Fish Community
Transcription
Fish Community
Prospect No. 3 Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. P-2337 Initial Study Report: Fish Community May 2015 Prepared by: Siskiyou Research Group P.O. Box 2550 Cave Junction, OR 97523 For Public Review SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER FISH COMMUNITY INITIAL STUDY REPORT PREPARED FOR: PACIFICORP, HYDRO RESOURCES MEDFORD, OREGON PREPARED BY: SISKIYOU RESEARCH GROUP POST OFFICE BOX 2550 CAVE JUNCTION, OREGON 97523 (541) 592-6981 MAY 2015 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary…………………….…………………………………..…. 1 2.0 Introduction…………………………………………….……………………… 2 3.0 Project and Study Area……………………………..…………………………. 3 4.0 Methods………………………………………….…………………………….. 4 4.1 Visual Estimates – Mask and Snorkel Method………………………… 6 4.2 Electrofishing………………………………………………………….. 7 4.2.1 Sampling Procedure………………………………………….. 8 4.3 South Fork Impoundment………….………………………………….. 10 4.4 Pacific Lamprey Survey……………………………………………….. 10 5.0 Results………………………………………………….………………………. 10 5.1 Visual Estimates – Mask and Snorkel…………………………………. 10 5.1.1 Bypass Reach Summary (RM 4.4 to RM 10.58)…………….. 11 5.1.1.1 Snorkel Results…...……..………………………… 11 5.1.1.2 Fish Distribution……...……………………………. 12 5.1.2 Reach 1 (RM 4.4 to RM 6.1)………………………………… 13 5.1.2.1 Snorkel Results…………………………………….. 13 5.1.2.2 Fish Distribution………..…………………………. 13 5.1.3 Reach 2 (RM 6.1 to RM 7.7)………………………………… 16 5.1.3.1 Snorkel Results…………………………………..… 16 5.1.3.2 Fish Distribution…………………………………… 16 5.1.4 Reach 3 (RM 7.7 to RM 10.58)……………………………… 16 5.1.4.1 Snorkel Results…………………………………….. 17 5.1.4.2 Fish Distribution………..…………………………. 17 5.1.5 Reach 5 (RM 10.68 to 17.38)………………………………... 17 5.1.5.1 Snorkel Results……..…………………………...… 17 5.1.5.2 Fish Distribution…………………………………… 18 i South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Table of Contents 5.2 Electrofishing………………………………………………………….. 18 5.2.1 Reach 1 (RM 10.3)……………………………..……………. 19 5.2.1.1 Aquatic Habitat……………………………………. 19 5.2.1.2 Relative Abundance……..………………………… 19 5.2.1.3 Fish Distribution………...…………………………. 20 5.2.2 Reach 2 (RM 10.5)………………………………………….. 20 5.2.2.1 Aquatic Habitat…………………………………….. 20 5.2.2.2 Relative Abundance…………..…………………… 21 5.2.2.3 Fish Distribution…..………………………………. 21 5.2.3 Reach 3 (RM 10.6)……………………………..……………. 22 5.2.3.1 Aquatic Habitat…………………………………….. 22 5.2.3.2 Relative Abundance……..………………………… 22 5.2.3.3 Fish Distribution………………..…………………. 23 5.2.4 Reach 4 (Imnaha Creek)…………………………………….. 23 5.2.4.1 Aquatic Habitat…………………………………….. 23 5.2.4.2 Relative Abundance…..…………………………… 24 5.2.4.3 Fish Distribution……………..……………………. 24 5.3 South Fork Impoundment…………..…………………………………. 24 5.4 Pacific Lamprey Survey...…………………………………………….. 25 6.0 Discussion……………………………………………………………………… 25 7.0 References……………………………………………………………………… 27 Figures Figure 1. Project Area…………………………………………………………….. 5 Figure 2. Summary of Fish species, size class, and abundance by habitat type Bypass Reach…………………………………………………………... 12 Figure 3. Summary of Fish species, size class, and abundance by habitat type Reach 1 through Reach 3, Fish Habitat Study…………………………. 14 Figure 4. Summary of Fish Density and CPUE for Fish Species and Reach Segments for Fish Habitat Study and Electrofishing Study………………15 ii South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Appendices Appendix A: Fish Community Study Maps Appendix B: Fish Calculation Tables for Fish Habitat Study Reaches (Reach 1 through Reach 5). Appendix C: Summary of Electrofishing Survey Data Appendix D: Summary of Pacific Lamprey Survey Data. iii South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fish community studies were conducted on the South Fork Rogue River during August 2014 in support of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Integrated Licensing Process for re-licensing of PacifiCorp’s Prospect No. 3 Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. P-2337). Estimates of fish abundance by size-class, species assemblage, and species distribution were made using visual estimation (mask and snorkel) and electrofishing sampling methods. The two techniques were conducted in independent studies and were not coordinated for evaluation of efficiency. Visual estimate data were correlated to mesoscale habitats (USDA 2014) using data collected in a 2014 Fish Habitat Study (Siskiyou Research Group, 2015). Species abundance was reported as a function of area (fish/yd2) derived from measured aquatic habitat data, and as a function of time (seconds) in a capture per unit of effort (CPUE) calculation (n/sec). Electrofishing was conducted opportunistically by spot sampling in fixed-reach segments, and fish abundance was reported as CPUE. Captured fish were measured for mass and length. Electrofishing efforts did not provide data on area sampled in the fixed-reach segments so a derivation of fish density as a function of area was not possible. Rather, aquatic habitat data collected during the 2014 Fish Habitat Study was used descriptively to characterize the fixed-reach segments. Study areas in the South Fork Rogue River were located (1) downstream of the South Fork Dam to the confluence with the Middle Fork Rogue River, referred to as the bypass reach (mapped River Mile (RM) 4.4 to RM 10.5), (2) upstream of the dam in the South Fork Rogue River, (3) in Imnaha Creek, a large tributary that empties directly into the South Fork Impoundment, and (4) within the South Fork Impoundment. Fish species identified in the snorkel survey method include rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), cutthroat trout (O. clarkii), non-native eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and sculpin (Cottus spp). Fish species identified in the electrofishing method include rainbow trout and eastern brook trout. 1 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 In the bypass reach, a fish community population of 979 salmonids was visually estimated (snorkel survey method) in forty-two aquatic habitats sampling a total measured area of 16,194 yd2 (13,540 m2), in a cumulative elapsed time of 212 minutes (12,720 seconds), for a calculated fish density of 0.060 fish/yd2 (0.072 fish/m2), and a CPUE of 0.077 fish/sec. Visual estimation of the fish community upstream of the South Fork Impoundment was conducted between mapped RM 10.6 and RM 17.3 (measured reach length of 6.83 miles). A fish population of 571 salmonids was visually estimated in twenty-eight aquatic habitats sampling a total measured area of 15,726 yd2 (13,149 m2), in an elapsed time of 123 minutes (7,380 seconds), for a fish density of 0.036 fish/yd2 (0.043 fish/m2), and a CPUE of 0.077 fish/sec. Electrofishing was conducted in two 750-foot fixed-reach segments located in the bypass reach, specifically (1) immediately downstream of the South Fork Dam, and (2) downstream of the USGS stream gaging station located at mapped RM 10.3. Combined data from the two fixed-reach segments located in the bypass reach reported the capture of fifty-three salmonids in 2,429 seconds of electrofishing effort for a calculated CPUE of 0.022 fish/sec. One 600-foot fixed-reach segment was electrofished upstream of the South Fork Impoundment and reported the capture of ten salmonids in 1,040 seconds for a CPUE of 0.0096 fish/sec. A fourth fixed-reach segment was located in the lower 400foot section of Imnaha Creek and reported the capture of twenty-two salmonids in 830 seconds of electrofishing effort for a CPUE of 0.027 fish/sec. Fish abundance was significantly greater as reported by the snorkel survey method, likely as a result of a greater sample size and due to the limitations of operating a backpack electrofisher in a deep complex channel in waters with low electrical conductance. 2.0 INTRODUCTION PacifiCorp is preparing to file an application for new license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Prospect No. 3 Hydroelectric Project (FERC Project No. P-2337). FERC’s Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) was initiated on July 1, 2013 when PacifiCorp filed a Notice of Intent to File Application for New License (NOI) 2 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 and a Pre-Application Document (PAD). The ILP requires applicants to file relevant resource management study plans with FERC (18 CFR §5.11 and 5.13). ILP participants responded to the PAD, Scoping Document, and proposed Study Plans with comments that identified resource issues and study requests. Specifically, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and FERC requested aquatic habitat and fish community surveys to include a 6.0-mile section from the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork Rogue River to the South Fork Dam, and a 0.5-mile section immediately upstream of the impoundment. PacifiCorp filed a revised Fish Community and Habitat Study Plan on April 28, 2014 to accommodate study requests made by ILP participants. FERC approved the revised Study Plan by order dated May 27, 2014. The Fish Habitat Study was performed in August 2014, and the results are presented in the Fish Habitat Study Report (Siskiyou Research Group, 2015), which will be filed with FERC, along with the other required Study Reports, in May 2015. The Fish Community Study was also conducted in August 2014, and the results are presented in this Study Report. 