Search
Search Results
-
11. [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
- 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.
-
Executive Summary This report presents the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group's (Working Group) recommendations for the development and implementation of a restoration plan for the Upper Klamath Basin. ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Crisis to consensus : restoration planning for the Upper Klamath Basin
- Author:
- Upper Klamath Basin Working Group
- Year:
- 2002, 2005, 2004
Executive Summary This report presents the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group's (Working Group) recommendations for the development and implementation of a restoration plan for the Upper Klamath Basin. In 1996, the 104th Congress of the United States chartered the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group (Public Law 104-333 - the Oregon Resources Conservation Act) to develop a plan for the Upper Basin that focuses on enhancing ecosystem restoration, improving economic stability, and minimizing impacts associated with drought on all resources and stakeholders. The Working Group is comprised of over 30 individuals appointed by the Governor of Oregon, representing federal, state, and local governments and agencies; the Klamath Tribes; conservation organizations; farmers and ranchers; and industry and local businesses. The objective of the Working Group is to develop and oversee a restorative course of action that allows for mutually beneficial gains for stakeholders wherein everybody in the Upper Basin can achieve positive, affirming results together, and where no one is left economically, culturally, or spiritually disadvantaged. Chapter 1 of this report presents a brief summary of the history of the Working Group and the conditions leading to the development of this effort. Chapter 2 describes the facilitated "interim planning process" the Working Group engaged in between April 2001 and July 2002. Chapter 3 presents the results of the interim planning process including key recommendations regarding Working Group decision-making and operating rules, technical data needs, future cost and time frame of the restoration planning process, and similar planning decisions. Chapter 4 describes the next steps and actions the Working Group is prepared to take to lead the restoration planning process. The Working Group's goals and objectives will be achieved through the Working Group's continued commitment to public outreach, collaborative problem solving, and implementation of real world solutions. Desired outcomes from implementation of the restoration plan include, but are not limited to, the following: improved water quality through the implementation of accepted Best Management Practices; restoration of wetlands and riparian habitat; enhancement of natural and structural water storage; improvements to irrigation efficiency and water conservation; economic growth and diversity through activities such as value added natural resource products and ecotourism; and enhancement of wildlife Tribal Trust resources.
-
A monthly natural flow history was determined for the 1949 to 2000 period at the Keno gage of the Upper Klamath River basin in south-central Oregon. Included within the evaluation is an assessment of natural ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Undepleted natural flow of the upper Klamath River : natural inflow to, natural losses from, and natural outfall of Upper Klamath Lake to the Link River and of Lower Klamath Lake to the Klamath River at Keno
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation. Denver Office. Technical Service Center
- Year:
- 2005, 2004
A monthly natural flow history was determined for the 1949 to 2000 period at the Keno gage of the Upper Klamath River basin in south-central Oregon. Included within the evaluation is an assessment of natural flows for the same period at the outfall of Upper Klamath Lake, which forms the head of the Link River at Klamath Falls, Oregon. Flow past the Link River gage is tributary to the Klamath River above Lower Klamath Lake. These natural flows were determined using standard and accepted methods. Records used in developing this analysis were derived from stream-gaging records and from climatic records for stations within and adjacent to the study area. Information was also obtained from published maps and reports, and file documents of the Klamath Area Office. Currently, received comments are being addressed and evaluation of elements related to these comments is in progress. The objective of this report is to provide a representative estimate of the monthly natural flow of the Upper Klamath River. Such an estimate is of the natural flow that would typically have occurred without the water-resources developments in the Upper Klamath Basin. A water-budget assessment was used in the determination of the natural flows. The assessment includes results from an evaluation of present-day irrigation depletions, and losses from reclaimed marshland, that have changed the natural inflow to, and resulting natural outfall from, Upper Klamath Lake. Also evaluated were losses to the natural inflow that would have been incurred due to pre-development marshland and evaporation associated with Upper Klamath Lake. The natural outfall from the lake comprised the natural flow of the Link River at Klamath Falls and also the consequent natural inflow to Lower Klamath Lake. Therefore, a similar evaluation was also completed for Lower Klamath Lake to estimate the natural flow of the Klamath River at Keno. The water-budget assessment was designed to simulate each lake as a natural water body within a stream-connected two-lake system. Much of the assessment was completed using Excel.
