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• 1361. [Article] Distribution and movements of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin

  Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin and other large river systems in western Alaska have declined dramatically since the late 1990s. This continuing trend has ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution and movements of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin Author: Eiler, John H. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin and other large river systems in western Alaska have declined dramatically since the late 1990s. This continuing trend has raised concerns over the future status of the returns, and severely impacted commercial and subsistence fisheries within the drainage. Management is further complicated by the mixed-stock composition of the run, the presence of other temporally similar salmon species, and the need to equitably allocate harvests between the numerous fisheries and user groups scattered throughout the basin. Detailed information is needed on Chinook salmon run characteristics to better understand and manage the returns, and facilitate conservation efforts. However, this goal is exacerbated by the massive size and remote nature of the basin, the large number of highly mobile fish, and the compressed timing of the run. To address these challenges, radio telemetry was used to determine the stock composition and spawning distribution of the returns, and the migratory characteristics of the fish. The migratory patterns exhibited by returning salmon provide a number of insights into the status of the run. Since the Yukon River is essentially free-flowing (i.e., not regulated), this study also presented an opportunity to document the distribution and upriver movements of large returns of wild Chinook salmon under natural conditions. During 2002-2004, returning adult Chinook salmon were captured in the lower Yukon River (approximately 300 km upriver from the river mouth), tagged with radio transmitters, and tracked upriver using remote tracking stations located on important migratory routes and major spawning tributaries. Aerial tracking surveys were used to locate fish in spawning areas and between stations. The fish responded well to the capture and handling procedures, with most (2,790, 98%) resuming upriver movements. Although the fish initially displayed a negative tagging response, with slower migration rates observed immediately after release, the duration of this response was relatively short (several days) and less severe as the fish moved upriver. Independent measures indicated that the swimming speeds and timing of the fish upriver from the tagging area were comparable to untagged fish, suggesting that the tagging methods used were relatively benign. Fish returned to spawning areas throughout the basin, ranging from several hundred to over 3,000 km from the tagging area. Distribution patterns were similar across years, suggesting that the principal components of the run were identified. Most spawning fish were clustered in a number of key tributaries, with smaller numbers of fish located in other spatially isolated areas. The fish typically returned to clear water tributaries that were relatively entrenched, had moderate gradients, and were associated with upland areas. Fish were largely absent in lowland reaches characterized by meandering, low gradient, highly alluvial channels often associated with main river floodplains. There was suggestive evidence of mainstem spawning in reaches of the Upper Yukon. The status of fish remaining in other mainstem areas was less certain, and may represent local spawning activity or fish that died while in-transit to upriver areas. Although Chinook salmon spawned throughout the basin, the run was dominated by two regional components (Tanana and Upper Yukon), which annually comprised over 70% of the return. Substantially fewer fish returned to other areas ranging from 2-9% of the return, although the collective contribution of these stocks was appreciable. Most regional returns consisted of several principal stocks and a number of small, spatially isolated populations. Regional and stock composition estimates were similar across years even though differences in run abundance were reported, suggesting that these abundance differences were not related to regional or stock-specific differences. Run timing was relatively compressed compared to rivers in the southern portion of the range, with most stocks passing through the lower river over a 6-week period, ranging from 16 to 38 d. Run timing was generally earlier for stocks traveling farther upriver, although exceptions were noted. Lower basin stocks were primarily later run fish. Pronounced differences were observed in the migration rates (km/d) exhibited by regional stocks. Substantially slower swimming speeds were observed for fish returning to terminal tributaries in the lower basin ranging from 28-40 km/d compared to 52-62 km/d for upper basin stocks. The migratory patterns (migration rates in sequential reaches) of the fish also showed distinct regional differences. Average migration rates through the lower river were remarkably similar for the different stocks, ranging from 57-62 km/d, with most stocks exhibiting a general decline as the fish moved farther upriver. Tanana River stocks displayed a pronounced reduction in swimming speed after leaving the Yukon River main stem, with migration rates declining to 24 km/d on average as the fish approached their terminal tributaries. Conversely, upper basin stocks exhibited a relatively gradual (but variable) overall decline in migration rate even though these fish were traveling substantially greater distances upriver. Average migration rates for upper basin stocks ranged from 43-61 km/d as the fish approached their terminal tributaries. There was substantial variation in the migratory patterns exhibited by individual fish, although these patterns tended to be similar to the patterns exhibited by the regional stocks, particularly as the fish moved farther upriver from the tagging area. The dominant source of variation among fish reflected the average migration rate, with individual fish traveling slower in the lower basin exhibiting consistently slower migration rates as they moved upriver compared to their faster moving counterparts. This migratory pattern was consistent across stocks, and on average explained 74% of the within-stock variation in migration rate represented by the multivariate data. The second source of variation in migration rate reflected a shift in the relative swimming speeds of the individual fish as they progressed upriver. Although movement rates declined for nearly all of the fish during the migration, differences were observed in the pattern of the decline. Fish with faster migration rates in the lower river exhibited a pronounced decline in swimming speed as they moved upriver, whereas fish moving slower in the lower river displayed a more gradual decline in migration rate. On average, this migratory pattern explained 22% of the within-stock variation in migration rate represented by the multivariate data. Most fish (98%) exhibited continuous upriver movements and strong fidelity to the rivers they entered. However a small number of fish (n = 66) deviated from this pattern. Some of these individuals initially passed their final destination and continued upriver for varying distances before reversing direction, swimming back downstream, and entering their terminal tributary. Although most of these excursions were relatively short (< 30 km), there were several instances where fish traveled hundreds of kilometers out of their way. Thirty-four fish tracked to terminal tributaries subsequently left these rivers, and traveled to other terminal tributaries within the basin (n = 31) or were harvested in upriver fisheries (n = 3). Although most of these incidents involved nearby tributaries, major diversions were also observed, with several fish traveling over 300 km to natal rivers after leaving the initial tributary. Chinook salmon returns to the Yukon River typically consisted of a series of distinct and sizable increases in the number fish entering the river over the course of the run, commonly referred to as pulses. A large number of fish (n = 251) were radio tagged over a 4-day period during a pulse in 2003 to provide information on the progression of the pulse as it moved upriver. The time taken by the pulse to move past subsequent upriver locations increased as the fish moved farther upriver from the tagging area, with the fish passing sites located 580 and 800 km upriver over a span of 14 and 21 d, respectively. Although not surprising considering the extensive variation in migration rates observed among individual fish, this finding does suggest that these pulses do not represent cohesive aggregates of fish moving upriver. Unlike the well established methods used to estimate other life history characteristics, the development of quantitative methods for analyzing and modeling fish movements has lagged noticeably behind, due in part to the complexity associated with movement data and (prior to the advent of telemetry) the difficulty of collecting this type of information on free-ranging individuals. Two fundamentally different analytical approaches, hierarchical linear regression models and multivariate ordination, were used during this study to evaluate factors thought to influence the upriver movements of the fish. In spite of the inherent differences, both methods provided strikingly similar results, indicating that the study findings were not dependent on the approach used, and suggesting that the results were plausible based on the information available and the weight of evidence. Both analytical methods had advantages, and provided complementary information. With hierarchical linear models, it was possible to simultaneously evaluate a wide range of explanatory variables (in our case, both biological and environmental), which provided standardized comparisons and simplified the interpretation of the results. Since both fixed and random effects were incorporated in the models, it was possible to account for sources of variation when insufficient information was available to identify the underlining factors – an important consideration since few field studies provide comprehensive data. With multivariate ordination, separate analyzes were needed to examine the relationships between the migration rates and the biotic and physical variables. In addition to being cumbersome, this limitation made it more difficult to compare the relative influence of the different factors and interactions between factors. However, ordination was very useful as an exploratory tool. Although compartmentalized by stock, across fish comparisons were simple and relatively straightforward. Because the explanatory variables were evaluated separately in relation to the ordination score assigned to the fish, it was possible to examine and compare highly correlated variables. Ordination was also able to identify overall patterns within the data and assess the relative importance. While this can be accomplished within the framework of linear regression using mixture models to determine whether multiple distributions exist within the data, the process is much simpler with ordination. The migratory patterns of the fish were influenced by a wide range of factors, with evidentiary support for complex, multi-faceted relationships. Physical features of the basin demonstrated stronger explanatory power, accounting for over 70% of the observed variation in migration rate compared to 18% for the biological characteristics of the fish. Parameter estimates associated with the steepness of the migratory route and remaining distance the fish had to travel to reach their natal rivers were most strongly correlated with migration rate, with consistent relationships observed across stocks. Migration rates were also noticeably slower in extensively braided reaches of the basin. The weaker relationships between migration rate and biotic factors may reflect stabilizing selection on long-distance migrants. Smaller fish exhibited minimally faster swimming speeds on average than larger individuals. This relationship was stronger in highly braided reaches. Run timing was positively related to migration rate for most stocks. Surprisingly, upper basin stocks traveling farther upriver displayed progressively negative relationships, suggesting that late-run fish were moving slower. Ancillary information suggests that this decline may relate to deteriorating fish condition later in the season. Title: Distribution and movements of Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin Author: Eiler, John H. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, returning to the Yukon River basin and other large river systems in western Alaska have declined dramatically since the late 1990s. This continuing trend has raised concerns over the future status of the returns, and severely impacted commercial and subsistence fisheries within the drainage. Management is further complicated by the mixed-stock composition of the run, the presence of other temporally similar salmon species, and the need to equitably allocate harvests between the numerous fisheries and user groups scattered throughout the basin. Detailed information is needed on Chinook salmon run characteristics to better understand and manage the returns, and facilitate conservation efforts. However, this goal is exacerbated by the massive size and remote nature of the basin, the large number of highly mobile fish, and the compressed timing of the run. To address these challenges, radio telemetry was used to determine the stock composition and spawning distribution of the returns, and the migratory characteristics of the fish. The migratory patterns exhibited by returning salmon provide a number of insights into the status of the run. Since the Yukon River is essentially free-flowing (i.e., not regulated), this study also presented an opportunity to document the distribution and upriver movements of large returns of wild Chinook salmon under natural conditions. During 2002-2004, returning adult Chinook salmon were captured in the lower Yukon River (approximately 300 km upriver from the river mouth), tagged with radio transmitters, and tracked upriver using remote tracking stations located on important migratory routes and major spawning tributaries. Aerial tracking surveys were used to locate fish in spawning areas and between stations. The fish responded well to the capture and handling procedures, with most (2,790, 98%) resuming upriver movements. Although the fish initially displayed a negative tagging response, with slower migration rates observed immediately after release, the duration of this response was relatively short (several days) and less severe as the fish moved upriver. Independent measures indicated that the swimming speeds and timing of the fish upriver from the tagging area were comparable to untagged fish, suggesting that the tagging methods used were relatively benign. Fish returned to spawning areas throughout the basin, ranging from several hundred to over 3,000 km from the tagging area. Distribution patterns were similar across years, suggesting that the principal components of the run were identified. Most spawning fish were clustered in a number of key tributaries, with smaller numbers of fish located in other spatially isolated areas. The fish typically returned to clear water tributaries that were relatively entrenched, had moderate gradients, and were associated with upland areas. Fish were largely absent in lowland reaches characterized by meandering, low gradient, highly alluvial channels often associated with main river floodplains. There was suggestive evidence of mainstem spawning in reaches of the Upper Yukon. The status of fish remaining in other mainstem areas was less certain, and may represent local spawning activity or fish that died while in-transit to upriver areas. Although Chinook salmon spawned throughout the basin, the run was dominated by two regional components (Tanana and Upper Yukon), which annually comprised over 70% of the return. Substantially fewer fish returned to other areas ranging from 2-9% of the return, although the collective contribution of these stocks was appreciable. Most regional returns consisted of several principal stocks and a number of small, spatially isolated populations. Regional and stock composition estimates were similar across years even though differences in run abundance were reported, suggesting that these abundance differences were not related to regional or stock-specific differences. Run timing was relatively compressed compared to rivers in the southern portion of the range, with most stocks passing through the lower river over a 6-week period, ranging from 16 to 38 d. Run timing was generally earlier for stocks traveling farther upriver, although exceptions were noted. Lower basin stocks were primarily later run fish. Pronounced differences were observed in the migration rates (km/d) exhibited by regional stocks. Substantially slower swimming speeds were observed for fish returning to terminal tributaries in the lower basin ranging from 28-40 km/d compared to 52-62 km/d for upper basin stocks. The migratory patterns (migration rates in sequential reaches) of the fish also showed distinct regional differences. Average migration rates through the lower river were remarkably similar for the different stocks, ranging from 57-62 km/d, with most stocks exhibiting a general decline as the fish moved farther upriver. Tanana River stocks displayed a pronounced reduction in swimming speed after leaving the Yukon River main stem, with migration rates declining to 24 km/d on average as the fish approached their terminal tributaries. Conversely, upper basin stocks exhibited a relatively gradual (but variable) overall decline in migration rate even though these fish were traveling substantially greater distances upriver. Average migration rates for upper basin stocks ranged from 43-61 km/d as the fish approached their terminal tributaries. There was substantial variation in the migratory patterns exhibited by individual fish, although these patterns tended to be similar to the patterns exhibited by the regional stocks, particularly as the fish moved farther upriver from the tagging area. The dominant source of variation among fish reflected the average migration rate, with individual fish traveling slower in the lower basin exhibiting consistently slower migration rates as they moved upriver compared to their faster moving counterparts. This migratory pattern was consistent across stocks, and on average explained 74% of the within-stock variation in migration rate represented by the multivariate data. The second source of variation in migration rate reflected a shift in the relative swimming speeds of the individual fish as they progressed upriver. Although movement rates declined for nearly all of the fish during the migration, differences were observed in the pattern of the decline. Fish with faster migration rates in the lower river exhibited a pronounced decline in swimming speed as they moved upriver, whereas fish moving slower in the lower river displayed a more gradual decline in migration rate. On average, this migratory pattern explained 22% of the within-stock variation in migration rate represented by the multivariate data. Most fish (98%) exhibited continuous upriver movements and strong fidelity to the rivers they entered. However a small number of fish (n = 66) deviated from this pattern. Some of these individuals initially passed their final destination and continued upriver for varying distances before reversing direction, swimming back downstream, and entering their terminal tributary. Although most of these excursions were relatively short (< 30 km), there were several instances where fish traveled hundreds of kilometers out of their way. Thirty-four fish tracked to terminal tributaries subsequently left these rivers, and traveled to other terminal tributaries within the basin (n = 31) or were harvested in upriver fisheries (n = 3). Although most of these incidents involved nearby tributaries, major diversions were also observed, with several fish traveling over 300 km to natal rivers after leaving the initial tributary. Chinook salmon returns to the Yukon River typically consisted of a series of distinct and sizable increases in the number fish entering the river over the course of the run, commonly referred to as pulses. A large number of fish (n = 251) were radio tagged over a 4-day period during a pulse in 2003 to provide information on the progression of the pulse as it moved upriver. The time taken by the pulse to move past subsequent upriver locations increased as the fish moved farther upriver from the tagging area, with the fish passing sites located 580 and 800 km upriver over a span of 14 and 21 d, respectively. Although not surprising considering the extensive variation in migration rates observed among individual fish, this finding does suggest that these pulses do not represent cohesive aggregates of fish moving upriver. Unlike the well established methods used to estimate other life history characteristics, the development of quantitative methods for analyzing and modeling fish movements has lagged noticeably behind, due in part to the complexity associated with movement data and (prior to the advent of telemetry) the difficulty of collecting this type of information on free-ranging individuals. Two fundamentally different analytical approaches, hierarchical linear regression models and multivariate ordination, were used during this study to evaluate factors thought to influence the upriver movements of the fish. In spite of the inherent differences, both methods provided strikingly similar results, indicating that the study findings were not dependent on the approach used, and suggesting that the results were plausible based on the information available and the weight of evidence. Both analytical methods had advantages, and provided complementary information. With hierarchical linear models, it was possible to simultaneously evaluate a wide range of explanatory variables (in our case, both biological and environmental), which provided standardized comparisons and simplified the interpretation of the results. Since both fixed and random effects were incorporated in the models, it was possible to account for sources of variation when insufficient information was available to identify the underlining factors – an important consideration since few field studies provide comprehensive data. With multivariate ordination, separate analyzes were needed to examine the relationships between the migration rates and the biotic and physical variables. In addition to being cumbersome, this limitation made it more difficult to compare the relative influence of the different factors and interactions between factors. However, ordination was very useful as an exploratory tool. Although compartmentalized by stock, across fish comparisons were simple and relatively straightforward. Because the explanatory variables were evaluated separately in relation to the ordination score assigned to the fish, it was possible to examine and compare highly correlated variables. Ordination was also able to identify overall patterns within the data and assess the relative importance. While this can be accomplished within the framework of linear regression using mixture models to determine whether multiple distributions exist within the data, the process is much simpler with ordination. The migratory patterns of the fish were influenced by a wide range of factors, with evidentiary support for complex, multi-faceted relationships. Physical features of the basin demonstrated stronger explanatory power, accounting for over 70% of the observed variation in migration rate compared to 18% for the biological characteristics of the fish. Parameter estimates associated with the steepness of the migratory route and remaining distance the fish had to travel to reach their natal rivers were most strongly correlated with migration rate, with consistent relationships observed across stocks. Migration rates were also noticeably slower in extensively braided reaches of the basin. The weaker relationships between migration rate and biotic factors may reflect stabilizing selection on long-distance migrants. Smaller fish exhibited minimally faster swimming speeds on average than larger individuals. This relationship was stronger in highly braided reaches. Run timing was positively related to migration rate for most stocks. Surprisingly, upper basin stocks traveling farther upriver displayed progressively negative relationships, suggesting that late-run fish were moving slower. Ancillary information suggests that this decline may relate to deteriorating fish condition later in the season. Close

