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• 51. [Image] Trinity River Flow Evaluation: final report: a report to the Secretary , U.S. Department of the Interior

  	TRINITY RIVER FLOW EVALUATION - FINAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When Congress authorized construction of the Trinity River Division (TRD) of the Central Valley Project (CVP) in 1955, the expectation was ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Trinity River Flow Evaluation: final report: a report to the Secretary , U.S. Department of the Interior Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office; Hoopa Valley Tribe Year: 1999, 2006, 2005 TRINITY RIVER FLOW EVALUATION - FINAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When Congress authorized construction of the Trinity River Division (TRD) of the Central Valley Project (CVP) in 1955, the expectation was that surplus water could be exported to the Central Valley without harm to the fish and wildlife resources of the Trinity River. The TRD began operations in 1963, diverting up to 90 percent of the Trinity River's average annual yield at Lewiston, California. Access to 109 river miles of fish habitat and replenishment of coarse sediment from upstream river segments were permanently eliminated by Lewiston and Trinity Dams. Within a decade of completing the TRD, the adverse biological and geomorphic responses to TRD operations were obvious. Riverine habitats below Lewiston Dam degraded and salmon and steelhead populations noticeably declined. In 1981, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) directed that a Trinity River Flow Evaluation (TRFE) study be conducted to determine how to rest Title: Trinity River Flow Evaluation: final report: a report to the Secretary , U.S. Department of the Interior Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office; Hoopa Valley Tribe Year: 1999, 2006, 2005 TRINITY RIVER FLOW EVALUATION - FINAL REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY When Congress authorized construction of the Trinity River Division (TRD) of the Central Valley Project (CVP) in 1955, the expectation was that surplus water could be exported to the Central Valley without harm to the fish and wildlife resources of the Trinity River. The TRD began operations in 1963, diverting up to 90 percent of the Trinity River's average annual yield at Lewiston, California. Access to 109 river miles of fish habitat and replenishment of coarse sediment from upstream river segments were permanently eliminated by Lewiston and Trinity Dams. Within a decade of completing the TRD, the adverse biological and geomorphic responses to TRD operations were obvious. Riverine habitats below Lewiston Dam degraded and salmon and steelhead populations noticeably declined. In 1981, the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) directed that a Trinity River Flow Evaluation (TRFE) study be conducted to determine how to rest Close

• 52. [Image] Preparation plan for the Klamath River management plan and environmental impact statement

  	"October 2001"; "This planning effort is being undertaken because the current recreation plan is outdated, almost 20 years old . . . At the conclusion of this planning effort there will be one [Environmental ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Preparation plan for the Klamath River management plan and environmental impact statement Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office Year: 2001, 2005 "October 2001"; "This planning effort is being undertaken because the current recreation plan is outdated, almost 20 years old . . . At the conclusion of this planning effort there will be one [Environmental Impact Statement] and management plan that will guide and coordinate all land management activities along the river. This EIS could amend both the BLM Redding (Califonia) and the Klamath Falls (Oregon) Resource Management Plans."- Introduction.; This document appears to be a planning document to organize the process of completing later documents, including the Draft Upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments (2003) which can be found at http://klamathwaterlib.oit.edu/cgi-bin/viewer.exe?CISOROOT=/WaterLibContent&CISOPTR=110 Title: Preparation plan for the Klamath River management plan and environmental impact statement Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office Year: 2001, 2005 "October 2001"; "This planning effort is being undertaken because the current recreation plan is outdated, almost 20 years old . . . At the conclusion of this planning effort there will be one [Environmental Impact Statement] and management plan that will guide and coordinate all land management activities along the river. This EIS could amend both the BLM Redding (Califonia) and the Klamath Falls (Oregon) Resource Management Plans."- Introduction.; This document appears to be a planning document to organize the process of completing later documents, including the Draft Upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments (2003) which can be found at http://klamathwaterlib.oit.edu/cgi-bin/viewer.exe?CISOROOT=/WaterLibContent&CISOPTR=110 Close

• 53. [Image] Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters

  	Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804"
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters Author: United States. Government Accountability Office Year: 2005, 2006 Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804" Title: Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters Author: United States. Government Accountability Office Year: 2005, 2006 Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804" Close