3.0 PROJECT AND STUDY AREA The project is located in southwestern Oregon on the South Fork Rogue River southeast of the unincorporated community of Prospect in northeast Jackson County, Oregon (Figure 1). The project is within the South Fork Rogue River watershed on the western slope of the High Cascade Mountains as described in the South Fork Rogue River 2014 Level II Stream Survey Report (Fish Habitat Study Report, Siskiyou Research Group, 2015). The project includes private land owned by PacifiCorp and federal lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) as the Rogue RiverSiskiyou National Forest (RR-SNF). The Study Area includes five study reaches as defined in the Study Plan. Two of the study reaches (and three of the reaches identified in the Fish Habitat Study) are located in the bypass reach section, one study reach is located in the South Fork Impoundment, one 3 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 study reach (and one reach identified in the Fish Habitat Study) is located immediately upstream of the South Fork Impoundment, and one study reach is located in lower Imnaha Creek. The proposed study plan sites were selected based on two related attributes. First, all but one of the proposed sites offers historical data from previous surveys conducted by PacifiCorp in 1985. Second, the proposed sites represent some of the only accessible locations in the Project Vicinity for the types of equipment to be used. Although the exact locations of the reaches were determined in the field, they were positioned to incorporate the following locations: (1) South Fork bypass reach, RM 7.0, upstream of Prospect-Butte Falls Highway crossing; (2) South Fork bypass reach, RM 10.25, between USGS gage and diversion dam; (3) South Fork Rogue River, RM 10.5, in the impoundment; (4) South Fork Rogue River, RM 10.6, upstream of the confluence with the impoundment; and (5) Imnaha Creek, RM 0.0, upstream of the confluence with the impoundment. Land ownership adjacent to the Study Area reaches includes, from downstream to upstream, a mosaic of private timber company, PacifiCorp, and USFS lands. The Study Area as defined in the Study Plan was augmented with fish community data gathered during the Fish Habitat Study within the South Fork Rogue from RM 4.4 to RM 17.3 as described in the Mask-and-Snorkel methods and results sections presented below. 4.0 METHODS Three methods were used to provide data on the fish community of the South Fork Rogue River and Imnaha Creek within the Study Area. The three methods provided information on fish species composition, fish abundance by size-class, and fish species distribution. The first method was visual estimates using mask and snorkel gear conducted concurrently with the Fish Habitat Study in August 2014, and in the South Fork impoundment in April 2015. 4 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Figure 1. Project Area 5 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 The second method was a more focused sampling effort using a Halltech HT-2000 backpack electrofisher in a fixed-reach approach following standardized sampling methods for wadeable streams (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). The third sampling method used was angling with hook and line of the South Fork Impoundment. Appendix A contains maps that depict the locations of the fixed-reach sampling segments of the electrofishing effort, and the reach segments identified in the Fish Habitat Study (1) within the bypass reach of the South Fork Rogue River, (2) upstream of the South Fork Impoundment, and (3) in Imnaha Creek (2002). 4.1 Visual Estimates - Mask and Snorkel Method The Fish Habitat Study and Fish Community Study were conducted concurrently by Siskiyou Research Group (SRG) in August 2014 on a six-mile section of the South Fork Rogue River (bypass reach) from the confluence with the Middle Fork Rogue River (RM 4.4) to the South Fork Dam (RM 10.5), and on a 6.8-mile section beginning where the South Fork Rogue River enters the South Fork Impoundment (RM 10.6) to the confluence with Big Ben Creek (RM 17.3). The Fish Community Study was conducted by direct observation of fish using mask and snorkel gear. Sampling frequency required the snorkel survey of twenty percent of pool (slow water) habitats and ten percent of rapid (fast water) habitats - or every fifth pool encountered and every tenth rapid encountered, as identified during the Fish Habitat Study (Stream Inventory Handbook, Region 6, 2014). Data collected at each snorkeled unit included (1) type and dimensions of snorkeled habitat, (2) time spent snorkeling, (3) identification of fish to species, (4) estimated number of fish per species, and (5) estimated size-class of each fish counted. Three size-class categories were represented in 100-millimeter increments (i.e. 0 – 100 mm, 100 mm – 200 mm, 200 mm – 300 mm1). Snorkeling time was measured for calculating catch per unit effort (CPUE), and habitat dimensions of each snorkeled unit yielded a relative abundance expressed as fish per unit area (fish/yd2). 1 Occasionally a 300 mm – 400 mm size class fish was reported during the surveys but was calculated in the size-class > 3 (> 300 mm). 6 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 The mask and snorkel surveys were conducted by a two-person crew that included a snorkeler (observer), and a data recorder who collected habitat dimensions, described riparian vegetation, measured stream temperature, timed the snorkeling effort, and recorded the snorkeling results. The snorkeler searched the entire habitat in striptransects and recorded fish counts as estimates of the total number of fish residing in the sampled habitat. Aquatic habitat dimensions were collected for every habitat, not just the snorkeled habitats, and were used to calculate total aquatic habitat area for the reach, total area snorkeled for pools and rapids, and percent of pool habitat and percent of rapid habitat that was snorkeled in the reach. The results of the mask and snorkel survey yielded fish species composition, fish distribution, and fish abundance by size-class (estimated size-class based on total length). Calculation tables used to summarize data and calculate fish densities are presented in Appendix B. 4.2 Electrofishing The second component of the Fish Community Study was conducted by PacifiCorp on three reaches of the South Fork Rogue River and one reach of Imnaha Creek following guidelines outlined in the standardized sampling methods for wadeable streams (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). A fixed-reach backpack electrofishing approach was used to sample the fish assemblage in a total of four fixed-reach segments. The fixed-reach study sites selected represent some of the only locations accessible in the Project Area for the type of equipment used (Halltech HT-2000 backpack electrofisher). The fixed-reach segments of the electrofishing survey are depicted on survey maps in Appendix A and were located in the following areas: Reach 1 - South Fork Rogue River bypass reach beginning 750 feet downstream of USGS stream gaging station and ending at USGS stream gaging station pool (a subset of Reach 3 of the Fish Habitat Study). Reach 2 – South Fork Rogue River bypass reach beginning 750 feet downstream of South Fork Dam and ending at the South Fork Dam (a subset of Reach 3 of the Fish Habitat Study). 7 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Reach 3 – South Fork Rogue River beginning at the point where the South Fork Rogue River enters the South Fork Impoundment and extending upstream 600 feet (a subset of Reach 5 of the Fish Habitat Study). Reach 4 – Imnaha Creek beginning at the point where Imnaha Creek enters the South Fork Impoundment and extending upstream 450 feet (a subset of Reach 1 of Imnaha Creek from a 2002 Fish Habitat Study conducted by SRG). The fixed-reach study areas of the South Fork Rogue River (Reach 1 – Reach 3) were delineated per EPA conventions for “large wadeable streams,” defined by a wetted channel width greater than or equal to 12.5 meters (41 feet2) (EPA, 2009). The fixedreach study area on Imnaha Creek was sampled per EPA conventions for “small wadeable streams,” in which the wetted channel width is less than 12.5 meters. 4.2.1 Sampling Procedure Fixed-reach electrofishing was performed by a three-person crew wading upstream in each study reach. The crew included one individual who operated the electrofisher; a second crew member captured stunned fish with a dip net; and a third individual who transported captured fish to a live well, estimated the number and species of fish missed by the netter, and handles fish as needed. A second dip net was used by the operator of the electrofisher, or third crew member, but care was taken to ensure that only a single net was capturing fish at any time, per EPA conventions to ensure an accurate calculation of CPUE. In Imnaha Creek (Reach 4), the sampling crew entered the stream at the bottom of the study reach and slowly worked upstream to the top of the reach, and to the extent practical, the entire stream width was sampled, per EPA convention for “small wadeable streams”(2009). 2 The aquatic habitat inventory conducted by SRG (August 2014) calculated an average fast water width of 35 feet (10.67 meters) and an average slow water width of 32 feet (9.8 meters) for Reach 3 (Fish Habitat Study, 2015), a subset of the South Fork Rogue bypass reach. 8 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 The electrofishing survey conducted by PacifiCorp in August 2014 was unable to follow EPA’s subsampling procedures for large wadeable streams outlined in the Study Plan due to difficult access and complex channel conditions. The South Fork Rogue River within the Study Area was characterized by a large, deep, boulder-dominated, complex channel, which prohibited the safe use of a backpack electrofisher in many areas. Crossing the channel to perform an alternating transect subsample in the fixed-reaches was unsafe in some locations. PacifiCorp performed spot electrofishing sampling in the fixed-reach areas where surveyors could safely enter and wade the stream. This method allowed for the calculation of CPUE as a function of time, but did not allow for the calculation of CPUE as a function of area sampled. Fixed-reaches were sampled for a range of 830 seconds (Reach 4) to 1,310 seconds (Reach 1) as recorded by the electrofisher. At least three times during the sampling of Reach 4 (Imnaha Creek), and at the end of each spot sampling (Reach 1 through Reach 3) on the South Fork Rogue River sites, the crew paused to identify and count fish captured. Data collected and reported included fish species identification and number of individuals, length of fixed-reach sampling section, length of time electrofisher was activated for each fixed-reach sampling effort, fork length and weight of captured individuals, the identification and reporting of fish mortality as a result of the electrofishing effort, settings used on electrofisher, specific conductance of sampled waters, and the identification and enumeration of incidental species captured during the sampling effort (Appendix C). The fixed-reach sampling approach uses catch per unit of effort (CPUE) as a metric of relative abundance. This was calculated as a function of time spent actively electrofishing (e.g. fish captured per time interval in seconds) and was determined by a timer on the electrofisher that records the length of time an electric field is applied to the water. Supplemental data was collected for each reach by SRG during the August 2014 Fish Habitat Study to contribute to the fish community analysis. The data provided by SRG specific to PacifiCorp’s fixed-reach study areas include habitat types and dimensions, any 9 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 complex habitat features present, the dominant types of channel substrate, a qualitative estimate of the amount of pocket pool habitat present in fast water, aquatic habitat maximum depths, and dominant cover type offered to fish. This information is presented in the electrofishing results. 