• 1362. [Article] Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02

  Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02 Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., Goose Lake lamprey Entosphenus sp., Goose Lake tui chub Siphateles bicolor thalassinus, Goose Lake sucker Catostomus occidentalis lacusanserinus, Modoc sucker Catostomus microps, Pit-Klamath brook lamprey Entosphenus lethophagus, speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus, Pit roach Lavinia symmetricus mitrulus, and Pit sculpin Cottus pitensis. The Goose Lake basin is an endorheic, or topographically closed basin located in south central Oregon and northeastern California. The basin is within the usually closed northeastern extremity of the adjoining Sacramento River basin, astride the Oregon-California boundary. Although most of the lake lies in California, most of its valley and nearly two-thirds of the total drainage area (~722 sq. mi.) are in Oregon. The largest streams in the basin are Drews, Cottonwood, and Thomas Creeks. Annual precipitation averages about 36 cm per year (Phillips and van Denburgh 1971). Goose Lake overflowed briefly into the North Fork Pit River in 1868 and 1881, but storage and diversion of irrigation water has substantially reduced the inflow and future overflow is unlikely (USGS 1971). The lakebed was dry in the summers of 1926, 1929- 1934, and 1992. About half the basin is forestland, 20% is hay fields and pastureland, and 16% is shrub and rangeland. Currently, almost 35% of the inflow is diverted for irrigation (OWRD 1989). The Goose Lake basin is home to four endemic fish taxa: the Goose Lake redband trout, lamprey, sucker, and tui chub. Endemic fishes of the Goose Lake basin split their life histories between Goose Lake and its tributaries, as opposed to the five native but non-endemic species that primarily occupy stream habitats. Pit roach and all endemic fishes except Goose Lake tui chub are listed as a “species of concern” by the USFWS, a designation that implies there is concern about species viability, but not enough information is known to initiate a listing review for threatened or endangered status. The Modoc sucker was listed as a federally endangered species in 1985 (USFWS 1985). No formal recovery plan was required due to an existing “Action Plan for the Recovery of the Modoc Sucker” (USFWS 1984). Most of the recovery actions outlined in the action plan were either completed or are no longer relevant (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication). However, actions 26 and 27 pertaining to range expansion remain incomplete. Action 26 suggests reclassification to threatened upon establishment of safe populations (for 3-5 years) throughout the Rush and Turner Creek watersheds in the Pit River basin. Action 27 suggests delisting upon establishing safe populations in two other historic streams. At the time of listing, the historic range of Modoc sucker was thought to have included only two small tributaries of the Pit River in Modoc and Lassen Counties, Ash and Turner Creeks (USFWS 1985). Therefore, a major recovery goal was to expand the species’ range with additional populations (USFWS 1984). In 2001, reexamination of historical documents and museum specimens established that Modoc suckers had also historically occupied Thomas Creek in the Goose Lake basin. Field collections in 2001, with subsequent morphological and genetic analysis, confirmed that the population was still present in Thomas Creek (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication); however, the broader range of Modoc sucker in the Goose Lake watershed was not known. In 1995, the Goose Lake Fishes Working Group drafted a conservation plan for “prelisting” recovery of all native fish in response to severe drought and habitat degradation (GLFWG 1995). The Aquatic Inventories Project of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) conducted habitat and fish distribution surveys (1991-1995) to obtain baseline information to help inform recovery efforts (ODFW, unpublished data). Since then, field work to monitor the distribution and abundance of Goose Lake fishes has been limited and sporadic, targeting only Goose Lake redband trout and Modoc sucker (Dambacher 2001; Reid 2007). No comprehensive follow up work has been conducted to evaluate fish response to climatic conditions, habitat restoration projects, and continued irrigation activities. ODFW recently drafted a status review of native fish of Oregon (ODFW 2005). Except for redband trout, Goose Lake fishes were not included in the status review due to a lack of new information since the previous status review in 1995 (Kostow et al. 1995). Further, the review of Goose Lake redband trout was limited by a lack of long-term data series. The first objective of this study was to document the current distribution of native fishes in Oregon’s portion of the Goose Lake basin and assess changes in distribution that may have occurred since the last surveys were conducted 12 years ago. The second objective was to provide new information about the distribution of Modoc suckers within the basin. The third objective was to determine relative abundance and age-class diversity of native fishes at randomly selected sample sites. All objectives were addressed throughout the potential riverine distribution of fish in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin. Information gathered in this study is critical to effective conservation and management of each species and its habitat. In addition, this report describes the distribution and relative abundance of nonnative fishes (fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)) in the basin. Unlike prior efforts, this study used a statisticallybased design to select sample points with the aim of achieving a representative sample across the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake watershed. Additionally, a wide array of fish sampling gear was employed to maximize our ability to capture all fish species present across the diversity of habitat types encountered. Title: Status and Distribution of Native Fishes in the Goose Lake Basin Information Reports number 2008-02 Abstract -- This study describes the current distribution of the nine native fish species in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin (Lake County): Goose Lake redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss ssp., Goose Lake lamprey Entosphenus sp., Goose Lake tui chub Siphateles bicolor thalassinus, Goose Lake sucker Catostomus occidentalis lacusanserinus, Modoc sucker Catostomus microps, Pit-Klamath brook lamprey Entosphenus lethophagus, speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus, Pit roach Lavinia symmetricus mitrulus, and Pit sculpin Cottus pitensis. The Goose Lake basin is an endorheic, or topographically closed basin located in south central Oregon and northeastern California. The basin is within the usually closed northeastern extremity of the adjoining Sacramento River basin, astride the Oregon-California boundary. Although most of the lake lies in California, most of its valley and nearly two-thirds of the total drainage area (~722 sq. mi.) are in Oregon. The largest streams in the basin are Drews, Cottonwood, and Thomas Creeks. Annual precipitation averages about 36 cm per year (Phillips and van Denburgh 1971). Goose Lake overflowed briefly into the North Fork Pit River in 1868 and 1881, but storage and diversion of irrigation water has substantially reduced the inflow and future overflow is unlikely (USGS 1971). The lakebed was dry in the summers of 1926, 1929- 1934, and 1992. About half the basin is forestland, 20% is hay fields and pastureland, and 16% is shrub and rangeland. Currently, almost 35% of the inflow is diverted for irrigation (OWRD 1989). The Goose Lake basin is home to four endemic fish taxa: the Goose Lake redband trout, lamprey, sucker, and tui chub. Endemic fishes of the Goose Lake basin split their life histories between Goose Lake and its tributaries, as opposed to the five native but non-endemic species that primarily occupy stream habitats. Pit roach and all endemic fishes except Goose Lake tui chub are listed as a “species of concern” by the USFWS, a designation that implies there is concern about species viability, but not enough information is known to initiate a listing review for threatened or endangered status. The Modoc sucker was listed as a federally endangered species in 1985 (USFWS 1985). No formal recovery plan was required due to an existing “Action Plan for the Recovery of the Modoc Sucker” (USFWS 1984). Most of the recovery actions outlined in the action plan were either completed or are no longer relevant (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication). However, actions 26 and 27 pertaining to range expansion remain incomplete. Action 26 suggests reclassification to threatened upon establishment of safe populations (for 3-5 years) throughout the Rush and Turner Creek watersheds in the Pit River basin. Action 27 suggests delisting upon establishing safe populations in two other historic streams. At the time of listing, the historic range of Modoc sucker was thought to have included only two small tributaries of the Pit River in Modoc and Lassen Counties, Ash and Turner Creeks (USFWS 1985). Therefore, a major recovery goal was to expand the species’ range with additional populations (USFWS 1984). In 2001, reexamination of historical documents and museum specimens established that Modoc suckers had also historically occupied Thomas Creek in the Goose Lake basin. Field collections in 2001, with subsequent morphological and genetic analysis, confirmed that the population was still present in Thomas Creek (Stewart Reid, Western Fishes, personal communication); however, the broader range of Modoc sucker in the Goose Lake watershed was not known. In 1995, the Goose Lake Fishes Working Group drafted a conservation plan for “prelisting” recovery of all native fish in response to severe drought and habitat degradation (GLFWG 1995). The Aquatic Inventories Project of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) conducted habitat and fish distribution surveys (1991-1995) to obtain baseline information to help inform recovery efforts (ODFW, unpublished data). Since then, field work to monitor the distribution and abundance of Goose Lake fishes has been limited and sporadic, targeting only Goose Lake redband trout and Modoc sucker (Dambacher 2001; Reid 2007). No comprehensive follow up work has been conducted to evaluate fish response to climatic conditions, habitat restoration projects, and continued irrigation activities. ODFW recently drafted a status review of native fish of Oregon (ODFW 2005). Except for redband trout, Goose Lake fishes were not included in the status review due to a lack of new information since the previous status review in 1995 (Kostow et al. 1995). Further, the review of Goose Lake redband trout was limited by a lack of long-term data series. The first objective of this study was to document the current distribution of native fishes in Oregon’s portion of the Goose Lake basin and assess changes in distribution that may have occurred since the last surveys were conducted 12 years ago. The second objective was to provide new information about the distribution of Modoc suckers within the basin. The third objective was to determine relative abundance and age-class diversity of native fishes at randomly selected sample sites. All objectives were addressed throughout the potential riverine distribution of fish in the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake basin. Information gathered in this study is critical to effective conservation and management of each species and its habitat. In addition, this report describes the distribution and relative abundance of nonnative fishes (fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)) in the basin. Unlike prior efforts, this study used a statisticallybased design to select sample points with the aim of achieving a representative sample across the Oregon portion of the Goose Lake watershed. Additionally, a wide array of fish sampling gear was employed to maximize our ability to capture all fish species present across the diversity of habitat types encountered. Close