-
"May 2000"; From cover: Prepared for U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2316 South 6th Street, Suite C, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601. In Partnership with The Nature Conservancy, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Williamson River delta restoration project : environmental assessment
- Year:
- 2000, 2005
"May 2000"; From cover: Prepared for U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service, 2316 South 6th Street, Suite C, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601. In Partnership with The Nature Conservancy, 821 SE 14th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97214 and US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Tribes, PacifiCorp, Cell Tech International; Includes bibliographic references (p. 60-66)
-
"Prepared for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Foundation, and the Upper Williamson River Catchment Group, in cooperation with the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, and the Klamath Watershed Council."
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Draft upper Williamson River Watershed assessment
- Author:
- David Evans and Associates, Inc.
- Year:
- 2004, 2005
"Prepared for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Foundation, and the Upper Williamson River Catchment Group, in cooperation with the Upper Klamath Basin Working Group, and the Klamath Watershed Council."
-
CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page American Farm Bureau Federation 26963 Bell, Craig, Executive Director, Western States Water Council 26945 Domenici, Hon. Pete V., U.S. Senator From New Mexico 2691 Gaibler, Floyd, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Western water supply : hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, second session, to receive testimony regarding water supply issues in the arid West, March 9, 2004
- Author:
- United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Year:
- 2004, 2005
CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page American Farm Bureau Federation 26963 Bell, Craig, Executive Director, Western States Water Council 26945 Domenici, Hon. Pete V., U.S. Senator From New Mexico 2691 Gaibler, Floyd, Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Department of Agriculture 26932 Grisoli, Brigadier General William T., Commander, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 26918 Hall, Tex G., President, National Congress of American Indians, and Chair man, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation 26950 Raley, Bennett, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior 2695 Uccellini, Dr. Louis, Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 26926 APPENDIX Responses to additional questions 2620 67
-
The Department of the Interior, Klamath River Basin Work Plans and Reports
Citation -
The Department of the Interior, Klamath River Basin, Work Plans and Reports
Citation -
Recent Paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake Eilers et al. 2001 ABSTRACT Sediment cores were collected from Upper Klamath Lake in October, 1998 and analyzed for 210Pb, 14C, 15N, N, P, C, Ti, Al, diatoms, ...
Citation Citation
- Title:
- Recent paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon
- Author:
- United States. Bureau of Reclamation
- Year:
- 2001, 2005
Recent Paleolimnology of Upper Klamath Lake Eilers et al. 2001 ABSTRACT Sediment cores were collected from Upper Klamath Lake in October, 1998 and analyzed for 210Pb, 14C, 15N, N, P, C, Ti, Al, diatoms, Pediastrum, and cyanobacterial akinetes. These results were used to reconstruct changes in water quality in Upper Klamath Lake over the last 150 years. The results showed that there was substantial mixing of the upper 10 cm of sediment, representing the previous 20 to 30 years. However, below that, 210Pb activity declined monotonically, allowing reasonable dating for the period from about 1850 to 1970. The sediment accumulation rates (SAR) showed a substantial increase in the 20th century. The increase in SAR corresponded with increases in erosional input from the watershed as represented by the increases in sediment concentrations of Ti and Al. The upper 20 cm of sediment (representing the last 150 years) also showed increases in C, N, P, and 15N. The increases in nutrient concentrations may be affected to various degrees by diagenetic reactions within the sediments, although the changes in concentrations also were marked by changes in the N:P ratio and in a qualitative change in the source of N as reflected in increasing S15N. The diatoms showed modest changes, particularly in the upper sediments, with increases in Asterionellaformosa, Stephanodiscus hantzschii, and S. parvus. Pediastrum, a green alga, was well-preserved in the sediments and exhibited a sharp decline in relative abundance in the upper sediments. Total cyanobacteria, as represented by preserved akinetes, exhibited only minor changes in the last 1000 years. However, a taxon which was formerly not present in the lake 150 years ago, Aphanizomenon, has shown major increases in recent decades. Although the mixing in the upper sediments prevents high-resolution temporal analysis of the recent history (e.g. last 30 years) of Upper Klamath Lake, the results demonstrate that major changes in water quality likely have occurred leading to a major modification of the phytoplankton assemblage. The changes in sediment composition are consistent with land use activities during this period that include substantial deforestation, drainage of wetlands, and agricultural activities associated with livestock and irrigated cropland.