• 54. [Image] Macroecology, paleoecology, and ecological integrity of terrestrial species and communities of the interior Columbia River basin and northern portions of the Klamath and Great Basins

  	This report presents information on biogeography and broad-scale ecology (macroecology) of selected fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates of the interior Columbia ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Macroecology, paleoecology, and ecological integrity of terrestrial species and communities of the interior Columbia River basin and northern portions of the Klamath and Great Basins Author: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Research Station; U.S.Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Management. Year: 1998, 2006, 2005 This report presents information on biogeography and broad-scale ecology (macroecology) of selected fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates of the interior Columbia River basin and adjacent areas. Rare plants include many endemics associated with local conditions. Potential plant and invertebrate bioindicators are identified. Species ecological functions differ among communities and variously affect ecosystem diversity and productivity. Species of alpine and subalpine communities are identified that may be at risk from climate change. Maps of terrestrial ecological integrity are presented. Keywords: Macroecology, paleoecology, ecological integrity, terrestrial communities, ecosystems, wildlife, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrates, arthropods, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, endemism, interior Columbia River basin, Klamath Basin, Great Basin. Title: Macroecology, paleoecology, and ecological integrity of terrestrial species and communities of the interior Columbia River basin and northern portions of the Klamath and Great Basins Author: U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Research Station; U.S.Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Management. Year: 1998, 2006, 2005 This report presents information on biogeography and broad-scale ecology (macroecology) of selected fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates of the interior Columbia River basin and adjacent areas. Rare plants include many endemics associated with local conditions. Potential plant and invertebrate bioindicators are identified. Species ecological functions differ among communities and variously affect ecosystem diversity and productivity. Species of alpine and subalpine communities are identified that may be at risk from climate change. Maps of terrestrial ecological integrity are presented. Keywords: Macroecology, paleoecology, ecological integrity, terrestrial communities, ecosystems, wildlife, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, invertebrates, arthropods, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, endemism, interior Columbia River basin, Klamath Basin, Great Basin. Close

• 55. [Image] Progress report for investigations on Blue Creek, fiscal year 1992, Blue Creek, California

  	PROGRESS REPORT FOR INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK FT 1992 ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office in Arcata, California, was funded to investigate chinook ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress report for investigations on Blue Creek, fiscal year 1992, Blue Creek, California Author: Chan, Jeffrey R. ; Longenbaugh, Matthew H. Year: 1994, 2005 PROGRESS REPORT FOR INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK FT 1992 ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office in Arcata, California, was funded to investigate chinook salmon roncorhvnchus tshawvtschav spavming use, juvenile salmonid emigration, and characterize stream habitats in Blue Creek, a tributary to' the Klamath River; California. Investigations began in October 1988, with this reporting period covering October 1991 through September 1992. Adult chinook spawner escapement was addressed by surveys of redds, live fish and carcasses, and by radioteleiretry. Spawner numbers were v?ry low, with only 22 redds observed in fall 1991/winter 1992. The peak count of adult Chinook was 97 fish in early November. Radiotelemetry of migrating spawners (n?8) was used to locate remote spawning areas. Emigrating juvenile Chinook salmon, steelhead trout 10. mvkissV/ coho salmon (fi. kisutchl. and coastal cutthroat trout (g. clarltiV were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a rotary screw trap (screw trap). The trapping period extended from April to July for a total of 75 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 10,688 chinook, 1,388 steelhead, 99 coho and 10 cutthroat. Peak Chinook emigration occurred during the week of May 17, which is consistent with the past 3 years of monitoring. A juvenile weir was operated 58 nights, and caught a total of 9,166 chinook, 1,196 steelhead, 127 coho and 1 cutthroat. The index of abundance for emigrating chinook during the 1992 juvenile trapping period was 49,590. Sixty-five percent of the juvenile chinook caught during the trapping season were marked with coded wire tags (n-12,687) and released back into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean water temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 XI and stream flows ranged from 43 to 2178 eft (1.3 to 61.7 m3/?) during the Fiscal Year (FY) 1992 study season. Title: Progress report for investigations on Blue Creek, fiscal year 1992, Blue Creek, California Author: Chan, Jeffrey R. ; Longenbaugh, Matthew H. Year: 1994, 2005 PROGRESS REPORT FOR INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK FT 1992 ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office in Arcata, California, was funded to investigate chinook salmon roncorhvnchus tshawvtschav spavming use, juvenile salmonid emigration, and characterize stream habitats in Blue Creek, a tributary to' the Klamath River; California. Investigations began in October 1988, with this reporting period covering October 1991 through September 1992. Adult chinook spawner escapement was addressed by surveys of redds, live fish and carcasses, and by radioteleiretry. Spawner numbers were v?ry low, with only 22 redds observed in fall 1991/winter 1992. The peak count of adult Chinook was 97 fish in early November. Radiotelemetry of migrating spawners (n?8) was used to locate remote spawning areas. Emigrating juvenile Chinook salmon, steelhead trout 10. mvkissV/ coho salmon (fi. kisutchl. and coastal cutthroat trout (g. clarltiV were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a rotary screw trap (screw trap). The trapping period extended from April to July for a total of 75 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 10,688 chinook, 1,388 steelhead, 99 coho and 10 cutthroat. Peak Chinook emigration occurred during the week of May 17, which is consistent with the past 3 years of monitoring. A juvenile weir was operated 58 nights, and caught a total of 9,166 chinook, 1,196 steelhead, 127 coho and 1 cutthroat. The index of abundance for emigrating chinook during the 1992 juvenile trapping period was 49,590. Sixty-five percent of the juvenile chinook caught during the trapping season were marked with coded wire tags (n-12,687) and released back into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean water temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 XI and stream flows ranged from 43 to 2178 eft (1.3 to 61.7 m3/?) during the Fiscal Year (FY) 1992 study season. Close