4.3 South Fork Impoundment A fifth area, identified as the South Fork Impoundment, was sampled by angling with hook and line by PacifiCorp resource specialists in July 2014 and with mask and snorkel gear by SRG in April 2015. A team of two snorkelers accessed the impoundment at the dam and worked upstream along each bank to the top of the impoundment, then drifted downstream searching the main body of the impoundment. Each snorkeler spent approximately twenty-five minutes conducting visual searches. Observed fish were identified to species, counted, and categorized into size classes. Snorkelers conducted observations in the morning (before noon) and repeated the survey in the afternoon. The snorkel survey was performed during low flow conditions, when relatively low water velocities provided the most suitable snorkeling conditions. 4.4 Pacific Lamprey Survey The Cow Creek Tribe of the Umpqua Indians conducted two days of Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata) surveys in the Project Area (bypass reach) following the Umpqua Basin Lamprey Protocol (USGS, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 2013). 5.0 RESULTS 5.1 Visual Estimates - Mask and Snorkel The mask and snorkel aquatic biota survey was conducted concurrently with the Fish Habitat Study on the South Fork Rogue River. The results of the mask and snorkel survey work are being reported at the bypass reach scale and at the Fish Habitat Study reach scale. 10 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.1.1 Bypass Reach Summary The bypass reach, as identified in the Study Plan, extends from the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork Rogue River (RM 4.4) to the South Fork Rogue River Dam (RM 10.53), and is the section of river directly affected by the Project. The Fish Habitat Study broke this section into three reaches based on similarities in canyon morphology, channel substrates, stream gradient, and stream flow. The reach break locations are represented on survey maps found in Appendix A. 5.1.1.1 Snorkel Results The results of the mask and snorkel survey at the bypass reach scale are simply a summation of the data collected at the Fish Habitat Study reach scale. At the bypass reach scale 979 salmonid fish were observed in forty-two aquatic habitats comprising an area of 16,194 yd2 (13,540 m2) for a fish density of 0.060 fish/yd2 (0.072 fish/m2). Thirty-one slow water habitats (pools) and eleven fast water habitats4 (rapids and riffles) were snorkeled sampling an area 11,074 yd2 (9,259 m2) and 5,120 yd2 (4,281 m2), respectively. Fish species identified include: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), cutthroat trout (O. clarkii), non-native eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and sculpin (Cottus spp). Figure 2 details the results of the snorkel estimates of fish abundance by size-class and habitat type in the bypass reach. In addition to relative abundance expressed as a function of area, snorkel surveys were coarsely timed so catch per unit of effort (CPUE) could be calculated temporally to compare with results derived from the electrofishing effort conducted by PacifiCorp. The timing of the individual snorkel efforts was to the nearest minute. In the bypass reach a total of 979 fish were observed in 212 minutes (12,720 sec) of snorkel effort for a CPUE of 0.077 (fish/sec). 3 River Mile (RM) distances are estimated from map interpretation, all other distances, heights, widths, or areas reported are field measured. 4 The terms slow water habitat and fast water habitat will be used interchangeably with pools and rapids/riffles, respectively, throughout this report. 11 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Figure 2. Summary of fish species, size-class, and abundance by habitat type, South Fork Rogue River 2014 Snorkel Results Bypass Reach (RM 4.4 – RM 10.5). Reach Habitat ID Type % of Species Area Code Sampled Tally by Size Class 1 2 >3 2 Salmonid Density (fish/yd ) Total Size Salmonids By Habitat ONMY ONCL SAFO Size Total Type Class 1 Class ≥2 ONMY 124 580 51 839 0.760 ONCL 0 24 21 Bypass SAFO 2 29 8 0.055 0.003 0.002 0.010 0.050 0.060 Reach ONMY 44 86 8 FW 6 140 0.027 ONCL 0 0 1 SAFO 0 0 1 Salmonid Size Class Totals 170 719 90 979 0.060 Size Class Definition: 1 = 0 to 100mm, 2 = 100mm to 200mm, 3 ≥200mm Codes to abbreviations: ONMY=Oncorhynchus mykiss; ONCL= O. clarkii; SAFO=Salvelinus fontinalis; SW=slow water (pools); FW=fast water (rapids) SW 22 5.1.1.2 Fish Distribution Snorkel survey results indicate rainbow trout and brook trout were found throughout the bypass reach, and cutthroat trout were distributed in the lower 3.4 miles of the bypass reach. Likewise, the highest fish densities and largest fish were also correlated to the lower 3.4-mile section of the bypass reach where the Fish Habitat Study Report described large, complex habitats with a stream flow that was augmented by ground water input. The snorkel survey results also suggest a strong preference for pool habitat (Figure 2) for the three salmonid species observed in South Fork Rogue River. The Fish Habitat Study identified three reaches in the South Fork bypass reach from the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork Rogue River to the South Fork Dam, and one reach located immediately upstream of the South Fork Impoundment to the confluence of Big Ben Creek. The Fish Habitat Study reach locations in the South Fork bypass section located below the dam are described as follows: Reach 1 – Confluence with the Middle Fork Rogue River (RM 4.4) to confluence with Buck Creek (RM 6.1). Reach 2 – Confluence with Buck Creek (RM 6.1) to apex in the river bend where the South Fork Rogue River turns north (upstream perspective) in section 14 (RM 7.7). Reach 3 – Apex of river bend in section 14 (RM 7.7) to South Fork Dam (RM 10.5) 12 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Aquatic habitat data is presented under separate cover as the South Fork Rogue River 2014 Level II Stream Survey Report (Fish Habitat Study Report; Siskiyou Research Group, 2015). 5.1.2 Reach 1 5.1.2.1 Snorkel Results In Reach 1, a total of 351 salmonids were observed in ten aquatic habitats comprising a total area of 5,529 yd2 (4,623 m2) for a fish density of 0.063 fish/yd2 (0.076 fish/m2). Seven slow water units and three fast water units were snorkeled in Reach 1, sampling an area of 3,977 yd2 (3,325 m2) and 1, 552 yd2 (1,298 m2), respectively. In the seven slow water habitats, 322 salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.081 fish/yd2 (0.097 fish/m2). In the three fast water habitats, twenty-nine salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.019 fish/yd2 (0.022 fish/m2). Figure 3 details the results of the snorkel estimates for fish abundance by size-class, species, and habitat type in the four reaches identified in the Fish Habitat Study. In Reach 1, a total of 351 salmonid fish were counted in an elapsed time of approximately seventy minutes (4,200 seconds) for a CPUE of 0.084 fish/sec. Figure 4 summarizes fish density and CPUE results by species and reach for the snorkel survey and electrofishing survey. 5.1.2.2 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout were observed throughout Reach 1 in the second highest fish densities calculated in the study. Fish showed a strong preference for pool habitat (0.081 fish/yd2) compared to riffle habitat (0.019 fish/yd2). 13 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Figure 3. Summary of Fish Species, Size Class, and Abundance by Habitat Type, South Fork Rogue River 2014 Stream Survey Snorkel Results. Reach Habitat ID Type 2 Tally by Size Class % of Salmonid Density (fish/yd ) Species Total Area By Habitat Size Size Code Salmonids 1 2 >3 ONMY ONCL SAFO Total Sampled Type Class 1 Class ≥2 ONMY 28 229 25 322 ONCL 0 16 18 1 SAFO 0 5 1 FW 7 ONMY 6 20 3 29 Salmonid Size Class Totals 34 270 47 351 ONMY 28 194 10 SW 16 247 ONCL 0 8 3 SAFO 0 2 2 2 ONMY 14 38 3 FW 7 57 ONLC 0 0 1 SAFO 0 0 1 Salmonid Size Class Totals 42 242 20 304 ONMY 68 157 16 SW 24 270 SAFO 2 22 5 3 FW 4 ONMY 24 28 2 54 Salmonid Size Class Totals 94 207 23 324 ONMY 157 250 25 445 SW 19 SAFO 3 10 0 ONMY 53 66 4 5 FW 6 126 ONCL 0 1 0 SAFO 0 1 1 Salmonid Size Class Totals 213 328 30 571 Size Class Definition: 1 = 0 to 100mm, 2 = 100mm to 200mm, 3 = >200mm SW 25 0.081 0.056 0.006 0.001 0.006 0.057 0.063 0.071 0.003 0.001 0.010 0.064 0.075 0.045 0.000 0.004 0.014 0.035 0.049 0.053 0.000 0.001 0.014 0.023 0.036 0.019 0.100 0.036 0.058 0.027 0.050 0.018 ONMY=Oncorhynchus mykiss; ONCL= O. clarkii; SAFO=Salvelinus fontinalis; SW=slow water (pools); FW=fast water (rapids) 14 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Figure 4. Summary of fish density and CPUE calculated for species and reach segments for the snorkel survey and electrofishing survey efforts. Bypass Reach (RM 4.4 to RM 10.5) Above Reservoir Reach 2 Reach 3 Bypass Reach Reach 5 Snorkel RM 6.1 - RM 7.7 