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• 31. [Article] AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon

  Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Inventories methods were used to quantify indicators of sediment supply and quality, riparian forest connectivity and health, habitat structure, in-stream complexity, and presence of salmonid species. As part of the overall sampling 47 sites in 1998 and 70 sites in 1999 were sampled on industrial forest lands. Of these sites 13 were sampled both in 1998 and 1999, and 37 sites were sampled for fish presence/absence. Approximately 44% of the sites sampled for habitat were within the range of anadromous salmonids. Upstream catchment area and gradient were the two major factors driving the overall patterns of habitat variables. Secondarily, land ownership and geology were other factors correlated with the habitat variables analyzed. The private non-industrial land ownership type was characterized by slightly higher fine sediment levels, lower wood volumes and number of key wood pieces, lower densities of deep pools, and lower levels of stream shading. State and industrial forest lands show moderate wood levels in the stream channel, although they show low levels of conifers in riparian zones. The sedimentary geologic type was characterized by higher levels of fine sediments in riffle units. Twelve, high quality, unconstrained stream reaches occurred in the 1998 and 1999 habitat sample on Industrial forest lands. Conditions on industrial forest lands in 1998-1999 were compared to conditions in 1993-1994 to detect any potential change over the five-year period. Three different datasets were analyzed. No significant changes in aquatic habitat or riparian conditions were detected. Electrofishing surveys were conducted at 37 sites outside or the expected range of coho salmon to determine fish presence/absence. Salmonid species were present at 19 of the sites that were electrofished. Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Inventories methods were used to quantify indicators of sediment supply and quality, riparian forest connectivity and health, habitat structure, in-stream complexity, and presence of salmonid species. As part of the overall sampling 47 sites in 1998 and 70 sites in 1999 were sampled on industrial forest lands. Of these sites 13 were sampled both in 1998 and 1999, and 37 sites were sampled for fish presence/absence. Approximately 44% of the sites sampled for habitat were within the range of anadromous salmonids. Upstream catchment area and gradient were the two major factors driving the overall patterns of habitat variables. Secondarily, land ownership and geology were other factors correlated with the habitat variables analyzed. The private non-industrial land ownership type was characterized by slightly higher fine sediment levels, lower wood volumes and number of key wood pieces, lower densities of deep pools, and lower levels of stream shading. State and industrial forest lands show moderate wood levels in the stream channel, although they show low levels of conifers in riparian zones. The sedimentary geologic type was characterized by higher levels of fine sediments in riffle units. Twelve, high quality, unconstrained stream reaches occurred in the 1998 and 1999 habitat sample on Industrial forest lands. Conditions on industrial forest lands in 1998-1999 were compared to conditions in 1993-1994 to detect any potential change over the five-year period. Three different datasets were analyzed. No significant changes in aquatic habitat or riparian conditions were detected. Electrofishing surveys were conducted at 37 sites outside or the expected range of coho salmon to determine fish presence/absence. Salmonid species were present at 19 of the sites that were electrofished. Close

• 32. [Article] Assessment of the Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Land Use, Physical Habitat, and Water Quality in the Tualatin River Basin, 2002

  Abstract -- Macroinvertebrate communities, physical habitat, and water chemistry were sampled from 63 stream reaches in the Tualatin River basin to assess the condition of macroinvertebrate communities ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessment of the Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Land Use, Physical Habitat, and Water Quality in the Tualatin River Basin, 2002 Abstract -- Macroinvertebrate communities, physical habitat, and water chemistry were sampled from 63 stream reaches in the Tualatin River basin to assess the condition of macroinvertebrate communities in relation to land use patterns and instream physico-chemical conditions. Thirty seven low-gradient and 26 high-gradient reaches were sampled. The report begins with an executive summary, and includes introduction, study area, methods, results, and discussion. Figures and tables are ample; literature is cited. Appendices include environmental variables, and metrics from the low and high gradient streams. 44 pp. Title: Assessment of the Macroinvertebrate Communities in Relation to Land Use, Physical Habitat, and Water Quality in the Tualatin River Basin, 2002 Abstract -- Macroinvertebrate communities, physical habitat, and water chemistry were sampled from 63 stream reaches in the Tualatin River basin to assess the condition of macroinvertebrate communities in relation to land use patterns and instream physico-chemical conditions. Thirty seven low-gradient and 26 high-gradient reaches were sampled. The report begins with an executive summary, and includes introduction, study area, methods, results, and discussion. Figures and tables are ample; literature is cited. Appendices include environmental variables, and metrics from the low and high gradient streams. 44 pp. Close

