Feasibility Analysis of Translocating Western Pearlshell Mussels into the Cherry Creek Native Trout Project Reach on the Flying D Ranch of Montana A Report to Turner Enterprises, Inc. by David Stagliano Montana Natural Heritage Program Helena, Montana April 2013 M O N T A S A. ^^} Natural Herita^ a program of the Montana State Library*s Natural Resource Information System operated by the University of Montana Introduction The western pearlshell mussel (WERE), Margaritifera falcata has experienced significant range reductions across Montana in the last 100 years and is now known from '"88 populations, of which, only '"ZO are expected to be viable 100 years from now (Stagliano 2010). Many of these remaining populations are also at risk of extirpation due to stochastic events capable of wiping out these isolated small populations, and from lack of reproduction with non-native salmonid host species. Cherry Creek below the natural canyon barrier on the Flying D Ranch is one such stream that currently has a non-viable population (D-rank, Stagliano unpublished data 2010), and closer to the confluence with the Madison River, mussels remain sparse and non-viable (Stagliano 2008, unpublished data). The declining status of the WERE has led to its designation as a Tier 1 Species of Conservation Need (SGCN) by MT Fish Wildlife and Rarks (2006), a Species of Concern by the State of Montana (MTNHR 2008) and a Sensitive Species by the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region 1 (2011, S. Spaulding pers. comm.). The best approach to conserving aquatic species is to ensure that habitats are managed in ways that maintain healthy ecosystems and allow the full complement of native species to flourish. Turner Enterprises has come a long way to achieve this goal on the Flying D Ranch with the restoration of Cherry Creek to a native westslope cutthroat trout stream. To fully succeed in the goal of harboring all native aquatic species, the western pearlshell mussel, found naturally below the natural barrier but prefers the westslope cutthroat trout as its native host fish, needs to be included in the Cherry Creek restoration plan. Objectives. This project will: 1) evaluate the feasibility of translocating the WERE into Cherry Creek above the natural fish barrier on the Flying D Ranch by evaluating habitat suitability throughout the '"lO mile reach of Cherry Creek in the context of stream habitat parameters known to contain populations of WERE in Montana, 2) Measure and identify stream geomorphology parameters known to be favored by WERE including stable stream reaches with point bars, willow/alder dominated riparian, minimal bedload movement and a Rosgen C3-C4 stream classification (i.e. gradient <2%, >1.2 sinuosity, >12 width/depth ratio, avg. substrate size 32-45mm) (Rosgen 1996), 3) Identify a suitable donor population in the Madison River watershed and have 30 specimens from that population tested by the FWP Fish Health Committee (following MTFWP 2010 protocols). If all objectives are met, we would be positioned to begin translocations in 2013 given positive habitat feasibility ranks and a certified disease-free, donor population. Methods. We used widely accepted Rosgen Level II methodology to evaluate, quantitatively measure and analyze stream geomorphology on Flying D Ranch Cherry Creek sections (Rosgen 1996). Parameters such as channel gradient and stability, point bar formation and sinuosity were measured by walking the reach at the high water mark and stretching a chain-man line as a distance measure, while a straight line measure was calculated from GPS readings taken at the top and bottom of the reach using a Garmin 60 CSX; the ratio of chain-man distance to straight line measures is the calculated sinuosity. Gradient was calculated with the laser level and stadium rod as the difference between stadium height reading at the wetted edge of the