• 56. [Image] Biological assessment of the Klamath Project's continuing operations on southern Oregon/Northern California esu coho salmon and critical habitat for southern Oregon/northern California esu coho salmon

  	The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the responsible Federal agency for operation of the Klamath Project (Project). Operation of the Project has been the subject of numerous previous consultations ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biological assessment of the Klamath Project's continuing operations on southern Oregon/Northern California esu coho salmon and critical habitat for southern Oregon/northern California esu coho salmon Year: 2001, 2004 The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the responsible Federal agency for operation of the Klamath Project (Project). Operation of the Project has been the subject of numerous previous consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and one with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Severe drought conditions in 1992 and 1994 and resultant associated shortages in project water supplies coupled with the 1997 listing of the southern Oregon/northern California (SONCC) coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, as threatened in the Klamath River downstream from the Project led to a review of Reclamation 19s operations. This biological assessment (BA) describes the effects on federally-listed species (i.e., coho salmon) and its designated critical habitat from on-going operation of the project based on historic operations, as described in this BA. The biological opinion (BO) addressing this BA and any subsequent BA amendments will be among the information that will inform the development of alternatives of the long-term operations plan and environmental impact statement (EIS). Reclamation is developing a long-term operations plan and EIS for the Project. The preferred alternative for implementation from the long-term operations plan would be the subject of a separate future ESA consultation. This BA describes the needs of anadromous fish with emphasis on SONCC coho salmon. It was developed using the best available scientific and commercial information on anadromous fish in the Klamath River. Coho salmon were listed as threatened on June 6, 1997 (NMFS 1997). The NMFS published a final rule designating critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon in May, 1999 (NMFS 1999a). Designated critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon encompasses accessible reaches of all rivers (including estuarine areas and tributaries) between the Mattole River in California and the Elk River in Oregon. Critical habitat includes all waterways, substrate, and adjacent riparian zones below longstanding, naturally impassable barriers. The areas upstream from Iron Gate Dam (IGD) (river mile 190) were not proposed critical habitat because areas downstream were considered sufficient for the conservation of the species. Reclamation has not evaluated whether the action that is the subject of this BA is consistent with its trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. There are several important scientific reports and analyses (e.g., Phase II flow study) currently not available to Reclamation concerning threatened coho salmon, their habitat, and water quality as it relates to appropriate river flows that may be necessary to operate the Project consistent with the trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. When this additional information becomes available, Reclamation intends to consider it during the development of the Project operations plans and include it in subsequent consultations with NMFS, as appropriate. Title: Biological assessment of the Klamath Project's continuing operations on southern Oregon/Northern California esu coho salmon and critical habitat for southern Oregon/northern California esu coho salmon Year: 2001, 2004 The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is the responsible Federal agency for operation of the Klamath Project (Project). Operation of the Project has been the subject of numerous previous consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and one with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Severe drought conditions in 1992 and 1994 and resultant associated shortages in project water supplies coupled with the 1997 listing of the southern Oregon/northern California (SONCC) coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch, as threatened in the Klamath River downstream from the Project led to a review of Reclamation 19s operations. This biological assessment (BA) describes the effects on federally-listed species (i.e., coho salmon) and its designated critical habitat from on-going operation of the project based on historic operations, as described in this BA. The biological opinion (BO) addressing this BA and any subsequent BA amendments will be among the information that will inform the development of alternatives of the long-term operations plan and environmental impact statement (EIS). Reclamation is developing a long-term operations plan and EIS for the Project. The preferred alternative for implementation from the long-term operations plan would be the subject of a separate future ESA consultation. This BA describes the needs of anadromous fish with emphasis on SONCC coho salmon. It was developed using the best available scientific and commercial information on anadromous fish in the Klamath River. Coho salmon were listed as threatened on June 6, 1997 (NMFS 1997). The NMFS published a final rule designating critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon in May, 1999 (NMFS 1999a). Designated critical habitat for SONCC coho salmon encompasses accessible reaches of all rivers (including estuarine areas and tributaries) between the Mattole River in California and the Elk River in Oregon. Critical habitat includes all waterways, substrate, and adjacent riparian zones below longstanding, naturally impassable barriers. The areas upstream from Iron Gate Dam (IGD) (river mile 190) were not proposed critical habitat because areas downstream were considered sufficient for the conservation of the species. Reclamation has not evaluated whether the action that is the subject of this BA is consistent with its trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. There are several important scientific reports and analyses (e.g., Phase II flow study) currently not available to Reclamation concerning threatened coho salmon, their habitat, and water quality as it relates to appropriate river flows that may be necessary to operate the Project consistent with the trust responsibility to Klamath Basin Indian Tribes. When this additional information becomes available, Reclamation intends to consider it during the development of the Project operations plans and include it in subsequent consultations with NMFS, as appropriate. Close