RM 7.7 - RM 10.5 Total RM 10.6 - RM 17.3 Survey ONMY 0.071 0.045 0.055 0.035 CPUE ONCL 0.003 0.000 0.003 0.000 (fish/yd2) SAFO 0.001 0.004 0.002 0.001 TOTAL 0.075 0.049 0.060 0.036 Bypass Reach (RM 4.4 to RM 10.5) Above Reservoir Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 Bypass Reach Reach 5 Fish Species Snorkel RM 4.4 - RM 6.1 RM 6.1 - RM 7.7 RM 7.7 - RM 10.5 Total RM 10.6 - RM 17.4 Survey ONMY 0.074 0.098 0.053 0.07 0.075 CPUE ONCL 0.008 0.004 0.000 0.004 0.000 (fish/sec) SAFO 0.001 0.002 0.005 0.003 0.002 TOTAL 0.084 0.103 0.058 0.077 0.077 Bypass Reach (RM 4.4 to RM 10.5) Above Reservoir Fish Species Reach 1 Reach 2 Bypass Reach Reach 3 ElectroRM 10.33 RM 10.58 Total RM 10.69 fishing CPUE ONMY 0.015 0.023 0.019 0.007 (fish/sec) SAFO 0.002 0.004 0.003 0.003 TOTAL 0.018 0.027 0.022 0.010 ONMY=Oncorhynchus mykiss; ONCL= O. clarkii; SAFO=Salvelinus fontinalis; RM=River Mile. Fish Species Reach 1 RM 4.4 - RM 6.1 0.056 0.006 0.001 0.063 15 Imnaha Creek Reach 1 RM 0.0 - RM 1.74 0.011 0.018 0.012 0.041 Imnaha Creek Reach 1 RM 0.0 - RM 1.74 N/A N/A N/A N/A Imnaha Creek Reach 4 RM 0.0 0.011 0.016 0.027 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.1.3 Reach 2 5.1.3.1 Snorkel Results In Reach 2, a total of 304 salmonids were observed in eleven aquatic habitats comprising a total area of 4,064 yd2 (3,398 m2) for a fish density of 0.075 fish/yd2 (0.089 fish/m2). Eight slow water units and three fast water units were snorkeled in Reach 2, sampling an area of 2,468 yd2 (2,064 m2) and 1, 596 yd2 (1,335 m2), respectively. In the eight slow water habitats, 247 salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.100 fish/yd2 (0.120 fish/m2), and in the three fast water habitats, fifty-seven salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.036 fish/yd2 (0.043 fish/m2) (Figure 3). In Reach 2 a total of 304 salmonid fish were counted in an elapsed time of forty-nine minutes (2,940 seconds) for a CPUE of 0.103 fish/sec. 5.1.3.2 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout were observed throughout Reach 2. Reach 2 contained the highest fish densities and CPUE in the snorkel survey of South Fork Rogue River. Snorkel survey data suggests higher fish densities in the lower and middle portion of Reach 2, where stream flow was augmented by ground water inflow. Similar to Reach 1, fish in Reach 2 showed a strong preference for pool habitat (0.100 fish/yd2) compared to riffle habitat (0.036 fish/yd2). 5.1.4 Reach 3 Stream flow was noticeably reduced in Reach 3, when compared to Reach 2, as a result of water diversion at the South Fork Dam and a lack of large tributaries or ground water inflow in this section. A 1986 stream flow study reported stream discharge from the South Fork Dam downstream approximately 2.5 miles remains consistent with no large tributary or springs contributions (Cambell-Craven, 1986). The study concluded that stream discharge measured at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) stream gaging station located approximately 0.25 miles downstream of the South Fork Dam is representative of the stream flow in the 2.5-mile section below the dam. At the time of the Fish Habitat Study and snorkel survey work, stream flow in this section, as measured at the USGS gaging station, was 14.5 cubic feet per second (cfs). 16 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.1.4.1 Snorkel Results In Reach 3, a total of 324 salmonids were observed in twenty-one aquatic habitats comprising a total area of 6,601 yd2 (5,519 m2) for a fish density of 0.049 fish/yd2 (0.059 fish/m2). Sixteen slow water units and five fast water units were snorkeled in Reach 3, sampling an area of 4,630 yd2 (3,871 m2) and 1,971 yd2 (1,648 m2), respectively. In the sixteen slow water habitats, 270 salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.058 fish/yd2 (0.070 fish/m2), and in the three fast water habitats, fifty-four salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.027 fish/yd2 (0.033 fish/m2) (Figure 3). In Reach 3 a total of 324 salmonid fish were counted in an elapsed time of ninety-three minutes (5,580 seconds) for a CPUE of 0.058 fish/sec. 5.1.4.2 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were observed throughout Reach 3. No cutthroat trout were observed in Reach 3. Reach 3 contained the lowest fish densities and CPUE in the bypass reach section of the South Fork Rogue River, but did not have the lowest fish density in the snorkel survey of South Fork Rogue River. The lowest fish densities observed occurred in Reach 5, located upstream of the South Fork Dam. Snorkel survey data suggests higher fish densities in the lower and middle portion of Reach 3, and the lowest fish density in upper Reach 3, with the exception of the pool located directly below the South Fork Dam at the entrance to the fish ladder. A large number of fish were observed in this habitat, including most of the brook trout that were reported in Reach 3. Similar to the previous reaches, fish in Reach 3 showed a strong preference for pool habitat (0.058 fish/yd2) compared to riffle habitat (0.027 fish/yd2). 5.1.5 Reach 5 5.1.5.1 Snorkel Results In Reach 5, a total of 571 salmonids were observed in twenty-eight aquatic habitats comprising a total area of 15,726 yd2 (13,149 m2) for a fish density of 0.036 fish/yd2 (0.043 fish/m2). Nineteen slow water units and nine fast water units were snorkeled in Reach 5, sampling an area of 8,912 yd2 (7,452 m2) and 6,814 yd2 (5,697 m2), respectively. In the nineteen slow water habitats, 445 salmonids were observed for a fish 17 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 density of 0.050 fish/yd2 (0.060 fish/m2), and in the nine fast water habitats, 126 salmonids were observed for a fish density of 0.018 fish/yd2 (0.022 fish/m2) (Figure 3). In Reach 5 a total of 571 salmonid fish were counted in an elapsed time of 123 minutes (7,380 seconds) for a CPUE of 0.077 fish/sec. 5.1.5.2 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were observed throughout Reach 5. One cutthroat trout was reported and field notes indicate this fish identification was unconfirmed and likely misidentified. Reach 5 contained the lowest fish densities as calculated for area, but not as calculated for CPUE as a function of time. Snorkel survey data suggests the lower fish densities were observed in lower Reach 5, near the South Fork Impoundment, and the highest fish densities of Reach 5 were found in the middle and upper sections. Reach 5 contained high quality aquatic habitat attributes with respect to stream flow, amount of instream large woody material (LWM), quality of the riparian habitat, and the amount and distribution of suitable spawning habitat. Fish distribution in Reach 5 showed a strong preference for pool habitat with a calculated density of 0.050 fish/yd2 (0.060 fish/m2), compared to 0.018 fish/yd2 (0.022 fish/m2) calculated for fast water habitat. 5.2 Electrofishing PacifiCorp conducted four fixed-reach sampling efforts within the Study Area on August 18 and 19, 2014 to contribute information to the species assemblage, distribution, and abundance of fish species in Project-affected waters of the South Fork Rogue River. The results of the electrofishing effort are reported at the fixed-reach scale, and CPUE is reported as a function of timed sampling effort and not area sampled. Stream turbidity was classified as low (high water clarity), and specific conductance was low, measured to be 0.06 micro siemens per centimeter (μS/cm). Electrofishing was conducted in spot sampling where wading with a backpack electrofisher was safe. Deep aquatic habitats and low specific conductance reduced electrofishing efficiency. The electrofisher used was a Halltech HT-2000 set at 60 hertz and 550 volts. 18 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.2.1 Reach 1 Reach 1 was identified as an estimated 750-foot segment located in the bypass reach of the South Fork Rogue River ending at the upstream end of the grade-controlled weir pool at the USGS gaging station (RM 10.3, 042o 42’ 32.06”, 122o 23’ 34.04”W, NAD 83). Recent reports by PacifiCorp staff indicate this grade-control weir structure was displaced during a high flow event in December 2014. 5.2.1.1 Aquatic Habitat Fish Habitat Study data correlated to PacifiCorp’s field-delineated Reach 1 includes one rapid habitat and one pool habitat for a total measured fixed-reach length of 571 feet. The one rapid habitat located in the fixed-reach segment was 465 feet long, with an average width of thirty-two feet, an average depth of 1.9 feet, and a maximum depth of 3.1 feet. This rapid was boulder-dominated, complex, approximately three to four percent gradient, and contained a large percentage of pocket pool habitat found in eddy water downstream of emergent boulders. One large class LWM was documented in this habitat, but no debris jams or side channels were noted. The pool located in Reach 1 was identified in the Fish Habitat Study as the grade-controlled dam pool located at the USGS stream gaging station. This pool (SO 283, SDDD 145, Photo 58, Fish Habitat study) was 106 feet long, forty-one feet wide, and contained a maximum pool depth of 4.3 feet. Pool substrate, determined by visual estimates, was dominated by large cobble and small boulders. Photos 56 through 58 of the Fish Habitat Study Report depict typical channel morphology in this section of South Fork Rogue River. 5.2.1.2 Relative Abundance Reach 1 was electrofished for 1,310 seconds and resulted in the capture of twenty rainbow trout (87%) and three brook trout (13%) for a CPUE of 0.015 fish/sec and 0.002 fish/sec, respectively. Total CPUE for Reach 1 is 0.018 fish/sec. Rainbow trout ranged in weight from less than one gram (n=3) to forty-five grams with a median weight of 9.5 grams and an average weight of 12.8 grams. Rainbow trout measured fork lengths ranged from a minimum of 42 millimeters (mm) to a maximum of 151 mm, with a median fork length of 96 mm. The three brook trout captured were measured to be 19 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 thirteen grams, twenty-three grams, and fifty-one grams. The average weight of brook trout captured in Reach 1 was twenty-nine grams. Brook trout measured fork lengths were 114 mm, 134 mm, and 167 mm, and median fork length was 134 mm. Incidental species captured during the electrofishing effort included one tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) tadpole. 