laser location minus the stage height reading at a distance of at least 20x wetted widths downstream divided by that reach distance. Channel cross sectional data was measured using a laser level at the crest of the riffles where the pebble count (100 particles counted) was performed. This data was entered on standardized Laser Level Channel Cross-Section, Pebble Count and Stream Classification forms to provide the necessary variables to assign a Rosgen Stream Classification. We then ranked suitability for WEPE translocation based on the stream classification, with reaches classified as C4 ranking highest. We also searched database records for previous mussel surveys in the Madison River basin and performed additional mussel surveys on streams that had few to no survey records in the basin. We used visual encounter surveys standardized for the statewide mussel surveys protocols (Stagliano 2010). Results We performed Rosgen Level II evaluations on ten Cherry Creek stream reach sections, seven above the natural barrier in the Butler Reach and three above the man-made barrier (Table 1, Map 1 and 2). Stream reach sites behind and upstream of the ranch house (sites #825-828) and just upstream of the natural barrier canyon (site #832) have limited potential as WERE translocation sites due to the higher gradient and larger substrate classes (Rosgen B3) as indicated in their pebble counts (Table 1, Appendix A). The most suitable WERE translocation sites are within the Butler Reach (4 sites) and one reach above the man-made barrier (#823) (Table 2, Map 1 & 2). Table 1. Rosgen II field measurements used in stream classification. Highest ranking preferred WERE habitat site are bolded and shaded. Site ID Bankfull Channel Width (m) Entrench ment Ratio Width / Depth Ratio Estimated Sinuosity Stream Slope (%) Riffle Pebble Count D50 Rosgen Stream Type Suitability Rank 116 119 819 821 6.7 2.1 24.0 1.20 1.9 90-128 6.9 2.8 25.4 1.67 0.9 45-64 7.0 2.2 26.0 1.50 1.1 64-90 9.7 2.5 31.5 1.90 0.6 64-90 B3/C3b C4b C3b C3 5'^ 5'^ 4th 823 11.4 2.3 34.0 1.14 0.5 32-45 C4 3rd 825 826 827 829 6.6 2.2 20.1 1.20 1.7 90-128 na na na na na na 10.1 8.0 32.2 1.20 1.5 90-128 8.8 2.1 22.0 1.20 1.8 90-128 B3/C3b na C3 B3/C3b 830 831 10.1 4.1 18.7 1.35 0.8 64-90 10.1 4.1 18.7 1.35 0.8 64-90 C4/C3 C4/C3 2nd 2nd 832 9.5 1.8 14.0 1.10 2.1 90-128 83 833 834 10.2 2.9 29.0 1.24 0.7 45-64 10.2 2.9 29.0 1.24 0.7 45-64 C4 C4 1^' Table 2. Cherry Creek and Spanish Creel< sites visited during the TEI Ranch Surveys 2012. Stream sites are organized from higher elevation --> WEPE translocations. TDS= Total Dissolved Solids downstream. Shaded sites are those ranked most suitable for Site Number Site Code latitude longitude Date/time Elevation (m) Rosgen Class Site Description Temp °C Cond (lis/sec) PH TDS Photo Link 829 UM CC829 45.5157 -111.4478 7/24/2012 7:37 1742 B3/C3 Cherry Creek above the ranch reach, boulders with some embedded cobbles trapping sand 12.1 37 7.8 18 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC829JPG 827 UM CC827 45.5188 -111.4453 7/24/2012 7:21 1735 C3 Cherry Creek above the active beaver pond, B3/C3 Rosgen reach boulder dominated 12.2 39 7.7 19 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC827JPG 826 UM CC826 45.5222 -111.4478 7/24/2012 7:12 1731 na Cherry Creek behind the cow camp with an active beaver pond 12.7 38 7.7 20 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC826 bp.JPG 825 UM CC825 45.5226 -111.4459 7/24/2012 7:09 1706 B3/C3b Cherry Creek behind the cow camp 12.3 37 7.7 19 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC825JPG 823 UM CC823 45.5508 -111.4466 7/23/2012 19:30 1674 C4 Cherry Creek above the man-made barrier 11.7 126 8.1 62 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC823 ovJPG 116 UM CC116 45.5512 -111.4460 7/23/2012 14:02 1672 B3/C3b Cherry Creek upstream of site 819 at upper end of Bulter Reach 12.5 122 8.1 60 http://mtnhp.