uring the early 20th century, 3 Dams and Das dams became true fixtures 3 in river systems, they created a series of bookends throughout River Ecology many of Iowa’s rivers, and between them, aquatic ecosystems were re- defined. Complex interactions may have favored some species over others. Like land-based species, aquatic species declined on Iowa’s interior streams in short order after settlement. Reasons for declines were many, including overharvest in the clamming industry, massive volumes of topsoil inundating stream channels and valley floors, hydrological modification, and untreated sewage discharge. Dams interrupted long- standing migrations and seasonal movements of biota, and as species disappeared from a river segment, dams prevented recolonization that may otherwise have occurred.

29 that stocking allocations were not large enough. Black bass were seined from Mississippi River backwaters and transported by rail to Decorah. Similarly during the late 1800s, Des Moines poet and outdoorsman Tacitus Hussey went on an unsuccessful campaign to have a fish ladder installed at the Bonaparte Dam on the lower Des Moines River to improve fishing in Des Moines. Eventually, a flood took out the entire dam, solving the issue. In 1877, State Fish Commissioner B.F. Shaw wrote: “ The plan of building mill-dams now in vogue in Iowa makes the structures a barrier to the passage of fish to the sources of the rivers in spawning season.” Eventually, new dams were required to install fishways. While Iowa Code required fishways, the prevailing design worked primarily for salmon and trout. Midwestern native species used them sporadically at best. Understanding the physiology of native fish is important. Salmonids, such as salmon or trout, migrate long distances and up mountain streams. As a result, they evolved with an abil- ity to leap up small waterfalls to access spawing waters. Midwestern species could access hundreds of thousands of miles of streams without such leaping abilities. Recent research shows virtually all native Midwestern fish species exhibit movement for a variety of reasons, includ- ing accessing overwintering habitat, accessing feeding habitat, predator avoidance, avoiding adverse stream conditions and reproduction. Scores of rapids conver- During the Flood of 2008, many Fish passage restoration sions and dam removals in Minnesota and Wisconsin species moved up river over the Some of the earliest dams constructed in Iowa created have shown many species, including small, non-game 7-foot-high Scott Street Dam immediate controversy because the disconnecting effects fish, in downstream segments have quickly colonized and over the 10-foot high Center on fish populations were not only dramatic, but had upstream segments (Katopodis; 2006). The only known Street Dam in Des Moines. Thou- noticeable impacts on fishing. For example, when the Mc- Iowa-native species that migrates as a life-cycle require- sands continued partway up an Nutt’s Dam was constructed downstream of Decorah, the ment is the American eel, which live its adult life in large, emergency channel below the May 18, 1880 issue of the Decorah Republican reported: mud-bottomed rivers and moves via the big rivers to the spillway at the Saylorville Dam “Perhaps ‘millions’ is an exaggeration, but the numbers Gulf of Mexico and into the Atlantic ocean east of the where the spillway dam stopped were so large that there was no skill whatever neces- Bahamas to spawn. Dams likely restrict the eel’s range further upstream progress. As sary to secure a wagon-load in a very short time. One in Iowa, but it is not considered threatened (Mayhew). waters receded and fish be- party became so satiated with catching with a hook and Native game fish species are known to bunch up at dams came locked in a pool, oxygen line that they threw back into the river anything smaller around spawning time, providing angling opportuni- dwindled and most perished. than two pounds. Big pickerel and three or four pound ties. Fish attempt to access various feeding zones during Large catfish such as these were bass were plentiful.” Citizens the same year complained different growth stages. Spawning often occurs in Iowa’s relocateed to the river. by DNR conservation officers.

