West Fork of Black River and Mineral Creek Stream surveys

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              Final Report
Arizona Game & Fish Department
Heritage Project
I95017
West Fork of the Black River
and Mineral Creek
Stream Surveys
1997
Prepared By:
Kelly Bockting,
Theresa Davidson,
and
Jerry Ward
DISCLAIMER
The findings, opinions, and recommendations in this report are those of the investigators who have received partial or full funding from the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund. The findings, opinions, and recommendations do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission or the Department, or necessarily represent official Department policy or management practice. For further information, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction 1
II. Survey Information 2
A. West Fork of the Black River 2
B. Mineral Creek 14
III. Discussion 25
IV. Literature Cited 28
V. Glossary 29
Appendix A. Maps and Station Locations 32
Appendix B. Charts 38
Appendix C. Photographs 65 Introduction
In 1995, the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, was granted a Heritage Grant (I95017) by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The purpose of this grant was to survey the West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek to monitor fish populations, in conjunction with General Aquatic Wildlife System (GAWS, USFS 1985) surveys to evaluate and monitor stream and riparian habitat condition. Mineral Creek and the upper watershed of the West Fork of the Black River are Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache) streams.
The Apache trout is a threatened native Arizona species. In 1973 it was brought under the protection of the Endangered Species Act (P.L. 93-205). At that time it was listed as endangered. It was down listed to threatened in 1975 when a recovery team was formed (USFWS 1983). The Apache trout is managed also as a sport fish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
The West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek have been surveyed previously. The West Fork of the Black River was surveyed in 1989-90. Mineral Creek was surveyed in 1986 and 1991. All reaches and stations were delineated on both streams during the previous survey. There are eight reaches and 44 stations on the West Fork of the Black River. There are three reaches and six stations on Mineral Creek. Each station has been permanently located using a rebar stake placed on the right bank, with a metal tag with the reach and station number engraved on it.
A standardized GAWS sampling station consists of five clustered perpendicular to flow transects spaced upstream at regular intervals from the station identification point (rebar stake). At each station data was collected (as required on the Stream Habitat Inventory Transect form) for five transects, beginning ten (or twenty) meters above the station markers. Stations on the West Fork of the Black River were 50 meters long. Stations on Mineral Creek were 100 meters long.
In addition to the physical habitat data collected, fish population data was also recorded. Blocking nets were placed at either end of each station, and three depletion passes with an AC backpack electroshocker were used to collect fish. The species, length and weight of each fish collected were recorded on the fish data form. Only 25 fish of each species were measured and weighed at each station, any additional fish were only counted. All fish were released after it was measured and weighed.
The following is a summary of the conditions at the West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek. Data from previous surveys is provided for comparison purposes.
Survey Information
West Fork of the Black River
The West Fork of the Black River is located on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation. It is a 31.2 kilometer (19.4 miles) south easternly flowing tributary of the Black River. The drainage area of this system is approximately 156.9 square kilometers (60.6 sq. miles), ranging in elevation from 2281 meters (7484 feet) at its Black River confluence to a maximum of 3048 meters (10000 feet) near its origin on the top of Mount Baldy. The West fork of the Black River descends 24.6 meters/kilometer (129.7 feet/mile) over its stream course (Novy and Lopez 1991).
The West Fork of the Black River is a third order stream that flows through a series of meadows and canyons en route to its Black River confluence, located in SE1/4, SE1/4, Section 11, Township 4N, Range 28E, GSR&M . At this point, the East Fork and the West Fork of the Black River join together to form the mainstream of the Black River. The stream=s watershed ranges from open rangeland and ponderosa pine forest to spruce-fir forest and high mountain meadows.
In 1991, Trout Unlimited approached the Springerville Ranger District and the Arizona Game and Fish Department with a proposal for managing a stream on the Forest as a quality, blue ribbon type, coldwater fisheries. The West Fork of the Black River was chosen for this project. The project objectives were to: improve habitat conditions for trout; provide a blue ribbon fisheries within the biological capabilities of the West Fork of the Black River, manage for an Apache trout fisheries in the headwaters and tributaries of the West Fork of the Black River; manage for a brown trout fisheries below the headwaters and tributaries; provide a unique and enjoyable recreational experience; and to provide access for a variety of uses.
Almost all of the project has been implemented to date. In January of 1993, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission implemented Acatch and release@ fishing regulations for the majority of the project area. Approximately 150 instream improvement structures were constructed in the West Fork of the Black River and tributaries between 1992 and 1996. Willow were planted along stream banks to help stabilize banks, reduce sedimentation and provide overhanging vegetation. All of the stream improvements were constructed upstream of stations F6-46 (see Appendix A, Figure A-2). Range management improvements have been implemented. Roads have been closed or obliterated. A trail and parking area providing access to the area was constructed in 1994. In 1994, a secondary fish barrier was built on the upper reach of the stream. This barrier was then raised in 1996. Construction was finished on the primary barrier in 1995. These barriers were constructed to prevent exotic fish species from migrating upstream. A large portion of this project was implemented with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Funds. In 1995, an experimental stocking of 11,730 Apache trout took place, and in 1996 another 6045 Apache trout were released. These stockings took place below the fish barriers.
The stream was renovated in the fall of 1996, after the present survey was completed. The brown trout that were salvaged were restocked approximately 8 miles downstream from the fish barriers. Gila mountain suckers, Gila suckers and speckled dace were restocked in the upper West Fork of the Black River in the fall of 1996. In the July of 1997 the stream was restocked above the barriers with native Apache trout.
Water Chemistry
A water analysis was conducted at the same time as the GAWS survey was conducted. The water samples were analyzed at the last station of each reach (Table 1). Reach 4 was not sampled. This was conducted to obtain an average reading of each reach. These samples were analyzed for alkalinity, sulphate levels, specific conductivity, and pH levels (using the Extec Oyster pH/conductivity meter).
Table 1. Water chemistry measurements taken at West Fork of the Black River in 1996.
Station
1-5
2-15
3-25
5-40
6-50
7-60
8-70
Stream Avg.
Date
6/18
6/20
6/26
7/16
7/22
7/23
7/25
--- Station 1-5 2-15 3-25 5-40 6-50 7-60 8-70 Stream Avg.
Time
1040
1010
1245
1325
1025
1410
1215
---
Water Temp (EC)
18
18
19
20
17
26
20
19.7
pH
8.05
8.51
8.41
8.69
8.2
8.01
7.77
8.23
Alkalinity (mg/l)
0
18
0
30
0
0
0
6.9
Sulphate (mg/l)
>400
400
400
>400
400
>400
>400
400
Specific Conductance
(Fmhos/cm at 25EC)
40
30
30
60
40
40
40
40
Habitat
The first reach (1) is a low gradient canyon reach. Approximately 46% of stream habitat occurred as riffle area. Pool measure (quantity) increased from the last survey, while pool structure (quality) decreased from 33.3% in 1990 to zero in 1996 (Table 2 and 3). Bank soil and vegetation stability ratings increased to excellent conditions (above 80%, see Table 2 and Figure 1). The Habitat Condition Index (HCI) for reach 1 increased from 50.6% in 1990 to 58.5% in 1996. The Forests= minimum standard for trout streams is 60%. This reach supported a 3.2 hectare (8.1 acre) riparian area that was in fair condition (Table 2). Reach 1 is located below Forest Road 25, which contributes sediment to the West Fork.
Reach 2 is a low gradient meadow reach. Pool measure and pool structure decreased between the survey years, while all other habitat parameters increased (Figure 2). The HCI increased from 50.2% in 1990 to 59.2% in 1996. The 25 hectares (63 acres) of riparian habitat in this reach was found to be in fair condition. Reach 2 is located primarily on the AGFD PS Ranch. This area is known to have a high elk and deer concentration. Several beaver dams were also noted in this reach. Home Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach. Reach 3 had the greatest HCI (72.1%) on the West Fork of the Black River during this survey (Table 2). This canyon reach had fair pool measure and structure ratings. Several pools were noted in this reach that were not part of a station. The riparian condition of the 12.4 hectares (31 acres) of riparian habitat was rated as satisfactory. The West Fork Campground is located in this reach. The campground road crosses the West Fork three times. There is a foot trail on the east side (right bank) of the stream facilitating recreational fishing and nature viewing.
Reach 4 is a low gradient canyon reach. All habitat parameters averaged above 80%, except for pool measure and structure (Table 2 and Figure 4). The lack of pool quality and quantity occurred in stations 4-26 and 4-30. The HCI for Reach 4 was 65.8% in 1996, up from
57.5% in 1990. Ungulate damage and embeddedness ratings for this reach improved. Hayground Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach near station F4-28.
Reach 5 is a moderate gradient canyon reach, with a preponderance of the stream habitat occurring as riffle area. The average pool measure for this reach was 13.7% in 1996, compared to 51.2% in 1990 (Figure 5). Bank soil stability and vegetation stability ratings were excellent. The riparian condition for the 12.6 hectare (31.5 acre) riparian area was excellent. The HCI for this reach in 1996 was 60.5%, down from 65.7% in 1990. This is due to the extremely low
ratings for pool measure and pool structure (Table 2). There were however, pools noted that were outside of the stations measured. One beaver dam was noted in this reach.
Reach 6 is also a moderate gradient reach. Stinky Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach upstream of station F6-41. There were pools in all stations sampled, but the pool quality and quantity was poor. There are several pools in the areas between sampled stations. The HCI for this reach decreased slightly from 69.2% in 1990 to 68.2% in 1996. This reduction is due to the low pool measure and structure ratings. The two fish barriers are located in this reach upstream of station F6-50. An old railroad grade and the Thompson Trail are on the west side (left bank) of the stream.
Reach 7 is a low gradient meadow reach. Burro Creek and Thompson Creek enter the West Fork of the Black River in this reach. The Burro Creek confluence is just upstream of station F7-53, and the Thompson Creek confluence is located just downstream of Station F7-58. The channel is split many times in this reach. Most of the instream improvement structures are located in this reach and in reach 6. In this reach, all habitat parameters increased from the last survey, except pool structure. Bank soil stability ratings were excellent (Table 2 and Figure 7). The HCI for this reach was 63.7% in 1996. The riparian area was 26 hectares (65.3 acres), and was in satisfactory condition. Heavy elk and beaver activity was noted in this reach.
Reach 8 is a moderate gradient canyon reach which is located just below the Fort Apache Reservation Boundary. Most of the habitat in this reach was recorded as riffle area (Table 2). Here bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation stability ratings were in satisfactory condition and improved from the 1990 survey (Table 2,3 and Figure 8). The HCI for this reach was 57.5% in
Table 2. Summary of Habitat Conditions on West Fork of the Black River, 1996.
Stream Reach
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total/
Stream Ave.