• 33. [Article] Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams

  Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho Life Cycle Monitoring Project (LCM) is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examine coho salmon abundance, survival, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho Life Cycle Monitoring Project (LCM) is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examine coho salmon abundance, survival, life histories and habitat use in two tide gated coastal lowland streams, Larson and Palouse Creeks. Productive utilization of these remarkable habitat types is critical for the recovery and sustainability of Oregon Coastal coho. Specifically, this project developed, and adapted innovative mark recapture techniques using PIT tags to monitor the coho life cycle, further evaluated over-winter rearing strategies in relation to temporal and spatial habitat use and continued project effectiveness monitoring in these study streams. In addition, coho diet analyses were designed and conducted and will be analyzed in relation to seasonal and diurnal variations in environmental factors in order to assess proximal causes of habitat productivity. Title: Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho Life Cycle Monitoring Project (LCM) is a continuation of a long-term monitoring study initiated in 2004 to examine coho salmon abundance, survival, life histories and habitat use in two tide gated coastal lowland streams, Larson and Palouse Creeks. Productive utilization of these remarkable habitat types is critical for the recovery and sustainability of Oregon Coastal coho. Specifically, this project developed, and adapted innovative mark recapture techniques using PIT tags to monitor the coho life cycle, further evaluated over-winter rearing strategies in relation to temporal and spatial habitat use and continued project effectiveness monitoring in these study streams. In addition, coho diet analyses were designed and conducted and will be analyzed in relation to seasonal and diurnal variations in environmental factors in order to assess proximal causes of habitat productivity. Close

• 34. [Article] Salmon-Neskowin Watershed Analysis

  Abstract -- This Watershed Analysis provides the principal analysis of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that will be used to meet ecosystem management objectives for the watershed and was conducted under ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon-Neskowin Watershed Analysis Abstract -- This Watershed Analysis provides the principal analysis of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that will be used to meet ecosystem management objectives for the watershed and was conducted under the direction of the April 1994 Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. The Analysis address pertinent issues related to teh condition of NF and BLM late-successional reserve lands as funcitoning late-successional ecosystems, the condition of aquatice and riparian resoures, condition of the Salmon River estuary, and roads; describes current conditions and reference conditions of the watersheds and provides recommendations for improvements to the watersheds. Title: Salmon-Neskowin Watershed Analysis Abstract -- This Watershed Analysis provides the principal analysis of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that will be used to meet ecosystem management objectives for the watershed and was conducted under the direction of the April 1994 Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. The Analysis address pertinent issues related to teh condition of NF and BLM late-successional reserve lands as funcitoning late-successional ecosystems, the condition of aquatice and riparian resoures, condition of the Salmon River estuary, and roads; describes current conditions and reference conditions of the watersheds and provides recommendations for improvements to the watersheds. Close

• 35. [Article] Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The 2010 Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment was prepared by Watching Car Enterprises, Inc. for Harney County Watershed Council. Introduction. This short introduction ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The 2010 Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment was prepared by Watching Car Enterprises, Inc. for Harney County Watershed Council. Introduction. This short introduction to the HCWC and the Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins. Introduction. This short introduction to the HCWC and the Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins. The following information decribes the chapters and their content; "Watershed Assessment: Discussions of various topics with emphasis on their connection to watershed health in the sub-basins. Basin Characteristics: General information about the sub-basins, physical features and the plants and animals, which reside there. Land and Resources: Use and Management. General information on various land management topics." Title: Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The 2010 Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins Watershed Assessment was prepared by Watching Car Enterprises, Inc. for Harney County Watershed Council. Introduction. This short introduction to the HCWC and the Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins. Introduction. This short introduction to the HCWC and the Guano and Thousand-Virgin Sub-basins. The following information decribes the chapters and their content; "Watershed Assessment: Discussions of various topics with emphasis on their connection to watershed health in the sub-basins. Basin Characteristics: General information about the sub-basins, physical features and the plants and animals, which reside there. Land and Resources: Use and Management. General information on various land management topics." Close

• 36. [Article] The Oregon Shore-Based Cobb Seamount Fishery, 1991-2003: Catch Summaries and Biological Observations Information Reports number 2011-03