• 1363. [Article] Surface-subsurface geology of the middle to upper Eocene sedimentary and volcanic rock units, western Columbia County, northwest Oregon

  The middle to upper Eocene Tillamook Volcanics form the basement in the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area. These tholeiitic to alkalic basalts, basaltic andesites, and andesites were erupted as shield volcanoes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Surface-subsurface geology of the middle to upper Eocene sedimentary and volcanic rock units, western Columbia County, northwest Oregon Author: Berkman, Thomas Anthony The middle to upper Eocene Tillamook Volcanics form the basement in the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area. These tholeiitic to alkalic basalts, basaltic andesites, and andesites were erupted as shield volcanoes seaward of the strandline ontop of an older deep-marine mudstone unit (Yamhill Formation) and an accreted portion of oceanic seafloor (lower Eocene Siletz River Volcanics). The subaerial flows are predominantly aphyric with subordinate plagioclase-augite porphyritic flows with pilotaxitic texture. The overlying Hamlet formation (informal) is composed of three members which document a marine transgression over subsiding islands of Tilamook Volcanics in the middle to late Eocene. The stratigraphically lowest Roy Creek member is composed of basaltic boulder to cobble conglomerate grading upward into fossiliferous pebbly basaltic sandstone deposited around sea stacks and along a high-energy rocky coastline composed of Tillamook Volcanics. Continued subsidence and transgression resulted in deposition of the Sunset Highway member of the Hamlet formation, which conformably overlies the Roy Creek member. The Sunset Highway member consists of interbedded micaceous arkosic sandstone and siltstone with rare basaltic grit beds occurring near the top of the member. Molluscan fauna, faint low-angle cross-bedding, parallel laminations and bioturbation in these sandstones are interpreted to represent deposition in a high-energy inner shelf environment. The upper Narizian (upper Eocene) Sweet Home Creek member conformably overlies the Sunset Highway member in western Columbia and eastern Clatsop counties and is composed of two lithofacies. The dominant lower facies consists of micromicaceous and carbonaceous silty mudstone which contains abundant Foraniinifera indicative of outer neritic to tipper bathyal water depths. Thin-bedded micaceous arkosic turbidite sandstones in nested channels of the upper facies are locally present near the top of the unit and represent deposits of a channelized shelf-slope break. Abrupt sea level regression coupled with increased sedimentation rates due to tectonic unroofing in source areas in Idaho and Washington resulted in abrupt shallowing of sedimentation before deposition of the overlying Cowlitz Formation (C & W sandstone member). The C & W sandstone in cores from the Mist Gas Field and outcrops in the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area in Columbia County consists of massive to hummocky bedded sandstone with some bioturbated siltstone and coal formed in a delta front complex ranging from brackish-water swamps to storm-wave-dominated lower shoreface environments. Sandstone onlaps basement highs of Tillamook Volcanics (Nehalem arch), resulting in a complicated facies geometry with some intrabasinal basaltic detritus. Sedimentary structures, statistical grain size analysis, and lithofacies associations suggest that strong wave processes reworked the delta front sands during a transgression at the seaward edge of the system. Thickening-upward and shallowing-upward sequences record periods of westward deltaic progradation and increasing storm-wave energy. C & W gas reservoirs consist of well-sorted, friable, fine-grained arkose to lithic arkose. Sandstone reservoir porosity and permeability average 31% and 1200 md, respectively. Porosity is dominated by primary intergranular pores which have been reduced by (1) compaction of ductile grains, (2) formation of minor mixed-layer clay rim cement, sparry calcite cement and authigenic pyrite, and (3) late stage precipitation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and quartz overgrowths. However, partial dissolution of plagiociase feldspar has created some secondary porosity. Although arkosic sandstones have high porosities and correspondingly high permeabilities, chioritic cement in volcaniclastic-rich sandstones significantly reduces permeability without concomitant reduction in porosity. The Cole Mountain basalt (informal) locally intnides and overlies the Cowlitz Formation. These basalts to basaltic andesites have calc-alkaline affinities and consist of hypabyssal sills, submarine lava flows, and local peperites which are lithologically, chemically, and petrographically distinct from the slightly older Tillamook Volcanics. The uppermost Narizian to Refugian (latest Eocene) Keasey Formation unconfonnably overlies the Cowlitz Formation in the study area. Volcanic and glauconitic sandstones at the base of the Keasey Formation mark the unconformity and reflect a period of slow sedimentation under slightly reducing conditions. The Keasey Formation predominantly consists of stractureless, tuffaceous fossiliferous mudstone deposited by hemipelagic sedimentation on the middle to upper slope. The informal Miocene (?) Ivy Creek formation locally disconformably overlies the Keasey Formation in the study area. The fluvially deposited Ivy Creek formation consists of a friable upper trough cross-bedded pebbly sand fades which overlies 9 m of blue organic-rich overbank clay. Local pebbly grits in matrix-support with buried flow-oriented rooted tree stems suggest that some debris flows entered the fluvial system from surrounding highlands. The unit may correspond to the middle Miocene Scappoose Formation. Northwest-trending down-to-the-northeast high-angle faults, some with oblique offset, and a subordinate set of older east-trending faults are the dominant structural features of the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area. The faulting produces a dissected structural high or upthrown basement block of middle to upper Eocene Tillamook Volcanics. Upper Eocene sedimentary units flank the north and south sides with occasional perched sedimentary outliers along the volcanic crest. Although source rock evaluations from this study indicate that the upper Eocene samples are thermally immature, it is possible that thermogenic thy gas at Mist migrated updip from more deeply buried Cowlitz shales and coals or equivalent Eocene strata in the adjacent Tualatin and Astoria basins. Title: Surface-subsurface geology of the middle to upper Eocene sedimentary and volcanic rock units, western Columbia County, northwest Oregon Author: Berkman, Thomas Anthony The middle to upper Eocene Tillamook Volcanics form the basement in the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area. These tholeiitic to alkalic basalts, basaltic andesites, and andesites were erupted as shield volcanoes seaward of the strandline ontop of an older deep-marine mudstone unit (Yamhill Formation) and an accreted portion of oceanic seafloor (lower Eocene Siletz River Volcanics). The subaerial flows are predominantly aphyric with subordinate plagioclase-augite porphyritic flows with pilotaxitic texture. The overlying Hamlet formation (informal) is composed of three members which document a marine transgression over subsiding islands of Tilamook Volcanics in the middle to late Eocene. The stratigraphically lowest Roy Creek member is composed of basaltic boulder to cobble conglomerate grading upward into fossiliferous pebbly basaltic sandstone deposited around sea stacks and along a high-energy rocky coastline composed of Tillamook Volcanics. Continued subsidence and transgression resulted in deposition of the Sunset Highway member of the Hamlet formation, which conformably overlies the Roy Creek member. The Sunset Highway member consists of interbedded micaceous arkosic sandstone and siltstone with rare basaltic grit beds occurring near the top of the member. Molluscan fauna, faint low-angle cross-bedding, parallel laminations and bioturbation in these sandstones are interpreted to represent deposition in a high-energy inner shelf environment. The upper Narizian (upper Eocene) Sweet Home Creek member conformably overlies the Sunset Highway member in western Columbia and eastern Clatsop counties and is composed of two lithofacies. The dominant lower facies consists of micromicaceous and carbonaceous silty mudstone which contains abundant Foraniinifera indicative of outer neritic to tipper bathyal water depths. Thin-bedded micaceous arkosic turbidite sandstones in nested channels of the upper facies are locally present near the top of the unit and represent deposits of a channelized shelf-slope break. Abrupt sea level regression coupled with increased sedimentation rates due to tectonic unroofing in source areas in Idaho and Washington resulted in abrupt shallowing of sedimentation before deposition of the overlying Cowlitz Formation (C & W sandstone member). The C & W sandstone in cores from the Mist Gas Field and outcrops in the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area in Columbia County consists of massive to hummocky bedded sandstone with some bioturbated siltstone and coal formed in a delta front complex ranging from brackish-water swamps to storm-wave-dominated lower shoreface environments. Sandstone onlaps basement highs of Tillamook Volcanics (Nehalem arch), resulting in a complicated facies geometry with some intrabasinal basaltic detritus. Sedimentary structures, statistical grain size analysis, and lithofacies associations suggest that strong wave processes reworked the delta front sands during a transgression at the seaward edge of the system. Thickening-upward and shallowing-upward sequences record periods of westward deltaic progradation and increasing storm-wave energy. C & W gas reservoirs consist of well-sorted, friable, fine-grained arkose to lithic arkose. Sandstone reservoir porosity and permeability average 31% and 1200 md, respectively. Porosity is dominated by primary intergranular pores which have been reduced by (1) compaction of ductile grains, (2) formation of minor mixed-layer clay rim cement, sparry calcite cement and authigenic pyrite, and (3) late stage precipitation of plagioclase, K-feldspar, and quartz overgrowths. However, partial dissolution of plagiociase feldspar has created some secondary porosity. Although arkosic sandstones have high porosities and correspondingly high permeabilities, chioritic cement in volcaniclastic-rich sandstones significantly reduces permeability without concomitant reduction in porosity. The Cole Mountain basalt (informal) locally intnides and overlies the Cowlitz Formation. These basalts to basaltic andesites have calc-alkaline affinities and consist of hypabyssal sills, submarine lava flows, and local peperites which are lithologically, chemically, and petrographically distinct from the slightly older Tillamook Volcanics. The uppermost Narizian to Refugian (latest Eocene) Keasey Formation unconfonnably overlies the Cowlitz Formation in the study area. Volcanic and glauconitic sandstones at the base of the Keasey Formation mark the unconformity and reflect a period of slow sedimentation under slightly reducing conditions. The Keasey Formation predominantly consists of stractureless, tuffaceous fossiliferous mudstone deposited by hemipelagic sedimentation on the middle to upper slope. The informal Miocene (?) Ivy Creek formation locally disconformably overlies the Keasey Formation in the study area. The fluvially deposited Ivy Creek formation consists of a friable upper trough cross-bedded pebbly sand fades which overlies 9 m of blue organic-rich overbank clay. Local pebbly grits in matrix-support with buried flow-oriented rooted tree stems suggest that some debris flows entered the fluvial system from surrounding highlands. The unit may correspond to the middle Miocene Scappoose Formation. Northwest-trending down-to-the-northeast high-angle faults, some with oblique offset, and a subordinate set of older east-trending faults are the dominant structural features of the Rock Creek - Rocky Point area. The faulting produces a dissected structural high or upthrown basement block of middle to upper Eocene Tillamook Volcanics. Upper Eocene sedimentary units flank the north and south sides with occasional perched sedimentary outliers along the volcanic crest. Although source rock evaluations from this study indicate that the upper Eocene samples are thermally immature, it is possible that thermogenic thy gas at Mist migrated updip from more deeply buried Cowlitz shales and coals or equivalent Eocene strata in the adjacent Tualatin and Astoria basins. Close