-
20. [Image] Monitoring of Lost River and Shortnose suckers and shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999
Monitoring of Lost River and Shortnose Suckers at Shoreline Spawning Areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999 Prepared by: Rip S. Shively1 Mark F. Bautista2 Andre E. Kohler2 1 U. S. Geological Survey, Biological ...Citation Citation
- Title:
- Monitoring of Lost River and Shortnose suckers and shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999
- Author:
- Shively, Rip S.; Bautista, Mark F.; Kohler, Andre E.
- Year:
- 1999, 2005
Monitoring of Lost River and Shortnose Suckers at Shoreline Spawning Areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999 Prepared by: Rip S. Shively1 Mark F. Bautista2 Andre E. Kohler2 1 U. S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division Klamath Falls Duty Station 6937 Washburn Way Klamath Falls, OR 97603 2 Johnson Controls World Services Inc. NERC Operation Post Office Box 270308 Fort Collins, CO 80527 Executive Summary In 1999, we sampled Lost River { Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose ( Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers from 5 April to 17 June at five shoreline spawning locations in Upper Klamath Lake ( UKL). Trammel nets were set to encompass identified spawning areas and were fished approximately 1- 1.5 hours before sunset until 3 hours after sunset or until 20 or more fish were captured. A total of 808 Lost River and 19 shortnose suckers were captured from Sucker, Silver Building, Ouxy, and Boulder springs, and Cinder Flats. The majority of Lost River suckers were captured at Cinder Flats ( 35%) and Sucker Springs ( 34%), followed by Ouxy Springs ( 16%), Silver Building Springs ( 12%), and Boulder Springs ( 3%). Males dominated the catch at all sites, but the sex ratios at Cinder Flats and Silver Building Springs were particularly skewed towards males. We recaptured 32 Lost River suckers that had been tagged during previous years sampling efforts. All of these fish, with the exception of two fish tagged at Ball Point in July, were originally tagged during the spawning season at shoreline spawning areas in UKL. This information provides further evidence that distinct stocks of Lost River suckers exist based on spawning location ( i. e., UKL and Williamson River). We also recaptured 23 Lost River suckers that were tagged in 1999 at shoreline spawning areas. Approximately half of these fish were recaptured at different locations than tagged indicating these fish were moving between spawning areas. The size offish captured at shoreline spawning areas decreased as the spawning season progressed, although the decrease in size was not as dramatic as reported in previous years. A limited number of shortnose suckers were captured at shoreline spawning areas in 1999, with a majority sampled after 1 May. Previous data for shortnose suckers at these sites is limited with respect to size, timing of spawning, sex composition, and relative numbers. Continuation of systematic sampling efforts at shoreline spawning areas will provide valuable information on the demographics and life history of Lost River and shortnose suckers utilizing these areas. Acknowledgements We thank Anita Baker, Brooke Bechen, Lani Hickey, and Tonya Wiley for assisting with sampling offish at shoreline spawning areas. Mark Buettner and Brian Peck ( U. S. Bureau of Reclamation) provided support during the early phases of our sampling as well as helpful comments on this report. We also appreciate the cooperation and support of Larry Dunsmoor ( Klamath Tribes) for identifying spawning areas, providing logistical support, and for the thoughtful review of this report. Cassandra Watson and Elizabeth Neuman produced finalized versions of tables and figures within this report and their efforts are greatly appreciated. This research was funded by the U. S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division through the Western Reservoirs Initiative. Introduction Severe water quality problems in Upper Klamath Lake ( UKL) have led to critical fisheries concerns for the region. Historically, UKL was eutrophic but has become hypereutrophic ( Goldman and Home 1983) presumably due to land- use practices within the basin ( USFWS 1993). As a result, the algal community has shifted to a monoculture of the blue- green algae Aphanizomemon flos- aquae and massive blooms of this species have been directly related to poor water quality episodes in UKL. The growth and decomposition of dense algal blooms in the lake frequently cause extreme water quality conditions characterized by high pH ( 9- 10.5), widely variable dissolved oxygen ( anoxic to