30 smallest streams to help their young avoid predators. Cool-water species such as north- Potential channel catfish recovery areas An important gamefish, the channel catfish, is not always found in stream sampling where it oth- ern pike, smallmouth bass, and trout move into tributary streams, stream headwaters, erwise would be expected. In those reaches, they may be under population duress, or may have or near spring sources for thermal refuge during hot summer periods. Access to refuge been extirpated. Channel catfish appear to be highly dependent on deepwater overwintering areas is also important when an unintended chemical or manure spill occurs, or when habitat. They are known to move long distances upriver during warm months when connectiv- periods of poor water quality conditions such as low oxygen, exist in a given segment. ity exists, and tend to move downstream to the nearest deep water (Gelwicks, 2008 Powerpoint During high water, some small dams submerge and create temporary connectivity, presentation). This deep-water seeking habit in the past may have resulted in channel catfish while some of the tallest dams are always barriers. As dams submerge, large numbers of moving downriver over dams, with no ability to return upstream of the dam. Areas with channel fish can typically be observed attempting to move up rivers and streams. catfish downstream, but not upstream, of a dam were identified as segments where angling op- Today, 206 dams on Iowa streams with watershed sizes meeting the 2010 dam invento- portunities for this popular gamefish may be restored. ry criteria are classified as dams that block native fish passage. Some of these block fish Fig. 5-2 Segments with No Channel Catfish Observed At Monitoring Site Figure 3-a: Segments with No Channel Catfish Observed At Monitoring Site passage at all times, or nearly always. Figure 3-b shows total observed species for river segments between dams, and this map forms the study area for biological connectivity.

Lyo-6 West Fork Des Moines River Ocheyedan River Dic-3 Mit-2 How-3 X W X W Lyo-3 X W Wor-2 Mit-1 X W X W

Lyo-2 Emm-3 X W Upper Iowa River X W X W Mit-5 X W

It should be noted that the inventory, review, and plan considers only dams on major X W How-6 Dic-4 Osc-1 X W Win-2 X W X W How-4 Win-1

X W Mit-4 X W X W X W Mit-3 X W Cedar River How-2 X W

X W How-1 Wor-1 Obr-1 Mit-7 X W streams, primarily down to 50 square mile watersheds. Smaller watersheds include Winnebago River X W Crane Creek X W X W

Rock River X W X W X W Mit-8 X W Win-3 All-1 Cer-19 Cer-5 Flo-6 Yellow River X W X W

X W X W Chi-4 X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

Cer-9 Flo-3 Flo-2 X W thousands of additional dams and culvert crossings that block fish passage, and lack of Flo-4 Fay-9 Chi-3 X W Sio-4 X W X W X W Fay-4 X W X W Cer-10 Flo-5 Chi-2 X W X W

X W Chi-1

Bue-1 X W Mill Creek But-1 access to headwater streams may be a serious constraint biological productivity. Others X W X W Volga River Cly-2

X W Bre-1 X W X W X W Cly-4 Fay-2 Fra-1 Fra-3 But-3 X Hum-1 W

Big Sioux River X W Turkey River

Wri-1 X W X W X W X W block fish passage for a significant time during a normal growth season. Minor dams X W Fra-2 But-4 X W X W Hum-5 Boone River X W Hum-2 X W Floyd River Fay-8 X W X W X W Del-1 Woo-9 But-5Beaver Creek Fay-7X W X W that submerge very frequently were not considered fish passage obstructions. X W Dub-3

X W Web-4 Woo-5 Woo-11 X W Bla-1 Web-8 Har-1 Har-2 Iowa River X

X W Del-2 X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Bla-4 Del-3 X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Woo-6 Woo-13 Ham-7 Bla-2 Buc-2 Buc-4 X W X W X W

Web-7X W West Fork Little Sioux River X W X W

Web-5 X W Cedar River X W X W X W X W Ham-3 X W Del-5 Little Sioux River Web-11 Bla-5 Buc-3 Buc-5 Del-4 Har-3 X W X W Gru-3 X W X W X W Lytle Creek X W Dub-2 Lin-5 Lin-7Buffalo Creek Jac-4

X W Jac-3

X W Jon-3 X W X W X W Mon-2 Cra-2 Lin-6 X W X W X W X W X W More extensive movements Mon-3 Boo-3 Jon-1 X W Boo-2 Jac-1 X W Car-7 X W Jac-2 X W X W Sto-7 Sto-6 Iowa River X W Maquoketa River X W