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aquatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC116JPG 819 821 UM_CC819 45.5542 UM_CC821 45.5579 -111.4443 -111.4446 7/23/2012 12:54 7/23/2012 14:54 1671 1670 C3b C3 Cherry Creek on the Turner Ranch upper end of Butler Reach Cherry Creek on the Turner Ranch upper end of Butler Reach 12.5 12.9 124 129 8.1 8.2 62 62 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC821 tJPG http://mtnhp.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aquatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC821.JPG 119 UM CC119 45.5630 -111.4444 7/23/2012 13:54 1668 C3b Cherry Creek upstream of site 833 at lower end of Bulter Reach 11.7 124 8.1 62 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC119.JPG 833 834 830 831 UM_CC833 45.5652 UM_CC834 45.5642 UM_CC830 45.5659 UM CC831 45.5654 -111.4419 -111.4417 -111.4405 -111.4409 7/24/2012 10:53 7/24/2012 11:06 7/24/2012 9:22 7/24/2012 9:28 1665 1664 1663 1662 C3/C4 C4 C3/C4 C3/C4 Cherry Creek in the Butler meadow reach transistioningfrom a C3to a C4 Cherry Creek in the Butler meadow reach, great C4 WEPE habitat Cherry Creek in the lower butler meadow reach transistioningfrom a C3 to a B3 Cherry Creek in the lower butler meadow reach transistioningfrom a C3to a B3 12.2 12.2 11.5 11.5 119 119 115 115 8.1 8.1 8.2 8.2 62 62 57 57 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC833.JPG httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC833 u.JPG httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC830.JPG http://mtnhp.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aquatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC831.JPG 832 UM CC832 45.5674 -111.4391 7/24/2012 10:31 1660 B3 Cherry Creek exiting the Butler reach transistioning from a C3 to a B3 12.2 119 8.1 62 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC832JPG 835 UM CC835 45.5947 -111.4907 7/24/201212:13 1388 C3 Cherry Creek below the natural barrier transistioning from a C3to a B3 15.6 141 8.5 70 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM CC835.JPG 836 UM CC836 45.5938 -111.4890 7/24/2012 12:33 1386 B3 Cherry Creek below the natural barrier transistioning from a C3to a B3 15.6 141 8.5 70 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ Mussel Surveys /UM CC836 d.JPG 816 UM CC816 45.6172 -111.5432 7/23/201210:13 1363 C4 Cherry Creek below the county road bridge off Ranch 17.8 165 8.0 82 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM CC816JPG 837 UM SPC837 45.4930 -111.3676 7/24/201214:10 1722 B3 Spanish Creek on the TEI Property 16.3 43 7.9 22 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ MusselSurveys/UM SPC837.JPG 838 UM SPC838 45.4986 -111.3240 7/24/2012 14:30 1668 C3 Spanish Creek on the TEI Property 16.5 44 7.9 24 nttD://mtnnD.org/l numbs PI us/bco/Aauatics/ MusselSurvevs/UM SPC838.JPG 839 -111.3251 7/24/2012 14:43 1665 C3 Spanish Creek on the TEI Property 16.5 44 7.9 22 httD://mtnhD.org/ThumbsPlus/Eco/Aauatics/ UM SPC839 45.4976 MusselSurveys/UM SPC839.JPG Map 1. Cherry Creek on TEI Property from manmade barrier (site 115) downstream into Butler Reach Map 2. Cherry Creek continued from Map 1 (site 820) downstream thru Butler Reach to the canyon (Site 832) We surveyed 25 previously unvisited stream reaches in 11 streams within the IVIadison and Jefferson River Basins during the summer of 2012 trying to locate a donor WERE population (Map 3). Despite considerable survey effort, we did not find a single live WERE mussel. We identified recently dead WERE shells in a new reach of O'Dell Spring Creek indicating the ■m potential of a live population (D-rank viability), but the two other streams containing WERE shells, the Ruby and Jefferson Rivers, only had relic shells (>10 years old)and are not likely to contain live populations. Of fifty-one stream reaches in the Madison River basin that had been surveyed for WERE prior to 2012 (Appendix B), only one of those reaches was ranked as having a viable WERE population (Duck Creek, B-rank)(Map 4). We did not return to Duck Creek in 2012 to collect mussels for the fish health screening, but plan to revisit this site in 2013 to WEPE pre-2t)12 surveys Viability O B-Good viable pop. o C -Fair population O D -Declining population • F -No evidence of WEPE • H -Historical Evidence Map 4. Madison Basin WEPE surveys performed prior to ■'M '.