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• 1821. [Article] 2009 Foskett Spring Speckled Dace Investigations Progress Report 2009

  Abstract -- Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) are geographically widespread throughout the western United States and occur in many isolated subbasins and interior drainages in south-central Oregon. The ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2009 Foskett Spring Speckled Dace Investigations Progress Report 2009 Abstract -- Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) are geographically widespread throughout the western United States and occur in many isolated subbasins and interior drainages in south-central Oregon. The Foskett Spring speckled dace (R. osculus ssp.) is represented by a single population that inhabits Foskett Spring (Figure 1) on the west side of Coleman Lake (Warner Lakes subbasin) in Lake County, Oregon. Foskett speckled dace was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1985 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Foskett speckled dace became isolated in Foskett Spring at the end of the Pluvial period (~9,000-10,000 years ago). Foskett Spring is a natural spring that rises from a springhead pool, flows through a narrow spring brook into a series of shallow marshes, and then disappears into the soil of the normally dry Coleman Lake (Figure 1). A second population in Dace Spring, located approximately 0.8 kilometer south of Foskett Spring, was established from an introduction of 100 fish from Foskett Spring in 1979-1980 (Williams et al. 1990); however recent surveys have failed to document their continued existence at this location. In 1987, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired, through exchange, the 65 hectare parcel of land containing Foskett and Dace Springs. Both sites were fenced to exclude livestock. The Recovery Plan for the threatened and rare native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin states that Foskett speckled dace will probably not be delisted in the near future because of its extremely isolated range and potential for degradation of its habitat from localized events (USFWS 1997). The primary recovery objective for this species is long-term persistence through preservation of its native ecosystem. The plan further states that the conservation and long term sustainability of this species will be met when: 1) long-term protection of its habitat, including spring source aquifers, springpools and outflow channels, and surrounding lands is assured; 2) long-term habitat management guidelines are developed and implemented to ensure the continued persistence of important habitat features and guidelines include monitoring of current habitat and investigation for and evaluation of new spring habitats; and 3) research into life-history, genetics, population trends, habitat use and preference, and other important parameters is conducted to assist in further developing or refining criteria 1) and 2), above. Actions needed to meet these criteria include protecting the fish population and its habitat, conserving genetic diversity of the fish population, ensuring adequate water supplies are available, monitoring of the dace population and habitat conditions, and evaluating long-term effects of climatic trends on recovery of this fish population. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the status of the federally listed Foskett Spring speckled dace and its habitat. This report updates a monitoring program initiated in 2005 by ODFW (Scheerer and Jacobs 2005) by providing results of monitoring conducted in 2009. Specifically, this monitoring program calls for biannual estimates of population abundance, assessments of distribution and demographic parameters and assessments of physical habitat conditions. Title: 2009 Foskett Spring Speckled Dace Investigations Progress Report 2009 Abstract -- Speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) are geographically widespread throughout the western United States and occur in many isolated subbasins and interior drainages in south-central Oregon. The Foskett Spring speckled dace (R. osculus ssp.) is represented by a single population that inhabits Foskett Spring (Figure 1) on the west side of Coleman Lake (Warner Lakes subbasin) in Lake County, Oregon. Foskett speckled dace was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1985 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Foskett speckled dace became isolated in Foskett Spring at the end of the Pluvial period (~9,000-10,000 years ago). Foskett Spring is a natural spring that rises from a springhead pool, flows through a narrow spring brook into a series of shallow marshes, and then disappears into the soil of the normally dry Coleman Lake (Figure 1). A second population in Dace Spring, located approximately 0.8 kilometer south of Foskett Spring, was established from an introduction of 100 fish from Foskett Spring in 1979-1980 (Williams et al. 1990); however recent surveys have failed to document their continued existence at this location. In 1987, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired, through exchange, the 65 hectare parcel of land containing Foskett and Dace Springs. Both sites were fenced to exclude livestock. The Recovery Plan for the threatened and rare native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin states that Foskett speckled dace will probably not be delisted in the near future because of its extremely isolated range and potential for degradation of its habitat from localized events (USFWS 1997). The primary recovery objective for this species is long-term persistence through preservation of its native ecosystem. The plan further states that the conservation and long term sustainability of this species will be met when: 1) long-term protection of its habitat, including spring source aquifers, springpools and outflow channels, and surrounding lands is assured; 2) long-term habitat management guidelines are developed and implemented to ensure the continued persistence of important habitat features and guidelines include monitoring of current habitat and investigation for and evaluation of new spring habitats; and 3) research into life-history, genetics, population trends, habitat use and preference, and other important parameters is conducted to assist in further developing or refining criteria 1) and 2), above. Actions needed to meet these criteria include protecting the fish population and its habitat, conserving genetic diversity of the fish population, ensuring adequate water supplies are available, monitoring of the dace population and habitat conditions, and evaluating long-term effects of climatic trends on recovery of this fish population. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the status of the federally listed Foskett Spring speckled dace and its habitat. This report updates a monitoring program initiated in 2005 by ODFW (Scheerer and Jacobs 2005) by providing results of monitoring conducted in 2009. Specifically, this monitoring program calls for biannual estimates of population abundance, assessments of distribution and demographic parameters and assessments of physical habitat conditions. Close