Reach Length (m)
1640
4835
2725
1410
7080
4300
2810
1830
25830 total
Reach Area (m2)
1037
955
1854
726
1335
1032
615.5
694.5
8249 total
Number of Stations
3
4
6
3
6
6
5
6
39 total
Elevation (m)
2316
2362
2377
2415
2560
2633
2730
2735
2516
Gradient (%)
1.2
1.1
1.4
1.8
2.3
2.2
0.80
2.7
1.7
Riffle (%)
46.4
44.7
61.3
84.0
85.2
71.6
66.2
81.9
67.6
Potential Spawning Area
(PSA%)
42.0
22.6
19.5
13.3
9.7
9.3
57.3
45.7
27.5
Potential Rearing Area
(PRA%)
45.9
59.7
34.6
12.3
6.6
17.8
41.0
10.9
28.6
Channel Width (m)
11.2
11.6
14.7
14.9
9.4
8.3
8.3
6.5
10.6
Water Width (m)
8.8
6.0
7.5
5.9
5.6
4.4
3.1
2.9
5.5
Water Depth (m)
.16
.19
.15
.12
.16
.13
.12
.09
.14
Water Width/Depth Ratio1
48.8
31.6
50.0
49.2
35.0
33.8
25.8
32.2
38.3
Pool Measure (%)2
54.8
49.1
56.3
24.8
13.7
35.1
33.0
23.4
36.3
Pool Structure (%)2
0
10.3
56.8
24.7
0
45.9
28.1
0
20.7
Gravel Bottom (%)2
68.0
85.4
83.2
85.4
70.0
52.6
77.5
69.0
73.9 Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total/
Stream Ave.
Bank Cover (%)2
65.0
59.4
70.4
89.2
97.5
84.6
66.0
82.1
76.8
Bank Soil Stability (%)3
80.8
71.3
83.3
85.0
90.4
95.4
88.5
86.7
85.2
Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3
82.5
80.0
82.5
85.8
91.7
95.8
89.0
84.2
86.4
Canopy Density (%)3
8
6
26
34
47
39
6
48
26.8
Ungulate Damage (%)4
30.0
22.3
9.7
9.3
3.6
3.3
10.8
13.5
12.8
Embeddedness (%)4
60.0
48.2
22.6
21.3
24.1
34.5
50.1
30.1
36.4
Habitat Condition Index
(HCI%)5
58.5
59.2
72.1
65.8
60.5
68.2
63.7
57.5
63.2
Habitat Vulnerability Index
(HVI%)6
55.3
52.9
44.7
52.1
53.3
44.8
48.1
47.9
49.9
Riparian Condition7
6
7.5
9
10
11
10
9
11
9
Riparian Area (ha)
3.2
25
12.4
2.9
12.6
7.2
26
3.1
92.4
1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor
2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor
3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor
4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor
5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor
6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor
7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low
1996, down from 61.1% in 1990. The decrease is due to poor pool measure and structure ratings (Figure 8). Again, several pools were noted in this reach that were outside of the sampling stations.
Fish Population
Prior to the introduction of exotic species and habitat disruption associated with man-related activity, the West Fork of the Black River=s native fish population probably consisted of
Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache), Speckled Dace (Rhynichthys osculus), Gila mountain-sucker (Pantosteus clarki) and Gila sucker (Catostomus insignis)(Novy and Lopez 1991). The 1990 survey documented the presence of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), speckled dace, Gila-Mountain sucker, and Gila sucker. This survey documented the presence of rainbow trout, brown trout, speckled dace, Apache trout, Gila mountain-sucker and Gila sucker.
Historical stocking records of the Arizona Game and Fish Department indicate that rainbow trout and brown trout have been released since the 1930's (Novy and Lopez 1991). In 1995 no rainbows were stocked, then in 1996, 1000 catchables were released. The last brown trout stocking, of fingerlings, took place in 1981. These stockings, in conjunction with fish migrating from the Black River system, have eliminated the native trout fishery that was once present and produced the present mix of native and exotic species that now inhabit the West Fork of the Black River.
Six species of fish were captured in the West Fork of the Black River in 1996. Gila Mountain sucker, Gila sucker, speckled dace, rainbow trout and Apache trout (Table 4). Apache trout were found in reaches 2, 3 and 6. A total of 89 Apache trout were captured in the West Fork of the Black River in 1996. The Apache trout measured had a size
Table 3. Summary of Habitat Conditions on West Fork of the Black River, 1990.
Stream Reach
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Stream Avg. Or Total
Reach Length (m)
1640
4835
2725
1410
7080
4300
2810
1830
26600 total
Reach Area (m2)
1042.5
1570
1995.5
1357.5
1101.1
1572
1990
105
10733.6 total
Number of Stations
3
4
6
3
6
6
6
6
40 total
Elevation (m)
2289
2326
2360
2399
2501
2630
2694
2738
2494
Gradient (%)
1.20
1.10
1.40
1.80
2.30
2.20
0.80
2.70
1.70
Riffle (%)
92.0
57.5
73.7
72.9
72.2
52.8
66.2
81.9
66.8
Potential Spawning Area
(PSA%)
21.6
52.7
18.0
16.6
14.7
13.7
20.3
51.8
27.2
Potential Rearing Area
(PRA%)
18.1
40.7
29.1
31.2
27.8
48.4
61.8
18.7
37.4
Channel Width (m)
9.6
21.1
18.1
13.2
9.2
11.9
11.8
5.9
13.0
Water Width (m)
8.4
10.3
8.4
8.3
5.4
6.7
7.9
3.5
7.3
Water Depth (m)
0.19
0.15
0.13
0.13
0.15
0.16
0.16
0.11
0.15
Water Width/Depth Ratio1
44.0
69.0
65.0
64.0
36.0
42.0
49.0
32.0
49.0 Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stream Avg. Or
Total
Pool Measure (%)2
16.0
55.0
52.9
48.0
51.2
66.2
30.7
36.9
49.1
Pool Structure (%)2
33.3
33.6
95.2
31.5
40.1
83.6
81.5
42.0
55.2
Gravel Bottom (%)2
46.2
53.7
72.5
64.7
55.6
44.2
53.3
69.2
55.5
Bank Cover (%)2
77.5
58.1
80.4
70.0
92.9
82.9
54.6
79.2
76.5
Bank Soil Stability (%)3
64.2
43.8
63.3
65.0
79.2
69.6
49.2
68.3
64.0
Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3
66.7
56.9
65.0
65.8
75.4
68.8
54.6
70.8
66.4
Canopy Density (%)3
26
15
42
44
54
36
6
57
32
Ungulate Damage (%)4
26.7
62.8
26.3
35.0
9.2
43.4
38.0
17.8
32.3
Embeddedness (%)4
49.7
41.9
32.8
32.6
27.3
47.7
63.6
40.5
41.2
Habitat Condition Index
(HCI%)5
50.6
50.2
71.6
57.5
65.7
69.2
54.0
61.1
59.9
Habitat Vulnerability Index
(HVI%)6
59.1
56.0
58.2
53.5
65.9
59.9
58.4
54.5
59.1
Riparian Condition7
7.4
5.4
7.6
9.2
9.4
8.8
3.5
7.7
6.8
Riparian Area (ha)
3.61
24.66
6.27
4.65
9.91
12.47
10.96
3.11
75.64 total
1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor
2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor
3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor
4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor
5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor
6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor
7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low
range of 190 to 279mm in length. The 1336 speckled dace captured during electroshocking efforts, ranged in length from 20 to 129mm. There were 90 Gila Mountain suckers captured on the West Fork in 1996. They ranged in length from 40 to 390mm. A total of 69 Gila suckers were captured during this survey, ranging in length from 40 to 369mm. There were 1033 brown trout and 5 rainbow trout captured during this survey of the West Fork of the Black River (Appendix B, Figures B-1 to B-25). Occurrence records have been filed with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Data Management System Coordinator.
Mineral Creek Mineral Creek has been surveyed twice prior to the 1996 survey using GAWS methodology. The 1986 survey of Mineral Creek was the first time GAWS methodology was used on the Forests. The 1986 survey used 167 meter station lengths. The survey was conducted by Arizona Game & Fish Department (Pinetop) and Forest Service personnel. In 1991, the survey was repeated, using 100 meter station lengths. The 1996 survey used the same
station locations and station lengths, and the same methodology applied in the 1991 survey.
Approximately 35 instream habitat improvement structures were placed in Mineral Creek between 1989 and 1992 (USFS 1990). The objectives of the improvement project was to: stabilize banks, reduce stream width-to-depth ratios and braiding, increase pool to riffle ratios, and increase stream cover. The majority of these structures were constructed in reach 1.
Mineral Creek was divided into three reaches. There are six sampling stations on the Creek, each 100 meters in length. Reach 1 had four sampling stations, and reaches 2 and 3 had one sampling station each (Appendix A, Figures A-3 and A-4).
Table 4. Number, relative abundance, relative biomass, and catch per unit effort, of fish sampled by electrofishing at West Fork of the Black River in 1996.
Reach
Number
Species Sampled
No. Sampled
Percent of Total
Catch Per Effort
Weight Sampled (g)
Percent of
Total
Size Range (mm)
1
PACL
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
TOTAL
35
5
123
204
367
9.5
1.4
33.5
55.6
100.0
23.3
3.3
82.0
136.0
244.6
112
9
118
NOT
239
46.9
3.8
49.3
WEIGHED
100.0
40-339
50-309
30-109
0-9
---
2
PACL
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
ONAP
TOTAL
16
12
282
10
1
321
5.0
3.7
87.9
3.1
0.3
100.0
8
6
141
5
0.5
160.5
1569
1075
2749
405
97
5895
26.6
18.2
46.6
6.9
1.7
100.0
40-119
40-369
30-99
40-339
220
---
3
PACL
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
ONAP
ONMY
1
10
524
37
19
5
0.2
1.7
87.9
6.2
3.2
0.8
0.33
3.33
174.7
12.3
6.3
1.7
61
1352
699
1715
1732
225
1.0
23.4
12.1
29.7
29.9
3.9
160
100-369
20-109
50-269
190-269
140-179 Reach
Number
Species
Sampled
No.
Sampled
Percent of
Total
Catch Per
Effort
Weight
Sampled (g)
Percent of
Total
Size Range
(mm)
TOTAL
596
100.0
198.7
5784
100.0
---
4
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
TOTAL
1
126
21
148
0.7
85.1
14.2
100.0
0.7
84.0
14.0
98.7
80
302
1671
2053
3.9
14.7
81.4
100.0
189
30-109
50-289
---
5
PACL
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
TOTAL
30
21
49
149
249
12.05
8.43
19.68
59.84
100.0
10.0
7.0
16.3
49.7
83
8139
4812
166
5206
18323
44.4
26.3
0.9
28.4
100
149-390
130-349
30-99
30-279
---
6
PACL
CAIN
RHOS
SATR
ONAP
TOTAL
7
20
135
258
69
489
1.4
4.1
27.6
52.8
14.1
100.0
2.8
8.0
54.0
103.2
27.6
195.6
NOT
WEIGHED
---
---
---
---
SCALE
BROKEN
---
---
---
---
90-309
90-309
30-129
50-279
210-279
---
7
PACL
RHOS
SATR
TOTAL
1
97
123
221
0.45
43.89
55.66
100.0
0.4
38.8
49.2
88.4
NOT
WEIGHED
---
---
SCALE BROKEN
---
---
119
40-99
60-239
---
8
SATR
231
100
77
NOT
WEIGHED
30-249
PACL = Pantosteus clarki
CAIN = Catostomus insignis
RHOS = Rhynichthys osculus
SATR = Salmo trutta
ONAP = Oncorhynchus apache
ONMY = Oncorhynchus mykiss
Water Chemistry
A water analysis was conducted at the same time GAWS surveys were completed. The water samples were analyzed in the field at the last station of every reach (Table 5). The samples were analyzed for total alkalinity, sulphate, specific conductivity, and pH levels.