5.2.1.3 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were identified in PacifiCorp’s Reach 1. Likewise the snorkel survey effort in this section found rainbow trout and brook trout. One pool habitat (USGS stream gaging pool, SO 283, SDDD 145, photo 58, Fish Habitat Study) was snorkeled in this fixed-reach segment by SRG and identified three size-class 2 (100 mm - 200 mm) and four size-class 3 (200 mm - 300 mm) rainbow trout in a six-minute (360 seconds) snorkel effort for a CPUE of 0.019 fish/sec, which was comparable to the calculated CPUE for the electrofishing effort in PacifiCorp’s Reach 1. Fish density for this pool based on the pool area of 483 yd2 (404 m2) was 0.014 fish/yd2 (0.017 fish/m2). 5.2.2 Reach 2 Reach 2 was identified as an estimated 750-foot segment located downstream of the South Fork Dam that sampled to the plunge pool located immediately downstream of the dam. This plunge pool habitat was not electrofished due to its depth (6.3 feet max depth determined in the Fish Habitat Study). 5.2.2.1 Aquatic Habitat Fish Habitat Study data was correlated to PacifiCorp’s Reach 2 and included six rapids and six pools for a total measured fixed-reach length of 1,046 feet. Total fast water length was 599 feet (range: forty-five feet to 206 feet), average fast water length was 100 feet, average fast water width was thirty feet, and average fast water maximum depth was 2.2 feet. Rapid habitat was boulder- and cobble-dominated, deep channeled, and contained a high percentage of pocket pool habitat. No instream LWM, debris jams, or side channels were noted in PacifiCorp’s Reach 2. Six pools were located in Reach 2 with a total pool length of 447 feet (range: thirty-five feet to 104 feet), an average pool 20 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 length of seventy-five feet, an average pool width of twenty-eight feet, and an average maximum pool depth of 3.1 feet. Pool habitat was relatively large and moderately deep in this section (Photo 59, Fish Habitat Study Report). Stream flow was measured and recorded at the USGS gaging station to be a minimum of 12 cfs that spiked daily to 25 cfs (http://waterdata.usgs.gov, USGS 14332000 South Fork Rogue River near Prospect, Oregon). 5.2.2.2 Relative Abundance Reach 2 was electrofished for 1,119 seconds and resulted in the capture of twenty-six rainbow trout (87%) and four brook trout (13%) for a CPUE of 0.023 fish/sec and 0.004 fish/sec, respectively. Total salmonid CPUE for Reach 2 is 0.027 fish/sec. Rainbow trout ranged in weight from less than one gram (n=2) to sixty grams with a median weight of 8.5 grams and average weight of 17.3 grams. Rainbow trout measured fork lengths ranged from a minimum of 31 mm to a maximum of 185 mm, with a median fork length of 96 mm. Four brook trout measured weights were eighty-three grams, 117 grams, nine grams, and thirty grams. Brook trout measured fork lengths were 206 mm, 121 mm, 96 mm, and 146 mm. Median brook trout fork length was 133 mm. The snorkel survey sampled one pool habitat (SO 291, SSMC 150, Photo 59) in this fixedreach segment and identified three size-class 2 and one size-class 3 rainbow trout, and five size-class 2 brook trout in a four-minute (240 seconds) snorkel effort for a CPUE of 0.038 fish/sec, which was greater than but comparable to the calculated CPUE for the electrofishing effort in Reach 2. 5.2.2.3 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were identified in PacifiCorp’s Reach 2. PacifiCorp was unable to effectively electrofish the plunge pool located at the base of the South Fork Dam due to habitat depth, however the snorkel survey sampled this habitat and observed twenty-two size-class 2 and six size-class 3 rainbow trout; and fifteen size-class 2 and five size-class 3 brook trout in a six-minute (360 second) snorkel effort for a CPUE of 0.133 fish/sec. The high CPUE suggests fish have accumulated in this habitat located at the base of the dam, which is also the entrance pool to the fish ladder. The fish ladder 21 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 was not snorkel surveyed. In addition to the reported fish captured by PacifiCorp’s electrofishing effort, four tailed frogs, and four adult and one juvenile Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) were also reported. 5.2.3 Reach 3 Reach 3 was identified as an estimated 600-foot segment located immediately upstream of the South Fork Impoundment. The Fish Habitat Study reported a 637-foot rapid habitat located immediately upstream of the impoundment. 5.2.3.1 Aquatic Habitat Fish habitat survey data correlated to PacifiCorp’s Reach 3 consisted of one rapid and no pool habitat. The rapid was measured 637 feet in length, with an average width of fiftytwo feet, a maximum depth of 5.3 feet, and an average depth of 2.4 feet. This rapid was large, deep-channeled, boulder-dominated, contained a large amount of pocket pool habitat, and the lower portion was influenced by the South Fork Impoundment (Photo 62, Fish Habitat Study report). Stream flow was not measured but was estimated to be significantly greater than the stream flow in the section directly downstream of the South Fork Dam. This rapid did not contain any instream LWM, although it was the site of a large wood jam that was mobilized in February 2014. 5.2.3.2 Relative Abundance Reach 3 was electrofished for 1,040 seconds and resulted in the capture of seven rainbow trout (70%) and three brook trout (10%) for a CPUE of 0.007 fish/sec and 0.003 fish/sec, respectively. Total salmonid CPUE for Reach 3 is 0.010 fish/sec. Rainbow trout ranged in weight from one gram to twenty-nine grams with a median weight of five grams and an average weight of eleven grams. Rainbow trout measured fork lengths ranged from a minimum of 52 mm to a maximum of 147 mm, with a median fork length of 76 mm. Three brook trout measured weights were twenty-eight grams, nine grams, and twentyone grams. Brook trout measured fork lengths were 137 mm, 99 mm, and 131 mm. 22 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.2.3.3 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were identified in PacifiCorp’s Reach 3 in very low densities. The large, deep, complex habitat with robust stream flow likely reduced sampling effectiveness. Snorkel survey fish distribution data for Reach 5 of the Fish Habitat Study, of which PacifiCorp’s Reach 3 is a small subset, showed lower fish densities in the lower 1.4 miles of the 6.83-mile reach, when compared to the middle and upper sections. PacifiCorp reported one rainbow trout mortality as a result of the electrofishing effort in this reach. No additional species were reported in Reach 3. 5.2.4 Reach 4 (Imnaha Creek) Reach 4 was identified by PacifiCorp as an estimated 450-foot segment of Imnaha Creek located immediately upstream of the South Fork Impoundment. In 2002 SRG conducted a Fish Habitat Study and aquatic biota survey (mask and snorkel) on Imnaha Creek and used this data to correlate to the fixed-reach segment sampled by PacifiCorp. 5.2.4.1 Aquatic Habitat The first 550 feet of the 2002 Fish Habitat Study consisted of three fast water habitats, two slow water habitats, and a side channel. The mainstem aquatic habitats in Reach 4 were located in a sixteen-foot wide, moderate gradient, cobble- and boulder dominated, swift flowing channel. Two rapids, one short cascade, one plunge pool, and one mid channel scour pool were identified. Fast water habitat consisted of one 146-foot long, fifteen-foot wide, 2.7-foot maximum depth rapid; a thirty-six-foot long, fifteen-foot wide, 2.4-foot maximum depth cascade; and a 275-foot long, eighteen-foot wide, 2.4-foot maximum depth rapid. Fast water substrate was an equal mixture of sand, gravel, cobble, and boulders, except for the boulder-dominated cascade. Slow water habitat consisted of one forty-nine-foot long, twenty-eight-foot wide plunge pool with a maximum depth of 4.3 feet and one forty-four-foot long, seventeen-foot wide mid channel scour pool with a maximum depth of 2.3 feet. 23 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 5.2.4.2 Relative Abundance Reach 4 was electrofished for 830 seconds and resulted in the capture of nine rainbow trout (41%) and thirteen brook trout (59%) for a CPUE of 0.011 fish/sec and 0.016 fish/sec, respectively. Total salmonid CPUE for Reach 4 is 0.027 fish/sec. Rainbow trout ranged in weight from less than one gram (n=2) to thirteen grams with a median weight of four grams and an average weight of 5.9 grams. Rainbow trout measured fork lengths ranged from a minimum of 34 mm to a maximum of 113 mm, with a median fork length of 76 mm. Thirteen brook trout measured weights ranged from less than one gram to (n=1) to fifteen grams with a median weight of six grams and an average weight of six grams. Brook trout measured fork lengths ranged from 39 mm to 114 mm, with a median fork length of 90 mm. SRG snorkeled the mid channel scour pool described in PacifiCorp’s Reach 4 for the 2002 Imnaha Creek survey and reported observing no fish. Further, no fish were reported in the next snorkeled habitat (SO 10, FTRP 5), suggesting very low fish densities in the section of stream close to the South Fork Impoundment. The first snorkeled unit where fish were observed occurred in SO 13 (SSPL 7). Snorkel sampling was not timed in 2002. 5.2.4.3 Fish Distribution Rainbow trout and brook trout were identified in PacifiCorp’s Reach 4. Of PacifiCorp’s four sampled reaches, Reach 4 exhibited the greatest relative abundance of brook trout (thirteen individuals, CPUE 0.016 fish/sec). SRG reported the presence of cutthroat trout in the 2002 survey, but results from the 2014 survey suggest cutthroat trout distribution in the mainstem South Fork Rogue River was confined to the large, complex habitats of the lower bypass reach (Reach 1 and Reach 2, Fish Habitat Study). Further work would be required to confirm the distribution of cutthroat trout in the upper South Fork Rogue River (above the impoundment) and Imnaha Creek. PacifiCorp’s electrofishing effort in Reach 4 did not report any fish mortality or incidental species captured. 