. The Big Blackfoot River restoration progress report for 2002 and 2003 . Fish populations; Fishes; Fishery management; Trout fisheries; Stream ecology; Blackfoot River (Mont. ). In 2003, landowners approached FWP requesting an evaluation of Elk Creek, and the development of a restoration plan. In order to begin the process of developing a restoration project, we resurveyed long-term fish population survey sections, and collected water temperatures at three sites. We also enlisted the assistance of: 1) a range conservationist to evaluate current and alternative riparian grazing strategies, and
. The Big Blackfoot River restoration progress report for 2002 and 2003 . Fish populations; Fishes; Fishery management; Trout fisheries; Stream ecology; Blackfoot River (Mont. ). In 2003, landowners approached FWP requesting an evaluation of Elk Creek, and the development of a restoration plan. In order to begin the process of developing a restoration project, we resurveyed long-term fish population survey sections, and collected water temperatures at three sites. We also enlisted the assistance of: 1) a range conservationist to evaluate current and alternative riparian grazing strategies, and 2) David Rosgen (hydrologist) to help assess channel stability and methods of correcting channel incision. Although lower Elk Creek tested negative for whirling disease between 1999 and 2002, samples that are more recent indicate a rapid escalation as infection levels were detected at a mean grade of in 2003. (Results Part IV). Catch/100' Elk Creek Monitoring To assess the current condition of habitat and its fish population, we collected water temperature data at three long-term monitoring sites and conducted fish population surveys at four long-term monitoring locations. Dave Rosgen performed geomorphic assessments at two locations on lower Elk Creek. Elevated water temperatures on lower Elk Creek are also considered a primary limiting factor adversely affecting fish populations. Our assessments show a large ( ° F) temperature increase between stream mile and where ma.\imum summer water temperatures approached 80° F in 2003. Water temperatures at mile are well within the thermal tolerances for trout. Conversely, water temperatures near are above the stress (> 73° F) levels for salmonids (Appendix I). The incremental loss of shrubs and shade, over-widened stream banks, and the exposure of the channel to direct sunlight are likely contributors to elevated water temperatures. Figure 24. CPUE for salmonids captured at four locations of lower Elk C
Size: 1939px × 1289px
Photo credit: © Library Book Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcollectionamericana, booklea, booksubjectfishes, bookyear2004