• 1822. [Article] Hood River Bull Trout Abundance, Life History, and Habitat Connectivity, 2007 Progress Reports 2007

  Abstract -- Hood River bull trout are thought to exist as two independent reproductive units (USFWS 2004), known as local populations (Rieman and McIntyre 1995). The Clear Branch local population is isolated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hood River Bull Trout Abundance, Life History, and Habitat Connectivity, 2007 Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Hood River bull trout are thought to exist as two independent reproductive units (USFWS 2004), known as local populations (Rieman and McIntyre 1995). The Clear Branch local population is isolated above Clear Branch Dam, which provides limited downstream fish passage during infrequent and sporadic periods of spill and no upstream passage. Bull trout in this population inhabit Laurance Lake Reservoir and tributaries upstream of Clear Branch Dam. The Hood River local population occurs in the mainstem Hood River and Middle Fork Hood River downstream of the Clear Branch Dam and a small number of adult bull trout migrate each year into the Hood River from the Columbia River (Figure 1). The status of both populations is extremely precarious. The Clear Branch population is at risk of a random extinction event due to low numbers, negative interactions with non-native smallmouth bass, isolation and limited spawning habitat (USFWS, 1998). The Hood River population also appears to be small and is threatened by passage barriers, unscreened irrigation systems, impaired water quality and periodic siltation of spawning substrate by glacial outbursts. Clear Branch bull trout spawn in Clear Branch and Pinnacle Creek. After rearing in these two natal streams for an unknown time period, most are believed to migrate downstream to Laurance Lake Reservoir. Clear Branch bull trout have been documented passing over the dam spillway during high water events (Pribyl et al. 1996) and may provide a recruitment source for the Hood River local population. Adult bull trout tagged at Powerdale Dam have been observed at Coe Branch irrigation diversion and in a trap at the base of Clear Branch dam. These fish may have been attempting to reach spawning areas located upstream of the dam. However, the success of bull trout migrating downstream via the spillway or the possibility of successfully navigating through the diversion network has never been determined. Depending on the water year, the Middle Fork Irrigation District (MFID) may not spill at all, or the timing of the spill may not coincide with the timing of downstream migration, which is currently unknown (East Fork Hood River and Middle Fork Hood River Watershed analysis). Smallmouth bass were discovered in Lake Laurance Reservoir in the 1990s. Creel surveys have shown that large adult bass are caught occasionally in the reservoir and schools of bass fry have been seen by district fish biologist (Rod French, ODFW, personal communication), suggesting that they are spawning successfully. This illegal introduction poses a potential threat to the Clear Branch bull trout population, but its magnitude is unknown because the bass population size and degree of interaction between the two species are unknown. Bull trout and smallmouth bass have significantly different temperature preferences and tolerances, with bull trout being one of the most sensitive coldwater species and bass being a warm water species. Lake Laurance, a relatively high-altitude reservoir at 890 m (2,920 feet), does not provide ideal bass habitat so these two species may have largely non-overlapping distributions or differing activity periods (Terry Shrader, ODFW warmwater fish biologist, personal communication). However, based on past reservoir temperature data (Berger et al. 2005), there are periods in the reservoir when there is potential for bull trout and bass interaction: periods when bull trout are susceptible to bass predation and when juvenile fish might compete for resources. Spawning activity of the Hood River local population has been observed in a few locations within the Middle Fork of Hood River (Figure 1). Although consistent and extensive spawning areas for this population are not known, some of the locations where juvenile rearing or potential bull trout redds have been observed include the Middle Fork Hood River and some of its tributaries: Bear Creek, Compass Creek and Coe Branch (USFWS 2004). However, Coe Branch, Compass Creek, and the Middle Fork are glacial streams with a high volume of sand and silt which may compromise spawning success. No bull trout spawning or rearing has been observed on the East and West Forks of Hood River. The Middle Fork and mainstem Hood River provide foraging, migration and overwintering habitat. Hood River bull trout are also known to migrate into the Columbia River. Two bull trout tagged at Powerdale Dam (RK 7.2 of mainstem Hood River) were recovered near Drano Lake in Washington State; and one was captured 11 kilometers downstream of the confluence of the Hood and Columbia Rivers (USFWS 2004). Every year (usually between May and July), adult bull trout, presumably migrating upstream from the Columbia River, are captured and anchor tagged at Powerdale Dam. Although some of these tagged fish have been observed upstream (one in Coe Branch and three below Clear Branch dam), the spawning destination of fluvial adults within the Hood River basin is largely unknown. Dispersing juvenile bull trout and migrating adults in this local population are threatened by flow diversions with inadequate screening and passage facilities. Several structures are suspected to impede upstream migration or entrain juvenile and adult bull trout into irrigation works (Pribyl et al. 1996, HRWG 1999). These structures include: the diversion at Clear Branch Dam (passage and screening), Coe Branch (passage and screening), and the Farmers Irrigation District diversion (screening) on the mainstem Hood River (HRWG 1999). However, little research has been conducted to assess the impacts of these structures on migrating bull trout. Beyond a general knowledge of the distribution of Hood River bull trout and the nature of anthropogenic factors that potentially restrict their life history and habitat connectivity, little is known about this recovery unit. Baseline information about adult abundance is lacking for both local populations, the potential of a source (Clear Branch) and sink (Hood River) relationship between the two local populations has not been explored, and the migratory life history of adult fish caught at Powerdale Dam is unknown. The degree to which irrigation and hydropower diversions hamper connectivity within the Hood River basin is also poorly understood. Migratory life histories have been viewed as key to species persistence (Rieman and McIntyre 1995; Dunham and Rieman 1999), and understanding movement patterns and associated habitat requirements are critical to maintaining those migratory forms (Muhlfeld and Morotz 2005; Hostettler 2005). Gaining this information is also critical to evaluating bull trout recovery in the Hood River Subbasin (Coccoli 2004). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a study in 2006 to improve our understanding of the abundance, life history, and potential limiting factors of the bull trout in this recovery unit. This report describes findings for the first two years of the study (2006-2007). Specific study objectives for the first two years were: 1. Determine the migratory life history of Hood River bull trout and assess the potential impacts of flow diversions and two new falls on the Middle Fork Hood River (scoured by the November 2006 glacial outburst) on bull trout migrations. 2. Determine current distribution of bull trout reproduction and early rearing in historical and potential bull trout streams in the Hood River Subbasin. 3. Determine the juvenile and adult life history the Clear Branch local population and develop a statistically reliable and cost-effective protocol for monitoring the abundance of adult Clear Branch bull trout. 