California [ Sump 1A Background Hydrology J Lake Uplands SOcker Locations • Apr May o Jun - Sep • Oc! - Dec | Qanuthole area = * 466 acres ( manually est from fish bca Suckei EUdiQ Tdctrcter: L Hi cks, D TtccnsDn, : Nati Wedatd^ Inventory. USTWS i t Hi cfa, usFwsnrsBH o 2/ 00 Figure 4. Locations of radio- marked suckers on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 11 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetr> - 1999 MMti « phrnl Fish: Lost River Sucker " A9" Sex Female Length: 777 mm fag I ocation I ulc I ; ike Sump IA Tai: Dare: 04/ 02 99 Vlort. Date: 3 - O 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ni ( Surface Fixation - 4034.9( 1') Lain' ihpth 1 - 15m Itydrolah tUm » t tm fcdarl .' i rein: l. llni. i. Becb- rmc l^ . I M I ^ I V I M . Kl; nn: nli limm Xvtup,- :, rr, k, I M •'• - \ * e BMb% « ldry KIWWHI I t em ,^ wnOi-... I SB I Background Hy* » : 4.. .. , „ | WCIIWKIJ faivewior^. I'SI A S >• • ••• i •• i MZcne IC ' •..-• .: i;% i n . , i s , u s Figure 5. Movements of radio- marked sucker A9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 12 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~- 1999 Hsh ], ost River Sucker"! Sc\ Female Length: UK] mm Tag Location [ We Lake Sump IA IML Dace U4/ O? W Mort Date: • i Khrr( m » depth) • 1 Mwrvl. Will. 1.1,1 I |- l Muil I t * 3 - O 5 m 0 5 - t rn ( Surtax i: Nation - 4O34. W) flyJrttlaff SiKker RacfcTclemdn: I. IliduU. Bccks CompK. i BFW8 I. a.- Mil ,. l klmulklfaun \ « » OI.. . I MM Background llyfrotogv \ « bonB| W ctlands inv « « or., U8FWS Map IVv^ vi ... i M ,. !• ' ••"• . I:-. | || ... i JFWS Figure 6. Movements of radio- marked sucker B9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 13 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fidi Lost River Sucker * C9" Sex Male Length: 619 mm Tag Location I ule Lake Sump IA Fag Date: M/ 02 w VIon. Date: { Surface Fixation - 4II34. W) tiat- ttffawmf th- frohf(\ • • Khii i> nJv|> th) H i \ iM, vh\ wtl,..., i UplniKi Lak mm MU. I n. i 3 - 0 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ru • I n kaAo Tckwdn: LHkfcaJ. Beduimd P HMUWM K V'l « • .|: I- II: I-| I I n i ii Cwnpk. I 8FWS Klmwil.[ ten< •• . : M . . . I M : mind I l > * o t i c \ Ntttaaal Wetlands Inventory* I ^| •.!•••• • • . • I -. I \ | . , K 1 1 . i •• » •• -; !:•• I II . I SFWS r Mil . Figure 7. Movements of radio- marked sucker C9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 14 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Haf kgnm n BB Rh « ' i MM. Fish Shortnose Sucker " l) l>" Sex Male Length: 473 nun ail Location: I ale Lake Sump IA Tag Date 04/ 02/ 99 Mort. Date: I Surface Fixation - 41> 34. lW) /....'.:• Depth Mi, I lbtx 0- OSm ^ ^ 0 5 - 1 rti - I - ' I •' • • ' ' • I HkfcU. lUbrxilHil) I ! . . . ! - . K Mil M KlttiHtfiBttk K « Aig « : . , - , - , L . I M ''. •• Ifydrolah Kit,-* i., i.- . il ... (.. , , , i , , •. . ; „ , . . , M ! - U a d ^ r t w n d ! ! > * • ••'• • t n | XVctinjKlt [ mcTrt « . T\. • SFWS I • • . . • • , , • l:% | n ...... i M A S * £*> Figure 8. Movements of radio- marked sucker D9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 15 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker T39" Sc\ Female Length: 523 mm rag Location I ule I ake Sump IA rag Date M/ 02 w Date: • 1.1 I i) I 1-.. 1 • | i i . . I. llcct. M m i l l ) ] Compl- • ' "* I '• S 5> NJUOIWI Wetlands b i v c m u r y I IS I » S • ••• I " I ••. l/. nc It. i . . . : - . , ' II-. | || ..... Figure 9. Movements of radio- marked sucker E9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 16 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " IV Sc\ female Length: 754 mm Tag Location Tule Lake Sump 1A * rag Date 040; 99 Vkirt Date: ( Surface Fixation - 4( 134.90') Hat ground Hydrology U • : • • Rhtr< iM » < Jvpfh) • iM.., lll » r • i M. tvh\ VHl,, na 0.0,5m Uphml » 0S- 1rt. 1 - 1 5 IT » 1 £ m fackcrRadk> 1 r .. In: UfisfcaJ. Ikvkwjjjui P » •, K V, 1 • l: m: rli M a Jfcflifc* CorapUv I IFWS Uydrolth sit,- s i , i t \ t, il*> m. f n Klmwlh tfewn .\ wn < » flfa . I SBR K o t o ^ : \ ai,,, na| Wctljmd* bivcm^ f • I SFWS Map hV^ vl .. . I MZpftClO Cony aid I;-, i n , . UWTOS Figure 10. Movements of radio- marked sucker F9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 17 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker " Q9" I cm ale Length: 544mm I. IL1 Location Tule Lake Sump IA * rag Date 04/ 09/ 99 Mori ( Surface rloaliun - I II . . I. \'-.-\-- m.' I-K V i ! l • l : n i : r l l ! - i i : ii : . r , : . | , . I s|\ VS KlmuHi Btom Aivs 4 M1K. I SBR \ j i > i m l Wetlands invcnlon i 5FWS M. « ;. ' - . . I - . I M / . „ . • | » . I II , • I SFWS BB Ki^ i imi M \ hrvh\\ ilhiml Upland Lais Otfttk MuiJ Hals Figure 11. Movements of radio- marked sucker G9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 18 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~ 1999 • Jit" Fish Sex Length: Tag Location: Tag Date: Sh oi1no so Male 440 mm Tule 1 < ikc 04/ 09/ 99 / Sucker Sump " H9" IA f tif( rtitiini / / i Kh< < 1- 1 . ri. l Mud FliitK 0 - 0 5 m 05 - 1 ni < SurfiKi 1 , - > 18m K V , , • l; , - n : , l , 5 , , , : . • „ • , '• • ' • • : ' k • ' s | ' ' ' s K i i. l I-. . . . tVu. I M i ^ ' ^ \ tbonn\ Wetl « nd « faiv « mor>. I . \ I A • » - i I M „, | i. Ih | || , , I M Figure 12. Movements of radio- marked sucker H9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 19 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 I- isii Lost River Sucker " 1 Sc\ Female Length: 775 mm Tag Location: Tule Lake Sump IA Tag Dale: 04/ 09/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface I* k^ atinn Tckmrtn: l.|| uk. I. K J y me l> I..: II> M K •-.•. I - I : . . , : Compkv • BPWS "' ••' Klmwlbl? ti » m A* MOffice I SBR IvckuioRv : \ atxin » l Wetlands biv « Mory. I > I / i < n k j f M U U l f i x • • • ' < • . • • Khri ( IM » tlr|> rh) Mat vh Wit I HI ii I LpbmJ Figure 13. Movements of radio- marked sucker 19 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 20 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: I- osi River Sucker " P9" Sc\ Female Length: 7^ ' m m lag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Dale: 04/ 30/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface bk'talkm - 4UJ4. W) % mkm i .' i eraetn: |.| ikk* J. lkvl> « uui I) . . . . i - K '•.'. . - i . . r . . i . BMte Rvtug « , « ., .. . . - . M V . . Compk. i IPWa I « l.- . ll ,. t ,.. , , , | , , •. . „ ,. . | M i • E* K* gr° umi I K v H , ^ htaHml Wctl » nd » knvMori i -- I - s ^ • •• I •• I M i . , - It. > •—•• . i;-. i II . . i MWN Figure 14. Movements of radio- marked sucker P9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 21 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " i;(>" Sex Male Length: 556mm Tag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date 05 05 w Mort. Date: ( Surface H o at ion - - MM4. W) • i • i n. t . i. ikJ^•. m..- I) . M. HV*. K Vi . • hnrnflh ii » m Hvfil^- '" I - I K ••. . I" K i r •• . M ... I MiM \-, ..,.•. \ , ,,.| v. , |,,.|. ( r. v : , f . l MH • . ! ., I M „ |. Figure 15. Movements of radio- marked sucker U9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 22 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " W Sox: Male Leagth 486 mm \ AII Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 05/ 99 Mort. Date: ( SurfiK- c Floaiiun 4 « . U. W| •• ' • •• ' • ; • ' ' ' ' I I I . . • 1. Bedu HI.- D . K V I " , I . < l: iMi; iTh : - i • : .1 MIK! KI. HH I - • • > • . • • \ 1 i i i v . v l . r i l - i r . v : • ! • . 1 • . . . 1 . • 1 \ | , , c 1. Figure 16. Movements of radio- marked sucker V9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 23 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetrv - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sticker " W(>" Sex: Male Length 594 nun I nil Location: Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 18/ 99 Meet. Date ( Surface H o at inn 4< i. U/) i » ') - ' • ' I ' : ' - ' • I Hid • i. Bcvl. v.' im: P . , i iikr. Klanwlh B* oi R< tu^ : . . r v . k v I M •'•- ' -*•• Mil - >•> • KlMmth IViim .\ wn 0 1 . . . I SBR g \ ^ m u l Wcllmls En^ :• r I ^ | V \ • • • I - i I M/ V. u- It; 1 ••••:•• .-.' II-. W Figure 17. Movements of radio- marked sucker W9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 24 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " X9" Sex: Female Length 477 mm Tag Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05,1899 Mori. Date, suspected in June 1999 Hn i in Mat* h Will •. 1. fackn RadioTclenvtn; i. tfidbU. lkvk « ramLI>. r* Mmw « t K ','. . hmtdth B* m R^ UB* CompK- • n •'• • B % VJI < Kflb . I M i ,• h> tir> l Wetlands Envcntun. I SFft'S \ I , \ ' I K I I | , ... | s.