5.3 South Fork Impoundment A resource specialist with PacifiCorp sampled the impoundment with a hook and line on July 8, 2014. Nine rainbow trout with an average fork length of 6.67 inches (169 mm) 24 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 were caught using small rooster tail lures in forty minutes (2,400 seconds) of angling for a CPUE of 0.0038 fish/sec. No brook trout were caught. On April 18, 2015, SRG used a team of two snorkelers to survey the impoundment and results indicate very low fish densities. The entire impoundment was visually searched in a total snorkel time of fortyfour minutes (2,640 seconds) and reported six rainbow trout in the size class 100 mm to 200 mm for a CPUE of 0.0023 fish/sec. A second snorkel survey effort was conducted in the afternoon on the same day and two snorkelers spent a total of fifty minutes (3,000 seconds) systematically searching the impoundment. Two rainbow trout in the size class 100 mm – 200 mm were observed for a CPUE of 0.00067 fish/sec. No brook trout were observed in the snorkel survey. Good water clarity and low stream flows (less than 150 cfs) provided ideal conditions for snorkel surveys. Water temperature in the impoundment was measured at 7oC at 1214 hour. At the time of the survey the impoundment was measured to be approximately 160 yards (146 meters) in length with an average width of 26.7 yards (24.4 meters) and covered an area of approximately 4,266 yd2 (3,568 m2). The impoundment was dominated by sand/silt substrate. 5.4 Pacific Lamprey Survey On October 1st, and 21st, 2014, Cow Creek Water and Environmental Resources program staff conducted lamprey presence/absence surveys in the South Fork Rogue River. The survey report is included as Appendix D. During the October 1st survey the crew electrofished for lamprey presence/absence downstream of the South Fork Dam. Lamprey were not detected within the stream reach sampled during the survey. In addition the crew surveyed upstream of the dam at the impoundment where Imnaha Creek enters the South Fork Rogue River. The shallow shoreline was electrofished from the bank, due to sediment depth. Lamprey were not detected in the area electrofished at the impoundment. During the October 21st survey the crew electrofished for lamprey presence/absence upstream of the South Fork Dam. Lamprey were not detected within the stream reach sampled during the survey. 25 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 6.0 DISCUSSION Observation of freshwater fish communities using snorkel gear has been conducted for decades (Ellis 1961; Kennleyside 1962; Northcote and Wilkie 1963). Snorkel surveys have been widely used to assess fish abundance (Pollard 1973), determine species distribution, estimate size structure (Hankin and Reeves 1988), and evaluate habitat use (Reeves et. al. 2011). Snorkel surveys are considered effective and efficient means of assessing freshwater fish populations (Macnaughton et.al. 2014) and offer several advantages over other sampling methods. For example, snorkeling is feasible when environmental conditions such as deep or low-conductivity water, which was encountered sampling the South Fork Rogue River, limit the effectiveness of methods like electrofishing (Schill and Griffith 1984). Snorkeling gear is cost efficient, lightweight, and adapts well to surveying remote locations, including large, deep, complex channels (Thurow 1994). Snorkel surveys require fewer personnel and less sampling time over other sampling methods (Hankin and Reeves 1988), and snorkeling is non-lethal and less intrusive than electrofishing or the use of toxicants. Nevertheless, underwater observation introduces several biases that reduce capture efficiency (Peterson et.al. 2004). Studies have found the ability to detect and accurately count fish underwater was influenced by fish size, species, time of day, and stream habitat characteristics such as habitat complexity, stream flow, water clarity, and water temperature (Thurow et. al. 2006; Hankin and Reeves 1988). In order to compensate for observer bias it is recommended that raw snorkel counts are adjusted for the effects of these biases by applying sampling efficiency models (Thurow et. al. 2006, Weaver et al. 2014). Sampling efficiency studies involve the use of a second method such as multi-pass electrofishing to determine absolute or true fish numbers. This data is correlated to snorkel counts to provide adjustment factors to snorkel data to increase sampling efficiency. Results reported in the snorkel surveys conducted in the fish community study of the South Fork Rogue River are raw fish counts unadjusted for the effects of sample biases. Further, the electrofishing method used was not conducted with the objective of determining ‘true numbers’ of fish through the technique of multi-pass surveys, which 26 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 would provide an adjustment factor for snorkel count data, but was conducted instead with the objective of sampling the fish community for composition in the vicinity of the South Fork Rogue diversion dam. In addition, low CPUE values derived from the electrofishing data compared to significantly higher relative abundance values derived from the snorkel data suggest low sampling efficiency for the electrofishing method, likely the result of a small sample size compared to the snorkel survey, and environmental factors of low-conductivity water, and large, deep, complex aquatic habitat conditions. 27 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 7.0 REFERENCES Ellis, D. V. 1961. Diving and photographic techniques for observing and recording salmon activities. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 18:11591166. Hankin, D. G., and G. H. Reeves. 1988. Estimating total fish abundance and habitat area in small streams based on visual estimation methods. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 45:834-844. Keenleyside, M. H. A. 1962. Skin diver observations of Atlantic salmon and brook trout in the Miramichi River, New Brunswick. Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 19:625-634. Macnaughton, C. J., S. Harvey-Lavoie, C. Senay, G. Lanthier, G. Bourque, P. Legendre, D. Boisclair. 2014 A Comparison of Electrofishing and visual surveying methods for estimating fish community structure in temperate rivers. River Research and Applications. Northcote, T. G., and D. W. Wilkie. 1963. Underwater census of stream fish populations. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 92:146-151. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2013. Prospect No. 3 Hydroelectric Project (FERC 2337-076). Comments on Preliminary Application Document and Scoping Document; and Study Requests. Umpqua Watershed District Office. Roseburg, Oregon PacifiCorp. 2014. Prospect No. 3 Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. P-2337. Revised Study Plans – Fish Community and Aquatic Habitat. PacifiCorp, Hydro Resources, Medford, Oregon. Peterson, J. T., R. F. Thurow, and J. W. Guzevich. 2004. An Evaluation of Multipass Electrofishing for Estimating the Abundance of Stream-Dwelling Salmonids. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 133:462-475. Pollard, H. A. II, and T. C. Bjornn. 1973. The effects of angling and hatchery trout on the abundance of juvenile steelhead trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 102:745-752. 28 South Fork Rogue River Fish Community Initial Study Report, May 2015 Reeves, G. H., J. D. Sleeper, and D. W. Lang. 2011. Seasonal Changes in Habitat Availability and the Distribution and Abundance of Salmonids along a Stream Gradient From Headwaters to Mouth in Coastal Oregon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140:537-548. Schill, D. J., and J. S. Griffith. 1984. Use of Underwater observations to estimate cutthroat trout abundance in the Yellowstone River. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 4:479-487. Siskiyou Research Group, 2002. Imnaha Creek 2002 Level II Stream Survey Report. Prepared for U.S. Forest Service, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest High Cascades Ranger District, Prospect, Oregon. Siskiyou Research Group, 2015. South Fork Rogue River 2014 Level II Stream Survey Report. Prepared for PacifiCorp, Hydro Resources, Medford, Oregon. Thurow, R. F. 1994. Underwater methods for study of salmonids in the Intermountain West . U.S. Forest Service General Technical Report INT-GTR-307. Thurow, R. F., J. T. Peteson, and J.W. Guzevich. 2006. Utility and Validation of Day and Night Snorkel Counts for Estimating Bull Trout Abundance in First- to Third-Order Stream. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:217-232. United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service. 2014. Stream Inventory Handbook, Level I and II. Pacific Northwest Region. Version 2.14. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. National Rivers and Streams Assessment Field Operations Manual. EPA-841-B-07-009. Weaver, D. M., T. J. Kwak, K. H. Pollock. 2014. Sampling Characteristics and Calibration of Snorkel Counts to Estimate Stream Fish Populations. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 34:1159 – 1166. 