• 57. [Article] The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries

  The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources for their livelihood; and their welfare is dependent upon the maintenance of the salmon runs. It is to the special interest of these people that the salmon supply be maintained at the level of maximum productivity and, indirectly, it is to the interest of all the citizens of these states that this be done. In recent years it has become increasingly evident that these resources, taken as. a whole, are decreasing in productivity and it has been frequently pointed out that this decrease is due primarily to the operation of two factors-- a very intensive fishery and a reduction in spawning and rearing areas due to the utilization of the water resources of the Columbia basin for other purposes. These influences, however, have affected the several species of salmon that are found in the Columbia River quite differently; the more valuable species, Chinooks and bluebacks, showing more evidence of depletion than do the other species, silver salmon, chums and steelhead. Title: The future of the Columbia River salmon fisheries Author: Oregon. Fish Commission, Rich, Willis H. (Willis Horton), 1885-1972 The salmon runs of the Columbia River constitute one of the most important natural resources of the states of Oregon and Washington. Thousands of people are dependent, wholly or in part, upon these resources for their livelihood; and their welfare is dependent upon the maintenance of the salmon runs. It is to the special interest of these people that the salmon supply be maintained at the level of maximum productivity and, indirectly, it is to the interest of all the citizens of these states that this be done. In recent years it has become increasingly evident that these resources, taken as. a whole, are decreasing in productivity and it has been frequently pointed out that this decrease is due primarily to the operation of two factors-- a very intensive fishery and a reduction in spawning and rearing areas due to the utilization of the water resources of the Columbia basin for other purposes. These influences, however, have affected the several species of salmon that are found in the Columbia River quite differently; the more valuable species, Chinooks and bluebacks, showing more evidence of depletion than do the other species, silver salmon, chums and steelhead. Close