supersaturated), and high ammonia concentrations (> 0.5 mg/ 1 unionized). In addition to water quality problems associated with A. flos- aquae, it is believed the loss of marsh habitat near the lake, timber harvest, removal of riparian vegetation, livestock grazing, and agricultural practices within the basin has contributed to hypereutrophic conditions. It is likely that these disturbances have altered the UKL ecosystem substantially enough to contribute to the near monoculture of A. flos- aquae. Investigations in 1913 documented the algal community as a diverse mix of blue- green and diatom communities, however, by the 1950' s A. flos- aquae was dominant ( USFWS 1993). The Lost River sucker ( Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker ( Chasmistes brevirostris) are endemic to the Upper Klamath Basin of California and Oregon ( Moyle 1976). Declining population trends for both species were noted as early as the mid- 1960' s, however, the severities of the population declines were not evident until the mid- 1980' s. In 1988 the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed both Lost River and shortnose suckers as endangered. Suspected reasons for their decline included damming of rivers, dredging and draining of marshes, water diversions, hybridization, competition and predation by exotic species, insularization of habitat, and water quality problems associated with timber harvest, removal of riparian vegetation, livestock grazing, and agricultural practices ( USFWS 1993). The U. S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division ( BRD) has been conducting field investigations on Lost River and shortnose suckers in UKL since 1994. The majority of these sampling efforts have focused on catching fish in UKL and the Lower Williamson River. Sampling in the Lower Williamson River focused on developing indices of relative abundance of Lost River and shortnose suckers. In 1999, Oregon State University continued sampling in the Lower Williamson River fishing trammel nets from April to August at four standardized locations. In addition to sampling efforts in the Lower Williamson River, BRD crews conducted periodic sampling at several shoreline spawning areas on the east side of UKL. This sampling was beneficial because it provided information on species composition, size, and sex ratios of suckers utilizing these areas. However, temporal changes in abundance may have been missed because consistent sampling never occurred throughout the entire spawning season ( Perkins et al, In preparation). Recently, there has been increased concern on the effects of water level management in UKL on spawning suckers. Information is needed on the timing, relative abundance, and distribution of sucker spawning in UKL to make informed decisions with respect to management of lake elevation. In 1999, we conducted systematic trammel netting surveys at Sucker, Silver Building, Ouxy, and Boulder springs and Cinder Flats along the east shore of UKL. In addition, we sampled periodically at Barkley Springs and Modoc Point to determine if suckers were utilizing these areas for spawning. This report summarizes data collected in 1999 on shoreline spawning populations of Lost River and shortnose suckers with emphasis on timing, species composition, sex ratios, and relative abundance. Methods We conducted systematic trammel netting surveys at five locations along the east shore of UKL ( Figure 1). We began sampling at Cinder Flats, Sucker, Silver Building, and Ouxy springs in early April with Boulder Springs added to the list of sampling sites on 27 April. In addition to these sites, we periodically sampled at Barkley Springs and Modoc Point ( Table 1). We attempted to sample each site twice per week although certain sites were only sampled once per week when catch rates of suckers were low ( i. e., less than 5 fish per evening). Trammel nets were fished for about 4 hours ( approximately 1- 1.5 hours before sunset until 3 hours after dark) or until we captured 20 or more fish. Nets used at individual sites varied in length from 15- 30 m, were 1.8 m tall with two outer panels ( 30cm bar mesh), an inner panel ( 3.8 cm bar mesh), a foam core float line, and a lead core bottom line. Generally, we set 1- 2 nets starting at the shoreline and extending out to encompass the perimeter of the identified spawning area. Nets were checked at approximately 1 hour intervals and captured fish were cut from the inner mesh panel and placed in a mesh cage and processed within 2 hours. Suckers were identified by species and sex, measured to the nearest mm ( fork length), inspected for tags ( both PIT and Floy tags), and examined for physical afflictions ( e. g., presence