Table 5. Water Chemistry Results from Mineral Creek, 1996.
Station
1-4
2-5
3-6
Average
Date
07/30/96
07/31/96
07/31/96
---
Time
1335
0850
1100
---
Water Temp (EC)
20
17
20
19 Station 1-4 2-5 3-6 Average
pH
7.98
8.06
8.31
8.1
Alkalinity (mg/l)
0
0
0
0
Sulphate (mg/l)
400
400
400
400
Specific Conductance
(Fmhos/cm at 25EC)
110
80
80
90
Habitat
Reach 1 is a moderate gradient meadow reach. The average bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation ratings were excellent (Table 6). This reach had an embeddedness rating of 71.2% which is unsatisfactory (Figure 9 and Table 6). There were very few pools noted in this reach. Station F1-1 is the only station where a pool was measured. The pool structure rating for that station was 100%, which means that the pool had excellent characteristics (i.e., cover, depth, etc.). The average HCI for this reach in 1996 was 64.3%, which is above the Forests minimum standard (60%). The average HCI for this reach in 1991 was 61.4% and it was 53.8% in 1986 Tables 6, 7, and 8). Figure 10 displays a comparison of the habitat parameter ratings for the three survey years. The riparian area for this reach was 3.3 hectares (8.2 acres),and had an average riparian condition rating of 10, which is satisfactory (Table 6). Reach 1 is excluded from livestock grazing. There are three livestock drinkers along this reach for which water is piped out of Mineral Creek. Excess water from the drinkers is piped back to the creek.
Reach 2 is a high gradient canyon reach. This reach also had high embeddedness ratings (68.0%, see Figure 9). There were no pools measured in this reach. Pool structure and pool measure ratings were zero (Figure 11 and Table 6). Bank soil stability and vegetation stability ratings were excellent (Table 65). The mean HCI for this reach in 1996 was 51.7% (Table 6). In 1991 the HCI was 44.2% (Table 7). In 1986, the mean HCI for this reach was 23.9% (Table 8). Figure 11 is a comparison of the habitat parameter ratings for the three survey years. This reach has also been excluded from livestock grazing. Dense aquatic vegetation was noted in this reach.
Reach 3 is a moderate gradient meadow reach. The canopy density and embeddedness ratings for this reach were unsatisfactory (Table 6). There were no pools measured in this reach. Bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation stability ratings were all satisfactory. The HCI for Reach 3 in 1996 was substandard (51.9%; Table 6). In 1986, the HCI for this reach was only 13.5% (Table 7), and in 1991 the HCI was 56.8% (Table 8). Between the 1991 and 1996 survey years, the habitat parameter ratings that showed decreases were: pool measure, soil stability, and vegetation stability (Figure 12). The riparian area for this reach was 1.2 hectares (2.9 acres) and in satisfactory condition (Table 6). This reach is also excluded from livestock grazing.
Fish Population
During electroshocking efforts at Mineral Creek in 1996, ten Apache trout were captured. The fish were only caught in Reach 1 and 2. Occurrence records are on file with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Data Management System Coordinator. The fish ranged in length from 88 to 156mm. The fish were not weighed because the portable scale was broken at the time of survey.
Table 6. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1996.
Stream Reach
1
2
3
Stream Average or Total
Reach Length (m)
3301
925
786
5012 total
Reach Area (m2)
295.5
141.5
257.5
694.5 total
Number of Stations
4
1
1
6 total
Elevation (m)
2423
2530
2570
2508
Gradient (%)
4.5
8.4
3.7
5.5
Riffle (%)
71.1
56.3
31.7
53.0
Potential Spawning Area
(PSA%)
51.2
26.8
36.7
38.2
Potential Rearing Area (PRA%)
4.1
0
0
1.4
Channel Width (m)
5.5
8.7
7.5
7.2
Water Width (m)
1.9
3.7
6.4
4
Water Depth (m)
0.06
0.04
0.04
0.05 Stream Reach 1 2 3 Stream Average or Total
Water Width/Depth Ratio1
31.7
92.5
160
94.7
Pool Measure (%)2
8.8
0
0
2.9
Pool Structure (%)2
25.0
0
0
8.3
Gravel Bottom (%)2
62.1
62.8
46.4
57.1
Bank Cover (%)2
98.8
65.0
82.5
82.1
Bank Soil Stability (%)3
95.6
92.5
92.5
93.5
Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3
95.6
90.0
90.0
91.9
Canopy Density (%)3
45
51
48
48
Ungulate Damage (%)4
0
0
0
0
Embeddedness (%)4
71.2
68.0
72.0
70.4
Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5
64.3
51.7
51.9
56
Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6
54.3
55.9
53.6
54.6
Riparian Condition7
10
9
9
9.3
Riparian Area (ha)
3.3
1.4
1.2
5.9
1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor
2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor
3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor
4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor
5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor
6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor
7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Table 7. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1991.
Stream Reach
1
2
3
Stream Average or Total
Reach Length (m)
3301
925
786
5012 total
Reach Area (m2)
295.5
141.5
257.5
694.5 total
Number of Stations
4
1
1
6 total
Elevation (m)
2423
2530
2570
2508
Gradient (%)
5
7.4
2.0
4.8
Riffle (%)
78.4
60.0
70.6
69.7
Potential Spawning Area
(PSA%)
0
26.9
32.1
19.7
Potential Rearing Area (PRA%)
0
0
17.1
5.7
Channel Width (m)
6.0
12.5
18.2
12.2
Water Width (m)
2.4
5.2
4.4
4
Water Depth (m)
0.09
0.07
0.05
0.07
Water Width/Depth Ratio1
27
74
88
63
Pool Measure (%)2
24.3
0
33.9
19.4
Pool Structure (%)2
38.4
0
0
12.8
Gravel Bottom (%)2
67.3
42.7
36.7
48.9
Bank Cover (%)2
86.3
72.5
70.0
76.3
Bank Soil Stability (%)3
71.9
75.0
100
82.3
Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3
80.0
75.0
100
85
Canopy Density (%)3
67.8
64.0
39
56.9
Ungulate Damage (%)4
28.1
0
0
9.4
Embeddedness (%)4
42.0
40.0
52.0
44.7
Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5
61.4
44.2
56.8
54.1
Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6
50.8
51.4
62.7
54.7
Riparian Condition7
7.5
6
10
7.8
Riparian Area (ha)
3.6
1.8
2.3
7.7 total
1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor
2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor
3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor
4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor
5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor
6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor
7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Table 8. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1986.
Stream Reach
1
2
3
Stream Average or Total
Reach Length (m)
3301
925
786
5012 total
Reach Area (m2)
295
141.5
257.5
694 total
Number of Stations
4
1
1
6 total
Elevation (m)
2423
2530
2570
2508
Gradient (%)
2.9
8.0
3.7
4.9
Riffle (%)
31.1
22.7
31.0
28.3
Potential Spawning Area
(PSA%)
54.6
62.5
27.4
48.2
Potential Rearing Area (PRA%)
58.9
8.0
7.1
24.7
Channel Width (m)
4.9
1.3
1.6
2.6
Water Width (m)
3.1
1.3
1.2
1.9
Water Depth (m)
0.11
0.02
0.02
0.05
Water Width/Depth Ratio1
28
65
60
51
Pool Measure (%)2
74.2
15.9
14.3
34.8
Pool Structure (%)2
0
0
0
0
Gravel Bottom (%)2
54.4
73.9
27.4
51.9
Bank Cover (%)2
80.6
14.3
14.3
36.4
Bank Soil Stability (%)3
55.6
21.4
12.5
29.8
Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3
58.1
17.9
12.5
29.5
Canopy Density (%)3
37.5
4
0
13.8
Ungulate Damage (%)4
50.0
80.4
91.1
73.8
Embeddedness (%)4
68.0
85.7
91.4
81.7
Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5
53.8
23.9
13.5
30.4
Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6
69.7
53.25
71.8
64.9
Riparian Condition7
DATA
NOT
AVAIL-
ABLE
Riparian Area (ha)
2.6
0.3
0.39
3.29 total
1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor
2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor
3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor
4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor
5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor
6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor
7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Only seven Apache trout were captured in the 1985 survey at five, 100 meter stations. Fish sampled in 1985 ranged in length from 75 to 235mm. In 1991, six Apache trout were captured in six, 100 meter stations (same stations as the 1996 survey). These fish ranged in length from 134 - 241mm.
Table 9. Number, relative abundance, relative biomass, and catch per unit effort, of fish sampled by electrofishing at Mineral Creek in 1996.
Reach Number
Species Sampled
Number
Sampled
Percent of Total
Catch Per Effort
Weight Sampled (g)
Percent of Total
Size Range (mm)
1
ONAP
4
100
1
NOT
WEIGHED
98-138
2
ONAP
6
100
6
NOT
WEIGHED
88-156
ONAP = Oncorhynchus apache
Discussion
The West Fork of the Black River is a wide shallow stream with a mean water width of 5.5 meters (18.04 feet), a mean water depth of 0.14 meters (0.46 feet), and a mean width to depth ratio of 38.3. The average stream gradient was 1.7 percent. The average embeddedness of this stream was 36.4% (Table 2). Ungulate damage ratings averaged 12.8%, which is good. The estimated riparian area of the Forests= portion of the West Fork of the Black River was 92.4 hectares (232 acres). The overall riparian condition rating was 9 which is satisfactory.
As mentioned previously, many management changes have occurred in the West Fork of the Black River watershed since the last survey in 1990. Range management was changed with an objective to increase riparian condition. Roads were closed and obliterated to decrease soil erosion. Over 140 instream habitat improvement structures and several fish migration barriers were constructed in these recently stocked Apache trout waters. Most of the structures are located in reaches 6, 7 and 8 of the West Fork of the Black River. The two fish migration barriers and one barrier on Stinky Creek are located in (or adjacent to) Reach 6. The HCI=s for reaches 5, 6 and 8 of the West Fork of the Black River decreased. This was mainly due to decreases in pool measure and structure ratings. There are many pools located throughout this reach that were not part of the sample and this is not considered a serious problem at this time. Only three of the eight reaches surveyed had HCI=s below the Forests minimum standard of 60% - reaches 1, 2 and 8. The HCI=s in these reaches were all above 57% and the HCI=s in reaches 1 and 2 do reflect an improvement in fish habitat condition from 1990. Reaches 1, 2 and 3 are on the Alpine Ranger District. The grazing allotments that affect these reaches are currently undergoing analysis for new Allotment Management Plans. A large portion of reach 2 is on the AGFD PS Ranch. The riparian condition on this reach and the reach downstream from it (reach 1) shows need for improvement. The large willow populations that have occurred in this area are decreasing, most likely a result of significant beaver activity and large wild ungulate use (cattle do not graze the PS Ranch). Since the PS Ranch area is not under the management jusrisdiction of the Forest Service, it is recommended that an Arizona Game & Fish Department Habitat Specialist visit the area to determine Department management activities that would help improve the riparian condition of the PS Ranch area.