| , \ s Figure 18. Movements of radio- marked sucker X9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 25 June - September - During this period, nearly all suckers ( particularly during July and August) could be found in the DH at the south central portion of Sump 1( A) ( Fig. 4). By connecting the outermost locations of approximately 90% of radio locations, the calculated area of the DH was 188 ha. Suckers using the DH were found in depths ranging from 1.0- 1.3 m ( 39- 50 in) ( Fig. 19). September - December - During this period suckers moved from the DH to the northwest corner of Sump 1( A). As of the writing of this report, ( February 15, 2000) the 13 remaining fish occupy the same area. Recruitment Surveys by Reclamation biologists for larval and juvenile suckers in the Lost River below Anderson- Rose Dam failed to document the presence young of the year fish. Below is a summary of surveys: Date 5/ 25/ 99 6/ 2/ 99 6/ 10/ 99 Result Searches for eggs in gravel below Anderson- Rose Dam revealed eggs in 4 of 5 sites, some of which were viable. Larval surveys conducted at 3 sites ( visual and dip net) from the dam to the wooden bridge were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 5 sites including the dam, 2 and 1 mile downstream, the wooden bridge, and East- West Road were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 2 sites downstream of dam were negative. Water quality pHBln general, pH values were less variable in the DH then areas outside this region ( Fig. 20). In all areas, median pH values remained below 9.5 until early June at which time values outside the DH were frequently above 10.0. pH values were particularly high (> 10.0) in late June through August in ESIB and NWS1A and periodically in the EC and WS1B. pH values in the DH and areas adjacent, remained below 10.0 through September; however, there was a gradual rise in pH values in DH sites from May through September. In late September and early October, DH pH values exceeded all other sites. rem/ reratareBTemperatures in all regions reached a peak in late July through early August with no discernible difference between DH or NDH sites ( Fig. 21). Dissolved oxvgenBDonut Hole sampling station s differed in dissolved oxygen characteristics relative to other areas of the sumps. During the June through August period DH sites ranged from 4.5 to 11.2 mg/ 1 while areas outside this region ranged from 1.1 mg/ 1 to 18.2 mg/ 1 ( Fig. 21). Toward November DH and NDH sites became similar DO dynamics ( Fig. 21). 26 Turbiditvllln general, turbidity values appeared greater in the DH versus areas outside, although some sites particularly in Sump 1( B) were quite variable particularly in June and July. This may have been due to the large amount of filamentous algae in Sump 1( B), potentially interfering with the measurement. Turbidity rose sharply at sites by late October and November ( Fig. 23- 24). 20 >• 1 5 O UJ a UJ DC 10 0 39 41 43 45 47 More DEPTH Figure 19. Water depth used by radio- marked suckers in the " Donut Hole" ( June- August), Tule Lake NWR. California. 27 BJll I U r S o I! Figure 20. pH data collected from " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole water quality sampling sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 28 temp rC) S 2 £ ' I j 1 II i 9 E 9 S Figure 21. Water temperatures collected at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75^ and 10- 90^ percentiles, and outliers. 29 do ( mgfl) I do ( mg/ l) OP> !*• WKamm 01900 gGBM s ' S:' TP" » S i I ! if Figure 22. Dissolved oxygen concentrations at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 30 260.0 -. 240.0 220.0 - 200 0 180.0 => 160.0 H 140.0 - z 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 n n - » NT" —•— Depth ( m) fc= _ 6/ 2 107.00 0.8 Donut Hole Northwest - — .^^^ 6/ 7 77.20 0.8 H •—-^^ ' '—^ 6/ 14 25.30 0.8 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 - 1.0 o o O CJl depth ( m) 260.0 -, 240.0 220 0 200.0 180.0 - 2 160.0 z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 - 60.0 40.0 20 0 0.0 » NTU — a— Depth ( m) , •=— mmm •= « a 6/ 22 44.00 0.9 Donut Hole West — « — — » - 6/ 28 26.60 08 •— 7/ 6 19.90 08 . ^ m — _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7/ 13 25.70 0.8 • - _ — r- • 7/ 19 51.40 0.8 1.0 0.5 £ a. T3 0.0 260 0 240.0 - 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 i « n n _ H 140.0 - z 120 0 ^ 100.0 • 80 0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - u. u » NTU — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 22 93.70 0.8 6/ 28 95.40 0.7 Donut Hole East 7/ 6 72.70 0.7 7/ 13 32.30 0.7 —•'•"-""* 7/ 19 50.20 0.5 -*"— 7/ 28 62.50 0.8 8/ 2 73.30 0.8 \ ^ 8/ 10 18.55 0.8 8/ 19 50.20 0.8 8/ 25 22.20 0.8 8/ 31 58.67 0.7 \ 9/ 8 14.38 0.8 9/ 14 11.03 0.8 9/ 20 7.00 0.7 9/ 29 7.80 0.7 j / A - 10/ 25 51.00 0.7 t - fT u 11/ 23 210.00 0.6 1 0 - 0.5 JZ jepi - 0.0 Figure 23. Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May to November 1999. 31 260.0 i 240.0 220.0 200.0 180.0 3 160.0 £ 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 » NTU —•— Depth ( m) • ^ 6/ 2 81.10 0.8 Donut Hole - — - ^ 6/ 7 49.20 0.8 — • 6/ 14 21.50 0.8 =— 1 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 r 1 0 o p d en depth ( m) 260 0 240.0 • 220.0 - 200.0 . 180.0 - K 160.0 • z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 . 60.0 - 40.0 - 20.0 0.0 . t K » TII — a— Depth ( m) B — • 7/ 21 53.30 0.8 .— m-— 7/ 28 40.50 0.8 Donut Hole South _—• 8/ 2 56.80 0 9 » - ^ 8/ 10 17.13 0.9 *—• 8/ 18 19.70 0 8 8/ 25 21.73 0.9 ^ \ 8/ 31 64.90 0.8 9/ 8 21.27 0.8 9/ 14 20.80 0.8 9/ 20 29.97 0.8 ^ - • - ^ 9/ 29 49.30 0.8 / / 10/ 25 33.70 0.8 / / 11/ 23 170.00 0.7 1 0 o o d en depth ( m) Figure 23 ( cont.). Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May- November, 1999. 32 260.0 -, 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 - 160.0 Z> 140.0 \ z 120.0 - z 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - 0.0 *_ NTU • depth ( m) y 5/ 26 12.30 0.7 6/ 2 58.70 0.8 A- 6/ 7 20.30 0.9 / / 6/ 21 57.40 0.8 // A A\\ 6/ 28 239.0C 0.8 V\ East Sump 1B J s in 81.70 0.7 : / I 7/ 12 10.40 1.0 | A / \ J I s f 7/ 27 228.00 1.0 \ - V \ 8/ 2 88.00 0.8 8/ 10 40.00 0.9 8/ 18 38.17 0.8 8/ 31 11.30 0.7 9/ 9 7.00 0.7 9/ 14 6.17 0.7 9/ 20 5.83 0.7 • / 10/ 25 44.80 1.0 * 4-— \ ft . 11/ 23 186.00 0.5 1.0 ? e Q. 0.5 • 0.0 260.0 n 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 160.0 D 140.0 1— 120 0 z 100^ 0 80.0 60.0 An n 20.0 - 0.0 - —+— NTU —•— depth ( m) —•— 5/ 26 13.70 1.0 _, • —- « - 6/ 2 57.30 1.1 --•— ' \ 6/ 7 41.10 1.1 6/ 21 18.70 1.0 —•— / \ 6/ 28 138.0( 1.0 \ \ / ¥ West Sump 1B - . • — • / 7/ 7 ) 29.90 1.0 A \\ 7/ 12 88.90 1.0 k / \ / 7/ 27 19.00 0.9 / \ / \ 8/ 2 73.00 1.0 L \ \ 8/ 10 5.47 1.0 8/ 18 6.40 1.0 8/ 31 9.20 1.0 9/ 9 8.58 1.0 9/ 14 8.37 0.9 9/ 20 11.73 0.9 / / 10/ 25 39.50 0.7 f 11/ 23 85.00 0.8 1 5 sz Q. - 0 . 5 • - 0.0 260 0 240.0 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 160.0 3 140.0 t ; 120.0 100.0 80.0 - 60.0 An n . 20.0 0.0 » NT" — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 2 46.50 0.8 -~ « — 6/ 7 16.10 0.9 —•—. 6/ 14 39.00 0.8 / 6/ 22 9.71 0.8 English Channel Sump 1A 6/ 28 6.79 0.8 \ ^ _ 7/ 13 17.90 0.8 7/ 20 17.60 0.8 7/ 28 26.80 0.8 8/ 10 4.80 0.9 8/ 19 7.33 0.8 8/ 25 6.50 0.8 8/ 31 7.10 0.8 9/ 8 13.34 0.8 ==•== 9/ 20 15.50 0.8 J 9/ 29 22.60 0.7 — y / 10/ 25 98.70 0.8 11/ 23 146.00 0.8 1 5 - 1.0 — 0.5 - g 0.0 260 0 240.0 220 0 - 200.0 - 180.0 - 160.0 => 140.0 - £ 120.0 mnn . 60.0 40.0 - 20.0 u. u J •— NTU —•— Depth ( m) I 6/ 2 36.50 1.2 —•— 6 / 7 12.60 1.2 6/ 14 13.10 1.2 y 6/ 28 7.40 1.1 7/ 6 71.60 1.0 Northwest Sump 1A —•— 7/ 13 5.27 1.1 — » — —•— 7/ 19 28.50 1.1 7/ 28 20.50 1.2 8/ 2 32.10 1.2 ^- B—' 8/ 19 4.50 1.1 / 8/ 25 52.87 1.1 A ' \ 8/ 31 115.67 1.2 ="-•— \ —•*=; 9/ 8 4.10 1.1 1 4- 9/ 14 7.89 1.1 —•— J I \ 9/ 20 12.43 1.1 — « ^ 10/ 25 180.00 1.1 11/ 23 164.00 0.9 1 S d jpth ( m) • 0.5 - o - 0.0 Figure 24. Turbidity at non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 33 Discussion Water Quality The area of the DH was delineated from plotted June through September locations of radio-marked suckers ( approximately 188 ha.). The location of the DH could also be seen as an area of relatively turbid water from aerial photographs from August 1998 ( Fig. 25) as well as aerial photographs taken in 1984. It is possible that the combination of 2 factors may cause the observed turbidity in the DH. First, seeps or springs may be present in the area which result in more favorable water quality during summer which attracts suckers as well as other fish species to the area. The resultant concentration offish ( suckers and chubs) may stir the sediments during feeding activities, thereby creating the observed turbidity. The additional turbidity in the DH may inhibit light penetration and the production of algae, thereby reducing photo synthetically elevated pH and the extreme minimum and maximums in DO typical of may water bodies in the Klamath Basin including Tule Lake ( Dileanis et al. 1996). The rise in turbidity at all sites in fall is likely due to the break down of rooted aquatic vegetation which then allows for wind induced wave action to stir the sediments. Other than the DH, all other sites had dense concentrations of rooted aquatic plants and/ or filamentous green algae during summer. June to September DO and pH dynamics in the DH appeared different than at NDH sites ( Figs. 20 and 22). The difference was greatest in early summer with the difference becoming smaller by late summer and essentially disappearing by fall. Whether this water quality difference was a result of the more turbid waters or inflow from springs is unknown. However, attempts by Service hydrologists to model inflows, evapotranspiration, and outflows from the sumps have resulted in a positive imbalance of approximately 21,000 acre- feet of water from April through September. This positive imbalance is greatest in spring and early summer, gradually lessening by summer and essentially disappearing by fall ( Tim Mayer, pers. comm.). If this inflow is occurring, it may explain differences in summer water quality between DH and NDH sites. June to September water quality in the DH may be critical to the over summer survival of suckers in Tule Lake as pH and DO in NDH sites during summer often exceeded the tolerance limits for the fish. DO and pH levels at DH sites were less variable and did not reach the extremes that were reached in NDH sites. The lowest DO measured during June through September at DH sites were 4.83 mg/ 1 ( DHWEST) and 4.96 mg/ 1 ( DHEAST). DO and pH during summer from this study were similar to values collected by Reclamation in 1992 ( Table 3). Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile suckers only where DO was above 4.5 mg/ 1. It is currently believed that adult suckers become stressed at DO levels below 4.0 mg/ 1 with mortality occurring at or below 2.0 mg/ 1 ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.). The relatively high over- summer survival of radio- marked suckers, compared to suckers radio- marked in Upper Klamath Lake ( M. Buettner, pers. comm), is further evidence of suitable summer water quality conditions in the DH on Tule Lake. 34 Figure 25. " Donut Hole" in Sump 1( A) of Tule Lake NWR. Note visible turbidity of area. 35 Table 3. Mean dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, July and August 1992. Data are from 2 sites; 1 site each in Sump 1( A) ( within the ADonut Hole@) and 1( B). All data were from 96 hour continuous readings from Hydrolabs. Data were collected at intervals of 1- 2 hours. ( Data summarized from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation). Site Sump 1( A) Sump ( IB) Depth ( M) < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 pH (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 9.32 ± 0.83 n= 81 9.22 ± 0.93 n= 26 8.30 ± 0.71 n= 10 9.65 + 0.44 n= 21 9.79 ± 0.45 n= 7 No data Temp ° C (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 21.85 ± 2.84 n= 81 21.53 ± 2.46 n= 26 19.90 ± 1.59 n= 10 22.96+ 1.10 n= 21 22.11 ± 0.51 n= 7 No data Conductivity 500 ± 266 n= 81 598 ± 277 n= 26 859 ± 694 628 ± 148 n= 21 571 ± 74 n= 7 No data DO1 Oof 31 days - - 8 of 21 days - - 1 Proportion of monitored days having a minimum dissolved oxygen level below 5 mg/ 1. ( Data from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation) pH levels in the DH generally remained below 10.0 whereas non DH sites frequently exceeded 10.0 ( Fig. 19). Falter and Cech ( 1991) determined a maximum pH tolerance in shortnose suckers of 9.55+ 0.43 under laboratory conditions, levels generally exceeded in June - September at non DH sites and some DH sites in late summer. Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile fish in Upper Klamath Lake largely at sites with pH < 9.0, as did Simon et al. ( 1996) in 1994. However, in 1995, Simon et al. ( 1996) found that most juvenile fish ( 54%) were captured in areas of higher pH (> 10.0). Laboratory studies indicate significant mortality of larval and juvenile fish at high pH values (> 9.55) ( Falter and Cech 1991) and 9.92- 10.46 ( Bellerud and Saiki 1995). Previous water quality and fish health studies on the refuge determined that water quality conditions were stressful to aquatic life and was resulting in a high ( up to 37%) proportion offish with deformities ( Dileanis et al. 1996), however, studies of sucker ecology in Tule Lake have indicated that individual fish in the lake have a high condition factor and are free of external parasites ( Scoppettone and Buettner 1995). Bennet ( 1994) recognized this apparent inconsistency, stating, A... the observation that Tule Lake suckers are in better physical condition than Upper Klamath Lake suckers indicates that certain areas of the aquatic system may be of particular importance for the recovery of those species. ® In the case of Tule Lake this Acertain area@ is likely the DH.. Suckers in Tule Lake may be in good condition because of their limited population size, the abundant food resources in this lake, and adequate water quality ( in the DH) to survive the summer period. 36 Sucker movements Although, suckers were relatively sedentary during most periods of the year, they exhibited the ability to make long distance moves in relatively short periods of time, particularly during the April spawning period. The northwest corner of Sump 1( A) receives about 90% of the inflow from the Lost River and spring winds on Tule Lake tend to move large quantities of water through the AEnglish Channels back and forth between Sump 1( A) and 1( B). This movement of water at both locations may explain the movement of fish observed in April and May. Suckers may be attracted to both locations when seeking spawning habitat in spring. Recruitment During the April marking period, most captured suckers appeared to be physiologically ready to spawn; however, only one fish moved into the river. Of 10 radio- marked fish monitored by Reclamation in 1993- 95 no fish attempted to run the Lost River. This low proportion offish that attempt to spawn may have one or several causes or a combination, including: 1. Stress of handling and implanting radio- transmitters so close to the spawning season may prevent fish from becoming reproductively active. 2. Under normal conditions, only a small proportion of Tule Lake suckers may attempt to spawn in any particular year. 3. Flow conditions in or at the mouth of the Lost River may be inadequate to draw the fish into the river. 4. A shallow bar (< 0.3 m) of deposited silt exists between the lake and the mouth of the river which may form a physical barrier to the fish. At the present time, a mandated flow of 30 cfs is released below Anderson- Rose Dam to provide spawning habitat at the Dam. Although this flow is intended to provide suitable spawning conditions at the Dam, these flows may be inadequate to entice fish into the river. It is likely that the historic spring flows in the Lost River were many times higher than current regulated flows. However, given that the fish are largely unsuccessful in spawning and risk additional mortality traversing the river, adult survival may be enhanced by remaining in the lake. Scoppettone and Buettner ( 1995) also observed no radio- marked fish from Clear Lake to move into Willow Creek during the spring spawning period. In this case the authors attributed this result to either capture stress or low stream flows during spring. 37 Habitat use Although the DH is relatively shallow relative to other areas of Tule Lake, use of the DH may be mandatory to ensure over- summer survival. Although deeper waters are available to the fish, especially in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A), DO levels, in particular, likely preclude their use. Suckers did not move out of the DH until October when DO levels began to rise with cooler water temperatures. Although, Sump 1( B) contained suitable water depths and water quality conditions in fall, no suckers were located in this area. It is possible that suckers may prefer not to pass through the pipes connecting the Sumps or the proximity and flow from the Lost River in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) may make this area more attractive as an over- winter habitat area. The relative lack of water depth in the DH as well as other areas of the sumps is becoming of increasing concern because of the loss of water depth through sedimentation. If suckers require a minimum of 3 ft of water, as is current believed ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.), current rates of sedimentation in the sumps threaten the future suitability of Tule Lake for suckers. Based on a comparison of bathymetric surveys conducted by Reclamation in 1958 and again in 1986, sedimentation has been steadily reducing the water holding capacity of both sumps. Between the 1958 and 1986 surveys ( 28 years), Sump 1( A) has lost 22.4% of its water capacity and Sump 1( B) has lost 30.8% of its capacity due to sedimentation. This would indicate a total mean sedimentation of 11.8 inches over this time period ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, unpubl. rep). Over the last several years, an attempt has been made to store additional water in Tule Lake during summer by raising water levels above 4034.60 ft. This increase in water elevations ( between 4034.60 and 4034.90 ft) has somewhat mitigated the loss of depth through sedimentation. However, without reinforcing and raising the levees around the sumps, there is a limit as to how high water elevations can rise. At elevation 4035.50 ft., operating regulations require breaching the sumps into overflow areas ( Sump 2 or 3). Although increased summer operating levels may assist the fish, they may also increase the risk of a flood event requiring the breaching of the sumps with potentially negative impacts to the fish. Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to fisheries biologist from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project, especially M. Buettner, B. Peck, and M. Green whom provided and surgically implanted radio transmitters, captured adult suckers, located fish from fixed wing aircraft, and assisted with study design. K. Miller from Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge collected telemetry, water quality, and GPS data and ensured all data were collected and coordinated consistent with study design. T. Mayer provide training in the calibration, deployment, and downloading of data from the hydrolabs and assisted with interpretation of water quality data. 38 Personnel Communications Buettner, M., Fisheries Biologist, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project Office, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Mayer, T., Hydrologist, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland Regional Office, Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon. Literature Cited Bellerud, B., and M. K. Saiki. 1995. Tolerance of larval and juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers to high ph, ammonia concentration, and temperature, and to low dissolved oxygen concentration, National Biological Service, California Pacific Science Center, Dixon 103pp. Bennett, J. K. 1994. Bioassessment of irrigation drain water effects on aquatic resources in the Klamath Basin of California and Oregon. Ph. D Dissertation. University of Washington, Seattle. 