  Abstract -- In 1991, Oregon saw the first commercial landings from a new fishery targeting widow rockfish (Sebastes entomelas) with midwater trawl gear on Cobb Seamount, approximately 280 nautical miles ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon Shore-Based Cobb Seamount Fishery, 1991-2003: Catch Summaries and Biological Observations Information Reports number 2011-03 Abstract -- In 1991, Oregon saw the first commercial landings from a new fishery targeting widow rockfish (Sebastes entomelas) with midwater trawl gear on Cobb Seamount, approximately 280 nautical miles (500 km) slightly northwest of the northern Oregon coast. From 1991 through 2003, approximately 5400 metric tons of widow rockfish (from all catch areas) were landed into Oregon by shore-based midwater trawlers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sampled widow rockfish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) and other groundfish caught at Cobb Seamount during this time period, in addition to conducting routine sampling of commercial landings from areas closer to shore. Data were collected on length, age, sex, and reproductive maturity of the Cobb Seamount fish. The objectives of this study were to describe the developing fishery for widow rockfish at Cobb Seamount, and to attempt to identify biological differences between widow rockfish from Cobb Seamount and those found closer to shore. It was hoped that such differences could be used to facilitate shoreside enforcement of different fishing regulations for each area. Data collected from landings during the 1991-2003 time period suggest that compared to widow rockfish caught within 200 miles of shore (inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone), the Cobb Seamount population had a smaller average overall size, and a smaller average female size-at-maturity. Title: The Oregon Shore-Based Cobb Seamount Fishery, 1991-2003: Catch Summaries and Biological Observations Information Reports number 2011-03 Abstract -- In 1991, Oregon saw the first commercial landings from a new fishery targeting widow rockfish (Sebastes entomelas) with midwater trawl gear on Cobb Seamount, approximately 280 nautical miles (500 km) slightly northwest of the northern Oregon coast. From 1991 through 2003, approximately 5400 metric tons of widow rockfish (from all catch areas) were landed into Oregon by shore-based midwater trawlers. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sampled widow rockfish, sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) and other groundfish caught at Cobb Seamount during this time period, in addition to conducting routine sampling of commercial landings from areas closer to shore. Data were collected on length, age, sex, and reproductive maturity of the Cobb Seamount fish. The objectives of this study were to describe the developing fishery for widow rockfish at Cobb Seamount, and to attempt to identify biological differences between widow rockfish from Cobb Seamount and those found closer to shore. It was hoped that such differences could be used to facilitate shoreside enforcement of different fishing regulations for each area. Data collected from landings during the 1991-2003 time period suggest that compared to widow rockfish caught within 200 miles of shore (inside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone), the Cobb Seamount population had a smaller average overall size, and a smaller average female size-at-maturity. Close

• 37. [Article] Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams, 2016-2018

  Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho life history in tide gated lowland coastal streams, a life cycle monitoring (LCM) project, examines the ecology of tidal rearing for coho in the Coos ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams, 2016-2018 Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho life history in tide gated lowland coastal streams, a life cycle monitoring (LCM) project, examines the ecology of tidal rearing for coho in the Coos River Basin. This project has adapted to and advanced the recent paradigm shift in juvenile coho life histories, rearing and foraging strategies, growth, survival, migrations, and sub-basin level population productivity in the tidal zone. Temporal and spatial components of coho over-winter rearing strategies, in relation to habitat use and project effectiveness monitoring, is the monitoring focus in the paired study streams of Palouse and Willanch Creeks. Project results further reveal the fundamental mechanisms that promote juvenile coho growth and survival in the estuarine ecotone. In conjunction with prior and current data, results highlight the critical importance of these diverse habitats for recovering viable and resilient Oregon Coast coho populations. Title: Coho Life History in Tide Gated Lowland Coastal Streams, 2016-2018 Abstract -- Coos Watershed Association’s (CoosWA) coho life history in tide gated lowland coastal streams, a life cycle monitoring (LCM) project, examines the ecology of tidal rearing for coho in the Coos River Basin. This project has adapted to and advanced the recent paradigm shift in juvenile coho life histories, rearing and foraging strategies, growth, survival, migrations, and sub-basin level population productivity in the tidal zone. Temporal and spatial components of coho over-winter rearing strategies, in relation to habitat use and project effectiveness monitoring, is the monitoring focus in the paired study streams of Palouse and Willanch Creeks. Project results further reveal the fundamental mechanisms that promote juvenile coho growth and survival in the estuarine ecotone. In conjunction with prior and current data, results highlight the critical importance of these diverse habitats for recovering viable and resilient Oregon Coast coho populations. Close

• 38. [Article] Seven Basins Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The watershed assessment includes the topics: a brief history of the Seven Basins Watershed, channel habitat type classification, hydrology and water uses, riparian/wetlands assessment, impact ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seven Basins Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The watershed assessment includes the topics: a brief history of the Seven Basins Watershed, channel habitat type classification, hydrology and water uses, riparian/wetlands assessment, impact of wildfire, sediment sources, channel modification assessment, water quality, fish assessment, and summary of watershed conditions. Title: Seven Basins Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The watershed assessment includes the topics: a brief history of the Seven Basins Watershed, channel habitat type classification, hydrology and water uses, riparian/wetlands assessment, impact of wildfire, sediment sources, channel modification assessment, water quality, fish assessment, and summary of watershed conditions. Close

• 39. [Article] Miami River Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- This assessment looks at watershed history and characteristics, fisheries, aquatic and riparian habitat, hydrology, water use and quality, and sediment sources for the Miami River basin in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Miami River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This assessment looks at watershed history and characteristics, fisheries, aquatic and riparian habitat, hydrology, water use and quality, and sediment sources for the Miami River basin in the Tillamook Bay watershed. A summary and recommendations are given. Title: Miami River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This assessment looks at watershed history and characteristics, fisheries, aquatic and riparian habitat, hydrology, water use and quality, and sediment sources for the Miami River basin in the Tillamook Bay watershed. A summary and recommendations are given. Close

• 40. [Article] 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009

  Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Close