Title: Wind River Watershed Project:

Objectives, Tasks, and Methods

   OBJ-1.  (Coordination) Coordinate watershed stakeholders in order to guide the implementation of watershed restoration actions that are consistent with stakeholder objectives. [UCD lead; participation by USFS, USGS, WDFW]

Task 1-b.  Facilitate quarterly meetings and operations of the Wind River Technical Advisory Committee (Coordinated by UCD; participation by USFS, USGS, WDFW)

Activities by USGS:  Attend and participate in meetings.  When appropriate, USGS personnel will give oral reports on progress and findings, both informal and under established titles for formal presentations.


   OBJ-2.  (Monitoring) Monitor physical habitat conditions and natural production of juvenile, smolt, and adult steelhead in the Wind River subbasin.  [USGS, WDFW, USFS, UCD]

Task 2-a.  Conduct sampling and derive population estimates for juvenile steelhead and other salmonids in tributary watersheds.  (USGS)

Methods:  We will produce estimates of population density and biomass of juvenile steelhead and other salmonids (rainbow trout, brook trout, spring Chinook) for a large section of the upper Wind River.  The section will start just below the mouth of Trapper Creek (rkm 30) and extend upstream, at least 1000 m past the mouth of Paradise Creek (rkm 40).

To obtain estimates of fish density and biomass at selected sites, we will conduct intensive habitat surveys of sampling sites during summer low-flow conditions.  The data collected during these intensive surveys include habitat type (e.g., pool, glide, riffle) and habitat unit dimensions (length, width, maximum depth).  Soon after these habitat surveys, fish surveys will be conducted by snorkeling.  Where we conduct snorkel surveys, we will largely follow the methodology of Hankin and Reeves (1988), which utilizes a stratified systematic surveying technique to sample and derive an estimate of fish population.  We will attempt to calibrate our snorkel estimates by the ratio method following guidelines of Dolloff et al. (1993).

We will use electrofishing to gain a perspective of distribution over long stream lengths and to collect life history data from most tributary systems accessible to anadromous fish in the Wind River subbasin.  A one-pass method without block nets will often be deployed for this, which results in a less precise population estimate, but it will generally be balanced by a large gain in population information.  These methods have been chosen to lessen the chance that individual fish will be exposed to potentially harmful effects of electroshocking

In order to track movements, growth, and survival of juvenile steelhead, we will PIT tag selected groups of age-1 or older juvenile steelhead that we capture during smolt trapping in spring (see Task 2-c of FY2001-2003 proposal) and during our stream surveys in summer.  We anticipate a total of 3,000 PIT tags will be available for the totality this task's efforts.  In a limited effort, we anticipate using some of these tags (less than 250) to PIT tag brook trout in upper Trout Creek and its tributaries to better understand the potential negative effect that this introduced species has on juvenile steelhead production.  We will search for tagged fish in downstream smolt traps, in subsequent within year and annual surveys, and in the adult fish traps at Shipherd Falls and Hemlock Dam.  In addition, PIT tags will be detectable at Hemlock Dam and Bonneville Dam at the smolt and adult stage.  As in the past, all data will be entered in the PTAGIS database.

In addition to collection of data on salmonids, our surveys will allow qualitative estimates of abundance and distribution of important non-salmonid fish (sculpin, mountain whitefish) and other aquatic biota (crayfish, salamanders, frogs).  Our past efforts have revealed some definitive patterns in aquatic species distributions (Connolly 1999, Connolly and Jezorek 2001, Connolly 2003, Connolly and Jezorek 2005), and new data will help us understand the role of barriers, exotic species introductions, and interactions among species.

Previous work by Connolly (1997) has revealed that many juvenile steelhead in the Wind River watershed, especially in Trout Creek, are infested with the ciliated protozoan Heteropolaria lwoffi (formerly Epistylis lwoffi).  In-kind contributions from USFWS's Lower Columbia River Fish Health Center (Susan Gutenberger, Project Leader) will continue to allow us to map the distribution and to potentially understand the severity, variability, and causes of this infestation as well as other fish diseases of concern.

Applications for fish sampling permits from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have already been submitted.  

Task 2-b.  Relate density and biomass of juvenile summer steelhead to stream habitat conditions and geomorphological contexts.  (USGS)

Methods:  We will relate stream habitat and geomorphic characteristics to fish condition factors and age structure, which will help us define the limits and potential capacity of the Wind River system to rear juvenile steelhead.  Our multi-year database on stream habitat and fish population surveys will be used to assess cumulative effects of am amalgamation of ongoing and future restoration efforts, episodic natural disturbances (floods, droughts), and fry-to-parr survival.  Statistical analysis methods will include regression, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance.