4. Assess the potential impact of smallmouth bass on bull trout in Laurance Lake Reservoir. Title: Hood River Bull Trout Abundance, Life History, and Habitat Connectivity, 2007 Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Hood River bull trout are thought to exist as two independent reproductive units (USFWS 2004), known as local populations (Rieman and McIntyre 1995). The Clear Branch local population is isolated above Clear Branch Dam, which provides limited downstream fish passage during infrequent and sporadic periods of spill and no upstream passage. Bull trout in this population inhabit Laurance Lake Reservoir and tributaries upstream of Clear Branch Dam. The Hood River local population occurs in the mainstem Hood River and Middle Fork Hood River downstream of the Clear Branch Dam and a small number of adult bull trout migrate each year into the Hood River from the Columbia River (Figure 1). The status of both populations is extremely precarious. The Clear Branch population is at risk of a random extinction event due to low numbers, negative interactions with non-native smallmouth bass, isolation and limited spawning habitat (USFWS, 1998). The Hood River population also appears to be small and is threatened by passage barriers, unscreened irrigation systems, impaired water quality and periodic siltation of spawning substrate by glacial outbursts. Clear Branch bull trout spawn in Clear Branch and Pinnacle Creek. After rearing in these two natal streams for an unknown time period, most are believed to migrate downstream to Laurance Lake Reservoir. Clear Branch bull trout have been documented passing over the dam spillway during high water events (Pribyl et al. 1996) and may provide a recruitment source for the Hood River local population. Adult bull trout tagged at Powerdale Dam have been observed at Coe Branch irrigation diversion and in a trap at the base of Clear Branch dam. These fish may have been attempting to reach spawning areas located upstream of the dam. However, the success of bull trout migrating downstream via the spillway or the possibility of successfully navigating through the diversion network has never been determined. Depending on the water year, the Middle Fork Irrigation District (MFID) may not spill at all, or the timing of the spill may not coincide with the timing of downstream migration, which is currently unknown (East Fork Hood River and Middle Fork Hood River Watershed analysis). Smallmouth bass were discovered in Lake Laurance Reservoir in the 1990s. Creel surveys have shown that large adult bass are caught occasionally in the reservoir and schools of bass fry have been seen by district fish biologist (Rod French, ODFW, personal communication), suggesting that they are spawning successfully. This illegal introduction poses a potential threat to the Clear Branch bull trout population, but its magnitude is unknown because the bass population size and degree of interaction between the two species are unknown. Bull trout and smallmouth bass have significantly different temperature preferences and tolerances, with bull trout being one of the most sensitive coldwater species and bass being a warm water species. Lake Laurance, a relatively high-altitude reservoir at 890 m (2,920 feet), does not provide ideal bass habitat so these two species may have largely non-overlapping distributions or differing activity periods (Terry Shrader, ODFW warmwater fish biologist, personal communication). However, based on past reservoir temperature data (Berger et al. 2005), there are periods in the reservoir when there is potential for bull trout and bass interaction: periods when bull trout are susceptible to bass predation and when juvenile fish might compete for resources. Spawning activity of the Hood River local population has been observed in a few locations within the Middle Fork of Hood River (Figure 1). Although consistent and extensive spawning areas for this population are not known, some of the locations where juvenile rearing or potential bull trout redds have been observed include the Middle Fork Hood River and some of its tributaries: Bear Creek, Compass Creek and Coe Branch (USFWS 2004). However, Coe Branch, Compass Creek, and the Middle Fork are glacial streams with a high volume of sand and silt which may compromise spawning success. No bull trout spawning or rearing has been observed on the East and West Forks of Hood River. The Middle Fork and mainstem Hood River provide foraging, migration and overwintering habitat. Hood River bull trout are also known to migrate into the Columbia River. Two bull trout tagged at Powerdale Dam (RK 7.2 of mainstem Hood River) were recovered near Drano Lake in Washington State; and one was captured 11 kilometers downstream of the confluence of the Hood and Columbia Rivers (USFWS 2004). Every year (usually between May and July), adult bull trout, presumably migrating upstream from the Columbia River, are captured and anchor tagged at Powerdale Dam. Although some of these tagged fish have been observed upstream (one in Coe Branch and three below Clear Branch dam), the spawning destination of fluvial adults within the Hood River basin is largely unknown. Dispersing juvenile bull trout and migrating adults in this local population are threatened by flow diversions with inadequate screening and passage facilities. Several structures are suspected to impede upstream migration or entrain juvenile and adult bull trout into irrigation works (Pribyl et al. 1996, HRWG 1999). These structures include: the diversion at Clear Branch Dam (passage and screening), Coe Branch (passage and screening), and the Farmers Irrigation District diversion (screening) on the mainstem Hood River (HRWG 1999). However, little research has been conducted to assess the impacts of these structures on migrating bull trout. Beyond a general knowledge of the distribution of Hood River bull trout and the nature of anthropogenic factors that potentially restrict their life history and habitat connectivity, little is known about this recovery unit. Baseline information about adult abundance is lacking for both local populations, the potential of a source (Clear Branch) and sink (Hood River) relationship between the two local populations has not been explored, and the migratory life history of adult fish caught at Powerdale Dam is unknown. The degree to which irrigation and hydropower diversions hamper connectivity within the Hood River basin is also poorly understood. Migratory life histories have been viewed as key to species persistence (Rieman and McIntyre 1995; Dunham and Rieman 1999), and understanding movement patterns and associated habitat requirements are critical to maintaining those migratory forms (Muhlfeld and Morotz 2005; Hostettler 2005). Gaining this information is also critical to evaluating bull trout recovery in the Hood River Subbasin (Coccoli 2004). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) initiated a study in 2006 to improve our understanding of the abundance, life history, and potential limiting factors of the bull trout in this recovery unit. This report describes findings for the first two years of the study (2006-2007). Specific study objectives for the first two years were: 1. Determine the migratory life history of Hood River bull trout and assess the potential impacts of flow diversions and two new falls on the Middle Fork Hood River (scoured by the November 2006 glacial outburst) on bull trout migrations. 2. Determine current distribution of bull trout reproduction and early rearing in historical and potential bull trout streams in the Hood River Subbasin. 3. Determine the juvenile and adult life history the Clear Branch local population and develop a statistically reliable and cost-effective protocol for monitoring the abundance of adult Clear Branch bull trout. 4. Assess the potential impact of smallmouth bass on bull trout in Laurance Lake Reservoir. Close