Mineral Creek is a shallow stream with an average width of 4.0 meters (13.1 feet), a mean water depth of 0.05 meters (0.2 feet), and an average width to depth ratio of 94.7. The average stream gradient was 5.5%. Mineral Creek supports a riparian area that was 5.9 hectares (14.5 acres). The overall riparian condition rating was 9.3, which is satisfactory. Mineral Creek is very embedded. The mean embeddedness rating for the creek was 70.4%.
Mineral Creek has undergone several management changes between 1986 and 1996, most being livestock management changes. In 1986 and prior to that, livestock had access to all reaches surveyed. By 1991 some of the reaches had been exclosed from livestock use and some were incorporated into riparian pastures. By the end of 1996 all reaches of Mineral Creek had been excluded from livestock use. Permitted numbers of livestock grazing in this allotment have been reduced.
The major habitat parameters affecting low HCI=s on Mineral Creek are pool measure and structure. A serious problem that has been noted in this stream, since it has been surveyed, is embeddedness. The percent embeddedness did go down between 1986 and 1991, but it increased again by 1996. A large flood event may wash some of the sediment out of the system.
All of the current management activities on the upper West Fork of the Black River watershed and Mineral Creek have been implemented to protect and improve habitat for the Apache trout. It is recommended that these streams be resurveyed in 2001 using GAWS or newer methodology to determine the habitat condition trend in these streams. It is also recommended that the fish populations be monitored periodically to determine the effectiveness of the barriers on both streams. It is also recommended that the Arizona Game and Fish Department actively enforce the catch and release fishing regulations implemented on these streams. Literature Cited
Novy, J. And M. Lopez. 1991. West Fork of Black River Fish Management Report. Statewide Fisheries Investigations, Survey of Aquatic Resources Federal Aid Project F-7-M-33.
Platts, W.S. and M.L. MacHenry. 1988. Density and Biomass of Trout and Char in Western Streams. US Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. General Technical Report INT-241. 17p.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Arizona Trout Recovery Team, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
USFS (United States Forest Service). 1985. Fisheries Habitat Survey Handbook. USFS Region 4. 2609.23.
USFS. 1989. Riparian Analysis. Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. USFS, Southwestern Region.
USFS. 1989a. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan. Amendment No. 1. USFS. Southwestern Region.
USFS. 1990. Mineral Creek Stream Habitat Improvement Project File.
Glossary
Bank Angle - The average of angles formed between the downward sloping stream banks and the water surface. If the stream bank is undercut, the angle is always less than 90 degrees, otherwise the angle is 90 degrees or greater. Valuable rearing habitat is lost if the bank has been cut away and moved back from the water column. Fish often congregate near undercuts and vertical banks.
Bank Cover - A rating of stream bank vegetation types. Brush is considered optimal and assigned the highest rating of 4. Forested is rated 3, grass and forbes is rated a 2, and exposed (rock or soil) is assigned the lowest rating of 1. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible.
Bank Cover% = Sum of all bank cover ratings x 100
8 x number of transects
Bank Soil Stability - A rating of the stream banks soil characteristics and ability to resist erosion. Plant density, rootmass, particle size composition, rawbanks and extent of erosion are considered in the rating of each bank. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible.
Bank Soil Stability % = Sum of all soil stability ratings x 100
8 x number of transects
Bank Vegetation Stability - A rating of the stream banks vegetation density and ability to resist erosion. Stream bank vegetation provides cover shade and a terrestrial food source for fish, as well as rootmass and soil cover to resist erosion from flowing water. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible.
Vegetation stability%= Sum of vegetation stability ratings x 100
8 x number of transects
Canopy Density - The percentage of sky over the stream channel which is blocked out by vegetation. A canopy provides shading of the stream which helps prevent water temperatures from increasing to critical levels for trout. Leaf drop in the fall can be a major energy source to the streams aquatic food web when a healthy canopy is made up of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Embeddedness - A rating of the amount of surface area of large size particles (gravel, rubble, and boulder) on the stream bottom which is covered by fine sediments. High silt levels inhibit successful spawning of trout, production of stream bottom macroinvertebrates and primary production of attached algae by covering rocky substrate. High embeddedness is also an indicator of unstable conditions upstream. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible.
Embeddedness % = Sum of all embeddedness rating x 100
5 x number of transects
Gravel Bottom - (stream bottom) The percentage of the stream bottom composed of gravel and rubble. These size particles are necessary for spawning and are the most productive in producing food (aquatic macroinvertebrates) for fish. Gravel bottom % = Sum of gravel and rubble measurements x 100
Sum of water widths
HCI - (Habitat Condition Index) is a multi variate rating of existing trout habitat quality. It is computed using pool measure (PM), pool structure (PS), gravel bottom (GB), bank cover (BC), bank soil stability (BSS), and bank vegetation stability (BVS) ratings. The HCI increases as habitat quality increases.
HCI % = PM + PS + GB + BC + BSS + BVS X 100
6
HVI - The Habitat Vulnerability Index is a rating that predicts the vulnerability of stream habitat to management activities and natural occurrences. It is computed using valley bottom width (VWC), stream gradient (SGC), side slope gradients (SSC), lower banks type (LBC), bank stability (CSC), and indicators of potential sediment production (SPC) coefficients. The HVI increases as the streams susceptibility to damage increases.
HVI % = VWC + SGC + SSC + LBC + CSC + SPC
3 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 4
Pool Measure - A rating of the pool - riffle ratio of the sample area. A fifty-fifty pool-riffle ratio is assumed to be the most productive. Pools provide resting and rearing habitat for fish, whereas riffles produce food and support trout spawning. The pool measure rating decreases as the pool-riffle ration deviates either direction from a fifty-fifty ratio.
P = Total pool widths x 100
Total water widths
where P = 50, the rating is 100%
where P < 50, solve
Pool measure % = 100 - [(50-P) x 2]
where P > 50, solve
Pool measure % = 100 -[(P-50) x 2]
Pool Structure - A rating of pool quality which reflects the percentage of high-rated pool widths out of the total pool widths measured. Pools are rated by size, depth, and fish cover available. A good relationship exists between high quality pools and high fish standing crops.
Pool structure % = Total 1,2, and 3 rated pools x 100
Total of all pools
PRA - Potential Rearing Area is the percentage of stream area with water velocities < 1 foot per second (pools). Small trout require these pools for rearing.
PSA - Potential Spawning Area is the percentage of stream bottom area composed of 1/8" to 3" diameter gravel. Trout require these gravels for spawning and embryo incubation.
Riffles - The percentage of stream area where water velocity is fast, stream depth is shallow and water surface gradient is steep. Riffles are the food (aquatic macroinvertebrate and periphyton) producing areas of a stream.
Riparian Condition - A rating of existing riparian conditions using the USFS Region 3 Riparian scorecard. Overstory, midstory, and understory conditions are all rated. Riparian vegetation is important in stabilizing stream banks, filtering eroded soil, blocking solar radiation, providing cover and a source of terrestrial insects for fish as well as providing organic input to the stream=s aquatic food web.
Shore Depth - The average of water depths measured at the shoreline or at the edge of a bank overhanging the shoreline. Shore depth is critical for young-of-the-year fish. Valuable rearing habitat is lost when the banks have been cut away and there is zero shore depth.
Stream Channel Stability - A rating of 15 parameters describing upperbank, lowerbank, and stream bottom characteristics and stability. There has been a good relationship between these ratings and resident trout standing crops.
Undercut banks - The average of all undercut widths (the distance from the furthest point of protrusion of the bank to the furthest undercut of the bank) measured at each station. If no undercut is present at the transect, the undercut measurement is recorded as a zero. Undercut banks provide valuable cover for fish and provide conditions favorable to producing high trout biomass.
Ungulate Damage - A rating of observed bank damage caused by ungulates including trampling, removal of stream bank riparian vegetation, sloughing and bank erosion. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Excessive ungulate damage destroys riparian vegetation, causes bank sloughing, increases sedimentation and embeddedness, causes the stream to widen and shallow resulting in an increase of water temperature.
APPENDIX A
MAPS
AND
STATION LOCATIONS
Figure A-1. West Fork of the Black River, GAWS Station Locations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reach 1 Station 1-1 100 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 1 Station 1-3 790 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 1 Station 1-5 1480 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 2 Station 2-6 1740 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 2 Station 2-11 4315 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 2 Station 2-13 5345 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 2 Station 2-15 6375 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-16 6575 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-18 7115 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-20 7655 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-21 7925 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-23 8465 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 3 Station 3-25 9005 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 4 Station 4-26 9300 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 4 Station 4-28 9900 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 4 Station 4-30 10500 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-31 10710 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-33 12240 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-35 13770 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-36 14535 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-38 16065 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 5 Station 5-40 17595 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-41 17790 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-43 18310 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-45 18830 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-46 19260 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-48 20120 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 6 Station 6-50 20980 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 7 Station 7-53 22670 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 7 Station 7-55 23250 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 7 Station 7-56 23540 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 7 Station 7-58 24120 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 7 Station 7-60 24700 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-61 24900 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-63 25620 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-65 25620 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-66 25800 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-68 26160 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Reach 8 Station 8-70 26520 Meters Upstream of Confluence
Figure A-3. Mineral Creek, GAWS station locations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reach 1 Station 1-1 61 Meters above fish barrier
Reach 1 Station 1-2 1248 Meters above fish barrier
Reach 1 Station 1-3 2015 Meters above fish barrier
Reach 1 Station 1-4 2751 Meters above fish barrier
Reach 2 Station 2-5 3301 Meters above fish barrier
Reach 3 Station 3-6 4287 Meters above fish barrier
Appendix B:
Charts
Appendix C:
Photographs

Description

Rating
TITLE	West Fork of Black River and Mineral Creek Stream surveys
CREATOR	Bockting, Kelly.
SUBJECT	Black River (Ariz.); Rye Creek (Ariz.); Stream ecology--Arizona;
Browse Topic	Land and resources
DESCRIPTION	31 pages (PDF version). File size: 880 KB
Language	English
Contributor	Davidson, Theresa; Ward, Jerry; Arizona Game and Fish Dept. Heritage Fund;
Publisher	Arizona Game and Fish Dept.
TYPE	Text
Material Collection	State Documents
Acquisition Note	Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund IIPAM I95017.