^T?" evaluate Whirling Disease Status with a backpack shocking grab sample of rainbow trout and a WERE collection to submit for health screen analysis as required for translocation (FWP 2010). Previous whirling disease testing on 136 total trout from Duck Creek in 2004, 2005 and 2007 showed 0% infected, except for 1 outlier in 2007 (1 out of 43 infected at a Grade 5)(P. Clancy, pers. comm.). Pat said "When they got a real outlier like this they attributed it to a fish getting mixed into the wrong aquarium at Pony (they had occasional problems with jumpers), a mix up in processing prior to sending to the lab, or a mix-up at the lab." Thus, Duck Creek could be considered WD- and our Madison River basin donor WEPE population with an additional WD negative trout sample and a clean Fish Health Mussel Screen in 2013. Conclusion Completion of extensive habitat analysis within the Cherry Creek Native Trout Project Reach, allows us to have the scientific evidence along with our professional opinion to confidently determine that at least five reaches of Cherry Creek on the Turner Flying D Ranch contain the preferred stream habitat, as well as suitable densities of their native host fish (WSCT) capable for allowing the western pearlshell mussel to survive, reproduce, and persist once translocated to this stream. As evidenced by our 2012 and previous surveys, WEPE populations are in decline throughout the Madison River basin and another secure (viable) population in Cherry Creek would considerably aid conservation efforts for this species. Literature Cited Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 2010. Environmental Assessement: Western pearlshell mussel translocation project, Blackfoot River Basin, MT. Preparers: R. Pierce, L. Knotek and D. Stagliano. http://fwpiis.mt.gov/content/getltem.aspx?id=43287 Rosgen, D. 1996. Applied river morphology manual. Wildlands Hydrology, Pagosa Springs, CO Stagliano, D.M. and R.G. Pierce 2011. Western Pearlshell Mussel Translocation Project in the Blackfoot River Watershed: How not to treat mussels prior to relocation. Presented at the 44th Annual MT Chapter AFS Meeting, Great Falls, MT Stagliano, D. 2010. Freshwater Mussels in Montana: Comprehensive Results from 3 years of SWG Funded Surveys. Report to MT Fish Wildlife and Parks, Helena, MT 41 pp. + appendices Appendix A. Riffle Substrate Pebble Data (100 count) taken during the Wollman Pebble Count Reach ID Pebble Count (bkf width m) Riffle Pebble Count D50 <2mm 2-4 mm 4.1- 5.7 mm 5.7-8 mm 8- 11.3 mm 11.4- 16 mm 16- 22.6 mm 22.6- 32 mm 32-45 mm 45- 64 mm 64-90 mm 90- 128 mm >128mm 116 6.8 90-128 643322 6 7 10 10 17 15 15 119 6.8 45-64 14 52233 7 8 17 9 13 7 10 819 7.0 64-90 9845652 6 9 11 8 11 16 821 9.6 64-90 9845652 6 9 11 8 11 16 823 11.0 32-45 18 3 4 2 2 3 9 13 20 17 5 2 2 825 6.7 90-128 6845652 6 9 11 8 14 16 826 na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na 827 9.0 90-128 672552 6 9 5 8 9 9 27 829 9.8 90-128 672552 6 8 5 8 9 12 25 830 10.1 64-90 8 8 4 13 4 4 3 10 16 9 18 12 831 10.1 64-90 8 8 4 13 4 4 3 10 16 9 18 12 832 10.1 90-128 6 4 4 13 4 4 3 7 10 17 15 22 833 10.2 45-60 8 7 7 4 1 5 4 7 11 17 9 10 10 834 10.2 45-60 8 7 7 4 1 5 4 7 11 17 9 10 10 Appendix B. WERE Surveys performed in the Madison River Basin prior to 2012. Viability Code: B-good viability, C -fair population, D -declining, not viable, F- absent, failed to find evidence of a population, H-Historical Verified