We will maintain our current network of 25-30 continuous recording loggers for water temperature, set to take a reading every 2 hours.  Before deployment, these units are calibrated following the manufactures' suggested method.  These units are set to record data every 1-2 hours depending largely on anticipated battery life.  The UCD maintains another 10 loggers as part of their water quality monitoring (see Task 2-g of the FY2001-2003 proposal), and the USGS will compile and summarize these data as well.  As done by Jezorek and Connolly (2001, 2003, 2005), data from these loggers will allow us to track seasonal and diel variations and extremes in water temperature.

We will continue to track densities and habitat use of spring Chinook juveniles and brook trout, which are introduced species to the Wind River above Shipherd Falls.  Locations for these efforts will largely be confined to areas where efforts associated with Task 2-a take place, but known hotspots of brook trout populations will also be visited (e.g., East Fork Trout Creek, Compass Creek, Crater Creek, and upper Trout Creek).  Tracking annual variability in these density relationships and assessing habitat use and availability will allow us to assess the degree of negative interactions among these species.

As in past years, we plan to measure flow at selected sites throughout the late spring through early fall.  About every three weeks, flows will be taken in Cedar and Martha Creeks.  A Marsh-McBirney flow meter will be used to measure velocity in cells of water across an established transect following the methods described in Jezorek and Connolly (2003).

Task 2-d.  Conduct sampling and use data from redd surveys, snorkel surveys, and adult trappings to derive an estimate for the annual steelhead adult production in the subbasin. (WDFW)

Activities by USGS:  As in the past, USGS personnel plan to assist WDFW with the annual snorkel survey to count adult steelhead and Chinook.  Depending on personnel availability, USGS personnel will assist WDFW with deployment and operation of smolt traps on an as-needed but limited basis.


   OBJ-3.  (Assessment) Use a science based framework to assess the condition of the watershed to determine what factors prevent stakeholder objectives from being met and to prioritize actions that result in meeting those objectives. [WDFW lead; USGS, USFS, UCD]

Task 3-a.  Update assessment data, revise list of needed projects, and prioritize the list based on value and likely success of desired outcomes.  (WDFW lead; USGS, USFS, UCD)

Methods:  This highly collaborative effort has largely been completed, with WDFW's Dan Rawding being the primary contact for the data and results.  We will use results of our Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) modeling efforts (initiated in FY2000 and completed in FY2002) to help guide future restoration efforts.  As described in Mobrand et al. (1995), Mobrand and Lestelle (1997), and Lestelle et al. (1996), the EDT will allow us to link environmental factors with population biology by using life-history diversity, capacity, and productivity information to provide more certainty in the analysis and outcomes of proposed restoration activities to help rebuild the Wind River summer steelhead population.  The results of the EDT will be invaluable to prioritize future (out-year) restoration activities to help restore steelhead and watershed health of the Wind River subbasin.


   OBJ-4.  (Restoration) Restore stream habitats and watershed processes that will support self-sustaining populations of steelhead. [USFS, UCD, USGS]

Task 4-d.  Evaluate Hemlock Dam and conduct NEPA process.

Activities by USGS:  A major field effort by USGS was conducted in 2004.  Results from this 2004 effort have largely been analyzed and the report will be included as a chapter in the Technical Report that is planned in lieu of a 2006 Annual Report.



References

Bisson, P. A., J. L. Nielsen, R. A. Palmason, and L. E. Grove.  1982.  A system of naming habitat types in small streams, with examples of habitat utilization by salmonids during low streamflow.  Pages 62-73 in N.B. Armantrout.  1982.  Acquisition and utilization of aquatic habitat inventory information symposium.  American Fisheries society, Western Division, Bethesda, MD.

Bohlin, T.  1982.  The validity of the removal method for small populations -- consequences for electrofishing practice.  Institute of Freshwater Research Drottningholm Report 60:15-18.

Connolly, P.J.  1997.  Status of juvenile steelhead rearing in Trout and Panther creeks of the Wind River Basin.  Prepared for: Washington Trout, Duvall, WA.

Connolly, P.J.  1999.  Report E: Juvenile steelhead and rearing conditions.  In P.J. Connolly, editor.  1999.  Wind River watershed project.  Volume I, 1998 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 9054, Contract Number: 98 AI 09728.  [website:  https://efw.bpa.gov/Environment/EW/EWP/DOCS/REPORTS/HABITAT/H09728-1.pdf

Connolly, P.J., editor.  2003.  Wind River watershed restoration.  2000-2001 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 1998-019-01, Contract Number: 00004973.
https://efw.bpa.gov/Environment/EW/EWP/DOCS/REPORTS/HABITAT/H00004973-2.pdf

Connolly, P.J., R.P. Hanten, and J.H. Petersen.  1997.  Juvenile steelhead in Trout and Panther creeks of the Wind River basin sampled in August-September 1997.  Prepared for:  Washington Trout, Duvall, WA.