• 1364. [Article] Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis

  Political and institutional leaders in the Pacific Northwest have struggled over how best to manage Columbia River Basin development and the implications of that development since the early 1900s. Their ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis Author: Mogren, Eric Thomas Year: 2011 Political and institutional leaders in the Pacific Northwest have struggled over how best to manage Columbia River Basin development and the implications of that development since the early 1900s. Their efforts present a seeming paradox: whereas prominent political and institutional leaders believed some form of regional governance system was necessary, those same leaders refused to establish systems with the decision-making authority necessary to resolve the issues that led them to create the systems in the first place. This study examines the historical record at the institutional level to determine why. This study found twenty-six governance systems proposed since 1933 of which eleven were enacted. Prior to then, a private market oriented system dominated, assisted by supportive federal agencies with jurisdictional authority over individual resource domains. Since 1934, the Basin has experienced an unbroken succession of one governance system or another, at times with multiple systems operating in parallel. This study categorized each system under one of four governance models, distinguished by the locus of decision-making. Transitions from one system to another came about through evolutionary processes or the emergence of circumstances that allowed for dramatic shifts between models. Evolutionary change within models resulted in collapse due to internal structural weaknesses or shifts to improved systems through mutual agreement. Dramatic change between models occurred when a "critical situation" appeared that called existing governance systems into question and allowed new systems to rise in their place. Four such critical situations occurred between 1929 and 1999. These were the onset of the Depression, the end of World War II, the hydro-thermal crisis of the mid 1970s, and the first ESA listings of salmon in 1991. This study concluded that the conflicting interests of powerful institutions only partially explain the Basin's governance paradox. Differing worldviews and senses of institutional culture, identity, and values aggravated the conflict over competing interests by shaping the perspectives each party held over the goals and motivations of the others. This study recommends further research to determine how institutional values translate into individual level decision-making. It offers a theoretical framework under which such research might proceed. Title: Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis Author: Mogren, Eric Thomas Year: 2011 Political and institutional leaders in the Pacific Northwest have struggled over how best to manage Columbia River Basin development and the implications of that development since the early 1900s. Their efforts present a seeming paradox: whereas prominent political and institutional leaders believed some form of regional governance system was necessary, those same leaders refused to establish systems with the decision-making authority necessary to resolve the issues that led them to create the systems in the first place. This study examines the historical record at the institutional level to determine why. This study found twenty-six governance systems proposed since 1933 of which eleven were enacted. Prior to then, a private market oriented system dominated, assisted by supportive federal agencies with jurisdictional authority over individual resource domains. Since 1934, the Basin has experienced an unbroken succession of one governance system or another, at times with multiple systems operating in parallel. This study categorized each system under one of four governance models, distinguished by the locus of decision-making. Transitions from one system to another came about through evolutionary processes or the emergence of circumstances that allowed for dramatic shifts between models. Evolutionary change within models resulted in collapse due to internal structural weaknesses or shifts to improved systems through mutual agreement. Dramatic change between models occurred when a "critical situation" appeared that called existing governance systems into question and allowed new systems to rise in their place. Four such critical situations occurred between 1929 and 1999. These were the onset of the Depression, the end of World War II, the hydro-thermal crisis of the mid 1970s, and the first ESA listings of salmon in 1991. This study concluded that the conflicting interests of powerful institutions only partially explain the Basin's governance paradox. Differing worldviews and senses of institutional culture, identity, and values aggravated the conflict over competing interests by shaping the perspectives each party held over the goals and motivations of the others. This study recommends further research to determine how institutional values translate into individual level decision-making. It offers a theoretical framework under which such research might proceed. Close

• 1365. [Article] An evaluation of planning for water quality control in the Willamette River Basin

  It is no longer possible in any area of the United States to formulate water resources plans for single purpose projects as has been done in past years. No longer can one of our greatest natural resources, water, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An evaluation of planning for water quality control in the Willamette River Basin Author: Kirkpatrick, Kenton It is no longer possible in any area of the United States to formulate water resources plans for single purpose projects as has been done in past years. No longer can one of our greatest natural resources, water, be used solely for navigation, power generation, irrigation, or controlled for reducing floods. This resource must now serve a multitude of purposes in our society. Determining the present status of our water resources, what the future requirements will be, how to plan for these future needs, and implementation of these plans represents a major undertaking of local, State, and Federal authorities having interests in this field. In the Pacific Northwest, the Willamette Basin Task Force, acting under the auspices of the Columbia Basin Inter-Agency Committee, has been created to provide the coordinating mechanism for the prosecution of a comprehensive study for the management and development of the water and related land resources of the Willamette River Basin. This study is presently underway. In this thesis, information was collected from individuals associated with the Task Force, from minutes of meetings, and from other publications not readily available, to provide a single document giving the organization and objectives of the Task Force. The National comprehensive planning mechanism was studied to provide background information relating to the evolution of the Task Force and its operation. Water quality control is one of the areas of investigation of the Willamette Basin Task Force. It is directly related to and influenced by the several other multiple-purpose uses of the basin's water resources. It is this aspect of the comprehensive planning mechanism that has been considered in this thesis to evaluate what progress is being made in planning for present and future water quality control requirements for the basin. The results of this study indicate that additional study will be necessary, after further progress has been made by the Task Force, to fully evaluate the planning procedures and accomplishments of the Task Force. Conclusions indicate problems that have been encountered using this particular approach to water resources comprehensive planning. Various problems in the water pollution phase of the study are discussed. Several research study areas are suggested as a means of solving water quality problems which exist now in the Willamette River Basin and those water quality problems which are anticipated in the future as greater demands are placed on this resource. Title: An evaluation of planning for water quality control in the Willamette River Basin Author: Kirkpatrick, Kenton It is no longer possible in any area of the United States to formulate water resources plans for single purpose projects as has been done in past years. No longer can one of our greatest natural resources, water, be used solely for navigation, power