Site, population now absent) Stream Latitude Longitude IVlussel_species Viability Observation Date Cabin Creek 44.87640 -111.34560 No IVlussels Found F 29-Jul-07 Cherry Creek 45.61977 -111.54643 No IVlussels Found F 14-Jul-08 Cherry Creek 45.62191 -111.54842 Margaritifera falcata D 15-Jul-08 Cherry Creek 45.62143 -111.54659 Margaritifera falcata D 15-Jul-08 Cherry Creek 45.62285 -111.54975 Margaritifera falcata D 15-Jul-08 Cherry Creek 45.61252 -111.51614 Margaritifera falcata shells, no live H 26-Aug-lO Cherry Creek 45.61051 -111.51238 Margaritifera falcata shells, no live H 26-Aug-lO Cherry Creek 45.60902 -111.51261 Margaritifera falcata shells, no live H 26-Aug-lO Cherry Creek 45.60630 -111.51176 Margaritifera falcata D 26-Aug-lO Cherry Creek 45.52255 -111.44596 No Mussels Found H 26-Aug-lO Cougar Creek 44.71508 -111.11069 No Mussels Found F 31-Jul-07 Duck Creek 44.77958 -111.11499 Margaritifera falcata C 31-Jul-07 Duck Creek 44.77998 -111.11357 No Mussels Found F 31-Jul-07 Duck Creek 44.77956 -111.11249 Margaritifera falcata B 16-Jul-08 Elk Creek 45.62670 -111.41430 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-07 Fourmile Creek 45.34124 -110.23215 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-07 Hot Springs Creek 45.58564 -111.59409 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-08 Jack Creek 45.35338 -111.54909 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-07 Madison River 44.64702 -110.93216 No Mussels Found F 31-Jul-07 Madison River 44.66194 -110.99187 Margaritifera falcata C 31-Jul-07 Madison River 44.70339 -111.09805 Margaritifera falcata C 31-Jul-07 Madison River 44.70484 -111.09695 Margaritifera falcata C 31-Jul-07 Madison River 44.65740 -111.06970 Margaritifera falcata C 31-Jul-07 Madison River 44.77988 -111.11298 Margaritifera falcata C 16-Jul-08 Madison River 45.59050 -111.57620 Margaritifera falcata C 13-Jul-02 IVladison River 45.58510 -111.57629 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-08 IVladison River 45.57462 -111.59357 No Mussels Found F 16-Jul-08 IVladison River side clianne! 45.59978 -111.57332 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-08 IVIeadow Creel< 45.44380 -111.71891 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-08 Meadow Creek 45.44259 -111.71032 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-08 Middle Fork of West Fork 45.29219 -111.38807 No Mussels Found F 07-Aug-07 No Man Creek 45.11550 -111.49810 No Mussels Found F 17-Aug-05 North Fork Meadow Creek 45.65757 -111.89389 No Mussels Found F 14-Jul-08 O'dell Creek 45.36590 -111.70720 No Mussels Found F 02-Aug-ll O'dell Creek 45.36514 -111.70708 Margaritifera falcata D 02-Aug-ll O'dell Creek 45.36378 -111.70731 Margaritifera falcata D 02-Aug-ll O'dell Creek 45.33248 -111.72650 Margaritifera falcata D 02-Aug-ll O'dell Creek 45.33113 -111.72831 Margaritifera falcata D 02-Aug-ll O'dell Spring Creek 45.30711 -111.73920 No Mussels Found F 15-Jul-07 Ruby Creek 45.05903 -111.66366 No Mussels Found F 01-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.05957 -111.66560 No Mussels Found F 01-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06073 -111.67164 No Mussels Found F 01-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06114 -111.67307 No Mussels Found F 01-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06183 -111.67633 No Mussels Found F 02-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06051 -111.68027 No Mussels Found F 02-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06013 -111.68352 No Mussels Found F 02-Aug-ll Ruby Creek 45.06020 -111.68547 No Mussels Found F 02-Aug-ll South Fork Madison River 44.65752 -111.15062 No Mussels Found F 31-Jul-07 South Fork Madison River 44.67870 -111.19432 No Mussels Found F 31-Jul-07 West Fork Beaver Creek West Fork Beaver Creek trib 44.90506 -111.36955 No Mussels Found F 29-Jul-07 44.90346 -111.39455 No Mussels Found F 29-Jul-07