• 58. [Article] Fish Inves 1947 pt 1.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Inves 1947 pt 1.pdf Author: Oregon. State Game Commission Title: Fish Inves 1947 pt 1.pdf Author: Oregon. State Game Commission Close

• 59. [Article] Fish Invest 1946 pt 2.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Invest 1946 pt 2.pdf Author: Oregon. State Game Commission Title: Fish Invest 1946 pt 2.pdf Author: Oregon. State Game Commission Close

• 60. [Article] Using Archaeological Fish Remains to Determine the Native Status of Anadromous Salmonids in the Upper Klamath Basin (Oregon, USA) Through mtDNA and Geochemical Analysis

  Within the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon, the native status of anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) has been a long standing question. Ongoing efforts to establish if these fish were native to the region ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Using Archaeological Fish Remains to Determine the Native Status of Anadromous Salmonids in the Upper Klamath Basin (Oregon, USA) Through mtDNA and Geochemical Analysis Author: Stevenson, Alexander E. Year: 2011 Within the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon, the native status of anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) has been a long standing question. Ongoing efforts to establish if these fish were native to the region prior to the construction of the Copco I Dam on the Klamath River (c.1917) have relied on sparse, contradictory and sometimes unreliable historic documentation and informant testimony. Current restoration projects with very high financial and social costs necessitate accurate and reliable data on salmonid species which once called the region home. Often, archaeolofaunal remains present a novel way to determine species present in an area prior to major habitat losses. This project analyzed fish remains from five previously excavated archaeological sites within the Upper Klamath Basin to determine which salmonid species were present prior to dam construction. A total of 5,859 fish remains were identified to at least taxonomic order using morphological distinctions. Site collections were dominated by those of catostomids (suckers) and cyprinids (minnows). Archaeological deposits at these sites dated as far back as approximately 7,500 BP but were primarily from the last 2,000 years. Only eighty-one salmonid remains were observed within the sites included in this project. The low frequency of salmonid remains in these sites may be the result of cultural and/or natural processes such as density mediated attrition and archaeological sampling. Of these 81 specimens, 38 were subjected to mtDNA analysis for species identification. Seven specimens did not yield DNA sufficient for species identification, six specimens were identified as O. tshawytscha (Chinook) and the remaining 25 specimens were identified as O. mykiss (steelhead or redband trout). Geochemical analysis was used to determine the life history of the fish represented by the remains within these collections. Strontium Calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios were measured on twenty-eight specimens. Three specimens were determined to be from freshwater resident fish and 25 were determined to be from anadromous fish. The specimens which were genetically identified as O. tshawytscha were all determined to be anadromous. Of the 18 specimens which were identified as O. mykiss and were subjected to geochemical analysis two were from freshwater resident fish and sixteen were from anadromous fish. Four samples were not characterized genetically but were subjected to geochemical analysis; three of these were determined to be from anadromous fish and one from a freshwater resident fish. Thus, the remains of anadromous O. mykiss and O. tshawytscha were identified in archaeological deposits predating construction of the Copco I dam in the Upper Klamath Basin While the genetic and geochemical analyses confirm the presence of skeletal remains from anadromous salmonids in the Upper Klamath Basin archaeological sites prior to dam construction these remains may, represent fish caught elsewhere and traded in. Two hypotheses address the introduction of these fish remains into pre-dam archaeological deposits, either they were traded/transported in from elsewhere (Trade/Transport Hypothesis) or they were caught locally (Local Catch Hypothesis). Expectations linked to each of these hypotheses were generated using ethnographic information from across the Pacific Northwest, including modern testimony from the Klamath Basin. Fish heads were often removed soon after capture in order to reduce spoilage of the rest of the fish. Thus, assemblages with many head parts are probably the result of local catch while those without head parts are probably the result of trade and/or transport. Two approaches were used to estimate the extent to which fish heads were deposited in sites. Basic proportions of cranial to post cranial remains from two sites provided a varied picture and did not readily support either the Local Catch or Trade/Transport hypotheses. Evaluation using scaled proportions based on frequency of skeletal elements within the body (Minimum Animal Units) show that four of the five assemblages were dominated by cranial remains and therefore suggest these fish were locally caught. Small samples sizes make it difficult to