generation, irrigation, or controlled for reducing floods. This resource must now serve a multitude of purposes in our society. Determining the present status of our water resources, what the future requirements will be, how to plan for these future needs, and implementation of these plans represents a major undertaking of local, State, and Federal authorities having interests in this field. In the Pacific Northwest, the Willamette Basin Task Force, acting under the auspices of the Columbia Basin Inter-Agency Committee, has been created to provide the coordinating mechanism for the prosecution of a comprehensive study for the management and development of the water and related land resources of the Willamette River Basin. This study is presently underway. In this thesis, information was collected from individuals associated with the Task Force, from minutes of meetings, and from other publications not readily available, to provide a single document giving the organization and objectives of the Task Force. The National comprehensive planning mechanism was studied to provide background information relating to the evolution of the Task Force and its operation. Water quality control is one of the areas of investigation of the Willamette Basin Task Force. It is directly related to and influenced by the several other multiple-purpose uses of the basin's water resources. It is this aspect of the comprehensive planning mechanism that has been considered in this thesis to evaluate what progress is being made in planning for present and future water quality control requirements for the basin. The results of this study indicate that additional study will be necessary, after further progress has been made by the Task Force, to fully evaluate the planning procedures and accomplishments of the Task Force. Conclusions indicate problems that have been encountered using this particular approach to water resources comprehensive planning. Various problems in the water pollution phase of the study are discussed. Several research study areas are suggested as a means of solving water quality problems which exist now in the Willamette River Basin and those water quality problems which are anticipated in the future as greater demands are placed on this resource. Close

• 1366. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 2000-01 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2003-08 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define "sustainable and productive" by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish "Population Health Goals" for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the "half-pounder" run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU "are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA". Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 2000. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Directed sampling began in 1999 and the findings from 1999 were reported by Satterthwaite (2002a). Close

• 1367. [Article] The influence of environmental and physical factors on the thermal patterns of headwater streams

  A case study was performed in 2000 and 2001 to characterize the thermal pattern of four morphologically similar eastern Oregon streams and to identify the physical and environmental factors that expressed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The influence of environmental and physical factors on the thermal patterns of headwater streams Author: Carr, Craig A. A case study was performed in 2000 and 2001 to characterize the thermal pattern of four morphologically similar eastern Oregon streams and to identify the physical and environmental factors that expressed significant and functionally viable relationships with stream temperature (daily maximum, daily minimum and daily rate of heating). Stream and environmental attributes were measured at various locations along each stream to provide a data set comprised of variables representing daily stream temperatures (minimum, maximum and rates of heating), daily air temperatures (minimum and maximum), shade, elevation, elevation change and length. Data from the 20 hottest days were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression-based path analysis. With the exception of those reaches that were influenced by groundwater or subsurface flow, downstream reaches consistently experienced increases in the daily maximum stream temperature. The most significant parameter with respect to daily maximum stream temperature appeared to be reach elevation; expressed through reach location in the watershed. Maximum air temperature also positively influenced maximum stream temperature however, only on streams that expressed significant variation in maximum air temperature. The dominant influence of groundwater on maximum stream temperature was also apparent. Significant reach level variation in daily minimum stream temperatures was not observed in this study, however most streams did record increases in the downstream direction. Daily minimum air temperature was consistent across all streams in expressing the most significant relationship with daily minimum stream temperature. With the exception of groundwater influenced reaches, all streams exhibited obvious downstream increases in the daily rate of stream heating. Daily minimum air temperature consistently exhibited a significant negative association with the rate of heating and a relationship was also implied between reach elevation, maximum stream temperature and minimum stream temperature and this stream temperature response. Groundwater and subsurface flow, when present, also appeared to influence the daily rate of stream heating. Resource management activities should have little impact on the parameters found, on these streams, to be associated with stream temperature. Location in the watershed and climatic influence through both minimum and maximum air temperatures emerged as the dominant factors with respect to stream thermal patterns. Title: The influence of environmental and physical factors on the thermal patterns of headwater streams Author: Carr, Craig A. A case study was performed in 2000 and 2001 to characterize the thermal pattern of four morphologically similar eastern Oregon streams and to identify the physical and environmental factors that expressed significant and functionally viable relationships with stream temperature (daily maximum, daily minimum and daily rate of heating). Stream and environmental attributes were measured at various locations along each stream to provide a data set comprised of variables representing daily stream temperatures (minimum, maximum and rates of heating), daily air temperatures (minimum and maximum), shade, elevation, elevation change and length. Data from the 20 hottest days were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression-based path analysis. With the exception of those reaches that were influenced by groundwater or subsurface flow, downstream reaches consistently experienced increases in the daily maximum stream temperature. The most significant parameter with respect to daily maximum stream temperature appeared to be reach elevation; expressed through reach location in the watershed. Maximum air temperature also positively influenced maximum stream temperature however, only on streams that expressed significant variation in maximum air temperature. The dominant influence of groundwater on maximum stream temperature was also apparent. Significant reach level variation in daily minimum stream temperatures was not observed in this study, however most streams did record increases in the downstream direction. Daily minimum air temperature was consistent across all streams in expressing the most significant relationship with daily minimum stream temperature. With the exception of groundwater influenced reaches, all streams exhibited obvious downstream increases in the daily rate of stream heating. Daily minimum air temperature consistently exhibited a significant negative association with the rate of heating and a relationship was also implied between reach elevation, maximum stream temperature and minimum stream temperature and this stream temperature response. Groundwater and subsurface flow, when present, also appeared to influence the daily rate of stream heating. Resource management activities should have little impact on the parameters found, on these streams, to be associated with stream temperature. Location in the watershed and climatic influence through both minimum and maximum air temperatures emerged as the dominant factors with respect to stream thermal patterns. Close