oiLernaea spp. and lamprey scars). If a sucker did not have a PIT tag, one was inserted with a hypodermic needle along the ventral surface 1- 2 cm anterior of the pelvic girdle. The catch per unit effort ( CPUE) of adult Lost River suckers was calculated for individual sampling locations for each evening sampled. Because identified spawning areas varied in size we used different length trammel nets to encompass the spawning areas. We did not attempt to standardize CPUE based on length of trammel nets used at each location. Results We sampled shoreline spawning areas from 5 April - 17 June capturing a total of 808 Lost River suckers and 19 shortnose suckers from 5 sites ( Table 1). Lost River and shortnose suckers were captured at Sucker Springs, Silver Building Springs, Ouxy Springs, and Cinder Flats, while only Lost River suckers were captured at Boulder Springs. No suckers were captured at Barkley Springs and Modoc Point ( Table 1). The majority of Lost River suckers were captured at Cinder Flats ( 35%) and Sucker Springs ( 34%; Figure 2). Males dominated the catch at all sites and were generally smaller ( mean length = 538 mm) than females captured ( mean length = 596 mm). In particular, sex ratios ( males to females) were most skewed at Cinder Flats and Silver Building Springs ( Figure 3). Large females (> 650 mm) were captured at most sites, except Boulder Springs, and the size range offish captured over time remained similar with the exception that a fewer large individuals (> 600 mm) were captured in the late sampling period ( 1 May - 17 June) as compared to the early sampling period ( 6- 30 April; Figure 4; Appendix Figure A). The catch of shortnose suckers was limited at all sites sampled. Most ( 12 of 19) of the shortnose suckers were collected at Sucker Springs, with 1- 3 fish captured at Cinder Flats, Ouxy Springs, and Silver Building Springs ( Table 1). We identified 8 males and 8 females during the sampling period and were unable to determine sex for three individuals. The mean size of shortnose suckers was 360 mm ( range 289- 528 mm) similar to data reported by Perkins et al. ( In preparation) from Sucker, Silver Building, and Ouxy springs. We observed the highest CPUE of Lost River suckers at Cinder Flats ( mean CPUE= 12.7/ h) followed by Sucker Springs ( mean CPUE= 6.0/ h), Silver Building Springs ( mean CPUE = 2.8/ h), and Ouxy Springs ( mean CPUE= 2.4/ h) ( Figure 5). On three occasions at Cinder Flats, 20 or more suckers were captured within an hour or less resulting in the termination of sampling for the evening. CPUE was calculated for sampling dates at Boulder Springs ( mean CPUE= 1.4/ h), although comparisons with other sites is not applicable because this site was not initially included in systematic sampling efforts. We did not calculate CPUE for shortnose suckers. We captured a total of 32 Lost River and 2 shortnose suckers that were tagged during previous years sampling efforts. The majority ( 96%) of these fish was originally tagged at shoreline locations ( Table 2), which is consistent with historical recapture data ( Appendix Table A). Two Lost River suckers were originally tagged at Ball Point in UKL in July, after the spawning season. In addition, most Lost River suckers were recaptured before 1 May, including 15 fish that were collected at Sucker Springs during two sampling occasions in March ( Figure 6). We also recaptured a total of 21 Lost River suckers that were tagged in 1999 at shoreline spawning areas. Approximately half of these fish were recaptured at different areas than where they were tagged, indicating that some suckers are moving between spawning areas within the season ( Table 3). Discussion Our sampling indicated the spawning period for Lost River suckers lasted from mid- March through the beginning of June at shoreline spawning areas in 1999. The catch of Lost River suckers was dominated by males at all sites sampled, particularly at Cinder Flats and Silver Building Springs. Perkins et al., ( In preparation) reported skewed sex ratios at shoreline spawning locations following the fish kills that occurred in UKL from 1995- 1997. However, the ratios we observed were considerably higher than those reported by Perkins et al., ( In preparation). At this time we are unable to determine the reason for the sex ratios observed. It is possible that males remain longer at the spawning areas than females making them more vulnerable to capture. Perkins et al., ( In preparation) observed spawning acts and reported that males remained near the actual site where spawning occurs while females move onto the spawning site only when ready to spawn. We captured 23 Lost River suckers twice in 1999 