197pp. Buettner, M. E., and G. Scoppettone. 1990. Life history and status of catostomids in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. National Fisheries Research Center, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada, 108pp. Coots, M. 1965. Occurrences of the Lost River sucker, Deltistes luxatus ( Cope), and shortnose sucker, Chasmistes brevirostris ( Cope), in Northern California. Calif. Fish and Game 51: 68- 73. Dileanis, P. D., S. K. Schwarzbach, and J. K. Bennett. 1996. Detailed study of water quality, bottom sediment, and biota associated with irrigation drainage in the Klamath Basin, California and Oregon, 1990- 92. U. S. Geological Survey, Water- Resources Investigations Report 95- 4232, 68pp. Falter, M. A., and J. J. Cech. 1991. Maximum pH tolerance of three Klamath Basin fishes. Copia 4: 1109- 1 111. Simon, D. C, G. R. Hoff, D. J. Logan, and D. F. Markle. 1996. Larval and juvenile ecology of Upper Klamath Lake suckers. Annual Report: 1995, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. 60pp. 39 Scoppettone, G. G., and M. E. Buettner. 1995. Information on population dynamics and life history of shortnose suckers ( Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River suckers ( Deltistes luxatus) in Tule and Clear Lakes. U. S. Geological Survey, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada. 79pp. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. 1998. Lost River and shortnose sucker spawning in Lower Lost River, Oregon, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Falls, Oregon. 1 lpp. . 1993. Lost River { Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose { Chasmistes brevirostris) Sucker Recovery Plan. Portland, Oregon 108pp. Hydrolab Corporation. 1997. DataSondeR 4 and MiniSondeR water quality multiprobes, users manual. Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas. Title: Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California : progress report, April - November 1999 Author: Hicks, Lisa A.; Mauser, David M.; Beckstrand, John; Thomson, Dani Year: 2000, 2005 Ecology of shortnose and Lost River suckers in Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, Progress Report, April - November 1999 Lisa A. Hicks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 David M. Mauser, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 John Beckstrand, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Dani Thomson, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Route 1, Box 74, Tulelake, CA 96134 Introduction The Lost River ( Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose ( Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers were federally listed as endangered species on July 18, 1988 ( Federal Register 53: 27130- 27134). Both sucker species are relatively long- lived, have a limited geographic range, and are endemic to the Upper Klamath Basin of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Habitat degradation from water diversions and loss of riparian and wetlands habitats associated with agricultural development within their historic range is believed to be the major reason for the species decline ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). A more detailed description on the life history, habitat requirements, and causes of decline of the species can be found in the Lost River and Shortnose Sucker Recovery Plan ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge ( NWR), established in 1928, consists of 2 return flow sumps ( Sump 1( A) and 1( B)) totaling 13,000 acres surrounded by 17,000 acres of intensively farmed lands ( Fig. 1). The refuge and surrounding private agricultural lands occupy the historic lake bed of Tule Lake, a 95,000 acre lake and marsh area that was reclaimed in the early 1900fs as part of the Klamath Reclamation Project. Current management of the refuge is directed by the Kuchel Act of 1964 which mandates the refuge be managed for the major purpose of waterfowl management but with optimal agricultural use that is consistent therewith. Both sumps are shallow ( 0.1 - 2.0 m) and consist of approximately 10,500 acres of open water with a 2,500 acre shallow (< 0.1 m) emergent marsh at the northeast corner of Sump 1( A). Tule Lake has been identified as a potential refugia for both sucker species ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Tule T like National Wildlife Sump 3 Lease lands Field . Station Cocbetative Fanning Fields Area J Lease Lands Sump 2 I ease I , ands Figure 1. Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California. During winter, water within the sumps is comprised primarily of local runoff and during summer water is comprised primarily of irrigation return flows, originating from Upper Klamath Lake. Summer water quality in the sumps is similar to other water bodies within the Upper Klamath Basin and is considered hypereutrophic ( Dileanis et al. 1996). Water quality problems include low dissolved oxygen ( DO) and high hydrogen ion concentrations ( pH) and unionized ammonia. Water quality in the Tule Lake sumps is directly affected by hypereutrophic conditions in Upper Klamath Lake ( U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1993). Studies conducted after publication of the Shortnose and Lost River Sucker Recovery Plan indicate that Tule Lake contains an estimated 159 ( 95% CI = 48- 289) shortnose and 105 ( 95% CI = 25- 175) Lost River suckers ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). Confidence intervals for these estimates are large because of small sample sizes and low rates of recapture. Recruitment rates for the Tule Lake population via spawning below Anderson- Rose Dam is low with significant larval production occurring only in 1995 ( monitoring occurred 1991- 99) ( M. Buettner, pers. comm). Entrainment from the irrigation system is likely the largest source offish for Tule Lake ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation 1998). Both species of suckers in Tule lake are in good physical condition relative to fish in Clear Lake and Upper Klamath Lake with Tule Lake fish being generally heavier and exhibiting few if any problems with parasites or lamprey. ( Scoppetone and Buettner 1995). U. S. Bureau of Reclamation ( Reclamation) biologists tracked 10 radio- marked suckers in Tule Lake from 1993- 95. From these studies, specific use areas by time period were identified with over 99% of radio locations occurring in Sump 1( A). Of particular importance from these studies was identification of an over- summer site in the south central region of Sump 1( A) termed the ADonut Hole# ( DH). In early 1999, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service ( Service) proposed a wetland enhancement project on the 3,500 acre Sump 1( B). The project was designed to improve habitat for waterfowl and other associated wetland species as well as improve water quality through the conversion of Sump 1( B) from an open body of shallow water to an emergent year- round flooded wetland. The primary mechanism to create the desired habitat condition is a series of annual spring/ summer drawdowns thereby creating conditions suitable for germination of desired emergent plant species. Of principal concern in developing the project was the potential effects on suckers within the sumps. Because of the proximity of both sucker species in adjacent Sump 1( A), a project monitoring plan was developed to ascertain the potential effects of the Sump 1( B) Project on suckers and water quality. Our monitoring design benefitted from studies of water quality and sucker movements by Reclamation biologists from 1992- 95. This report summarizes findings of the first year= s pre- project monitoring effort ( April- December, 1999) relative to water quality and movements of radio- marked suckers. Objectives 1. Describe seasonal distribution and movement patterns of both sucker species in Tule Lake NWR and determine if fish movements have changed since initial studies by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95. 2. Characterize water quality, in space and time, of areas used by adult suckers compared to areas which are not used. 3. Document and describe movements of radio- marked suckers to spawning areas below Anderson- Rose dam. 4. Determine whether recruitment of larvae and juvenile was occurring below Anderson- Rose Dam. Methods Monitoring radio- marked adult suckers In April and May, 1999, Reclamation biologists captured 14 suckers and surgically implanted radio- transmitters ( ATS, Isanti, MN) having a projected battery life of 12 months. Each transmitter had an external antennae that exited the body cavity near the lateral line of the fish. Eleven Lost River and 3 shortnose suckers were captured using trammel nets at the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) ( 9 fish) and immediately downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam on the Lost River ( 5 fish) ( Table 1). We located radio- marked fish via air thrust boats using a scanning receiver and 4- element yagi antennae. Fish were located fish 4 times/ month during March and April, 2 times/ month from May through September, and once per month from October through December. Fish not located via boat were located from fixed wing aircraft. We determined fish locations by moving as close as possible to undisturbed fish and recording locations with a Global Positioning System ( GPS). All GPS positions consisted of 180 rover points/ location and were differentially corrected via post processing software ( PFinder ver. 2.11). We recorded depth information at each fish location. To determine timing