• 1368. [Article] A statistical evaluation of the water quality impacts of Best Management Practices installed at Tillamook County dairies

  The overall goal of this study was to determine if the Tillamook Bay tributaries' water quality has improved as a result of the Best Management Practices (BMP) installed at Tillamook County Dairies. The ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A statistical evaluation of the water quality impacts of Best Management Practices installed at Tillamook County dairies Author: Dorsey-Kramer, Jadene The overall goal of this study was to determine if the Tillamook Bay tributaries' water quality has improved as a result of the Best Management Practices (BMP) installed at Tillamook County Dairies. The Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) was a 10 to 15 year experiment designed to control agricultural non-point source (NPS) in rural watersheds throughout the nation. The RCWP Tillamook Watershed Project in Tillamook County, Oregon promoted the installation of manure management facilities and nutrient management strategies to improve the water quality of Tillamook Bay. The goal of the project was to reduce the fecal coliform concentration by 70%. Since the Bay is used for oyster production, there has been extensive sampling of Tillamook Bay and its tributaries since 1960. Unfortunately, much of the tributary data were compiled for a variety of short-term projects and therefore, the area lacks a consistent strategy for data collection. This inconsistency coupled with the variability in the data has made it difficult to evaluate changes in the water quality. It is important to note that this analysis is not a prediction model. It is a statistical model using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The term, model, will be used to describe the response of ANOVA. This model is the best representation of the trend given the limited useful data that was available. The 33 year "tributary" analysis of the Wilson River station (D412130) determined fecal coliform concentration reductions as high as 69.83, 62.67, 69.02 and 72.38% in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, respectively. There were 48.59, 36.41, 47.21 and 52.95% reductions during the RCWP years (1980-1992) that may be attributed to the BMP's. The BMP installation began in 1981 and continued through 1995, however, the majority of the BMP's installation began in 1983. These reductions are not at optimum levels because of three important factors. First of all, not all farms have been provided with fullest possible array of manure containment facilities. Secondly, even with full implementation, some fecal coliform bacteria may escape. Finally, the BMP's must be diligently operated and maintained to provide the most effective capture and die-off of fecal coliform bacteria. When the BMP's are correctly installed and well managed, they will provide the maximum manure containment protection for the streams. Title: A statistical evaluation of the water quality impacts of Best Management Practices installed at Tillamook County dairies Author: Dorsey-Kramer, Jadene The overall goal of this study was to determine if the Tillamook Bay tributaries' water quality has improved as a result of the Best Management Practices (BMP) installed at Tillamook County Dairies. The Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) was a 10 to 15 year experiment designed to control agricultural non-point source (NPS) in rural watersheds throughout the nation. The RCWP Tillamook Watershed Project in Tillamook County, Oregon promoted the installation of manure management facilities and nutrient management strategies to improve the water quality of Tillamook Bay. The goal of the project was to reduce the fecal coliform concentration by 70%. Since the Bay is used for oyster production, there has been extensive sampling of Tillamook Bay and its tributaries since 1960. Unfortunately, much of the tributary data were compiled for a variety of short-term projects and therefore, the area lacks a consistent strategy for data collection. This inconsistency coupled with the variability in the data has made it difficult to evaluate changes in the water quality. It is important to note that this analysis is not a prediction model. It is a statistical model using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The term, model, will be used to describe the response of ANOVA. This model is the best representation of the trend given the limited useful data that was available. The 33 year "tributary" analysis of the Wilson River station (D412130) determined fecal coliform concentration reductions as high as 69.83, 62.67, 69.02 and 72.38% in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, respectively. There were 48.59, 36.41, 47.21 and 52.95% reductions during the RCWP years (1980-1992) that may be attributed to the BMP's. The BMP installation began in 1981 and continued through 1995, however, the majority of the BMP's installation began in 1983. These reductions are not at optimum levels because of three important factors. First of all, not all farms have been provided with fullest possible array of manure containment facilities. Secondly, even with full implementation, some fecal coliform bacteria may escape. Finally, the BMP's must be diligently operated and maintained to provide the most effective capture and die-off of fecal coliform bacteria. When the BMP's are correctly installed and well managed, they will provide the maximum manure containment protection for the streams. Close

• 1369. [Article] The short term temporal and spatial variability of nitrogen and phosphorus in two Oregon Coast Range streams