and all but one of these fish were males. However, it is difficult to determine if this percentage is due to males remaining at these sites longer than females or a reflection of the existing sex ratios. Another possible explanation could be the large numbers of males in the catch are from the 1991- 1993 year classes and females from these year classes have yet to be recruited into the adult population. The majority of males captured ( 81%) were between 475 - 574 mm. Age and growth information from Lost River suckers collected during the 1996- 1997 fish kills indicate these fish would be between 5- 9 years old ( USGS, BRD, 10 unpublished data). Perkins et al., ( In preparation) reported that male Lost River suckers migrating up the Williamson River begin to be recruited into the adult population starting at age 4+, while females did not begin to mature until age 7+ . These data were based on examining length frequency distributions and noting when fish from the 1991 year class, which is presumed to be a strong year class, began showing up in trammel net catches. Fish from the 1991 year class would have been age 8+ in 1999. Buettner and Scoppetone ( 1990) examined opercles from Lost River suckers collected during the 1986 fish kill in UKL and reported that individuals matured between 6- 14 years of age with the peak being 9 years. It is possible that in the next few years more females from the 1991- 93 year classes will be recruited into the adult population spawning at shoreline areas. Our data provides additional evidence that distinct stocks of Lost River suckers may exist based on fidelity to spawning area. Of the 32 suckers we recaptured from previous years sampling efforts, all but two were originally tagged at shoreline spawning locations. The two fish that were not originally tagged at shoreline spawning locations were captured at Ball Point in July and were not presumed to be spawning in this location. Perkins et al. ( In preparation) reported that of 316 Lost River and 11 shortnose suckers recaptured at shoreline spawning areas all were originally tagged at shoreline spawning locations. Continuation of systematic sampling at both shoreline spawning areas and the Williamson and Sprague rivers will continue to provide information on potential separation of spawning populations. The majority of recaptured fish were tagged during the first half of our sampling efforts including 13 fish that were recaptured on 25 March while sampling with Larry Dunsmoor of the Klamath Tribes. Historically, the majority of sampling effort at 11 shoreline spawning locations occurred prior to 1 May, which may explain why most recaptures were collected during the early part of our sampling period. In fiiture years, we plan to continue systematic sampling through June to determine if temporal aspects of spawning remain consistent between years. The size offish captured at shoreline spawning areas decreased as the spawning season progressed, particularly near the end of our sampling period, although the decrease was not as dramatic as reported by Perkins et al., ( In preparation). It is possible that individual timing of Lost River sucker spawning is affected by size. Scoppettone et al., ( 1986) observed that smaller, younger cui- ui ( Chasmistes cujus) at Pyramid Lake spawned at the end of the spawning season. We believe further investigation is needed to determine if differences in spawning timing among individuals is due to size or related to stock differences. A limited number of shortnose suckers were captured in 1999. Sampling continued well into June and was sufficient to detect spawning concentrations of shortnose suckers at these sites. Based on previous sampling conducted at shoreline spawning areas, there appears to be a decreasing trend in the number of shortnose suckers captured at these sites ( Perkins, et al., In preparation). Our sampling efforts at shoreline spawning areas on the east side of UKL represents the first time these areas have been systematically sampled during the spawning season. Continuation of systematic sampling at these areas is important to provide information on species composition, timing and duration of spawning, fidelity to spawning areas, sex ratios, size distribution, and relative abundance. How these 12 population characteristics change over time will also provide important insights into the population stability of Lost River and shortnose suckers in UKL. 13 Literature Cited Buettner, M. And G. Scoppettone. 1990. Life history status of catostomids in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. U. S. F. W. S. Completion Report. 108 pp. Goldman, C. R. and A. J. Home. 1983. Limnology. McGraw Hill, New York. Moyle, P. B. 1976. Inland fishes of California. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. Perkins, D. L., G. G. Scoppettone, and M. Buettner. In preparation. Reproductive biology and demographics of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Lost River ( Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose ( Chasmistes brevirostris) sucker recovery plan. Portland, Oregon. 108 pp. 14 Table 1. Summary of the shoreline locations sampled in Upper Klamath Lake and the number of Lost River ( LRS) and shortnose ( SNS) suckers captured in 1999. Sampling Dates Sampled Number of days Number of LRS Number of SNS Location ( range) Sampled Captured Captured Barkley Springs 4/ 5- 4/ 27 4 0 0 11 21 0 19 284 2 4 0 0 20 129 3 19 100 2 Sucker Springs 4/ 5- 6/ 17 20 274 13 Total 808 20 Boulder Springs Cinder Flats Modoc Point Ouxy Springs Silver Bldg. Springs 4/ 27- 4/ 6- 4/ 13- 4/ 6- 4/ 5- 6/ 17 6/ 17 4/ 21 6/ 17 6/ 17 15 Table 2. Summary of the number of Lost River suckers recaptured from previous years sampling efforts at shoreline spawning locations in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999. Site Originally Captured Boulder Springs Cinder Flats Ouxy Springs Silver Bldg. Springs Sucker Springs Ball Point Total Boulder Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Site Cinder Flats 0 1 0 0 4 2 7 Recaptured Ouxy Springs 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 in 1999 Silver Bldg. Springs 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Sucker Springs 0 0 1 2 19 0 22 16 Table 3. Summary of the number of Lost River suckers recaptured at shoreline locations in Upper Klamath Lake originally tagged in 1999. Site Originally Captured in 1999 Boulder Springs Cinder Flats Ouxy Springs Silver Bldg. Springs Sucker Springs Total Boulder Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 Site Cinder Flats 0 3 1 3 1 8 Recaptured Ouxy Springs 0 1 0 0 3 4 in 1999 Silver Bldg. Springs 0 0 1 1 0 2 Sucker Springs 0 2 0 1 6 9 17 1. Sucker Springs 2. Silver Building Springs 3. Ouxy Springs 4. Cinder Flats 5. Boulder Springs Figure 1. Map of Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes showing major tributaries and shoreline spawning areas sampled in 1999. 18 o I 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 BOULDER SPRINGS 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 D LRS Male • LRS Female * No Fish Jtt * * * * * * OUXY SPRINGS D LRS Male • LRS Female * No Fish 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 CINDER FLATS D LRS Unknow n _ r i • LRS Male • i_ r\ o remaie ic No Fish EII1IJ n „ * * * * 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 > SILVER BUILDING SPRINGS • LRS Unknow n • LRS Male • LRS Female * No Fish D n n p » * * * * * SUCKER SPRINGS ALL AREAS COMBINED • LRS Unknown D LRS Male • LRS Female • LRS Unknow n • LRS Male • LRS Female / / / / / / Figure 2. Summary of the number and sex of Lost River Suckers ( LRS) captured at shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999 sampling. LRS unknown refers to captured individuals in which sex could not be determined. 19 70% -, 60% 50% 40% - 30% - 20% - 10% 0% CINDER FLATS _ o_ n= 283 9.1 : 1 8C O in io in om CD o i n 70% -, 60% - 50% - 40% - 30% - 20% - 10% - 0% - BOULDER SPRINGS y n 11 7 6 2 n= 21 9.5: 1 • g si n 8 CD omr o in oo § 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% OUXY SPRINGS om CN oi n co o ini o in in SUCKER SPRINGS 70% -, 60% - 50% - 40% - 30% - 20% - 10% - 0% - n= 129 4.1 : 0 • _ o in CD omh omoo n= 273 3.5: 1 U • - - sC O oi n oi nm om o i n 00 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% - 10% 0% SILVER BUILDING SPRINGS 70% 60% - 50% - 40% 30% 20% 10% - 0% 8 CM ALL SITES 8 CO JL 8 8 i n n= 99 8.1 : 1 • H „ - in in in CD h- 00 n= 805 5.3: 1 _ D • Male • Female 8 C N O O O O O O O O O O O i n o m oin i nin oCDi nCDo i n o i nco Fork length Figure 3. Length frequency histogram of male and female Lost River suckers ( LRS) captured at shore-line spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999. The total number of LRS captured in 1999 and ratio of males to females are presented in the upper right hand corner of each graph. 