RIGHTS MANAGEMENT	Copyright to this resource is held by the creating agency and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the creating agency. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of United States and international copyright laws, and is subject to criminal prosecution.
DATE ORIGINAL	1997
Time Period	1990s (1990-1999)
ORIGINAL FORMAT	Paper
Source Identifier	GF 4.3:I 23
Location	o189139612
DIGITAL IDENTIFIER	I95017.pdf
DIGITAL FORMAT	PDF (Portable Document Format)
DIGITIZATION SPECIFICATIONS	Scanned from copy.
REPOSITORY	Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records--Law and Research Library.
File Size	900633 Bytes
Full Text	Final Report Arizona Game & Fish Department Heritage Project I95017 West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek Stream Surveys 1997 Prepared By: Kelly Bockting, Theresa Davidson, and Jerry Ward DISCLAIMER The findings, opinions, and recommendations in this report are those of the investigators who have received partial or full funding from the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Fund. The findings, opinions, and recommendations do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission or the Department, or necessarily represent official Department policy or management practice. For further information, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Table of Contents I. Introduction 1 II. Survey Information 2 A. West Fork of the Black River 2 B. Mineral Creek 14 III. Discussion 25 IV. Literature Cited 28 V. Glossary 29 Appendix A. Maps and Station Locations 32 Appendix B. Charts 38 Appendix C. Photographs 65 Introduction In 1995, the Springerville Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, was granted a Heritage Grant (I95017) by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The purpose of this grant was to survey the West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek to monitor fish populations, in conjunction with General Aquatic Wildlife System (GAWS, USFS 1985) surveys to evaluate and monitor stream and riparian habitat condition. Mineral Creek and the upper watershed of the West Fork of the Black River are Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache) streams. The Apache trout is a threatened native Arizona species. In 1973 it was brought under the protection of the Endangered Species Act (P.L. 93-205). At that time it was listed as endangered. It was down listed to threatened in 1975 when a recovery team was formed (USFWS 1983). The Apache trout is managed also as a sport fish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek have been surveyed previously. The West Fork of the Black River was surveyed in 1989-90. Mineral Creek was surveyed in 1986 and 1991. All reaches and stations were delineated on both streams during the previous survey. There are eight reaches and 44 stations on the West Fork of the Black River. There are three reaches and six stations on Mineral Creek. Each station has been permanently located using a rebar stake placed on the right bank, with a metal tag with the reach and station number engraved on it. A standardized GAWS sampling station consists of five clustered perpendicular to flow transects spaced upstream at regular intervals from the station identification point (rebar stake). At each station data was collected (as required on the Stream Habitat Inventory Transect form) for five transects, beginning ten (or twenty) meters above the station markers. Stations on the West Fork of the Black River were 50 meters long. Stations on Mineral Creek were 100 meters long. In addition to the physical habitat data collected, fish population data was also recorded. Blocking nets were placed at either end of each station, and three depletion passes with an AC backpack electroshocker were used to collect fish. The species, length and weight of each fish collected were recorded on the fish data form. Only 25 fish of each species were measured and weighed at each station, any additional fish were only counted. All fish were released after it was measured and weighed. The following is a summary of the conditions at the West Fork of the Black River and Mineral Creek. Data from previous surveys is provided for comparison purposes. Survey Information West Fork of the Black River The West Fork of the Black River is located on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation. It is a 31.2 kilometer (19.4 miles) south easternly flowing tributary of the Black River. The drainage area of this system is approximately 156.9 square kilometers (60.6 sq. miles), ranging in elevation from 2281 meters (7484 feet) at its Black River confluence to a maximum of 3048 meters (10000 feet) near its origin on the top of Mount Baldy. The West fork of the Black River descends 24.6 meters/kilometer (129.7 feet/mile) over its stream course (Novy and Lopez 1991). The West Fork of the Black River is a third order stream that flows through a series of meadows and canyons en route to its Black River confluence, located in SE1/4, SE1/4, Section 11, Township 4N, Range 28E, GSR&M . At this point, the East Fork and the West Fork of the Black River join together to form the mainstream of the Black River. The stream=s watershed ranges from open rangeland and ponderosa pine forest to spruce-fir forest and high mountain meadows. In 1991, Trout Unlimited approached the Springerville Ranger District and the Arizona Game and Fish Department with a proposal for managing a stream on the Forest as a quality, blue ribbon type, coldwater fisheries. The West Fork of the Black River was chosen for this project. The project objectives were to: improve habitat conditions for trout; provide a blue ribbon fisheries within the biological capabilities of the West Fork of the Black River, manage for an Apache trout fisheries in the headwaters and tributaries of the West Fork of the Black River; manage for a brown trout fisheries below the headwaters and tributaries; provide a unique and enjoyable recreational experience; and to provide access for a variety of uses. Almost all of the project has been implemented to date. In January of 1993, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission implemented Acatch and release@ fishing regulations for the majority of the project area. Approximately 150 instream improvement structures were constructed in the West Fork of the Black River and tributaries between 1992 and 1996. Willow were planted along stream banks to help stabilize banks, reduce sedimentation and provide overhanging vegetation. All of the stream improvements were constructed upstream of stations F6-46 (see Appendix A, Figure A-2). Range management improvements have been implemented. Roads have been closed or obliterated. A trail and parking area providing access to the area was constructed in 1994. In 1994, a secondary fish barrier was built on the upper reach of the stream. This barrier was then raised in 1996. Construction was finished on the primary barrier in 1995. These barriers were constructed to prevent exotic fish species from migrating upstream. A large portion of this project was implemented with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Funds. In 1995, an experimental stocking of 11,730 Apache trout took place, and in 1996 another 6045 Apache trout were released. These stockings took place below the fish barriers. The stream was renovated in the fall of 1996, after the present survey was completed. The brown trout that were salvaged were restocked approximately 8 miles downstream from the fish barriers. Gila mountain suckers, Gila suckers and speckled dace were restocked in the upper West Fork of the Black River in the fall of 1996. In the July of 1997 the stream was restocked above the barriers with native Apache trout. Water Chemistry A water analysis was conducted at the same time as the GAWS survey was conducted. The water samples were analyzed at the last station of each reach (Table 1). Reach 4 was not sampled. This was conducted to obtain an average reading of each reach. These samples were analyzed for alkalinity, sulphate levels, specific conductivity, and pH levels (using the Extec Oyster pH/conductivity meter). Table 1. Water chemistry measurements taken at West Fork of the Black River in 1996. Station 1-5 2-15 3-25 5-40 6-50 7-60 8-70 Stream Avg. Date 6/18 6/20 6/26 7/16 7/22 7/23 7/25 --- Station 1-5 2-15 3-25 5-40 6-50 7-60 8-70 Stream Avg. Time 1040 1010 1245 1325 1025 1410 1215 --- Water Temp (EC) 18 18 19 20 17 26 20 19.7 pH 8.05 8.51 8.41 8.69 8.2 8.01 7.77 8.23 Alkalinity (mg/l) 0 18 0 30 0 0 0 6.9 Sulphate (mg/l) >400 400 400 >400 400 >400 >400 400 Specific Conductance (Fmhos/cm at 25EC) 40 30 30 60 40 40 40 40 Habitat The first reach (1) is a low gradient canyon reach. Approximately 46% of stream habitat occurred as riffle area. Pool measure (quantity) increased from the last survey, while pool structure (quality) decreased from 33.3% in 1990 to zero in 1996 (Table 2 and 3). Bank soil and vegetation stability ratings increased to excellent conditions (above 80%, see Table 2 and Figure 1). The Habitat Condition Index (HCI) for reach 1 increased from 50.6% in 1990 to 58.5% in 1996. The Forests= minimum standard for trout streams is 60%. This reach supported a 3.2 hectare (8.1 acre) riparian area that was in fair condition (Table 2). Reach 1 is located below Forest Road 25, which contributes sediment to the West Fork. Reach 2 is a low gradient meadow reach. Pool measure and pool structure decreased between the survey years, while all other habitat parameters increased (Figure 2). The HCI increased from 50.2% in 1990 to 59.2% in 1996. The 25 hectares (63 acres) of riparian habitat in this reach was found to be in fair condition. Reach 2 is located primarily on the AGFD PS Ranch. This area is known to have a high elk and deer concentration. Several beaver dams were also noted in this reach. Home Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach. Reach 3 had the greatest HCI (72.1%) on the West Fork of the Black River during this survey (Table 2). This canyon reach had fair pool measure and structure ratings. Several pools were noted in this reach that were not part of a station. The riparian condition of the 12.4 hectares (31 acres) of riparian habitat was rated as satisfactory. The West Fork Campground is located in this reach. The campground road crosses the West Fork three times. There is a foot trail on the east side (right bank) of the stream facilitating recreational fishing and nature viewing. Reach 4 is a low gradient canyon reach. All habitat parameters averaged above 80%, except for pool measure and structure (Table 2 and Figure 4). The lack of pool quality and quantity occurred in stations 4-26 and 4-30. The HCI for Reach 4 was 65.8% in 1996, up from 57.5% in 1990. Ungulate damage and embeddedness ratings for this reach improved. Hayground Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach near station F4-28. Reach 5 is a moderate gradient canyon reach, with a preponderance of the stream habitat occurring as riffle area. The average pool measure for this reach was 13.7% in 1996, compared to 51.2% in 1990 (Figure 5). Bank soil stability and vegetation stability ratings were excellent. The riparian condition for the 12.6 hectare (31.5 acre) riparian area was excellent. The HCI for this reach in 1996 was 60.5%, down from 65.7% in 1990. This is due to the extremely low ratings for pool measure and pool structure (Table 2). There were however, pools noted that were outside of the stations measured. One beaver dam was noted in this reach. Reach 6 is also a moderate gradient reach. Stinky Creek enters the West Fork of the Black River in this reach upstream of station F6-41. There were pools in all stations sampled, but the pool quality and quantity was poor. There are several pools in the areas between sampled stations. The HCI for this reach decreased slightly from 69.2% in 1990 to 68.2% in 1996. This reduction is due to the low pool measure and structure ratings. The two fish barriers are located in this reach upstream of station F6-50. An old railroad grade and the Thompson Trail are on the west side (left bank) of the stream. Reach 7 is a low gradient meadow reach. Burro Creek and Thompson Creek enter the West Fork of the Black River in this reach. The Burro Creek confluence is just upstream of station F7-53, and the Thompson Creek confluence is located just downstream of Station F7-58. The channel is split many times in this reach. Most of the instream improvement structures are located in this reach and in reach 6. In this reach, all habitat parameters increased from the last survey, except pool structure. Bank soil stability ratings were excellent (Table 2 and Figure 7). The HCI for this reach was 63.7% in 1996. The riparian area was 26 hectares (65.3 acres), and was in satisfactory condition. Heavy elk and beaver activity was noted in this reach. Reach 8 is a moderate gradient canyon reach which is located just below the Fort Apache Reservation Boundary. Most of the habitat in this reach was recorded as riffle area (Table 2). Here bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation stability ratings were in satisfactory condition and improved from the 1990 survey (Table 2,3 and Figure 8). The HCI for this reach was 57.5% in Table 2. Summary of Habitat Conditions on West Fork of the Black River, 1996. Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total/ Stream Ave. Reach Length (m) 1640 4835 2725 1410 7080 4300 2810 1830 25830 total Reach Area (m2) 1037 955 1854 726 1335 1032 615.5 694.5 8249 total Number of Stations 3 4 6 3 6 6 5 6 39 total Elevation (m) 2316 2362 2377 2415 2560 2633 2730 2735 2516 Gradient (%) 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.8 2.3 2.2 0.80 2.7 1.7 Riffle (%) 46.4 44.7 61.3 84.0 85.2 71.6 66.2 81.9 67.6 Potential Spawning Area (PSA%) 42.0 22.6 19.5 13.3 9.7 9.3 57.3 45.7 27.5 Potential Rearing Area (PRA%) 45.9 59.7 34.6 12.3 6.6 17.8 41.0 10.9 28.6 Channel Width (m) 11.2 11.6 14.7 14.9 9.4 8.3 8.3 6.5 10.6 Water Width (m) 8.8 6.0 7.5 5.9 5.6 4.4 3.1 2.9 5.5 Water Depth (m) .16 .19 .15 .12 .16 .13 .12 .09 .14 Water Width/Depth Ratio1 48.8 31.6 50.0 49.2 35.0 33.8 25.8 32.2 38.3 Pool Measure (%)2 54.8 49.1 56.3 24.8 13.7 35.1 33.0 23.4 36.3 Pool Structure (%)2 0 10.3 56.8 24.7 0 45.9 28.1 0 20.7 Gravel Bottom (%)2 68.0 85.4 83.2 85.4 70.0 52.6 77.5 69.0 73.9 Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total/ Stream Ave. Bank Cover (%)2 65.0 59.4 70.4 89.2 97.5 84.6 66.0 82.1 76.8 Bank Soil Stability (%)3 80.8 71.3 83.3 85.0 90.4 95.4 88.5 86.7 85.2 Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3 82.5 80.0 82.5 85.8 91.7 95.8 89.0 84.2 86.4 Canopy Density (%)3 8 6 26 34 47 39 6 48 26.8 Ungulate Damage (%)4 30.0 22.3 9.7 9.3 3.6 3.3 10.8 13.5 12.8 Embeddedness (%)4 60.0 48.2 22.6 21.3 24.1 34.5 50.1 30.1 36.4 Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5 58.5 59.2 72.1 65.8 60.5 68.2 63.7 57.5 63.2 Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6 55.3 52.9 44.7 52.1 53.3 44.8 48.1 47.9 49.9 Riparian Condition7 6 7.5 9 10 11 10 9 11 9 Riparian Area (ha) 3.2 25 12.4 2.9 12.6 7.2 26 3.1 92.4 1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor 2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor 3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor 4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor 5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor 6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor 7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low 1996, down from 61.1% in 1990. The decrease is due to poor pool measure and structure ratings (Figure 8). Again, several pools were noted in this reach that were outside of the sampling stations. Fish Population Prior to the introduction of exotic species and habitat disruption associated with man-related activity, the West Fork of the Black River=s native fish population probably consisted of Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache), Speckled Dace (Rhynichthys osculus), Gila mountain-sucker (Pantosteus clarki) and Gila sucker (Catostomus insignis)(Novy and Lopez 1991). The 1990 survey documented the presence of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), speckled dace, Gila-Mountain sucker, and Gila sucker. This survey documented the presence of rainbow trout, brown trout, speckled dace, Apache trout, Gila mountain-sucker and Gila sucker. Historical stocking records of the Arizona Game and Fish Department indicate that rainbow trout and brown trout have been released since the 1930's (Novy and Lopez 1991). In 1995 no rainbows were stocked, then in 1996, 1000 catchables were released. The last brown trout stocking, of fingerlings, took place in 1981. These stockings, in conjunction with fish migrating from the Black River system, have eliminated the native trout fishery that was once present and produced the present mix of native and exotic species that now inhabit the West Fork of the Black River. Six species of fish were captured in the West Fork of the Black River in 1996. Gila Mountain sucker, Gila sucker, speckled dace, rainbow trout and Apache trout (Table 4). Apache trout were found in reaches 2, 3 and 6. A total of 89 Apache trout were captured in the West Fork of the Black River in 1996. The Apache trout measured had a size Table 3. Summary of Habitat Conditions on West Fork of the Black River, 1990. Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stream Avg. Or Total Reach Length (m) 1640 4835 2725 1410 7080 4300 2810 1830 26600 total Reach Area (m2) 1042.5 1570 1995.5 1357.5 1101.1 1572 1990 105 10733.6 total Number of Stations 3 4 6 3 6 6 6 6 40 total Elevation (m) 2289 2326 2360 2399 2501 2630 2694 2738 2494 Gradient (%) 1.20 1.10 1.40 1.80 2.30 2.20 0.80 2.70 1.70 Riffle (%) 92.0 57.5 73.7 72.9 72.2 52.8 66.2 81.9 66.8 Potential Spawning Area (PSA%) 21.6 52.7 18.0 16.6 14.7 13.7 20.3 51.8 27.2 Potential Rearing Area (PRA%) 18.1 40.7 29.1 31.2 27.8 48.4 61.8 18.7 37.4 Channel Width (m) 9.6 21.1 18.1 13.2 9.2 11.9 11.8 5.9 13.0 Water Width (m) 8.4 10.3 8.4 8.3 5.4 6.7 7.9 3.5 7.3 Water Depth (m) 0.19 0.15 0.13 0.13 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.11 0.15 Water Width/Depth Ratio1 44.0 69.0 65.0 64.0 36.0 42.0 49.0 32.0 49.0 Stream Reach 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Stream Avg. Or Total Pool Measure (%)2 16.0 55.0 52.9 48.0 51.2 66.2 30.7 36.9 49.1 Pool Structure (%)2 33.3 33.6 95.2 31.5 40.1 83.6 81.5 42.0 55.2 Gravel Bottom (%)2 46.2 53.7 72.5 64.7 55.6 44.2 53.3 69.2 55.5 Bank Cover (%)2 77.5 58.1 80.4 70.0 92.9 82.9 54.6 79.2 76.5 Bank Soil Stability (%)3 64.2 43.8 63.3 65.0 79.2 69.6 49.2 68.3 64.0 Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3 66.7 56.9 65.0 65.8 75.4 68.8 54.6 70.8 66.4 Canopy Density (%)3 26 15 42 44 54 36 6 57 32 Ungulate Damage (%)4 26.7 62.8 26.3 35.0 9.2 43.4 38.0 17.8 32.3 Embeddedness (%)4 49.7 41.9 32.8 32.6 27.3 47.7 63.6 40.5 41.2 Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5 50.6 50.2 71.6 57.5 65.7 69.2 54.0 61.1 59.9 Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6 59.1 56.0 58.2 53.5 65.9 59.9 58.4 54.5 59.1 Riparian Condition7 7.4 5.4 7.6 9.2 9.4 8.8 3.5 7.7 6.8 Riparian Area (ha) 3.61 24.66 6.27 4.65 9.91 12.47 10.96 3.11 75.64 total 1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor 2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor 3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor 4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor 5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor 6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor 7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low range of 190 to 279mm in length. The 1336 speckled dace captured during electroshocking efforts, ranged in length from 20 to 129mm. There were 90 Gila Mountain suckers captured on the West Fork in 1996. They ranged in length from 40 to 390mm. A total of 69 Gila suckers were captured during this survey, ranging in length from 40 to 369mm. There were 1033 brown trout and 5 rainbow trout captured during this survey of the West Fork of the Black River (Appendix B, Figures B-1 to B-25). Occurrence records have been filed with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Data Management System Coordinator. Mineral Creek Mineral Creek has been surveyed twice prior to the 1996 survey using GAWS methodology. The 1986 survey of Mineral Creek was the first time GAWS methodology was used on the Forests. The 1986 survey used 167 meter station lengths. The survey was conducted by Arizona Game & Fish Department (Pinetop) and Forest Service personnel. In 1991, the survey was repeated, using 100 meter station lengths. The 1996 survey used the same station locations and station lengths, and the same methodology applied in the 1991 survey. Approximately 35 instream habitat improvement structures were placed in Mineral Creek between 1989 and 1992 (USFS 1990). The objectives of the improvement project was to: stabilize banks, reduce stream width-to-depth ratios and braiding, increase pool to riffle ratios, and increase stream cover. The majority of these structures were constructed in reach 1. Mineral Creek was divided into three reaches. There are six sampling stations on the Creek, each 100 meters in length. Reach 1 had four sampling stations, and reaches 2 and 3 had one sampling station each (Appendix A, Figures A-3 and A-4). Table 4. Number, relative abundance, relative biomass, and catch per unit effort, of fish sampled by electrofishing at West Fork of the Black River in 1996. Reach Number Species Sampled No. Sampled Percent of Total Catch Per Effort Weight Sampled (g) Percent of Total Size Range (mm) 1 PACL CAIN RHOS SATR TOTAL 35 5 123 204 367 9.5 1.4 33.5 55.6 100.0 23.3 3.3 82.0 136.0 244.6 112 9 118 NOT 239 46.9 3.8 49.3 WEIGHED 100.0 40-339 50-309 30-109 0-9 --- 2 PACL CAIN RHOS SATR ONAP TOTAL 16 12 282 10 1 321 5.0 3.7 87.9 3.1 0.3 100.0 8 6 141 5 0.5 160.5 1569 1075 2749 405 97 5895 26.6 18.2 46.6 6.9 1.7 100.0 40-119 40-369 30-99 40-339 220 --- 3 PACL CAIN RHOS SATR ONAP ONMY 1 10 524 37 19 5 0.2 1.7 87.9 6.2 3.2 0.8 0.33 3.33 174.7 12.3 6.3 1.7 61 1352 699 1715 1732 225 1.0 23.4 12.1 29.7 29.9 3.9 160 100-369 20-109 50-269 190-269 140-179 Reach Number Species Sampled No. Sampled Percent of Total Catch Per Effort Weight Sampled (g) Percent of Total Size Range (mm) TOTAL 596 100.0 198.7 5784 100.0 --- 4 CAIN RHOS SATR TOTAL 1 126 21 148 0.7 85.1 14.2 100.0 0.7 84.0 14.0 98.7 80 302 1671 2053 3.9 14.7 81.4 100.0 189 30-109 50-289 --- 5 PACL CAIN RHOS SATR TOTAL 30 21 49 149 249 12.05 8.43 19.68 59.84 100.0 10.0 7.0 16.3 49.7 83 8139 4812 166 5206 18323 44.4 26.3 0.9 28.4 100 149-390 130-349 30-99 30-279 --- 6 PACL CAIN RHOS SATR ONAP TOTAL 7 20 135 258 69 489 1.4 4.1 27.6 52.8 14.1 100.0 2.8 8.0 54.0 103.2 27.6 195.6 NOT WEIGHED --- --- --- --- SCALE BROKEN --- --- --- --- 90-309 90-309 30-129 50-279 210-279 --- 7 PACL RHOS SATR TOTAL 1 97 123 221 0.45 43.89 55.66 100.0 0.4 38.8 49.2 88.4 NOT WEIGHED --- --- SCALE BROKEN --- --- 119 40-99 60-239 --- 8 SATR 231 100 77 NOT WEIGHED 30-249 PACL = Pantosteus clarki CAIN = Catostomus insignis RHOS = Rhynichthys osculus SATR = Salmo trutta ONAP = Oncorhynchus apache ONMY = Oncorhynchus mykiss Water Chemistry A water analysis was conducted at the same time GAWS surveys were completed. The water samples were analyzed in the field at the last station of every reach (Table 5). The samples were analyzed for total alkalinity, sulphate, specific conductivity, and pH levels. Table 5. Water Chemistry Results from Mineral Creek, 1996. Station 1-4 2-5 3-6 Average Date 07/30/96 07/31/96 07/31/96 --- Time 1335 0850 1100 --- Water Temp (EC) 20 17 20 19 Station 1-4 2-5 3-6 Average pH 7.98 