  High intensity sampling was undertaken to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of oxidized nitrogen (NO3-N + NO2-N), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), total dissolved phosphorus, total unfiltered ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The short term temporal and spatial variability of nitrogen and phosphorus in two Oregon Coast Range streams Author: Scherer, Robert A. High intensity sampling was undertaken to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of oxidized nitrogen (NO3-N + NO2-N), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), total dissolved phosphorus, total unfiltered phosphorus and orthophosphorus (PO4-P) from two adjacent small streams in Western Oregon's Coast Range, Deer Creek (303 ha) and Flynn Creek (203 ha). Deer Creek has been 39 % clearcut from 1966 to 1987 while, Flynn Creek has never been logged and remains a "control" watershed for various research projects. A sequential wet-deposition precipitation sampler was also used to determine the temporal variability of oxidized-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphorus entering a watershed during two storm events. Samples collected every one hour over a 25 to 26-h period during summer low flows indicated that oxidized nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total unfiltered phosphorus, and orthophosphorus remained relatively constant. Total dissolved phosphorus concentrations were the most variable but did not have a discernible diel pattern. On a spatial scale, total unfiltered phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus remained relatively constant or showed no discernable patterns when sampled over five 250-m intervals on each creek during summer low flow. Oxidized nitrogen and orthophosphorus concentrations increased on Deer Creek and decreased on Flynn Creek in an downstream direction. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations decreased in a downstream direction on Deer Creek and remained constant on Flynn Creek. Nutrient constituent concentrations observed during high intensity sampling of three storm events had a variable response with stream discharge. Oxidized nitrogen concentration levels collected during the first fall storm appeared to be consistent with other research that has shown a flush of oxidized nitrogen out of the forest soil profile during the first fall storm. Sample concentrations from the first sampled storm had a 36 % decrease in concentration with the falling limb of the first sampled storm on both Deer Creek and Flynn Creek. Whereas, oxidized nitrogen concentrations had a 9 to 25 % decrease with an increase in discharge on the two studied creeks and returned to pre-storm levels with a decrease in discharge during two winter storms. Total unfiltered phosphorus concentrations had a 90 to 1150 % (0 to 10 fold) increase with a rise in storm discharge and decreased with the fall in storm discharge depending on the storm event and creek sampled. Ammonia-nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphorus concentrations were not related to changes in discharge. Precipitation concentrations of oxidized nitrogen and ammonia-nitrogen either had a variable response or became diluted with an increase in rainfall amounts. The different responses appear to be related to storm intensity, with greater dilution in higher intensity storms. Results from this study indicate that the input and output of nitrogen and phosphorus into forested streams can be quite variable on both small temporal and spatial scales depending on the particular nutrient sampled, the particular creek sampled, stream flow conditions and season. It appears that sampling schemes designed for monitoring water chemistry or nutrient flux should initially presume significant short interval (2 to 20-h) variation until intensive sampling is able to prove otherwise. Title: The short term temporal and spatial variability of nitrogen and phosphorus in two Oregon Coast Range streams Author: Scherer, Robert A. High intensity sampling was undertaken to characterize the temporal and spatial variability of oxidized nitrogen (NO3-N + NO2-N), ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), total dissolved phosphorus, total unfiltered phosphorus and orthophosphorus (PO4-P) from two adjacent small streams in Western Oregon's Coast Range, Deer Creek (303 ha) and Flynn Creek (203 ha). Deer Creek has been 39 % clearcut from 1966 to 1987 while, Flynn Creek has never been logged and remains a "control" watershed for various research projects. A sequential wet-deposition precipitation sampler was also used to determine the temporal variability of oxidized-nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphorus entering a watershed during two storm events. Samples collected every one hour over a 25 to 26-h period during summer low flows indicated that oxidized nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, total unfiltered phosphorus, and orthophosphorus remained relatively constant. Total dissolved phosphorus concentrations were the most variable but did not have a discernible diel pattern. On a spatial scale, total unfiltered phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus remained relatively constant or showed no discernable patterns when sampled over five 250-m intervals on each creek during summer low flow. Oxidized nitrogen and orthophosphorus concentrations increased on Deer Creek and decreased on Flynn Creek in an downstream direction. Ammonia-nitrogen concentrations decreased in a downstream direction on Deer Creek and remained constant on Flynn Creek. Nutrient constituent concentrations observed during high intensity sampling of three storm events had a variable response with stream discharge. Oxidized nitrogen concentration levels collected during the first fall storm appeared to be consistent with other research that has shown a flush of oxidized nitrogen out of the forest soil profile during the first fall storm. Sample concentrations from the first sampled storm had a 36 % decrease in concentration with the falling limb of the first sampled storm on both Deer Creek and Flynn Creek. Whereas, oxidized nitrogen concentrations had a 9 to 25 % decrease with an increase in discharge on the two studied creeks and returned to pre-storm levels with a decrease in discharge during two winter storms. Total unfiltered phosphorus concentrations had a 90 to 1150 % (0 to 10 fold) increase with a rise in storm discharge and decreased with the fall in storm discharge depending on the storm event and creek sampled. Ammonia-nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus and orthophosphorus concentrations were not related to changes in discharge. Precipitation concentrations of oxidized nitrogen and ammonia-nitrogen either had a variable response or became diluted with an increase in rainfall amounts. The different responses appear to be related to storm intensity, with greater dilution in higher intensity storms. Results from this study indicate that the input and output of nitrogen and phosphorus into forested streams can be quite variable on both small temporal and spatial scales depending on the particular nutrient sampled, the particular creek sampled, stream flow conditions and season. It appears that sampling schemes designed for monitoring water chemistry or nutrient flux should initially presume significant short interval (2 to 20-h) variation until intensive sampling is able to prove otherwise. Close

• 1370. [Article] Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams

  As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams Author: Frissell, Christopher Andrew, 1960- As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley segments. Valley segments are landscape units which encompass surface waters and the adjacent floodplains and hillslopes with which they interact over time frames of thousands of years. They form a large-scale template that constrains the character of aquatic habitat, controls the effects of disturbances in riparian areas, and mediates responses of streams to upland and upstream events. The regional distribution of valley segment types in southwest Oregon reflects bedrock geology and tectonic history of the landscape. Fluvial segment types differ in stream adjacent landforms, slope erosion processes, floodplain and valley morphology, channel slope, riparian vegetation, streambank texture, gravel bar morphology, and pool-forming features. Studies that do not carefully account for inherent differences between valley segment types could fail to detect critical changes in stream habitat caused by human disturbance. Alluvial valley and alluviated canyon segment types, which have extensive floodplains, low channel slopes, abundant woody debris, and ample gravel beds, are of greatest direct importance for salmon and other native fishes. Virtually all alluvial valleys in the study area have been heavily disturbed by logging, agriculture, and residential development. Alluviated canyon segments located in the few drainage basins where human activity has been limited probably serve as habitat refugia for the last diverse assemblages and productive populations of salmon in the region. Alluviated canyons in extensively-fogged basins exhibit increased abundance of large woody debris, fewer cross-channel debris jams, more extensive bank erosion, reduced pool area and increased riffle area, shallower riffles, and increased surface concentration of fine sediments in pools and other habitats, compared to similar segments in lesser-disturbed basins. These changes in channel morphology and stability appear to be driven by increased sediment load, caused by logging-related landslides and other erosion sources. Field studies in Sixes River basin indicated that abundance and diversity of salmonid fishes declines as maximum stream temperature increases. Changes in summer distribution of juvenile chinook and coho salmon since 1970 are related to changes In water temperature. Although some tributaries have cooled, a decline in rearing distribution in mainstem areas could be caused by long-term loss of channel complexity and associated coolwater refugia. Analysis of fish habitat structures constructed by federal and state agencies indicated that failure rates are high. Recovery of anadromous fish runs in southwest Oregon will require protection of remaining habitat refugia and reduction of sediment yield from disturbed watersheds. Title: Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams Author: Frissell, Christopher Andrew, 1960- As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley segments. Valley segments are landscape units which encompass surface waters and the adjacent floodplains and hillslopes with which they interact over time frames of thousands of years. They form a large-scale template that constrains the character of aquatic habitat, controls the effects of disturbances in riparian areas, and mediates responses of streams to upland and upstream events. The regional distribution of valley segment types in southwest Oregon reflects bedrock geology and tectonic history of the landscape. Fluvial segment types differ in stream adjacent landforms, slope erosion processes, floodplain and valley morphology, channel slope, riparian vegetation, streambank texture, gravel bar morphology, and pool-forming features. Studies that do not carefully account for inherent differences between valley segment types could fail to detect critical changes in stream habitat caused by human disturbance. Alluvial valley and alluviated canyon segment types, which have extensive floodplains, low channel slopes, abundant woody debris, and ample gravel beds, are of greatest direct importance for salmon and other native fishes. Virtually all alluvial valleys in the study area have been heavily disturbed by logging, agriculture, and residential development. Alluviated canyon segments located in the few drainage basins where human activity has been limited probably serve as habitat refugia for the last diverse assemblages and productive populations of salmon in the region. Alluviated canyons in extensively-fogged basins exhibit increased abundance of large woody debris, fewer cross-channel debris jams, more extensive bank erosion, reduced pool area and increased riffle area, shallower riffles, and increased surface concentration of fine sediments in pools and other habitats, compared to similar segments in lesser-disturbed basins. These changes in channel morphology and stability appear to be driven by increased sediment load, caused by logging-related landslides and other erosion sources. Field studies in Sixes River basin indicated that abundance and diversity of salmonid fishes declines as maximum stream temperature increases. Changes in summer distribution of juvenile chinook and coho salmon since 1970 are related to changes In water temperature. Although some tributaries have cooled, a decline in rearing distribution in mainstem areas could be caused by long-term loss of channel complexity and associated coolwater refugia. Analysis of fish habitat structures constructed by federal and state agencies indicated that failure rates are high. Recovery of anadromous fish runs in southwest Oregon will require protection of remaining habitat refugia and reduction of sediment yield from disturbed watersheds. Close