• 1823. [Article] 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006

  Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 (Markle and Pearsons 1990; Rhew 1993). This species was formerly distributed throughout the Willamette River Valley (Snyder 1908) in off-channel habitats such as beaver ponds, oxbows, backwater sloughs, and flooded marshes. These habitats usually have little or no water flow, have silty and organic substrate, and have an abundance of aquatic vegetation and cover for hiding and spawning. In the last 100 years, off-channel habitats have disappeared because of changes in seasonal flows and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands for bottomland agriculture. This loss of habitat combined with the introduction of non-native species to the Willamette Valley resulted in a restricted distribution and sharp decline in Oregon chub abundance. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. To evaluate abundance and distribution of Oregon chub populations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted surveys since 1991. Information collected also included the presence of non-native and native species, the characteristics of Oregon chub habitats, the characteristics of potential introduction sites, evaluation of Oregon chub introductions, and life history characteristics (Scheerer 2002, Scheerer and McDonald 2003, Scheerer et al. 2006). The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals. Thirteen of these populations met the above criteria. Eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage (Scheerer et al. 2006). The status of this species has improved substantially over the past decade and with the addition of a single Santiam population, the downlisting criteria will be met (Scheerer et al. 2006). Title: 2006 OPRD- Oregon Chub Population Monitoring on Oregon State Park Lands Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette River drainage of western Oregon (Markle et al. 1991), were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 (Markle and Pearsons 1990; Rhew 1993). This species was formerly distributed throughout the Willamette River Valley (Snyder 1908) in off-channel habitats such as beaver ponds, oxbows, backwater sloughs, and flooded marshes. These habitats usually have little or no water flow, have silty and organic substrate, and have an abundance of aquatic vegetation and cover for hiding and spawning. In the last 100 years, off-channel habitats have disappeared because of changes in seasonal flows and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands for bottomland agriculture. This loss of habitat combined with the introduction of non-native species to the Willamette Valley resulted in a restricted distribution and sharp decline in Oregon chub abundance. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. To evaluate abundance and distribution of Oregon chub populations, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has conducted surveys since 1991. Information collected also included the presence of non-native and native species, the characteristics of Oregon chub habitats, the characteristics of potential introduction sites, evaluation of Oregon chub introductions, and life history characteristics (Scheerer 2002, Scheerer and McDonald 2003, Scheerer et al. 2006). The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals. Thirteen of these populations met the above criteria. Eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage (Scheerer et al. 2006). The status of this species has improved substantially over the past decade and with the addition of a single Santiam population, the downlisting criteria will be met (Scheerer et al. 2006). Close