and duration of the spawning migration, we monitored radio-marked fish from vehicles on the east levee of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Table 1. Data from Lost River and shortnose suckers captured on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California and Anderson- Rose Dam, Oregon in 1999. RADIO TAG 165.043 165.063 165.073 165.103 165.084 165.094 164.641 164.863 164.494 164.854 165.054 164.845 164.763 164.914 CAPTURE DATE 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 2/ 99 4/ 9/ 99 4/ 30/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 5/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 5/ 18/ 99 CAPTURE LOCATION TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP1A TULELAKE SUMP 1A ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM ANDERSON ROSE DAM SPECIES LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER SHORTNOSE LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER LOST RIVER SEX FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE FEMALE FEMALE MALE MALE MALE FEMALE WEIGHT NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA NO DATA 2830 g 1040 g 5260 g NO DATA 2214 g 1542g 2350 g 1811 g FORK LENGTH 777 mm 681 mm 754 mm 473 mm 523 mm 754 mm 544 mm 440 mm 775 mm 753 mm 556 mm 486 mm 594 mm 477 mm PIT TAG NO. 1F3E34432C 1F39064959 1F4C5A6754 1F07315752 1F31462743 1F4C5A6754 1F3726750F 1F36490062 1F37103466 1F390F1801 1F3E2A7702 1F36443235 1F30753309 1F390E6B2F Recruitment Reclamation biologists conducted larval and juvenile sucker surveys during May and June by sampling, visually and with dip nets, the emergent vegetation at the periphery of the Lost River downstream of Anderson- Rose Dam. Egg viability surveys were conducted in the gravel sediments immediately below the dam in May. Water quality We preselected water quality sampling sites ( Fig. 2, Table 2) in Sump 1( A) to correspond to adult sucker use areas as determined by studies of radio- marked adult suckers conducted by Reclamation in 1993- 95 ( Fig. 3). We selected 2 sites in Sump 1( B) which met or exceeded the minimum depth requirement (> 3ft) for both sucker species ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.) after referring to 1986 bathymetric maps. We attempted to obtain data from each site twice/ month. We moved 2 sample sites ( Donut Hole and Donut Hole Northwest) early in the summer and 1 site ( Donut Hole West) ( Fig. 2) during mid- summer to better represent summer use locations of radio- marked fish. From May through November, we measured water quality parameters ( dissolved oxygen ( DO), hydrogen ion concentration ( pH), and temperature (° C)) using DataSonde 3, 4 and 4a= s ( Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas) ( hereafter referred to as Hydrolabs) 26 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment. We suspended Hydrolabs, within PVC tubes, from metal fence posts driven into the sediment. Data were collected hourly over a 96 hr period at each monitoring site. We downloaded data from Hydrolabs using the Hyperterminal software package v. 690170 to a personal computer. Unit probes were cleaned and calibrated according to Hydrolab guidelines ( Hydrolab Corporation 1997) and local geographic standards. Using the same deployment schedule as with our Hydrolabs, we sampled turbidity at each site using a Portable Turbidimeter model 21 OOP ( Hach Corp., P. O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539). We collected water samples 27 cm ( 12 in) above the sediment at each sample site. We measured turbidity in NTUs, following the guidelines in the product manual and we measured water depth using a hand- crafted wooden pole, marked in measured increments. We summarized water quality data using Microsoft 8 EXCEL software v. 97 SR- 1 and SPSS for Windows release 9.0.0. Because of the apparent difference in summer water quality in the DH versus other sampling sites, data were summarized as DH sites and Non- DH ( NDH) sites. Tule Lake NWR Water Quality Monitoring 1999 MfSVTHOLE \ OKTIIH ' w Background Hvdrolon> Luke m Mudflats Uplands X Water Vionitonny Stations ( Hydrolafa sites) MK ker Radio \ ckmcin L. Hicks. D. .1 Beckitraod, K Miller, USFWS Background HydfOlOf} Sat'I Wetlands Invcnlon LSI Sh S Map Projection UTMZCM IO, WGS-* 4 By: L. Hkks. USFWSUSBR 02/ 00 i Figure 2. Water quality sample sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 8 Table 2. Characteristics of water quality sampling sites, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tulelake, California, 1999. SITE NAME NORTHWEST SUMP 1A DONUT HOLE NORTHWEST DONUT HOLE WEST DONUT HOLE SOUTH DONUT HOLE DONUT HOLE EAST ENGLISH CHANNEL WEST SUMP IB EAST SUMP IB PUMP 10 SUMP 1A2 SITE ABBREVIATION NWS1A DHNWSlAor DHNW DHWEST DHSOUTH DHSlAorDH DHEAST ECSlAorEC WS1B ES1B PMP10 UTM N 4642199 4638316 4638881 4638144 4637299 4639024 4634604 4634153 4633948 4636635 UTME 620803 620542 321022 621355 621475 621971 625041 636647 628835 624748 DEPTH of MONITORING SITE ( m) 1 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 0.5 1 Depth of water at deployment 2 Pump 10 data will not be discussed in this document. Results Radio- marked suckers We located fish 231 times in locations similar to those determined by Reclamation biologists in 1993- 95 ( Figs 3- 4). Lost River and shortnose suckers did not appear to differentiate use of the sump by species; we located both species intermixed throughout the monitoring period. With the exception DH and DHNW ( Fig. 2), water quality sampling sites were close to seasonal sucker use areas. Of 14 suckers marked, mortality occurred in only 1 fish. A Lost River sucker (# X9) was tagged on 18 May at the Anderson Rose Dam; she was not located again until 23 days later on 9 June. From 9 June to 17 November, # X9 was located by signal within approximately 15 m of the original location based on the location data. It is likely that this fish died in early June within 2- 3 weeks of being radio- marked. It is unknown if this mortality was related to the stress of handling and marking or some other cause. April - May - In April- May, a period of maximum fish movements ( Figs. 5- 18), most suckers congregated in the AEnglish Channel ® between the sumps with a scattering offish located between the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) and the AEnglish Channel ® ( Fig. 4). Only 1 fish radio- marked in Tule Lake moved into the Lost River. This particular fish, a female shortnose sucker (# G9) was radio- marked in the northwest corner of Tule Lake on 9 April, was located in the AEnglish Channel ® on 14 April, and subsequently was located in Lost River below Anderson Rose Dam on 29 April and 6 May. Tule Lake Sucker Radio Telemetry \ pril 1993 - \! a> 1995 Hi tckwtstmd H) drohgy mm Marth/ Wi'lhiml • • River I Sucker Locations o Jan - Mar & Apr - May ° Jim - Sep • O t t - l h i 1 I . . . . . . ydtOl Ig) -: i '•'•, l: i M h - c .1 J I SI WS UtoBiihywwUy KkmrtiiB ••. iraOffia MapPinoiccii.- i rM2oni VM, S- » 4 • HJ I-. IKKV USffW& n SBB Figure 3. Locations of radio- marked suckers from studies conducted by U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1993- 1995. 10 Tule Lake NWR Sucker Radio Telemetry April - December 1999 Oregon California [ Sump 1A Background Hydrology J Lake Uplands SOcker Locations • Apr May o Jun - Sep • Oc! - Dec | Qanuthole area = * 466 acres ( manually est from fish bca Suckei EUdiQ Tdctrcter: L Hi cks, D TtccnsDn, : Nati Wedatd^ Inventory. USTWS i t Hi cfa, usFwsnrsBH o 2/ 00 Figure 4. Locations of radio- marked suckers on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 11 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetr> - 1999 MMti « phrnl Fish: Lost River Sucker " A9" Sex Female Length: 777 mm fag I ocation I ulc I ; ike Sump IA Tai: Dare: 04/ 02 99 Vlort. Date: 3 - O 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ni ( Surface Fixation - 4034.9( 1') Lain' ihpth 1 - 15m Itydrolah tUm » t tm fcdarl .' i rein: l. llni. i. Becb- rmc l^ . I M I ^ I V I M . Kl; nn: nli limm Xvtup,- :, rr, k, I M •'• - \ * e BMb% « ldry KIWWHI I t em ,^ wnOi-... I SB I Background Hy* » : 4.. .. , „ | WCIIWKIJ faivewior^. I'SI A S >• • ••• i •• i MZcne IC ' •..-• .: i;% i n . , i s , u s Figure 5. Movements of radio- marked sucker A9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 12 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~- 1999 Hsh ], ost River Sucker"! Sc\ Female Length: UK] mm Tag Location [ We Lake Sump IA IML Dace U4/ O? W Mort Date: • i Khrr( m » depth) • 1 Mwrvl. Will. 1.1,1 I |- l Muil I t * 3 - O 5 m 0 5 - t rn ( Surtax i: Nation - 4O34. W) flyJrttlaff SiKker RacfcTclemdn: I. IliduU. Bccks CompK. i BFW8 I. a.- Mil ,. l klmulklfaun \ « » OI.. . I MM Background llyfrotogv \ « bonB| W ctlands inv « « or., U8FWS Map IVv^ vi ... i M ,. !• ' ••"• . I:-. | || ... i JFWS Figure 6. Movements of radio- marked sucker B9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 13 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fidi Lost River Sucker * C9" Sex Male Length: 619 mm Tag Location I ule Lake Sump IA Fag Date: M/ 02 w VIon. Date: { Surface Fixation - 4II34. W) tiat- ttffawmf th- frohf(\ • • Khii i> nJv|> th) H i \ iM, vh\ wtl,..., i UplniKi Lak mm MU. I n. i 3 - 0 5 ni 0 5 - 1 ru • I n kaAo Tckwdn: LHkfcaJ. Beduimd P HMUWM K V'l « • .|: I- II: I-| I I n i ii Cwnpk. I 8FWS Klmwil.[ ten< •• . : M . . . I M : mind I l > * o t i c \ Ntttaaal Wetlands Inventory* I ^| •.!•••• • • . • I -. I \ | . , K 1 1 . i •• » •• -; !:•• I II . I SFWS r Mil . Figure 7. Movements of radio- marked sucker C9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 14 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Haf kgnm n BB Rh « ' i MM. Fish Shortnose Sucker " l) l>" Sex Male Length: 473 nun ail Location: I ale Lake Sump IA Tag Date 04/ 02/ 99 Mort. Date: I Surface Fixation - 41> 34. lW) /....'