Connolly, P.J., and I.G. Jezorek.  2001.  Report D: Juvenile and resident fish populations in the Wind River watershed.  In P.J. Connolly, editor.  2001.  Wind River watershed restoration.  Volume III, 1999 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 1998-019-01, Contract Number: 00004973.
https://efw.bpa.gov/Environment/EW/EWP/DOCS/REPORTS/WILDLIFE/W00004973-1.pdf

Connolly, P.J., and I.G. Jezorek, editiors.  2005.  Wind River Watershed Restoration.  Annual Report: April 2003-March 2004.  Prepared for Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project No. 1998-019-00.

Connolly, P.J., and J.H. Petersen.  2003.  Bigger is not always better for overwintering young-of-year steelhead.  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 132:262-274.

Crawford, B.A., R. Pettit, and R. Claflin.  1985.  Study of juvenile steelhead densities and biomass in the Wind and E.F. Lewis rivers.  Washington Department of Game, Olympia.

Dolloff, C.A., D.G. Hankin, and G.H. Reeves.  1993.  Basinwide estimates of habitat and fish populations in streams.  General Technical Report SE-83.  Asheville, North Carolina: U.S. Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station.  25 p.

Hankin, D.G., and G.H. Reeves.  1988.  Estimating total fish abundance and total habitat area in small streams based on visual estimation methods.  Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 45:834-844.

Hanson, P., T. Johnson, J. Kitchell, and D. E. Schindler.  1997.  Fish bioenergetics 3.0.  University of Wisconsin, Sea Grant Institute, Technical Report WIS-CU-T-97-001, Madison.

Jezorek I.G., and P.J. Connolly.  2001.  Report H: Flow, temperature, and habitat conditions in the Wind River watershed.  In P.J. Connolly, editor.  2001.  Wind River watershed restoration.  Volume IV, 1999 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 1998-019-01, Contract Number: 00004973.
https://efw.bpa.gov/Environment/EW/EWP/DOCS/REPORTS/WILDLIFE/W00004973-1.pdf

Jezorek, I.G., and P.J. Connolly.  2003.  Report A: Flow, temperature, and habitat conditions in the Wind River watershed.  In P.J. Connolly, editor.  2003.  Wind River watershed restoration.  2000-2001 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 1998-019-01, Contract Number: 00004973.
https://efw.bpa.gov/Environment/EW/EWP/DOCS/REPORTS/HABITAT/H00004973-2.pdf

Jezorek, I.G., and P.J. Connolly.  2005 (draft).  Flow, temperature, and habitat conditions in the Wind River watershed.  Wind River watershed restoration.  2002 Annual Report.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project Number 1998-019-01, Contract Number: 00004973.

Lestelle, L.C., L.E. Mobrand, J.A. Lichatowich, and T.S. Vogel.  1996.  Applied ecosystem analysis--a primer, EDT: the ecosystem diagnosis and treatment method.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Project No. 9404600.

Mobrand L., and 10 coauthors.  1995.  Grande Ronde model watershed ecosystem diagnosis and treatment: Template for planning status report for Grande Ronde model watershed project and progress report on the application of an ecosystem analysis method to the Grande Ronde watershed using spring chinook as a diagnostic species.  Final Report, Project number 94-030, Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.

Mobrand, L., and L. Lestelle.  1997.  Application of the ecosystem diagnosis and treatment method to the Grande Ronde model watershed project.  Prepared for: Bonneville Power Administration, Portland, OR.  Task Order Number 95AT61148, Contract Number 94AM33243.

Railsback, S. F., and K. A. Rose.  1999.  Bioenergetics modeling of stream trout growth: temperature and food consumption effects.  Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 128:241-256.

USFS (U.S. Forest Service).  1996.  Wind River basin watershed analysis.  Wind River Ranger District, Carson, Washington.

USFS (U.S. Forest Service).  2001.  Wind River watershed analysis (second iteration).  Mt. Adams Ranger District, Trout Lake, Washington.

White, G.C., D.R. Anderson, K.P. Burnham, and D.L. Otis.  1982.  Capture-recapture and removal methods for sampling closed populations.  No. LA-8787-NERP, UC-11.  Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Zippin, C.  1956.  An evaluation of the removal method of estimating animal populations.  Biometrics 12:163-189.