• 1824. [Article] Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008

  Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically abundant and its historical range includes three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner Valley is a northeast-southwest trending endorheic basin which extends approximately 90 km (Figure 1). The elevation of the valley floor is approximately 1,370 m and the basin is bound by fault block escarpments, the Warner Rim on the west and Hart Mountain and Poker Jim Ridge on the east. The Warner basin was formed during the middle Tertiary and late Quaternary geologic periods as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity (Baldwin 1976). Abundant precipitation during the Pleistocene Epoch resulted in the formation of Pluvial Lake Warner (Hubbs and Miller 1948). At its maximum extent approximately 11,000 years ago, the lake reached approximately 100 m in depth and 1,300 km2 in area (Snyder et al. 1964, Weide 1975). In 2008, precipitation and snow pack were near average and Hart and Crump Lakes never filled completely. In 2007, Crump Lake water levels were very low with less than a quarter of the surface area wetted during the winter. Both lakes have been watered continuously since 1993. The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. Two life history forms are present that comprise the metapopulation of Warner suckers: lake and stream morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish which normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during dry water years or by irrigation diversion dams and spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in the three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes in the lakes likely reduce sucker recruitment by predation on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that (1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, (2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and (3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. In 2008, we conducted investigations in Hart and Crump Lakes to quantify the abundance and distribution of Warner suckers, to search for evidence of recent recruitment, and to estimate sucker abundance relative to nonnative fish abundance. In addition we investigated growth and movement patterns. We used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged suckers to determine growth rates and movements, tracked radio-tagged suckers to document seasonal spawning migrations, fished a screw trap in Twelvemile Creek to monitor downstream movements, and operated a trap at the Dyke diversion dam on Twentymile Creek to monitor upstream movements. Title: Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically abundant and its historical range includes three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner Valley is a northeast-southwest trending endorheic basin which extends approximately 90 km (Figure 1). The elevation of the valley floor is approximately 1,370 m and the basin is bound by fault block escarpments, the Warner Rim on the west and Hart Mountain and Poker Jim Ridge on the east. The Warner basin was formed during the middle Tertiary and late Quaternary geologic periods as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity (Baldwin 1976). Abundant precipitation during the Pleistocene Epoch resulted in the formation of Pluvial Lake Warner (Hubbs and Miller 1948). At its maximum extent approximately 11,000 years ago, the lake reached approximately 100 m in depth and 1,300 km2 in area (Snyder et al. 1964, Weide 1975). In 2008, precipitation and snow pack were near average and Hart and Crump Lakes never filled completely. In 2007, Crump Lake water levels were very low with less than a quarter of the surface area wetted during the winter. Both lakes have been watered continuously since 1993. The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. Two life history forms are present that comprise the metapopulation of Warner suckers: lake and stream morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish which normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during dry water years or by irrigation diversion dams and spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in the three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes in the lakes likely reduce sucker recruitment by predation on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that (1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, (2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and (3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. In 2008, we conducted investigations in Hart and Crump Lakes to quantify the abundance and distribution of Warner suckers, to search for evidence of recent recruitment, and to estimate sucker abundance relative to nonnative fish abundance. In addition we investigated growth and movement patterns. We used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged suckers to determine growth rates and movements, tracked radio-tagged suckers to document seasonal spawning migrations, fished a screw trap in Twelvemile Creek to monitor downstream movements, and operated a trap at the Dyke diversion dam on Twentymile Creek to monitor upstream movements. Close

• 1825. [Article] Fish Management Plan Blitzen River November 1980

  Abstract -- The Blitzen River heads on the west side of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon and flows north into Malheur Lake which is 31 mi south of Burns.The upper system is primarily summer rangelands ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Management Plan Blitzen River November 1980 Abstract -- The Blitzen River heads on the west side of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon and flows north into Malheur Lake which is 31 mi south of Burns.The upper system is primarily summer rangelands where alpine meadows and aspen thickets predominate, while the lower portion has been diverted into numerous canals and ditches to meet water requirements throughout the valley and into Malheur National Refuge. There are approximately 760 square mi in the drainage area, and 279 linear mi of trout producing water. The system contains a good population of wild redband trout; and hatchery fish are stocked only in the lower river adjacent to the one developed campground. Angling pressure is light primarily because of the remote location, few vehicle access sites, rough terrain, and private ownership. In September 1980, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to continue to manage the Blitzen River for wild trout except for that portion below Page Springs gauging station where yearling hatchery trout will be released annually. Title: Fish Management Plan Blitzen River November 1980 Abstract -- The Blitzen River heads on the west side of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon and flows north into Malheur Lake which is 31 mi south of Burns.The upper system is primarily summer rangelands where alpine meadows and aspen thickets predominate, while the lower portion has been diverted into numerous canals and ditches to meet water requirements throughout the valley and into Malheur National Refuge. There are approximately 760 square mi in the drainage area, and 279 linear mi of trout producing water. The system contains a good population of wild redband trout; and hatchery fish are stocked only in the lower river adjacent to the one developed campground. Angling pressure is light primarily because of the remote location, few vehicle access sites, rough terrain, and private ownership. In September 1980, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to continue to manage the Blitzen River for wild trout except for that portion below Page Springs gauging station where yearling hatchery trout will be released annually. Close