.:• Depth Mi, I lbtx 0- OSm ^ ^ 0 5 - 1 rti - I - ' I •' • • ' ' • I HkfcU. lUbrxilHil) I ! . . . ! - . K Mil M KlttiHtfiBttk K « Aig « : . , - , - , L . I M ''. •• Ifydrolah Kit,-* i., i.- . il ... (.. , , , i , , •. . ; „ , . . , M ! - U a d ^ r t w n d ! ! > * • ••'• • t n | XVctinjKlt [ mcTrt « . T\. • SFWS I • • . . • • , , • l:% | n ...... i M A S * £*> Figure 8. Movements of radio- marked sucker D9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 15 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker T39" Sc\ Female Length: 523 mm rag Location I ule I ake Sump IA rag Date M/ 02 w Date: • 1.1 I i) I 1-.. 1 • | i i . . I. llcct. M m i l l ) ] Compl- • ' "* I '• S 5> NJUOIWI Wetlands b i v c m u r y I IS I » S • ••• I " I ••. l/. nc It. i . . . : - . , ' II-. | || ..... Figure 9. Movements of radio- marked sucker E9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 16 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " IV Sc\ female Length: 754 mm Tag Location Tule Lake Sump 1A * rag Date 040; 99 Vkirt Date: ( Surface Fixation - 4( 134.90') Hat ground Hydrology U • : • • Rhtr< iM » < Jvpfh) • iM.., lll » r • i M. tvh\ VHl,, na 0.0,5m Uphml » 0S- 1rt. 1 - 1 5 IT » 1 £ m fackcrRadk> 1 r .. In: UfisfcaJ. Ikvkwjjjui P » •, K V, 1 • l: m: rli M a Jfcflifc* CorapUv I IFWS Uydrolth sit,- s i , i t \ t, il*> m. f n Klmwlh tfewn .\ wn < » flfa . I SBR K o t o ^ : \ ai,,, na| Wctljmd* bivcm^ f • I SFWS Map hV^ vl .. . I MZpftClO Cony aid I;-, i n , . UWTOS Figure 10. Movements of radio- marked sucker F9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 17 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Shortnose Sucker " Q9" I cm ale Length: 544mm I. IL1 Location Tule Lake Sump IA * rag Date 04/ 09/ 99 Mori ( Surface rloaliun - I II . . I. \'-.-\-- m.' I-K V i ! l • l : n i : r l l ! - i i : ii : . r , : . | , . I s|\ VS KlmuHi Btom Aivs 4 M1K. I SBR \ j i > i m l Wetlands invcnlon i 5FWS M. « ;. ' - . . I - . I M / . „ . • | » . I II , • I SFWS BB Ki^ i imi M \ hrvh\\ ilhiml Upland Lais Otfttk MuiJ Hals Figure 11. Movements of radio- marked sucker G9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 18 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry ~ 1999 • Jit" Fish Sex Length: Tag Location: Tag Date: Sh oi1no so Male 440 mm Tule 1 < ikc 04/ 09/ 99 / Sucker Sump " H9" IA f tif( rtitiini / / i Kh< < 1- 1 . ri. l Mud FliitK 0 - 0 5 m 05 - 1 ni < SurfiKi 1 , - > 18m K V , , • l; , - n : , l , 5 , , , : . • „ • , '• • ' • • : ' k • ' s | ' ' ' s K i i. l I-. . . . tVu. I M i ^ ' ^ \ tbonn\ Wetl « nd « faiv « mor>. I . \ I A • » - i I M „, | i. Ih | || , , I M Figure 12. Movements of radio- marked sucker H9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 19 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 I- isii Lost River Sucker " 1 Sc\ Female Length: 775 mm Tag Location: Tule Lake Sump IA Tag Dale: 04/ 09/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface I* k^ atinn Tckmrtn: l.|| uk. I. K J y me l> I..: II> M K •-.•. I - I : . . , : Compkv • BPWS "' ••' Klmwlbl? ti » m A* MOffice I SBR IvckuioRv : \ atxin » l Wetlands biv « Mory. I > I / i < n k j f M U U l f i x • • • ' < • . • • Khri ( IM » tlr|> rh) Mat vh Wit I HI ii I LpbmJ Figure 13. Movements of radio- marked sucker 19 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 20 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: I- osi River Sucker " P9" Sc\ Female Length: 7^ ' m m lag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Dale: 04/ 30/ 99 Mort. Date: ( Surface bk'talkm - 4UJ4. W) % mkm i .' i eraetn: |.| ikk* J. lkvl> « uui I) . . . . i - K '•.'. . - i . . r . . i . BMte Rvtug « , « ., .. . . - . M V . . Compk. i IPWa I « l.- . ll ,. t ,.. , , , | , , •. . „ ,. . | M i • E* K* gr° umi I K v H , ^ htaHml Wctl » nd » knvMori i -- I - s ^ • •• I •• I M i . , - It. > •—•• . i;-. i II . . i MWN Figure 14. Movements of radio- marked sucker P9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 21 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish Lost River Sucker " i;(>" Sex Male Length: 556mm Tag Location Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date 05 05 w Mort. Date: ( Surface H o at ion - - MM4. W) • i • i n. t . i. ikJ^•. m..- I) . M. HV*. K Vi . • hnrnflh ii » m Hvfil^- '" I - I K ••. . I" K i r •• . M ... I MiM \-, ..,.•. \ , ,,.| v. , |,,.|. ( r. v : , f . l MH • . ! ., I M „ |. Figure 15. Movements of radio- marked sucker U9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 22 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " W Sox: Male Leagth 486 mm \ AII Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 05/ 99 Mort. Date: ( SurfiK- c Floaiiun 4 « . U. W| •• ' • •• ' • ; • ' ' ' ' I I I . . • 1. Bedu HI.- D . K V I " , I . < l: iMi; iTh : - i • : .1 MIK! KI. HH I - • • > • . • • \ 1 i i i v . v l . r i l - i r . v : • ! • . 1 • . . . 1 . • 1 \ | , , c 1. Figure 16. Movements of radio- marked sucker V9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 23 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetrv - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sticker " W(>" Sex: Male Length 594 nun I nil Location: Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05/ 18/ 99 Meet. Date ( Surface H o at inn 4< i. U/) i » ') - ' • ' I ' : ' - ' • I Hid • i. Bcvl. v.' im: P . , i iikr. Klanwlh B* oi R< tu^ : . . r v . k v I M •'•- ' -*•• Mil - >•> • KlMmth IViim .\ wn 0 1 . . . I SBR g \ ^ m u l Wcllmls En^ :• r I ^ | V \ • • • I - i I M/ V. u- It; 1 ••••:•• .-.' II-. W Figure 17. Movements of radio- marked sucker W9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 24 Tule Lake- Sucker Radio Telemetry - 1999 Fish: Lost River Sucker " X9" Sex: Female Length 477 mm Tag Location; Anderson Rose Dam Tag Date: 05,1899 Mori. Date, suspected in June 1999 Hn i in Mat* h Will •. 1. fackn RadioTclenvtn; i. tfidbU. lkvk « ramLI>. r* Mmw « t K ','. . hmtdth B* m R^ UB* CompK- • n •'• • B % VJI < Kflb . I M i ,• h> tir> l Wetlands Envcntun. I SFft'S \ I , \ ' I K I I | , ... | s.| , \ s Figure 18. Movements of radio- marked sucker X9 on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 25 June - September - During this period, nearly all suckers ( particularly during July and August) could be found in the DH at the south central portion of Sump 1( A) ( Fig. 4). By connecting the outermost locations of approximately 90% of radio locations, the calculated area of the DH was 188 ha. Suckers using the DH were found in depths ranging from 1.0- 1.3 m ( 39- 50 in) ( Fig. 19). September - December - During this period suckers moved from the DH to the northwest corner of Sump 1( A). As of the writing of this report, ( February 15, 2000) the 13 remaining fish occupy the same area. Recruitment Surveys by Reclamation biologists for larval and juvenile suckers in the Lost River below Anderson- Rose Dam failed to document the presence young of the year fish. Below is a summary of surveys: Date 5/ 25/ 99 6/ 2/ 99 6/ 10/ 99 Result Searches for eggs in gravel below Anderson- Rose Dam revealed eggs in 4 of 5 sites, some of which were viable. Larval surveys conducted at 3 sites ( visual and dip net) from the dam to the wooden bridge were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 5 sites including the dam, 2 and 1 mile downstream, the wooden bridge, and East- West Road were negative. Larval surveys conducted at 2 sites downstream of dam were negative. Water quality pHBln general, pH values were less variable in the DH then areas outside this region ( Fig. 20). In all areas, median pH values remained below 9.5 until early June at which time values outside the DH were frequently above 10.0. pH values were particularly high (> 10.0) in late June through August in ESIB and NWS1A and periodically in the EC and WS1B. pH values in the DH and areas adjacent, remained below 10.0 through September; however, there was a gradual rise in pH values in DH sites from May through September. In late September and early October, DH pH values exceeded all other sites. rem/ reratareBTemperatures in all regions reached a peak in late July through early August with no discernible difference between DH or NDH sites ( Fig. 21). Dissolved oxvgenBDonut Hole sampling station s differed in dissolved oxygen characteristics relative to other areas of the sumps. During the June through August period DH sites ranged from 4.5 to 11.2 mg/ 1 while areas outside this region ranged from 1.1 mg/ 1 to 18.2 mg/ 1 ( Fig. 21). Toward November DH and NDH sites became similar DO dynamics ( Fig. 21). 26 Turbiditvllln general, turbidity values appeared greater in the DH versus areas outside, although some sites particularly in Sump 1( B) were quite variable particularly in June and July. This may have been due to the large amount of filamentous algae in Sump 1( B), potentially interfering with the measurement. Turbidity rose sharply at sites by late October and November ( Fig. 23- 24). 20 >• 1 5 O UJ a UJ DC 10 0 39 41 43 45 47 More DEPTH Figure 19. Water depth used by radio- marked suckers in the " Donut Hole" ( June- August), Tule Lake NWR. California. 27 BJll I U r S o I! Figure 20. pH data collected from " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole water quality sampling sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 28 temp rC) S 2 £ ' I j 1 II i 9 E 9 S Figure 21. Water temperatures collected at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75^ and 10- 90^ percentiles, and outliers. 29 do ( mgfl) I do ( mg/ l) OP> !