20 E QJ D 160 i 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 A) 1999 LR Length Frequency ( 3/ 18/ 99- 4/ 30/ 99) DMale • Female • male = 457 xM = 541.4 i siaev - jo. y female = 60 xF = 611.9 stdev = 77.2 (—| Qy O ^ D 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 # 4? B) o - I— # $ # C) # # $ # 1999 LR Length Frequency ( 5/ 1/ 99 - 6/ 8/ 99) DMale • Female male = 219 xM = 531.4 5> lUeV — H 1 , , — i remaie = bB xF = 582 8 stdev = 68.1 • y . _ _ # ^ # # # # # # # ^ 1999 SN Length Frequency ( 4/ 30/ 99 - 5/ 30/ 99) 1 U 14 - 12 - 10 s p. A 2 0 - , Dmale • female y y • l i y n male = 8 xM = 363 stdev - 29.7 fpryiolp — ft xF = 357.1 stdev = 35.5 Forklength ( mm) Figure 4. Length frequency for Lost River ( LRS) and shortnose ( SNS) suckers captured at shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999. Graphs represent A) LRS caught from March 19- April 30, 1999, B) LRS caught from May 1- June 8, 1999, and C) SNS caught from April 30- May 30, 1999 ( all SNS sampling days were combined due to limited SNS numbers). Four LRS with unknown gender were not included in the graph, two were caught before May 1st, and two after May 1st. Three SNS with unknown gender were not included in the graph. 21 BOULDER SPRINGS 20 i 18 16 - I 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 O) O) O) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) in CM O) $ § I co o L? 5 LO O) O) O) g> g> g> o r^ •<*• n ^ CN CD CD CD 45 40 - 35 30 25 20 15 10 - 5 0 CINDER FLATS 0 ) 0 ) OO - f - r in in 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) C D C D C D 1 sw 20 18 16- 14- 12 - 10 8 6 4 OUXYSPRNGS Jl 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) OO 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) C N I O C D O) O) O) O) Q < o z: ? z in CD CD 20- 18 - 16 14 - 12 - 10 - 8 6 4 - 2 - 0 - SILVER BUILDING SPRINGS ii , II p l, « u u •———,—— O) O) O) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) in CN O) T- CM CM O) O) O) O) O) O) CO O h » - in O) O) O) ill CD CD CD SUCKER SPRINGS ALL SITES Figure 5. Summary of catch per unit effort ( CPUE) of Lost River suckers at shoreline spawning areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999. Note change in scale for the Cinder Flats and the All Sites graphs. 22 BOULDER SPRINGS 14 12 10 8 -| 6 4 2 0 n= 0 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) O) CD CN O) CD CO O T - C\| ^ ^ T- CNJ CO CO CO ^" ^" ^" OUXY SPRINGS 1 C D n= 2 14 1 8 4 2^ 0 oo S ^ ^ SUCKER SPRINGS ^ £ j CNJ in in to n= 22 - U-CD CO O j - CM CO 1 C D 14 12 -\ 10 8 -] 6 4 2 - 0 CINDER FLATS n= 7 LJl 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) T^ Cr^ N ^? ^ T- 14 12 10 - 8 6 4 - 2 0 SILVER BUILDING SPRINGS Tt x- 00 - CN CN in in in n= 1 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) 0 ) O) CD CN O> CD CO ^ CJ ^ ^ ^ CN co co ^ j- "< t ALL SITES O) O) O) O) O) O) in in in n= 32 I 0 0) in in in Figure 6. Summary of the number of Lost River suckers recaptured at shoreline spawning areas, Upper Klamath Lake, 1999. Recaptured fish were originally tagged betweeen 1988- 1998. 23 Appendix Table A. Summary of recapture data for Lost River Suckers in the Upper Klamath Lake Basin from 1985- 1999. Sampling was generally conducted from March- July of each year, although the emphasis in sampling was during the spawning period. Recapture data includes fish that were tagged with Floy and PIT tags. Site Last Recaptured Site Originally Captured Cinder Flats Ouxy Springs Silver Bldg. Springs Sucker Springs Williamson River Sprague River Upper Lake Middle Lake Total Cinder Flats 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 7 Ouxy Springs 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 Silver Bldg. Springs 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 7 Sucker Springs 0 0 6 288 4 0 0 0 298 Williamson River 0 0 0 1 6 3 0 0 10 Sprague River 0 0 0 0 1 13 1 0 15 Upper Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Middle Lake 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 Total 1 1 9 300 12 16 3 0 342 Appendix Table B. Summary of recapture data for shortnose suckers in the Upper Klamath Lake Basin from 1985- 1999. Sampling was generally conducted from March- July of each year, although the emphasis in sampling was during the spawning period. Recapture data includes fish that were tagged with Floy and PIT tags. Site Last Recaptured Site Originally Captured Ouxy Springs Silver Bldg. Springs Sucker Springs Williamson River Sprague River Lower Lake Middle Lake Total Ouxy Springs 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Silver Bldg. Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sucker Springs 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Williamson River 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 Sprague River 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 5 Lower Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Middle Lake 0 0 0 1 2 0 5 8 Upper Lake 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reeder Road Bridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Total 2 0 0 7 5 0 6 20 25 5 2iu5 Appendix Figure A. Summary of the size range of Lost River suckers captured at shoreline sampling areas in Upper Klamath Lake, 1999, by date sampled.