• 1826. [Article] Lower Deschutes River Subbasin Management Plan 1997

  Abstract -- This plan covers management of fish and their habitats in the lower Deschutes River subbasin. The lower Deschutes River subbasin as defined in this plan as the Deschutes River from the Pelton ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Deschutes River Subbasin Management Plan 1997 Abstract -- This plan covers management of fish and their habitats in the lower Deschutes River subbasin. The lower Deschutes River subbasin as defined in this plan as the Deschutes River from the Pelton Reregulating Dam downstream to the Columbia River and all waters within that drainage area. This plan was developed in cooperation with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS). The CTWS and the ODFW are co-managers of the fishery resources in the lower Deschutes River. Policy and objective statements contained in this plan are not applicable to waters on the CTWS reservation. Some policy and objective statements contained in this plan are in opposition to CTWS resource management strategies. The lower Deschutes River is classified as both state of Oregon and federal Wild and Scenic rivers. White River, a major tributary to the lower Deschutes, begins at White River Glacier on the southeast side of Mount Hood and flows 44 miles to its confluence with the Deschutes River. White River is classified as a federal Wild and Scenic river and has been nominated to be included in the state of Oregon wild and scenic river program. The lower Deschutes River is known nationally and internationally for its sport fishing. Resident trout, summer steelhead, spring chinook, and fall chinook are the most sought after species. The lower Deschutes River also supports important tribal fisheries for indigenous fishes. Both summer steelhead and spring chinook are supplemented with hatchery produced fish. Rainbow trout and fall chinook are not stocked in the mainstem lower Deschutes River. In the late l980's the Northwest Power Planning Council administered a planning process to create a management plan for the Columbia River basin. As a part of that process, a subbasin plan concerning management of steelhead and salmon was written for the lower Deschutes River. This document, the Lower Deschutes Subbasin Fish Management Plan, significantly expands on the Northwest Power Planning Council document by adding resident fish species and new information on anadromous species and will ultimately produce the final plan used to guide fish resource management in the sub basin for the next 5 to 10 years. Title: Lower Deschutes River Subbasin Management Plan 1997 Abstract -- This plan covers management of fish and their habitats in the lower Deschutes River subbasin. The lower Deschutes River subbasin as defined in this plan as the Deschutes River from the Pelton Reregulating Dam downstream to the Columbia River and all waters within that drainage area. This plan was developed in cooperation with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS). The CTWS and the ODFW are co-managers of the fishery resources in the lower Deschutes River. Policy and objective statements contained in this plan are not applicable to waters on the CTWS reservation. Some policy and objective statements contained in this plan are in opposition to CTWS resource management strategies. The lower Deschutes River is classified as both state of Oregon and federal Wild and Scenic rivers. White River, a major tributary to the lower Deschutes, begins at White River Glacier on the southeast side of Mount Hood and flows 44 miles to its confluence with the Deschutes River. White River is classified as a federal Wild and Scenic river and has been nominated to be included in the state of Oregon wild and scenic river program. The lower Deschutes River is known nationally and internationally for its sport fishing. Resident trout, summer steelhead, spring chinook, and fall chinook are the most sought after species. The lower Deschutes River also supports important tribal fisheries for indigenous fishes. Both summer steelhead and spring chinook are supplemented with hatchery produced fish. Rainbow trout and fall chinook are not stocked in the mainstem lower Deschutes River. In the late l980's the Northwest Power Planning Council administered a planning process to create a management plan for the Columbia River basin. As a part of that process, a subbasin plan concerning management of steelhead and salmon was written for the lower Deschutes River. This document, the Lower Deschutes Subbasin Fish Management Plan, significantly expands on the Northwest Power Planning Council document by adding resident fish species and new information on anadromous species and will ultimately produce the final plan used to guide fish resource management in the sub basin for the next 5 to 10 years. Close