29 APPENDIX A SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER 2014 FISH COMMUNITY STUDY SURVEY MAPS (FISH HABITAT REACH LOCATIONS) (FIXED-REACH ELECTROFISHING LOCATIONS) Bypass Reach Begin Reach 1 End Reach 1 Begin Reach 2 End Reach 3 End Reach 2 Begin Reach 3 Begin Reach 5 SCALE 1:48000 2014 Fish Habitat Study Reach Break Locations 0 Name: PROSPECT SOUTH Date: 04/13/15 Scale: 1 inch = 4,000 ft. 1 0 1000 0 1 2 MILES 2000 3000 2 Location: 042° 42' 45.91" N 122° 25' 58.21" W Copyright (C) 2009 MyTopo 4000 3 5000 Copyright (C) 2009 MyTopo 4 KILOMETER Begin Reach 1 End Reach 1 Begin Reach 4 End Reach 4 Begin Reach 2 End Reach 2 Begin Reach 3 End Reach 3 SCALE 1:12000 2014 Fish Community Study Electrofishing Fixed-Reach Locations 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0 0 Name: PROSPECT SOUTH Date: 04/13/15 Scale: 1 inch = 1,000 ft. Location: 042° 42' 15.12" N 122° 23' 18.02" W Copyright (C) 2009 MyTopo 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 M 1000 YARDS Copyright (C) 2009 MyTopo 1 KILOMETER APPENDIX B SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER 2014 FISH COMMUNITY STUDY FISH CALCULATION TABLES FISH HABITAT STUDY REACH 1 – REACH 3, & REACH 5 Salmonid Density Calculation Table for South Fork Rogue River Reach 1, 2014 Level II Stream Inventory (Produced by Siskiyou Research Group) Salmonid Tally Table SO # 8 19 28 40 49 59 71 Snorkeled Habitat Area Table SW SW SO FW FW 2 L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft2) L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft ) # 74 32 2368 20 77 36 2772 108 41 4428 44 122 51 6222 117 39 4563 73 262 19 4978 66 64 4224 182 28 5096 103 40 4120 239 46 10994 Total Area (ft2) Total Area (yd2) 35793 Total Area (ft2) 13972 3977.000 Total Area (yd2) 1552.444 2 Reach SW Area (ft ) 144718 Reach FW Area (ft2) 198303 24.73 % Reach SW Area Snorkeled % Reach FW Area Snorkeled 7.05 % Reach Habitat Area Snorkeled 14.51 2 Salmonid Species Density (fish/yd ) ONMY SW 1 0.007 FW 1 0.004 SAFO SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 >2 0.064 >2 0.015 >2 0.002 >2 SW 6 3 5 2 8 4 ONMY 2 29 25 51 11 65 10 38 28 229 1 >3 5 4 6 ONCL 1 2 5 4 3 4 1 5 25 0 2 1 1 3 16 18 1 1 3 2 ONMY 2 >3 7 2 8 5 1 1 FW ONCL 2 >3 SAFO 2 >3 1 0 5 1 5 1 0 0 0 6 20 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total ONMY in SW Total ONCL in SW Total SAFO in SW 282 34 6 Total ONMY in FW Total ONCL in FW Total SAFO in FW 29 0 0 Total ONKI in SW 0 Total ONKI in FW 0 0.000 >2 Species COXX 0.000 0.000 COXX >2 Total ONMY for Reach Total ONCL for Reach Total SAFO for Reach Total ONKI for Reach 0.009 >2 >2 ONKI 2 >3 1 Other Fish # Habitat Type 0 SW 2 FW 311 34 6 0 Total Salmonids in SW Total Salmonids in FW Total Salmonids in Reach 322 29 351 Total 1 in Reach Total >2 in Reach 317 2 Total Salmonid Species Density (fish/y ) for Reach ONMY ONCL SAFO ONKI 0.056 0.006 0.001 0.000 Total Salmonid Density (fish/y2) for Reach SW 0.081 FW 1 >2 Reach 1 Total 1 ONMY in FW Total >2 ONMY in FW Total 1 ONCL in FW Total >2 ONCL in FW Total 1 SAFO in FW Total >2 SAFO in FW Total 1 ONKI in FW Total >2 ONKI in FW 0.000 FW ONKI 2 >3 28 254 0 34 0 6 0 0 ONKI 1 0.000 1 0.000 1 Total 1 ONMY in SW Total >2 ONMY in SW Total 1 ONCL in SW Total >2 ONCL in SW Total 1 SAFO in SW Total >2 SAFO in SW Total 1 ONKI in SW Total >2 ONKI in SW ONCL SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 SW >3 4 6 4 SAFO 1 2 >3 0.019 0.006 0.057 0.063 Salmonid Density Calculations Based on Snorkeled Habitats Only at a Minimum 10% Sampling Frequency (For Reaches Snorkeled Above/Below Fish Limit, Calculations Based on Fish-Bearing Segment Only) 34 0 0 Salmonid Density Calculation Table for South Fork Rogue River Reach 2, 2014 Level II Stream Inventory (Produced by Siskiyou Research Group) Salmonid Tally Table Snorkeled Habitat Area Table SO SW SW SO FW FW 2 L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft2) # L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft ) # 85 115 36 4140 106 159 48 7632 132 65 47 3055 97 61 35 2135 34 4046 159 80 46 3680 105 119 34 2754 114 81 127 44 23 1012 137 51 27 1377 146 87 39 3393 153 86 39 3354 Total Area (ft2) Total Area (yd2) 22211 Total Area (ft2) 14367 2467.889 Total Area (yd2) 1596.333 2 Reach SW Area (ft ) 136759 Reach FW Area (ft2) 200185 16.24 % Reach SW Area Snorkeled % Reach FW Area Snorkeled 7.18 % Reach Habitat Area Snorkeled 10.86 2 Salmonid Species Density (fish/yd ) ONMY SW 1 0.011 FW 1 0.009 SAFO SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 >2 0.083 >2 0.026 >2 0.002 >2 7 7 ONMY 2 49 20 25 15 6 17 18 44 28 194 1 6 6 2 >3 4 1 1 SW ONCL 1 2 >3 1 2 2 10 0 5 1 8 3 1 5 4 5 ONMY 2 >3 15 2 9 14 1 1 FW ONCL 2 >3 1 SAFO 2 >3 1 ONKI 2 >3 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 14 38 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Total 1 ONMY in FW Total >2 ONMY in FW Total 1 ONCL in FW Total >2 ONCL in FW Total 1 SAFO in FW Total >2 SAFO in FW Total 1 ONKI in FW Total >2 ONKI in FW 14 41 0 1 0 1 0 0 Total ONMY in SW Total ONCL in SW Total SAFO in SW 232 11 4 Total ONMY in FW Total ONCL in FW Total SAFO in FW 55 1 1 Total ONKI in SW 0 Total ONKI in FW 0 0.000 >2 Species COXX 0.000 0.000 COXX >2 Total ONMY for Reach Total ONCL for Reach Total SAFO for Reach Total ONKI for Reach 0.004 >2 >2 Other Fish # Habitat Type 0 SW 0 FW 287 12 5 0 Total Salmonids in SW Total Salmonids in FW Total Salmonids in Reach 247 57 304 Total 1 in Reach Total >2 in Reach 262 2 Total Salmonid Species Density (fish/y ) for Reach ONMY ONCL SAFO ONKI 0.071 0.003 0.001 0.000 Total Salmonid Density (fish/y2) for Reach SW 0.100 FW 1 >2 Reach 1 28 204 0 11 0 4 0 0 0.001 FW ONKI 2 >3 Total 1 ONMY in SW Total >2 ONMY in SW Total 1 ONCL in SW Total >2 ONCL in SW Total 1 SAFO in SW Total >2 SAFO in SW Total 1 ONKI in SW Total >2 ONKI in SW ONKI 1 0.000 1 0.001 1 1 1 3 ONCL SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 SW SAFO 1 2 >3 1 2 0.036 0.010 0.064 0.075 Salmonid Density Calculations Based on Snorkeled Habitats Only at a Minimum 10% Sampling Frequency (For Reaches Snorkeled Above/Below Fish Limit, Calculations Based on Fish-Bearing Segment Only) 42 0 0 Salmonid Density Calculation Table for South Fork Rogue River Reach 3, 2014 Level II Stream Inventory (Produced by Siskiyou Research Group) Salmonid Tally Table Snorkeled Habitat Area Table SO SW SW SO FW FW 2 L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft2) # L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft ) # 162 99 42 4158 182 81 38 3078 171 51 20 1020 206 218 36 7848 181 107 34 3638 230 44 35 1540 34 1530 190 88 35 3080 255 45 32 3744 202 115 38 4370 284 117 211 44 37 1628 220 62 19 1178 229 56 31 1736 238 39 29 1131 247 122 37 4514 256 59 44 2596 263 49 24 1176 24 1440 274 60 283 106 41 4346 291 65 27 1755 300 60 65 3900 Total Area (ft2) Total Area (yd2) Reach Reach 41666 Total Area (ft2) 17740 4629.556 Total Area (yd2) 1971.111 SW FW Area (ft2) 174524 Area (ft2) 406763 23.87 % Reach SW Area Snorkeled % Reach FW Area Snorkeled 4.36 % Reach Habitat Area Snorkeled 10.22 2 Salmonid Species Density (fish/yd ) ONMY SW 1 0.015 FW 1 0.012 SAFO SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 >2 0.037 >2 0.015 >2 0.006 >2 1 7 9 10 17 4 5 4 3 4 5 0 68 ONMY 2 20 15 15 14 9 8 8 10 6 20 0 3 1 3 3 22 157 >3 1 SW ONCL 1 2 >3 1 2 0 1 4 1 6 16 0 0 1 1 1 4 9 8 1 2 ONMY 2 >3 11 10 2 3 1 3 1 FW ONCL 2 >3 0 2 5 15 5 22 5 0 0 0 24 28 2 0 0 0 SAFO 2 >3 1 0 0 0 0 Total 1 ONMY in SW 68 Total 1 ONMY in FW 24 173 0 0 2 27 0 0 Total >2 ONMY in FW Total 1 ONCL in FW Total >2 ONCL in FW Total 1 SAFO in FW Total >2 SAFO in FW Total 1 ONKI in FW Total >2 ONKI in FW 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total ONMY in SW Total ONCL in SW Total SAFO in SW 241 0 29 Total ONMY in FW Total ONCL in FW Total SAFO in FW 54 0 0 Total ONKI in SW 0 Total ONKI in FW 0 0.000 >2 Species COXX 0.000 0.000 COXX >2 Total ONMY for Reach Total ONCL for Reach Total SAFO for Reach Total ONKI for Reach 0.000 >2 >2 Other Fish # Habitat Type 0 SW 0 FW 295 0 29 0 Total Salmonids in SW Total Salmonids in FW Total Salmonids in Reach 270 54 324 Total 1 in Reach Total >2 in Reach 230 2 Total Salmonid Species Density (fish/y ) for Reach ONMY ONCL SAFO ONKI 0.045 0.000 0.004 0.000 Total Salmonid Density (fish/y2) for Reach SW 0.058 FW 1 >2 Reach 1 Total >2 ONMY in SW Total 1 ONCL in SW Total >2 ONCL in SW Total 1 SAFO in SW Total >2 SAFO in SW Total 1 ONKI in SW Total >2 ONKI in SW 0.000 FW ONKI 2 >3 ONKI 2 >3 1 ONKI 1 0.000 1 0.000 1 1 ONCL SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 SW SAFO 1 2 >3 0.027 0.014 0.035 0.049 Salmonid Density Calculations Based on Snorkeled Habitats Only at a Minimum 10% Sampling Frequency (For Reaches Snorkeled Above/Below Fish Limit, Calculations Based on Fish-Bearing Segment Only) 94 0 0 Salmonid Density Calculation Table for South Fork Rogue River Reach 5, 2014 Level II Stream Inventory (Produced by Siskiyou Research Group) Salmonid Tally Table Snorkeled Habitat Area Table SO SW SW SO FW FW 2 L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft2) # L (ft) W (ft) Area (ft ) # 313 57 39 2223 308 233 54 12582 36 1296 327 190 43 8170 324 36 331 49 40 1960 356 64 55 3520 373 90 33 2970 339 142 37 5254 396 187 48 8976 347 42 42 1764 416 162 42 6804 357 63 55 3465 367 166 47 7802 438 94 46 4324 379 115 28 3220 463 208 43 8944 391 143 30 4290 488 148 34 5032 400 129 48 6192 411 116 36 4176 421 125 40 5000 432 149 45 6705 443 161 43 6923 450 117 27 3159 459 77 37 2849 469 60 40 2400 478 69 32 2208 487 259 36 9324 Total Area (ft2) Total Area (yd2) 80210 Total Area (ft2) 61322 8912.222 Total Area (yd2) 6813.556 2 Reach SW Area (ft ) 422697 Reach FW Area (ft2) 1111532 % Reach SW Area Snorkeled 18.98 % Reach FW Area Snorkeled 5.52 % Reach Habitat Area Snorkeled 9.22 2 Salmonid Species Density (fish/yd ) ONMY SW 1 0.018 FW 1 0.008 SAFO SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 >2 0.031 >2 0.010 >2 0.001 >2 1 4 5 12 15 6 11 4 7 8 22 16 3 8 3 9 9 6 9 ONMY 2 8 8 7 16 9 17 23 14 11 5 18 23 7 17 12 11 20 8 16 157 250 >3 SW ONCL 1 2 >3 1 5 7 5 1 5 18 2 7 3 ONMY 2 8 4 7 2 15 13 1 9 7 53 66 >3 1 1 1 FW ONCL 2 >3 SAFO 2 >3 1 ONKI 2 >3 1 1 2 1 6 1 2 1 6 1 2 1 1 25 0 0 0 3 10 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 Total 1 ONMY in SW Total >2 ONMY in SW Total 1 ONCL in SW Total >2 ONCL in SW Total 1 SAFO in SW Total >2 SAFO in SW Total 1 ONKI in SW Total >2 ONKI in SW 157 275 0 0 3 10 0 0 Total 1 ONMY in FW Total >2 ONMY in FW Total 1 ONCL in FW Total >2 ONCL in FW Total 1 SAFO in FW Total >2 SAFO in FW Total 1 ONKI in FW Total >2 ONKI in FW 53 70 0 1 0 2 0 0 Total ONMY in SW Total ONCL in SW Total SAFO in SW 432 0 13 Total ONMY in FW Total ONCL in FW Total SAFO in FW 123 1 2 Total ONKI in SW 0 Total ONKI in FW 0 0.000 >2 Species COXX 0.000 0.000 COXX >2 Total ONMY for Reach Total ONCL for Reach Total SAFO for Reach