8.06 8.31 8.1 Alkalinity (mg/l) 0 0 0 0 Sulphate (mg/l) 400 400 400 400 Specific Conductance (Fmhos/cm at 25EC) 110 80 80 90 Habitat Reach 1 is a moderate gradient meadow reach. The average bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation ratings were excellent (Table 6). This reach had an embeddedness rating of 71.2% which is unsatisfactory (Figure 9 and Table 6). There were very few pools noted in this reach. Station F1-1 is the only station where a pool was measured. The pool structure rating for that station was 100%, which means that the pool had excellent characteristics (i.e., cover, depth, etc.). The average HCI for this reach in 1996 was 64.3%, which is above the Forests minimum standard (60%). The average HCI for this reach in 1991 was 61.4% and it was 53.8% in 1986 Tables 6, 7, and 8). Figure 10 displays a comparison of the habitat parameter ratings for the three survey years. The riparian area for this reach was 3.3 hectares (8.2 acres),and had an average riparian condition rating of 10, which is satisfactory (Table 6). Reach 1 is excluded from livestock grazing. There are three livestock drinkers along this reach for which water is piped out of Mineral Creek. Excess water from the drinkers is piped back to the creek. Reach 2 is a high gradient canyon reach. This reach also had high embeddedness ratings (68.0%, see Figure 9). There were no pools measured in this reach. Pool structure and pool measure ratings were zero (Figure 11 and Table 6). Bank soil stability and vegetation stability ratings were excellent (Table 65). The mean HCI for this reach in 1996 was 51.7% (Table 6). In 1991 the HCI was 44.2% (Table 7). In 1986, the mean HCI for this reach was 23.9% (Table 8). Figure 11 is a comparison of the habitat parameter ratings for the three survey years. This reach has also been excluded from livestock grazing. Dense aquatic vegetation was noted in this reach. Reach 3 is a moderate gradient meadow reach. The canopy density and embeddedness ratings for this reach were unsatisfactory (Table 6). There were no pools measured in this reach. Bank cover, soil stability, and vegetation stability ratings were all satisfactory. The HCI for Reach 3 in 1996 was substandard (51.9%; Table 6). In 1986, the HCI for this reach was only 13.5% (Table 7), and in 1991 the HCI was 56.8% (Table 8). Between the 1991 and 1996 survey years, the habitat parameter ratings that showed decreases were: pool measure, soil stability, and vegetation stability (Figure 12). The riparian area for this reach was 1.2 hectares (2.9 acres) and in satisfactory condition (Table 6). This reach is also excluded from livestock grazing. Fish Population During electroshocking efforts at Mineral Creek in 1996, ten Apache trout were captured. The fish were only caught in Reach 1 and 2. Occurrence records are on file with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Data Management System Coordinator. The fish ranged in length from 88 to 156mm. The fish were not weighed because the portable scale was broken at the time of survey. Table 6. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1996. Stream Reach 1 2 3 Stream Average or Total Reach Length (m) 3301 925 786 5012 total Reach Area (m2) 295.5 141.5 257.5 694.5 total Number of Stations 4 1 1 6 total Elevation (m) 2423 2530 2570 2508 Gradient (%) 4.5 8.4 3.7 5.5 Riffle (%) 71.1 56.3 31.7 53.0 Potential Spawning Area (PSA%) 51.2 26.8 36.7 38.2 Potential Rearing Area (PRA%) 4.1 0 0 1.4 Channel Width (m) 5.5 8.7 7.5 7.2 Water Width (m) 1.9 3.7 6.4 4 Water Depth (m) 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.05 Stream Reach 1 2 3 Stream Average or Total Water Width/Depth Ratio1 31.7 92.5 160 94.7 Pool Measure (%)2 8.8 0 0 2.9 Pool Structure (%)2 25.0 0 0 8.3 Gravel Bottom (%)2 62.1 62.8 46.4 57.1 Bank Cover (%)2 98.8 65.0 82.5 82.1 Bank Soil Stability (%)3 95.6 92.5 92.5 93.5 Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3 95.6 90.0 90.0 91.9 Canopy Density (%)3 45 51 48 48 Ungulate Damage (%)4 0 0 0 0 Embeddedness (%)4 71.2 68.0 72.0 70.4 Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5 64.3 51.7 51.9 56 Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6 54.3 55.9 53.6 54.6 Riparian Condition7 10 9 9 9.3 Riparian Area (ha) 3.3 1.4 1.2 5.9 1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor 2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor 3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor 4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor 5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor 6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor 7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Table 7. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1991. Stream Reach 1 2 3 Stream Average or Total Reach Length (m) 3301 925 786 5012 total Reach Area (m2) 295.5 141.5 257.5 694.5 total Number of Stations 4 1 1 6 total Elevation (m) 2423 2530 2570 2508 Gradient (%) 5 7.4 2.0 4.8 Riffle (%) 78.4 60.0 70.6 69.7 Potential Spawning Area (PSA%) 0 26.9 32.1 19.7 Potential Rearing Area (PRA%) 0 0 17.1 5.7 Channel Width (m) 6.0 12.5 18.2 12.2 Water Width (m) 2.4 5.2 4.4 4 Water Depth (m) 0.09 0.07 0.05 0.07 Water Width/Depth Ratio1 27 74 88 63 Pool Measure (%)2 24.3 0 33.9 19.4 Pool Structure (%)2 38.4 0 0 12.8 Gravel Bottom (%)2 67.3 42.7 36.7 48.9 Bank Cover (%)2 86.3 72.5 70.0 76.3 Bank Soil Stability (%)3 71.9 75.0 100 82.3 Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3 80.0 75.0 100 85 Canopy Density (%)3 67.8 64.0 39 56.9 Ungulate Damage (%)4 28.1 0 0 9.4 Embeddedness (%)4 42.0 40.0 52.0 44.7 Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5 61.4 44.2 56.8 54.1 Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6 50.8 51.4 62.7 54.7 Riparian Condition7 7.5 6 10 7.8 Riparian Area (ha) 3.6 1.8 2.3 7.7 total 1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor 2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor 3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor 4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor 5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor 6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor 7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Table 8. A summary of habitat conditions at Mineral Creek, 1986. Stream Reach 1 2 3 Stream Average or Total Reach Length (m) 3301 925 786 5012 total Reach Area (m2) 295 141.5 257.5 694 total Number of Stations 4 1 1 6 total Elevation (m) 2423 2530 2570 2508 Gradient (%) 2.9 8.0 3.7 4.9 Riffle (%) 31.1 22.7 31.0 28.3 Potential Spawning Area (PSA%) 54.6 62.5 27.4 48.2 Potential Rearing Area (PRA%) 58.9 8.0 7.1 24.7 Channel Width (m) 4.9 1.3 1.6 2.6 Water Width (m) 3.1 1.3 1.2 1.9 Water Depth (m) 0.11 0.02 0.02 0.05 Water Width/Depth Ratio1 28 65 60 51 Pool Measure (%)2 74.2 15.9 14.3 34.8 Pool Structure (%)2 0 0 0 0 Gravel Bottom (%)2 54.4 73.9 27.4 51.9 Bank Cover (%)2 80.6 14.3 14.3 36.4 Bank Soil Stability (%)3 55.6 21.4 12.5 29.8 Bank Vegetation Stability (%)3 58.1 17.9 12.5 29.5 Canopy Density (%)3 37.5 4 0 13.8 Ungulate Damage (%)4 50.0 80.4 91.1 73.8 Embeddedness (%)4 68.0 85.7 91.4 81.7 Habitat Condition Index (HCI%)5 53.8 23.9 13.5 30.4 Habitat Vulnerability Index (HVI%)6 69.7 53.25 71.8 64.9 Riparian Condition7 DATA NOT AVAIL- ABLE Riparian Area (ha) 2.6 0.3 0.39 3.29 total 1 = <15 Good; 16-25 Fair; >26 Poor 2 = >70% Good; 40-69% Fair; <39% Poor 3 = >80% Good; 40-79% Fair; <39% Poor 4 = <25% Good; 26-50% Fair; >51% Poor 5 = >60% Good; 40-59% Fair; <39% Poor 6 = <45% Good; 46-59% Fair; >60% Poor 7 = 9-12 Mod. High - High; 6-8 Moderate; 0-5 Low - Mod. Low Only seven Apache trout were captured in the 1985 survey at five, 100 meter stations. Fish sampled in 1985 ranged in length from 75 to 235mm. In 1991, six Apache trout were captured in six, 100 meter stations (same stations as the 1996 survey). These fish ranged in length from 134 - 241mm. Table 9. Number, relative abundance, relative biomass, and catch per unit effort, of fish sampled by electrofishing at Mineral Creek in 1996. Reach Number Species Sampled Number Sampled Percent of Total Catch Per Effort Weight Sampled (g) Percent of Total Size Range (mm) 1 ONAP 4 100 1 NOT WEIGHED 98-138 2 ONAP 6 100 6 NOT WEIGHED 88-156 ONAP = Oncorhynchus apache Discussion The West Fork of the Black River is a wide shallow stream with a mean water width of 5.5 meters (18.04 feet), a mean water depth of 0.14 meters (0.46 feet), and a mean width to depth ratio of 38.3. The average stream gradient was 1.7 percent. The average embeddedness of this stream was 36.4% (Table 2). Ungulate damage ratings averaged 12.8%, which is good. The estimated riparian area of the Forests= portion of the West Fork of the Black River was 92.4 hectares (232 acres). The overall riparian condition rating was 9 which is satisfactory. As mentioned previously, many management changes have occurred in the West Fork of the Black River watershed since the last survey in 1990. Range management was changed with an objective to increase riparian condition. Roads were closed and obliterated to decrease soil erosion. Over 140 instream habitat improvement structures and several fish migration barriers were constructed in these recently stocked Apache trout waters. Most of the structures are located in reaches 6, 7 and 8 of the West Fork of the Black River. The two fish migration barriers and one barrier on Stinky Creek are located in (or adjacent to) Reach 6. The HCI=s for reaches 5, 6 and 8 of the West Fork of the Black River decreased. This was mainly due to decreases in pool measure and structure ratings. There are many pools located throughout this reach that were not part of the sample and this is not considered a serious problem at this time. Only three of the eight reaches surveyed had HCI=s below the Forests minimum standard of 60% - reaches 1, 2 and 8. The HCI=s in these reaches were all above 57% and the HCI=s in reaches 1 and 2 do reflect an improvement in fish habitat condition from 1990. Reaches 1, 2 and 3 are on the Alpine Ranger District. The grazing allotments that affect these reaches are currently undergoing analysis for new Allotment Management Plans. A large portion of reach 2 is on the AGFD PS Ranch. The riparian condition on this reach and the reach downstream from it (reach 1) shows need for improvement. The large willow populations that have occurred in this area are decreasing, most likely a result of significant beaver activity and large wild ungulate use (cattle do not graze the PS Ranch). Since the PS Ranch area is not under the management jusrisdiction of the Forest Service, it is recommended that an Arizona Game & Fish Department Habitat Specialist visit the area to determine Department management activities that would help improve the riparian condition of the PS Ranch area. Mineral Creek is a shallow stream with an average width of 4.0 meters (13.1 feet), a mean water depth of 0.05 meters (0.2 feet), and an average width to depth ratio of 94.7. The average stream gradient was 5.5%. Mineral Creek supports a riparian area that was 5.9 hectares (14.5 acres). The overall riparian condition rating was 9.3, which is satisfactory. Mineral Creek is very embedded. The mean embeddedness rating for the creek was 70.4%. Mineral Creek has undergone several management changes between 1986 and 1996, most being livestock management changes. In 1986 and prior to that, livestock had access to all reaches surveyed. By 1991 some of the reaches had been exclosed from livestock use and some were incorporated into riparian pastures. By the end of 1996 all reaches of Mineral Creek had been excluded from livestock use. Permitted numbers of livestock grazing in this allotment have been reduced. The major habitat parameters affecting low HCI=s on Mineral Creek are pool measure and structure. A serious problem that has been noted in this stream, since it has been surveyed, is embeddedness. The percent embeddedness did go down between 1986 and 1991, but it increased again by 1996. A large flood event may wash some of the sediment out of the system. All of the current management activities on the upper West Fork of the Black River watershed and Mineral Creek have been implemented to protect and improve habitat for the Apache trout. It is recommended that these streams be resurveyed in 2001 using GAWS or newer methodology to determine the habitat condition trend in these streams. It is also recommended that the fish populations be monitored periodically to determine the effectiveness of the barriers on both streams. It is also recommended that the Arizona Game and Fish Department actively enforce the catch and release fishing regulations implemented on these streams. Literature Cited Novy, J. And M. Lopez. 