• 1827. [Article] Fish Management Plan for Diamond Lake 1990

  Abstract -- Diamond Lake is a natural lake located about 80 miles east of Roseburg. The lake resulted from the melting of an extensive glacier held behind a lava flow from Mt. Thielson. The outlet is Lake ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Management Plan for Diamond Lake 1990 Abstract -- Diamond Lake is a natural lake located about 80 miles east of Roseburg. The lake resulted from the melting of an extensive glacier held behind a lava flow from Mt. Thielson. The outlet is Lake Creek, a major tributary to the North Umpqua River. Over 100 summer homes, three large U.S. Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds, and one major private resort are located around the lake. An improved road encompasses the lake. Heaviest use of the lake is by anglers, but snow-oriented recreation has increased. We estimate angler visits in excess of 100,000 annually. Under agreement with USFW, ODFW is responsible to maintenance of the lake level through manipulation of the outlet control weir. Consensus between agencies and user groups is necessary to prevent property damage to summer homeowners and USFS facilities but still maximize fish production in the lake. Diamond Lake has always been managed for rainbow trout fishery. The first trout were probably planted about 1910. Tui chubs (roach) appeared in 1940 - apparently as a result of angler using live bait. The lake was chemically treated in 1954 to remove the population. A few golden shiners are present now but it appears that they are having no impact on the trout population. Title: Fish Management Plan for Diamond Lake 1990 Abstract -- Diamond Lake is a natural lake located about 80 miles east of Roseburg. The lake resulted from the melting of an extensive glacier held behind a lava flow from Mt. Thielson. The outlet is Lake Creek, a major tributary to the North Umpqua River. Over 100 summer homes, three large U.S. Forest Service (USFS) campgrounds, and one major private resort are located around the lake. An improved road encompasses the lake. Heaviest use of the lake is by anglers, but snow-oriented recreation has increased. We estimate angler visits in excess of 100,000 annually. Under agreement with USFW, ODFW is responsible to maintenance of the lake level through manipulation of the outlet control weir. Consensus between agencies and user groups is necessary to prevent property damage to summer homeowners and USFS facilities but still maximize fish production in the lake. Diamond Lake has always been managed for rainbow trout fishery. The first trout were probably planted about 1910. Tui chubs (roach) appeared in 1940 - apparently as a result of angler using live bait. The lake was chemically treated in 1954 to remove the population. A few golden shiners are present now but it appears that they are having no impact on the trout population. Close

• 1828. [Article] Fish Management Plan Hosmer Lake 1990

  Abstract -- Hosmer Lake and it's water supply are entirely in US Forest Service ownership. The lake and adjacent lands, are managed by the Forest under recreation and visual classifications. The water ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Management Plan Hosmer Lake 1990 Abstract -- Hosmer Lake and it's water supply are entirely in US Forest Service ownership. The lake and adjacent lands, are managed by the Forest under recreation and visual classifications. The water of the lake is state-owned and the fish resources are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Hosmer Lake is a natural lake located about 40 miles west of Bend via County Road 46 (Century Drive) and Forest Road 470. One main campground, one overflow campground and a concrete boat ramp are managed by the Deschutes National Forest. Hosmer Lake covers 160 surface acres and lies at an elevation of 4,950 feet. Maximum water depth is 11 feet and most of the lake is very shallow. The only inlet to the lake is Quinn Creek, a spring-fed stream with a flow of 25 cfs and a near-constant temperature of 42°F. Hosmer Lake contains Atlantic salmon ("Salmo salar") and brook trout ("Salvelinus fontinalis"). The lake was chemically treated in 1957 to remove a population of carp ("Cyprinus carpio"), Tui chub ("Siphateles bicolor") and brook trout. The treatment successfully removed all carp and Tui chub, but not all brook trout. Non-game fish have not reappeared since 1957. Originally, it was hoped the Atlantic salmon would spawn successfully in Quinn Creek. However, they cannot ascend the six-foot falls in lower Quinn Creek. The pumice bottom and annual anchor-ice scouring also nullifies egg development. The population of salmon at Hosmer has been maintained soley by hatchery fish since 1958. Title: Fish Management Plan Hosmer Lake 1990 Abstract -- Hosmer Lake and it's water supply are entirely in US Forest Service ownership. The lake and adjacent lands, are managed by the Forest under recreation and visual classifications. The water of the lake is state-owned and the fish resources are managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Hosmer Lake is a natural lake located about 40 miles west of Bend via County Road 46 (Century Drive) and Forest Road 470. One main campground, one overflow campground and a concrete boat ramp are managed by the Deschutes National Forest. Hosmer Lake covers 160 surface acres and lies at an elevation of 4,950 feet. Maximum water depth is 11 feet and most of the lake is very shallow. The only inlet to the lake is Quinn Creek, a spring-fed stream with a flow of 25 cfs and a near-constant temperature of 42°F. Hosmer Lake contains Atlantic salmon ("Salmo salar") and brook trout ("Salvelinus fontinalis"). The lake was chemically treated in 1957 to remove a population of carp ("Cyprinus carpio"), Tui chub ("Siphateles bicolor") and brook trout. The treatment successfully removed all carp and Tui chub, but not all brook trout. Non-game fish have not reappeared since 1957. Originally, it was hoped the Atlantic salmon would spawn successfully in Quinn Creek. However, they cannot ascend the six-foot falls in lower Quinn Creek. The pumice bottom and annual anchor-ice scouring also nullifies egg development. The population of salmon at Hosmer has been maintained soley by hatchery fish since 1958. Close