*• WKamm 01900 gGBM s ' S:' TP" » S i I ! if Figure 22. Dissolved oxygen concentrations at " Donut Hole" and non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. Box and whisker plots represent the median, 25- 75* and 10- 90* percentiles, and outliers. 30 260.0 -. 240.0 220.0 - 200 0 180.0 => 160.0 H 140.0 - z 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 n n - » NT" —•— Depth ( m) fc= _ 6/ 2 107.00 0.8 Donut Hole Northwest - — .^^^ 6/ 7 77.20 0.8 H •—-^^ ' '—^ 6/ 14 25.30 0.8 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 - 1.0 o o O CJl depth ( m) 260.0 -, 240.0 220 0 200.0 180.0 - 2 160.0 z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 - 80.0 - 60.0 40.0 20 0 0.0 » NTU — a— Depth ( m) , •=— mmm •= « a 6/ 22 44.00 0.9 Donut Hole West — « — — » - 6/ 28 26.60 08 •— 7/ 6 19.90 08 . ^ m — _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 7/ 13 25.70 0.8 • - _ — r- • 7/ 19 51.40 0.8 1.0 0.5 £ a. T3 0.0 260 0 240.0 - 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 i « n n _ H 140.0 - z 120 0 ^ 100.0 • 80 0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - u. u » NTU — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 22 93.70 0.8 6/ 28 95.40 0.7 Donut Hole East 7/ 6 72.70 0.7 7/ 13 32.30 0.7 —•'•"-""* 7/ 19 50.20 0.5 -*"— 7/ 28 62.50 0.8 8/ 2 73.30 0.8 \ ^ 8/ 10 18.55 0.8 8/ 19 50.20 0.8 8/ 25 22.20 0.8 8/ 31 58.67 0.7 \ 9/ 8 14.38 0.8 9/ 14 11.03 0.8 9/ 20 7.00 0.7 9/ 29 7.80 0.7 j / A - 10/ 25 51.00 0.7 t - fT u 11/ 23 210.00 0.6 1 0 - 0.5 JZ jepi - 0.0 Figure 23. Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May to November 1999. 31 260.0 i 240.0 220.0 200.0 180.0 3 160.0 £ 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 » NTU —•— Depth ( m) • ^ 6/ 2 81.10 0.8 Donut Hole - — - ^ 6/ 7 49.20 0.8 — • 6/ 14 21.50 0.8 =— 1 6/ 21 24.80 0.8 r 1 0 o p d en depth ( m) 260 0 240.0 • 220.0 - 200.0 . 180.0 - K 160.0 • z 140.0 - 120.0 100.0 80.0 . 60.0 - 40.0 - 20.0 0.0 . t K » TII — a— Depth ( m) B — • 7/ 21 53.30 0.8 .— m-— 7/ 28 40.50 0.8 Donut Hole South _—• 8/ 2 56.80 0 9 » - ^ 8/ 10 17.13 0.9 *—• 8/ 18 19.70 0 8 8/ 25 21.73 0.9 ^ \ 8/ 31 64.90 0.8 9/ 8 21.27 0.8 9/ 14 20.80 0.8 9/ 20 29.97 0.8 ^ - • - ^ 9/ 29 49.30 0.8 / / 10/ 25 33.70 0.8 / / 11/ 23 170.00 0.7 1 0 o o d en depth ( m) Figure 23 ( cont.). Turbidity at " Donut Hole" sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, May- November, 1999. 32 260.0 -, 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 - 160.0 Z> 140.0 \ z 120.0 - z 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 - 0.0 *_ NTU • depth ( m) y 5/ 26 12.30 0.7 6/ 2 58.70 0.8 A- 6/ 7 20.30 0.9 / / 6/ 21 57.40 0.8 // A A\\ 6/ 28 239.0C 0.8 V\ East Sump 1B J s in 81.70 0.7 : / I 7/ 12 10.40 1.0 | A / \ J I s f 7/ 27 228.00 1.0 \ - V \ 8/ 2 88.00 0.8 8/ 10 40.00 0.9 8/ 18 38.17 0.8 8/ 31 11.30 0.7 9/ 9 7.00 0.7 9/ 14 6.17 0.7 9/ 20 5.83 0.7 • / 10/ 25 44.80 1.0 * 4-— \ ft . 11/ 23 186.00 0.5 1.0 ? e Q. 0.5 • 0.0 260.0 n 240.0 - 220.0 200.0 180.0 160.0 D 140.0 1— 120 0 z 100^ 0 80.0 60.0 An n 20.0 - 0.0 - —+— NTU —•— depth ( m) —•— 5/ 26 13.70 1.0 _, • —- « - 6/ 2 57.30 1.1 --•— ' \ 6/ 7 41.10 1.1 6/ 21 18.70 1.0 —•— / \ 6/ 28 138.0( 1.0 \ \ / ¥ West Sump 1B - . • — • / 7/ 7 ) 29.90 1.0 A \\ 7/ 12 88.90 1.0 k / \ / 7/ 27 19.00 0.9 / \ / \ 8/ 2 73.00 1.0 L \ \ 8/ 10 5.47 1.0 8/ 18 6.40 1.0 8/ 31 9.20 1.0 9/ 9 8.58 1.0 9/ 14 8.37 0.9 9/ 20 11.73 0.9 / / 10/ 25 39.50 0.7 f 11/ 23 85.00 0.8 1 5 sz Q. - 0 . 5 • - 0.0 260 0 240.0 220.0 - 200.0 - 180.0 160.0 3 140.0 t ; 120.0 100.0 80.0 - 60.0 An n . 20.0 0.0 » NT" — m— Depth ( m) 6/ 2 46.50 0.8 -~ « — 6/ 7 16.10 0.9 —•—. 6/ 14 39.00 0.8 / 6/ 22 9.71 0.8 English Channel Sump 1A 6/ 28 6.79 0.8 \ ^ _ 7/ 13 17.90 0.8 7/ 20 17.60 0.8 7/ 28 26.80 0.8 8/ 10 4.80 0.9 8/ 19 7.33 0.8 8/ 25 6.50 0.8 8/ 31 7.10 0.8 9/ 8 13.34 0.8 ==•== 9/ 20 15.50 0.8 J 9/ 29 22.60 0.7 — y / 10/ 25 98.70 0.8 11/ 23 146.00 0.8 1 5 - 1.0 — 0.5 - g 0.0 260 0 240.0 220 0 - 200.0 - 180.0 - 160.0 => 140.0 - £ 120.0 mnn . 60.0 40.0 - 20.0 u. u J •— NTU —•— Depth ( m) I 6/ 2 36.50 1.2 —•— 6 / 7 12.60 1.2 6/ 14 13.10 1.2 y 6/ 28 7.40 1.1 7/ 6 71.60 1.0 Northwest Sump 1A —•— 7/ 13 5.27 1.1 — » — —•— 7/ 19 28.50 1.1 7/ 28 20.50 1.2 8/ 2 32.10 1.2 ^- B—' 8/ 19 4.50 1.1 / 8/ 25 52.87 1.1 A ' \ 8/ 31 115.67 1.2 ="-•— \ —•*=; 9/ 8 4.10 1.1 1 4- 9/ 14 7.89 1.1 —•— J I \ 9/ 20 12.43 1.1 — « ^ 10/ 25 180.00 1.1 11/ 23 164.00 0.9 1 S d jpth ( m) • 0.5 - o - 0.0 Figure 24. Turbidity at non- Donut Hole sites on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, 1999. 33 Discussion Water Quality The area of the DH was delineated from plotted June through September locations of radio-marked suckers ( approximately 188 ha.). The location of the DH could also be seen as an area of relatively turbid water from aerial photographs from August 1998 ( Fig. 25) as well as aerial photographs taken in 1984. It is possible that the combination of 2 factors may cause the observed turbidity in the DH. First, seeps or springs may be present in the area which result in more favorable water quality during summer which attracts suckers as well as other fish species to the area. The resultant concentration offish ( suckers and chubs) may stir the sediments during feeding activities, thereby creating the observed turbidity. The additional turbidity in the DH may inhibit light penetration and the production of algae, thereby reducing photo synthetically elevated pH and the extreme minimum and maximums in DO typical of may water bodies in the Klamath Basin including Tule Lake ( Dileanis et al. 1996). The rise in turbidity at all sites in fall is likely due to the break down of rooted aquatic vegetation which then allows for wind induced wave action to stir the sediments. Other than the DH, all other sites had dense concentrations of rooted aquatic plants and/ or filamentous green algae during summer. June to September DO and pH dynamics in the DH appeared different than at NDH sites ( Figs. 20 and 22). The difference was greatest in early summer with the difference becoming smaller by late summer and essentially disappearing by fall. Whether this water quality difference was a result of the more turbid waters or inflow from springs is unknown. However, attempts by Service hydrologists to model inflows, evapotranspiration, and outflows from the sumps have resulted in a positive imbalance of approximately 21,000 acre- feet of water from April through September. This positive imbalance is greatest in spring and early summer, gradually lessening by summer and essentially disappearing by fall ( Tim Mayer, pers. comm.). If this inflow is occurring, it may explain differences in summer water quality between DH and NDH sites. June to September water quality in the DH may be critical to the over summer survival of suckers in Tule Lake as pH and DO in NDH sites during summer often exceeded the tolerance limits for the fish. DO and pH levels at DH sites were less variable and did not reach the extremes that were reached in NDH sites. The lowest DO measured during June through September at DH sites were 4.83 mg/ 1 ( DHWEST) and 4.96 mg/ 1 ( DHEAST). DO and pH during summer from this study were similar to values collected by Reclamation in 1992 ( Table 3). Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile suckers only where DO was above 4.5 mg/ 1. It is currently believed that adult suckers become stressed at DO levels below 4.0 mg/ 1 with mortality occurring at or below 2.0 mg/ 1 ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.). The relatively high over- summer survival of radio- marked suckers, compared to suckers radio- marked in Upper Klamath Lake ( M. Buettner, pers. comm), is further evidence of suitable summer water quality conditions in the DH on Tule Lake. 34 Figure 25. " Donut Hole" in Sump 1( A) of Tule Lake NWR. Note visible turbidity of area. 35 Table 3. Mean dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and temperature on Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, California, July and August 1992. Data are from 2 sites; 1 site each in Sump 1( A) ( within the ADonut Hole@) and 1( B). All data were from 96 hour continuous readings from Hydrolabs. Data were collected at intervals of 1- 2 hours. ( Data summarized from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation). Site Sump 1( A) Sump ( IB) Depth ( M) < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 < 0.5 0.51- 1.5 > 1.5 pH (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 9.32 ± 0.83 n= 81 9.22 ± 0.93 n= 26 8.30 ± 0.71 n= 10 9.65 + 0.44 n= 21 9.79 ± 0.45 n= 7 No data Temp ° C (± SD) ( 1200- 1700 hrs) 21.85 ± 2.84 n= 81 21.53 ± 2.46 n= 26 19.90 ± 1.59 n= 10 22.96+ 1.10 n= 21 22.11 ± 0.51 n= 7 No data Conductivity 500 ± 266 n= 81 598 ± 277 n= 26 859 ± 694 628 ± 148 n= 21 571 ± 74 n= 7 No data DO1 Oof 31 days - - 8 of 21 days - - 1 Proportion of monitored days having a minimum dissolved oxygen level below 5 mg/ 1. ( Data from U. S. Bureau of Reclamation) pH levels in the DH generally remained below 10.0 whereas non DH sites frequently exceeded 10.0 ( Fig. 19). Falter and Cech ( 1991) determined a maximum pH tolerance in shortnose suckers of 9.55+ 0.43 under laboratory conditions, levels generally exceeded in June - September at non DH sites and some DH sites in late summer. Buettner and Scoppettone ( 1990) found juvenile fish in Upper Klamath Lake largely at sites with pH < 9.0, as did Simon et al. ( 1996) in 1994. However, in 1995, Simon et al. ( 1996) found that most juvenile fish ( 54%) were captured in areas of higher pH (> 10.0). Laboratory studies indicate significant mortality of larval and juvenile fish at high pH values (> 9.55) ( Falter and Cech 1991) and 9.92- 10.46 ( Bellerud and Saiki 1995). Previous water quality and fish health studies on the refuge determined that water quality conditions were stressful to aquatic life and was resulting in a high ( up to 37%) proportion offish with deformities ( Dileanis et al. 1996), however, studies of sucker ecology in Tule Lake have indicated that individual fish in the lake have a high condition factor and are free of external parasites ( Scoppettone and Buettner 1995). Bennet ( 1994) recognized this apparent inconsistency, stating, A... the observation that Tule Lake suckers are in better physical condition than Upper Klamath Lake suckers indicates that certain areas of the aquatic system may be of particular importance for the recovery of those species. ® In the case of Tule Lake this Acertain area@ is likely the DH.. Suckers in Tule Lake may be in good condition because of their limited population size, the abundant food resources in this lake, and adequate water quality ( in the DH) to survive the summer period. 