1991. West Fork of Black River Fish Management Report. Statewide Fisheries Investigations, Survey of Aquatic Resources Federal Aid Project F-7-M-33. Platts, W.S. and M.L. MacHenry. 1988. Density and Biomass of Trout and Char in Western Streams. US Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. General Technical Report INT-241. 17p. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Arizona Trout Recovery Team, Albuquerque, New Mexico. USFS (United States Forest Service). 1985. Fisheries Habitat Survey Handbook. USFS Region 4. 2609.23. USFS. 1989. Riparian Analysis. Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. USFS, Southwestern Region. USFS. 1989a. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan. Amendment No. 1. USFS. Southwestern Region. USFS. 1990. Mineral Creek Stream Habitat Improvement Project File. Glossary Bank Angle - The average of angles formed between the downward sloping stream banks and the water surface. If the stream bank is undercut, the angle is always less than 90 degrees, otherwise the angle is 90 degrees or greater. Valuable rearing habitat is lost if the bank has been cut away and moved back from the water column. Fish often congregate near undercuts and vertical banks. Bank Cover - A rating of stream bank vegetation types. Brush is considered optimal and assigned the highest rating of 4. Forested is rated 3, grass and forbes is rated a 2, and exposed (rock or soil) is assigned the lowest rating of 1. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Bank Cover% = Sum of all bank cover ratings x 100 8 x number of transects Bank Soil Stability - A rating of the stream banks soil characteristics and ability to resist erosion. Plant density, rootmass, particle size composition, rawbanks and extent of erosion are considered in the rating of each bank. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Bank Soil Stability % = Sum of all soil stability ratings x 100 8 x number of transects Bank Vegetation Stability - A rating of the stream banks vegetation density and ability to resist erosion. Stream bank vegetation provides cover shade and a terrestrial food source for fish, as well as rootmass and soil cover to resist erosion from flowing water. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Vegetation stability%= Sum of vegetation stability ratings x 100 8 x number of transects Canopy Density - The percentage of sky over the stream channel which is blocked out by vegetation. A canopy provides shading of the stream which helps prevent water temperatures from increasing to critical levels for trout. Leaf drop in the fall can be a major energy source to the streams aquatic food web when a healthy canopy is made up of deciduous trees and shrubs. Embeddedness - A rating of the amount of surface area of large size particles (gravel, rubble, and boulder) on the stream bottom which is covered by fine sediments. High silt levels inhibit successful spawning of trout, production of stream bottom macroinvertebrates and primary production of attached algae by covering rocky substrate. High embeddedness is also an indicator of unstable conditions upstream. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Embeddedness % = Sum of all embeddedness rating x 100 5 x number of transects Gravel Bottom - (stream bottom) The percentage of the stream bottom composed of gravel and rubble. These size particles are necessary for spawning and are the most productive in producing food (aquatic macroinvertebrates) for fish. Gravel bottom % = Sum of gravel and rubble measurements x 100 Sum of water widths HCI - (Habitat Condition Index) is a multi variate rating of existing trout habitat quality. It is computed using pool measure (PM), pool structure (PS), gravel bottom (GB), bank cover (BC), bank soil stability (BSS), and bank vegetation stability (BVS) ratings. The HCI increases as habitat quality increases. HCI % = PM + PS + GB + BC + BSS + BVS X 100 6 HVI - The Habitat Vulnerability Index is a rating that predicts the vulnerability of stream habitat to management activities and natural occurrences. It is computed using valley bottom width (VWC), stream gradient (SGC), side slope gradients (SSC), lower banks type (LBC), bank stability (CSC), and indicators of potential sediment production (SPC) coefficients. The HVI increases as the streams susceptibility to damage increases. HVI % = VWC + SGC + SSC + LBC + CSC + SPC 3 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 4 Pool Measure - A rating of the pool - riffle ratio of the sample area. A fifty-fifty pool-riffle ratio is assumed to be the most productive. Pools provide resting and rearing habitat for fish, whereas riffles produce food and support trout spawning. The pool measure rating decreases as the pool-riffle ration deviates either direction from a fifty-fifty ratio. P = Total pool widths x 100 Total water widths where P = 50, the rating is 100% where P < 50, solve Pool measure % = 100 - [(50-P) x 2] where P > 50, solve Pool measure % = 100 -[(P-50) x 2] Pool Structure - A rating of pool quality which reflects the percentage of high-rated pool widths out of the total pool widths measured. Pools are rated by size, depth, and fish cover available. A good relationship exists between high quality pools and high fish standing crops. Pool structure % = Total 1,2, and 3 rated pools x 100 Total of all pools PRA - Potential Rearing Area is the percentage of stream area with water velocities < 1 foot per second (pools). Small trout require these pools for rearing. PSA - Potential Spawning Area is the percentage of stream bottom area composed of 1/8" to 3" diameter gravel. Trout require these gravels for spawning and embryo incubation. Riffles - The percentage of stream area where water velocity is fast, stream depth is shallow and water surface gradient is steep. Riffles are the food (aquatic macroinvertebrate and periphyton) producing areas of a stream. Riparian Condition - A rating of existing riparian conditions using the USFS Region 3 Riparian scorecard. Overstory, midstory, and understory conditions are all rated. Riparian vegetation is important in stabilizing stream banks, filtering eroded soil, blocking solar radiation, providing cover and a source of terrestrial insects for fish as well as providing organic input to the stream=s aquatic food web. Shore Depth - The average of water depths measured at the shoreline or at the edge of a bank overhanging the shoreline. Shore depth is critical for young-of-the-year fish. Valuable rearing habitat is lost when the banks have been cut away and there is zero shore depth. Stream Channel Stability - A rating of 15 parameters describing upperbank, lowerbank, and stream bottom characteristics and stability. There has been a good relationship between these ratings and resident trout standing crops. Undercut banks - The average of all undercut widths (the distance from the furthest point of protrusion of the bank to the furthest undercut of the bank) measured at each station. If no undercut is present at the transect, the undercut measurement is recorded as a zero. Undercut banks provide valuable cover for fish and provide conditions favorable to producing high trout biomass. Ungulate Damage - A rating of observed bank damage caused by ungulates including trampling, removal of stream bank riparian vegetation, sloughing and bank erosion. The ratings are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible. Excessive ungulate damage destroys riparian vegetation, causes bank sloughing, increases sedimentation and embeddedness, causes the stream to widen and shallow resulting in an increase of water temperature. APPENDIX A MAPS AND STATION LOCATIONS Figure A-1. West Fork of the Black River, GAWS Station Locations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reach 1 Station 1-1 100 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 1 Station 1-3 790 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 1 Station 1-5 1480 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 2 Station 2-6 1740 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 2 Station 2-11 4315 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 2 Station 2-13 5345 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 2 Station 2-15 6375 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-16 6575 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-18 7115 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-20 7655 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-21 7925 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-23 8465 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 3 Station 3-25 9005 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 4 Station 4-26 9300 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 4 Station 4-28 9900 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 4 Station 4-30 10500 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-31 10710 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-33 12240 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-35 13770 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-36 14535 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-38 16065 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 5 Station 5-40 17595 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-41 17790 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-43 18310 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-45 18830 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-46 19260 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-48 20120 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 6 Station 6-50 20980 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 7 Station 7-53 22670 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 7 Station 7-55 23250 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 7 Station 7-56 23540 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 7 Station 7-58 24120 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 7 Station 7-60 24700 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-61 24900 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-63 25620 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-65 25620 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-66 25800 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-68 26160 Meters Upstream of Confluence Reach 8 Station 8-70 26520 Meters Upstream of Confluence Figure A-3. Mineral Creek, GAWS station locations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reach 1 Station 1-1 61 Meters above fish barrier Reach 1 Station 1-2 1248 Meters above fish barrier Reach 1 Station 1-3 2015 Meters above fish barrier Reach 1 Station 1-4 2751 Meters above fish barrier Reach 2 Station 2-5 3301 Meters above fish barrier Reach 3 Station 3-6 4287 Meters above fish barrier Appendix B: Charts Appendix C: Photographs

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Home West Fork of Black River and Mineral Creek Stream surveys

West Fork of Black River and Mineral Creek Stream surveys

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