• 1829. [Article] Trout Management Plan Lost Lake 1982

  Abstract -- Lost Lake is located adjacent to State Highway 20 about 43 mi west of Bend and 4 mi west of the Santiam Pass. The lake has about 50 surface acres and is located at an elevation of 3,980 ft. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Trout Management Plan Lost Lake 1982 Abstract -- Lost Lake is located adjacent to State Highway 20 about 43 mi west of Bend and 4 mi west of the Santiam Pass. The lake has about 50 surface acres and is located at an elevation of 3,980 ft. Three tributaries enter the lake, the largest being Lost Lake Creek. The lake has a maximum depth of 12 ft, but most of the lake basin is from 3 to 4 ft deep. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) maintains a campground on the west side of the lake, but it is not accessible until snow melts. Recreational use is primarily camping and angling. The lake receives varying amounts of angling pressure. In 1979, the USFS estimated all recreational use to be 4,000 visitor days. In 1957, the lake receded to only the stream channels, as considerable flow was visible escaping through the lava fissures. With help from the local resort operator, truckloads of cinders and lava rock were used to fill the two known outlets. Water still escapes through the cinder fills, but the lake has never dropped to the low level experienced in 1957. In July 1982, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to manage Lost Lake for wild and hatchery fish. Title: Trout Management Plan Lost Lake 1982 Abstract -- Lost Lake is located adjacent to State Highway 20 about 43 mi west of Bend and 4 mi west of the Santiam Pass. The lake has about 50 surface acres and is located at an elevation of 3,980 ft. Three tributaries enter the lake, the largest being Lost Lake Creek. The lake has a maximum depth of 12 ft, but most of the lake basin is from 3 to 4 ft deep. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) maintains a campground on the west side of the lake, but it is not accessible until snow melts. Recreational use is primarily camping and angling. The lake receives varying amounts of angling pressure. In 1979, the USFS estimated all recreational use to be 4,000 visitor days. In 1957, the lake receded to only the stream channels, as considerable flow was visible escaping through the lava fissures. With help from the local resort operator, truckloads of cinders and lava rock were used to fill the two known outlets. Water still escapes through the cinder fills, but the lake has never dropped to the low level experienced in 1957. In July 1982, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to manage Lost Lake for wild and hatchery fish. Close

• 1830. [Article] Fish Management Plan Prineville Reservoir 1986

  Abstract -- Prineville Reservoir is a Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on-stream multi-purpose reservoir on the Crooked River in Crook County, approximately 17 miles south of Prineville. The project was authorized ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Management Plan Prineville Reservoir 1986 Abstract -- Prineville Reservoir is a Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on-stream multi-purpose reservoir on the Crooked River in Crook County, approximately 17 miles south of Prineville. The project was authorized by Congress in 1956 with functions including irrigation, flood control and industrial water. Recreation and downstream fish and wildlife benefits were not included as project functions. Water impounding began December 12, 1960 and the reservoir became functional during the winter of 1960-61. No upstream fish passage was provided. Various agencies are involved in the reservoir operation. Ochoco Irrigation District, under BOR guidelines, operates the water control structure, thus controlling reservoir pool level as well as stream flow below the reservoir. Prineville Reservoir State Park is managed and maintained by State Parks. Crook County maintains two boat ramps on the reservoir. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the fish resources of the reservoir and has entered into an agreement with BOR and Crook County to manage an 18 square mile area adjacent to the upper one-third of the reservoir for waterfowl, big game and other wildlife. Prineville Reservoir is heavily used by recreationists. The 1983 BOR Recreation and Wildlife Summary indicated that the reservoir was used by 285,031 anglers, hunters, boaters, swimmers and campers. In October 1986, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to manage Prineville Reservoir for hatchery trout and wild bass and brown bullheads. Title: Fish Management Plan Prineville Reservoir 1986 Abstract -- Prineville Reservoir is a Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on-stream multi-purpose reservoir on the Crooked River in Crook County, approximately 17 miles south of Prineville. The project was authorized by Congress in 1956 with functions including irrigation, flood control and industrial water. Recreation and downstream fish and wildlife benefits were not included as project functions. Water impounding began December 12, 1960 and the reservoir became functional during the winter of 1960-61. No upstream fish passage was provided. Various agencies are involved in the reservoir operation. Ochoco Irrigation District, under BOR guidelines, operates the water control structure, thus controlling reservoir pool level as well as stream flow below the reservoir. Prineville Reservoir State Park is managed and maintained by State Parks. Crook County maintains two boat ramps on the reservoir. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the fish resources of the reservoir and has entered into an agreement with BOR and Crook County to manage an 18 square mile area adjacent to the upper one-third of the reservoir for waterfowl, big game and other wildlife. Prineville Reservoir is heavily used by recreationists. The 1983 BOR Recreation and Wildlife Summary indicated that the reservoir was used by 285,031 anglers, hunters, boaters, swimmers and campers. In October 1986, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission accepted the Department's recommendation to manage Prineville Reservoir for hatchery trout and wild bass and brown bullheads. Close