36 Sucker movements Although, suckers were relatively sedentary during most periods of the year, they exhibited the ability to make long distance moves in relatively short periods of time, particularly during the April spawning period. The northwest corner of Sump 1( A) receives about 90% of the inflow from the Lost River and spring winds on Tule Lake tend to move large quantities of water through the AEnglish Channels back and forth between Sump 1( A) and 1( B). This movement of water at both locations may explain the movement of fish observed in April and May. Suckers may be attracted to both locations when seeking spawning habitat in spring. Recruitment During the April marking period, most captured suckers appeared to be physiologically ready to spawn; however, only one fish moved into the river. Of 10 radio- marked fish monitored by Reclamation in 1993- 95 no fish attempted to run the Lost River. This low proportion offish that attempt to spawn may have one or several causes or a combination, including: 1. Stress of handling and implanting radio- transmitters so close to the spawning season may prevent fish from becoming reproductively active. 2. Under normal conditions, only a small proportion of Tule Lake suckers may attempt to spawn in any particular year. 3. Flow conditions in or at the mouth of the Lost River may be inadequate to draw the fish into the river. 4. A shallow bar (< 0.3 m) of deposited silt exists between the lake and the mouth of the river which may form a physical barrier to the fish. At the present time, a mandated flow of 30 cfs is released below Anderson- Rose Dam to provide spawning habitat at the Dam. Although this flow is intended to provide suitable spawning conditions at the Dam, these flows may be inadequate to entice fish into the river. It is likely that the historic spring flows in the Lost River were many times higher than current regulated flows. However, given that the fish are largely unsuccessful in spawning and risk additional mortality traversing the river, adult survival may be enhanced by remaining in the lake. Scoppettone and Buettner ( 1995) also observed no radio- marked fish from Clear Lake to move into Willow Creek during the spring spawning period. In this case the authors attributed this result to either capture stress or low stream flows during spring. 37 Habitat use Although the DH is relatively shallow relative to other areas of Tule Lake, use of the DH may be mandatory to ensure over- summer survival. Although deeper waters are available to the fish, especially in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A), DO levels, in particular, likely preclude their use. Suckers did not move out of the DH until October when DO levels began to rise with cooler water temperatures. Although, Sump 1( B) contained suitable water depths and water quality conditions in fall, no suckers were located in this area. It is possible that suckers may prefer not to pass through the pipes connecting the Sumps or the proximity and flow from the Lost River in the northwest corner of Sump 1( A) may make this area more attractive as an over- winter habitat area. The relative lack of water depth in the DH as well as other areas of the sumps is becoming of increasing concern because of the loss of water depth through sedimentation. If suckers require a minimum of 3 ft of water, as is current believed ( M. Buettner, pers. comm.), current rates of sedimentation in the sumps threaten the future suitability of Tule Lake for suckers. Based on a comparison of bathymetric surveys conducted by Reclamation in 1958 and again in 1986, sedimentation has been steadily reducing the water holding capacity of both sumps. Between the 1958 and 1986 surveys ( 28 years), Sump 1( A) has lost 22.4% of its water capacity and Sump 1( B) has lost 30.8% of its capacity due to sedimentation. This would indicate a total mean sedimentation of 11.8 inches over this time period ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, unpubl. rep). Over the last several years, an attempt has been made to store additional water in Tule Lake during summer by raising water levels above 4034.60 ft. This increase in water elevations ( between 4034.60 and 4034.90 ft) has somewhat mitigated the loss of depth through sedimentation. However, without reinforcing and raising the levees around the sumps, there is a limit as to how high water elevations can rise. At elevation 4035.50 ft., operating regulations require breaching the sumps into overflow areas ( Sump 2 or 3). Although increased summer operating levels may assist the fish, they may also increase the risk of a flood event requiring the breaching of the sumps with potentially negative impacts to the fish. Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to fisheries biologist from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project, especially M. Buettner, B. Peck, and M. Green whom provided and surgically implanted radio transmitters, captured adult suckers, located fish from fixed wing aircraft, and assisted with study design. K. Miller from Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge collected telemetry, water quality, and GPS data and ensured all data were collected and coordinated consistent with study design. T. Mayer provide training in the calibration, deployment, and downloading of data from the hydrolabs and assisted with interpretation of water quality data. 38 Personnel Communications Buettner, M., Fisheries Biologist, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Project Office, 6600 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, Oregon. Mayer, T., Hydrologist, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland Regional Office, Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon. Literature Cited Bellerud, B., and M. K. Saiki. 1995. Tolerance of larval and juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers to high ph, ammonia concentration, and temperature, and to low dissolved oxygen concentration, National Biological Service, California Pacific Science Center, Dixon 103pp. Bennett, J. K. 1994. Bioassessment of irrigation drain water effects on aquatic resources in the Klamath Basin of California and Oregon. Ph. D Dissertation. University of Washington, Seattle. 197pp. Buettner, M. E., and G. Scoppettone. 1990. Life history and status of catostomids in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. National Fisheries Research Center, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada, 108pp. Coots, M. 1965. Occurrences of the Lost River sucker, Deltistes luxatus ( Cope), and shortnose sucker, Chasmistes brevirostris ( Cope), in Northern California. Calif. Fish and Game 51: 68- 73. Dileanis, P. D., S. K. Schwarzbach, and J. K. Bennett. 1996. Detailed study of water quality, bottom sediment, and biota associated with irrigation drainage in the Klamath Basin, California and Oregon, 1990- 92. U. S. Geological Survey, Water- Resources Investigations Report 95- 4232, 68pp. Falter, M. A., and J. J. Cech. 1991. Maximum pH tolerance of three Klamath Basin fishes. Copia 4: 1109- 1 111. Simon, D. C, G. R. Hoff, D. J. Logan, and D. F. Markle. 1996. Larval and juvenile ecology of Upper Klamath Lake suckers. Annual Report: 1995, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. 60pp. 39 Scoppettone, G. G., and M. E. Buettner. 1995. Information on population dynamics and life history of shortnose suckers ( Chasmistes brevirostris) and Lost River suckers ( Deltistes luxatus) in Tule and Clear Lakes. U. S. Geological Survey, Reno Field Station, Reno, Nevada. 79pp. U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. 1998. Lost River and shortnose sucker spawning in Lower Lost River, Oregon, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Falls, Oregon. 1 lpp. . 1993. Lost River { Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose { Chasmistes brevirostris) Sucker Recovery Plan. Portland, Oregon 108pp. Hydrolab Corporation. 1997. DataSondeR 4 and MiniSondeR water quality multiprobes, users manual. Hydrolab Corp., Austin, Texas. Close

• 30. [Image] The scientific basis for artificial propagation in the recovery of wild anadromous salmonids in Oregon

  	"January 11, 2001."
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The scientific basis for artificial propagation in the recovery of wild anadromous salmonids in Oregon Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) Year: 2001, 2005 "January 11, 2001." Title: The scientific basis for artificial propagation in the recovery of wild anadromous salmonids in Oregon Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) Year: 2001, 2005 "January 11, 2001." Close