Total ONKI for Reach 0.000 >2 >2 Other Fish # Habitat Type 0 SW 0 FW 555 1 15 0 Total Salmonids in SW Total Salmonids in FW Total Salmonids in Reach 445 126 571 Total 1 in Reach Total >2 in Reach 358 2 Total Salmonid Species Density (fish/y ) for Reach ONMY ONCL SAFO ONKI 0.035 0.000 0.001 0.000 Total Salmonid Density (fish/y2) for Reach SW 0.050 FW 1 >2 Reach 1 1 4 3 0.000 FW ONKI 2 >3 1 ONKI 1 0.000 1 0.000 1 2 1 3 1 1 ONCL SW 1 0.000 FW 1 0.000 SW SAFO 1 2 >3 0.018 0.014 0.023 0.036 Salmonid Density Calculations Based on Snorkeled Habitats Only at a Minimum 10% Sampling Frequency (For Reaches Snorkeled Above/Below Fish Limit, Calculations Based on Fish-Bearing Segment Only) 213 0 0 APPENDIX C SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER 2014 FISH COMMUNITY STUDY FIXED-REACH ELECTROFISHING SURVEY SUMMARIES REACH 1 - REACH 4 South Fork below RM 10.25 (Reach no. 1) Low conductance. Shocker set to 60 Hz, 550 V. Rainbow Trout Weight (g) Length (mm) 45 147 8 81 21 122 1 42 13 116 9 97 8 93 1 53 1 47 1 45 8 93 9 95 8 97 34 151 10 84 14 109 19 121 22 135 13 114 11 90 Remarks Date/Time (PDT): Approx. L. (ft): Weight (g) 8/18/2014 Shock Time (s): 750 Q (cfs): Brook Trout Length (mm) 13 114 23 134 51 167 Remarks 1310 14 Metric n CPUE (n/sec) min (mm) med (mm) max (mm) Length Bin Rainbow 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 <1 g <1 g <1 g Brook 20 3 0.015267176 0.002290076 42 114 96 134 151 167 Frequency 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 3 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reach 1 9 8 7 6 Frequency Reach: Remarks: 5 4 Rainbow 3 Brook 2 1 0 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 Fork Lenght (mm) South Fork between RM 10.5 and RM 10.25 (Reach no. 2) Low conductance. Shocker set to 60 Hz, 550 V. Rainbow Trout Length (mm) 5 78 6 80 8 97 23 129 1 45 9 95 13 109 14 116 18 115 36 156 60 185 55 165 40 155 7 89 6 83 4 80 25 139 4 78 52 155 1 31 1 39 1 39 7 87 15 113 7 83 33 151 Weight (g) Remarks Date/Time (PDT): Approx. L. (ft): 8/18/2014 Shock Time (s): 750 Q (cfs): Weight (g) 83 117 9 30 Brook Trout Length (mm) 206 121 96 146 Remarks 1119 14 Metric n CPUE (n/sec) min (mm) med (mm) max (mm) Length Bin Rainbow 26 0.023 31 96 185 Frequency 3 1 4 6 4 2 4 1 1 0 0 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 Brook 4 0.004 96 133.5 206 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 Reach 2 <1 7 6 <1 5 Frequency Reach: Remarks: 4 3 Rainbow Brook 2 1 0 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Fork Lenght (mm) 180 200 220 240 Reach: Remarks: Date/Time (PDT): Approx. L. (ft): South Fork above dam at RM 10.55 (Reach no. 3) Low conductance. Shocker set to 60 Hz, 550 V. Rainbow Trout Length (mm) Weight (g) 27 5 8 29 4 1 4 Remarks 8/19/2014 Shock Time (s): 600 Q (cfs): Brook Trout Length (mm) Weight (g) 138 76 94 147 75 52 75 28 9 21 Frequency Reach 3 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Rainbow Brook 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Fork Lenght (mm) 180 200 220 240 1040 Remarks 137 99 131 Metric n CPUE (n/sec) min (mm) med (mm) max (mm) Length Bin 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 Rainbow 7 0.007 52 76 147 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 Brook 3 0.003 99 131 137 Frequency 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 Reach: Remarks: Date/Time (PDT): Approx. L. (ft): Imnaha Creek above dam (Reach no. 4) Low conductance. Shocker set to 60 Hz, 450 V. Weight (g) 12 1 3 3 12 134 4 1 4 Rainbow Trout Length (mm) 100 42 74 76 110 113 74 34 80 Remarks Weight (g) <1 <1 8/19/2014 Shock Time (s): 450 Q (cfs): Brook Trout Length (mm) 2 61 7 90 1 39 3 70 2 64 2 63 8 92 11 103 15 114 1 55 6 93 10 105 10 100 Reach 4 4.5 4 Frequency 3.5 3 2.5 2 Rainbow 1.5 Brook 1 0.5 0 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Fork Lenght (mm) 180 200 220 240 830 Remarks <1 Metric Rainbow Brook n 9 13 CPUE (n/se 0.011 0.016 min (mm) 34 39 med (mm) 76 90 max (mm) 113 114 Length Bin Frequency 40 1 1 60 1 1 80 4 4 100 1 4 120 2 3 140 0 0 160 0 0 180 0 0 200 0 0 220 0 0 240 0 0 APPENDIX D SOUTH FORK ROGUE RIVER 2014 FISH COMMUNITY STUDY PACIFIC LAMPREY SURVEY FINAL REPORT Prospect #3 Lamprey Surveys Report for PacifiCorp Prepared by Kelly Coates Water and Environmental Resources Program Manager Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians February 25th, 2015 Table of Contents Background ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Methods........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Results .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 Appendix ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 List of Tables Table 1. Electrofishing data downstream of the South Fork Dam, and at the Impoundment immediately upstream of the South Fork dam. ............................................................................... 2 Table 2. Electrofishing data upstream of the South Fork Dam. ..................................................... 5 Table 3. Physical habitat data. Cells that do not have information indicate a section of stream that was too deep to sample. ........................................................................................................... 6 Table of Figures Figure 1. Downstream photo of electrofishing reach, below South Fork Dam. ............................ 3 Figure 2. Upstream photo of electrofishing reach, below South Fork Dam. ................................. 3 Figure 3. View of Impoundment from trail upstream of South Fork Dam .................................... 4 Figure 4. Area of Impoundment upstream of South Fork Dam that was electrofished ................ 4 1 Background As part of the relicensing process for PacifiCorp’s Prospect #3 Hydropower Project, near Prospect, Oregon, PacifiCorp contracted with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians to perform lamprey presence surveys in the fall of 2014. The intent of the surveys is to inform PacifiCorp’s Study Plan for the hydro project relicensing. Methods On October 1st, and 21st, 2014, Cow Creek Water and Environmental Resources program staff conducted lamprey presence/absence surveys in the South Fork Rogue River. The surveys included electrofishing using a Smith-Root LR 24 electrofisher with pre-determined lamprey settings, and collection of physical habitat data including stream width, depth and stream bed size. The protocol used during the study including detailed methods and equipment used for the surveys are attached in the appendix. The protocol was sent to PacifiCorp for approval prior to commencing sampling activities. Results During the October 1st Survey the crew electrofished for lamprey presence/absence downstream of the South Fork Dam. Lamprey were not detected within the stream reach sampled during the survey. In addition the crew surveyed upstream of the dam at the impoundment where Imnaha Creek enters the South Fork Rogue River. The shallow shoreline was electrofished from the bank, due to sediment depth. Lamprey were not detected in the area electrofished at the impoundment. Table 1. lists electrofishing data for the October 1st surveys. Please see the appendix for the electrofishing data sheet. Table 1. Electrofishing data downstream of the South Fork Dam, and at the Impoundment immediately upstream of the South Fork dam. Date Time Location 10-1-14 10:00 42.70794, -122.39036 42.70781, -122.38953 10-1-14 16:30 42.70687, -122.38493 Electrofishing Pass Number Downstream point below dam Upstream point above dam Impoundment just above South Fork Dam Electrofisher shock time (seconds) 664 Lamprey count 1 Stream Temperature (°C) 5.3 2 5.3 524 0 1 NA 736 0 2 0 Figure 1. Downstream photo of electrofishing reach, below South Fork Dam. Figure 2. Upstream photo of electrofishing reach, below South Fork Dam. 3 Figure 3. View of Impoundment from trail upstream of South Fork Dam Figure 4. Area of Impoundment upstream of South Fork Dam that was electrofished 4 During the October 21st survey the crew electrofished for lamprey presence/absence upstream of the South Fork Dam. Lamprey were not detected within the stream reach sampled during the survey. Table 2. lists electrofishing data for the October 21st surveys. Please see the appendix for the electrofishing data sheet. Table 2. Electrofishing data upstream of the South Fork Dam. Date Time Location 10-21-14 12:00 42.70491, -122.38626 42.70428, -122.38552 Downstream point below dam Upstream point below dam Electrofishi ng Pass Number 1 Stream Temperatur e (°C) 6.5 Electrofisher shock time (seconds) 1825 Lamprey count 2 6.8 1656 0 0 Physical habitat data was also collected during the October 21st survey. Physical data included stream width, water depth, particle size and substrate depth. Of the 21 transects measured, the average stream width was 15.10 meters. The average maximum water depth was 66 centimeters. Not all habitat data could be collected due to parts of the stream channel being too deep for the crew to safely sample. Additional metrics are listed in Table 3. Please see the appendix for the physical data sheet. 5 Table 3. Physical habitat data. Cells that do not have information indicate a section of stream that was too deep to sample. Transect Stream Water depth Number Width (m) (cm) max 25% 1 15.5448 37 2 17.3736 59 41 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15.24 16.42872 15.94104 12.31392 14.69136 15.42288 14.99616 12.8016 16.1544 56 15.24 14.0208 13.716 81 17 16.36776 74 18 19 20 21 66 60 26 29 41 38 31 60 Particle size (mm) 50% 41 39 75% 25% 2 59 2 50% 2 23 37 61 56 1 1 66 62 56 56 59 87 56 52 63 43 81 33 48 14.0208 62 17.0688 13.53312 16.002 23 19 44 Average 15.10 66 33 31 11 63 91 0 0 2 0 63 412 2 2 2 2 2 19 28 10 0 24 74 153 78 64 100 601 87 66 56 306 514 104 2 120 895 90.73 134.19 40.125 60.38 40 2 Substrate depth (cm) 75% 25% 50% 75% 1-10 1-10 0 1-10 110 50 0 1-10 1-10 0 0 1-10 0 0 92 37 4 2 1-10 1-10 0 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 12 42 207 0 0 0 50 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 10Jan 1-10 1150 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 50 1-10 1-10 1-10 1-10 1150 39.6 6