rigorously evaluate the hypotheses, though the dominance of cranial remains suggests salmonids were taken locally. Together these data indicate that anadromous O. tshawytscha and O. mykiss were taken from waters within the Upper Klamath Basin prior to the construction of Copco I. This study has provided accurate and reliable data, using a novel approach, on which restoration efforts in the region can rely for proper species reintroduction and habitat restoration efforts. Title: Using Archaeological Fish Remains to Determine the Native Status of Anadromous Salmonids in the Upper Klamath Basin (Oregon, USA) Through mtDNA and Geochemical Analysis Author: Stevenson, Alexander E. Year: 2011 Within the Upper Klamath Basin, Oregon, the native status of anadromous salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) has been a long standing question. Ongoing efforts to establish if these fish were native to the region prior to the construction of the Copco I Dam on the Klamath River (c.1917) have relied on sparse, contradictory and sometimes unreliable historic documentation and informant testimony. Current restoration projects with very high financial and social costs necessitate accurate and reliable data on salmonid species which once called the region home. Often, archaeolofaunal remains present a novel way to determine species present in an area prior to major habitat losses. This project analyzed fish remains from five previously excavated archaeological sites within the Upper Klamath Basin to determine which salmonid species were present prior to dam construction. A total of 5,859 fish remains were identified to at least taxonomic order using morphological distinctions. Site collections were dominated by those of catostomids (suckers) and cyprinids (minnows). Archaeological deposits at these sites dated as far back as approximately 7,500 BP but were primarily from the last 2,000 years. Only eighty-one salmonid remains were observed within the sites included in this project. The low frequency of salmonid remains in these sites may be the result of cultural and/or natural processes such as density mediated attrition and archaeological sampling. Of these 81 specimens, 38 were subjected to mtDNA analysis for species identification. Seven specimens did not yield DNA sufficient for species identification, six specimens were identified as O. tshawytscha (Chinook) and the remaining 25 specimens were identified as O. mykiss (steelhead or redband trout). Geochemical analysis was used to determine the life history of the fish represented by the remains within these collections. Strontium Calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios were measured on twenty-eight specimens. Three specimens were determined to be from freshwater resident fish and 25 were determined to be from anadromous fish. The specimens which were genetically identified as O. tshawytscha were all determined to be anadromous. Of the 18 specimens which were identified as O. mykiss and were subjected to geochemical analysis two were from freshwater resident fish and sixteen were from anadromous fish. Four samples were not characterized genetically but were subjected to geochemical analysis; three of these were determined to be from anadromous fish and one from a freshwater resident fish. Thus, the remains of anadromous O. mykiss and O. tshawytscha were identified in archaeological deposits predating construction of the Copco I dam in the Upper Klamath Basin While the genetic and geochemical analyses confirm the presence of skeletal remains from anadromous salmonids in the Upper Klamath Basin archaeological sites prior to dam construction these remains may, represent fish caught elsewhere and traded in. Two hypotheses address the introduction of these fish remains into pre-dam archaeological deposits, either they were traded/transported in from elsewhere (Trade/Transport Hypothesis) or they were caught locally (Local Catch Hypothesis). Expectations linked to each of these hypotheses were generated using ethnographic information from across the Pacific Northwest, including modern testimony from the Klamath Basin. Fish heads were often removed soon after capture in order to reduce spoilage of the rest of the fish. Thus, assemblages with many head parts are probably the result of local catch while those without head parts are probably the result of trade and/or transport. Two approaches were used to estimate the extent to which fish heads were deposited in sites. Basic proportions of cranial to post cranial remains from two sites provided a varied picture and did not readily support either the Local Catch or Trade/Transport hypotheses. Evaluation using scaled proportions based on frequency of skeletal elements within the body (Minimum Animal Units) show that four of the five assemblages were dominated by cranial remains and therefore suggest these fish were locally caught. Small samples sizes make it difficult to rigorously evaluate the hypotheses, though the dominance of cranial remains suggests salmonids were taken locally. Together these data indicate that anadromous O. tshawytscha and O. mykiss were taken from waters within the Upper Klamath Basin prior to the construction of Copco I. This study has provided accurate and reliable data, using a novel approach, on which restoration efforts in the region can rely for proper species reintroduction and habitat restoration efforts. Close