Cra-1 X W X W X W X W Jon-2 X W Lin-3 Sto-5 X W

Car-8 X W Cli-1 X W Has-1 X W Lin-4 X Extensive movement of Iowa fish documented in Iowa fish, including brook trout, chan- Soldier River W Lin-2 X W

X W South Skunk River Has-3 North Raccoon River Cedar River Wapsipinicon River

X W Iow-1 Joh-6 She-2 Gut-5 Pol-7 X W Missouri River Has-4 X W X W X W nel catfish, flathead catfish, paddlefish, lake sturgeon, muskellunge, sauger, smallmouth Aud-2 X W Jas-2 Joh-7 X W X W

X W Pol-8 X W X W

Gut-1 X W X W X W Joh-1 X W

X W Joh-3

She-6 Gut-3 X W

Dal-2 X W Willow Creek X W X W

X W Joh-2 Has-5 Dal-1 Sco-5 X W Pol-5 Jas-1 Sco-2 Sco-4

bass, walleye, and white bass. The largest known paddlefish on record was a 198 pound X W X W X W X W Dal-3 X W X W X W

Boyer River X W X W X W X W Pol-2 English River Sco-1 X Des Moines River Mus-1 W Pot-6 Sco-3

North River Mus-3 X W X W X W W X fishspeared in Lake Okoboji in 1916; the paddlefish is now extirpated from the Okoboji W

X W Cas-2 Ada-1 Pot-8 X W Pot-2 Mri-1

X W Middle River Silver Creek X W X W X W X W X W X W Mad-2 Pot-9 X W lake system, . The lake sturgeon, also know as “rock sturgeon” through tagging studies Pot-4 East NishnabotnaCas-4 River X W X W X W X W Skunk River Lou-1 West Nishnabotna River

Silver Creek X W

Keg Creek

Mot-4 X W

is known to move more than 1,000 miles and Missouri Department of Conservation X W Mil-1 Wap-1

X W Mot-6 Mot-2 X W

X W Big Cedar Creek X W X W Hen-1 has stocked them in species recovery efforts and tagged lake sturgeon moved as far Skunk River X W

Pag-2 X W Des-1 X W X W App-1 Walnut Creek Chariton River Legend X W Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk on the Mississippi River, and the Gavins Point Dam on the Nodaway River Pag-1 Tay-3 Pag-3 X W X W Fish barrier X W X W Tay-4 Tay-1

Pag-4X W

Pag-6 X W X W X W

Fish segments X W

Missouri River in South Dakota (St. Pierre, 2004). Dams are considered a major limiting X W Tay-2 Des Moines River Major Lakes factor in the recovery of this endangered species. Iowa’s only remnant lake sturgeon County Boundary River Nodaway Channel Catfish observed at biosite Lee-1 X W populations exist Iowa border in the Mississippi River, with some likely use of lower Channel Catfish not observed at biosite segments of major tributaries (Mayhew, 1987). Walleye and channel catfish have been studied extensively on the Turkey, Iowa, and Mississippi rivers in Iowa using radio telem- etry on tagged individuals. They exhibit frequent movements, with major movements toward deep water areas for over-wintering (Gelwicks, 2008). dams tend to favor generalist species such as common carp and green sunfish and replace more specialized species such as smallmouth bass, northern hog suckers, and various darters that are General benefits closely associated with coarse substrates and flowing water. Dam removal can restore flow and in- crease levels of dissolved oxygen in these areas. In cases were the substrate is rocky but overlaid by Improved connectivity for fish, in general, leads to broader benefits which may include silt, species such as carp may be replaced by species such as smallmouth bass (Wisconsin DNR). As more robust game fish populations, reduced risks for threatened and endangered spe- areas with greater species diversity are connected to segments with less diversity, both segments cies, and speedier fish growth (Wisconsin DNR, 2010). Impounded areas upstream of tend to benefit (Aadland).

31 Fig. 5-1 Fish Species Present in Samples for Segments Between Dams Figure 3-b. Presence and absence of fish species analysis from combined datasets.

Cedar River

Lyo-6 West Fork Des Moines River Ocheyedan River Dic-3 How-3 Shell Rock River Mit-2 X W Lyo-3 X W Wor-2 Mit-1 X W X W Upper Iowa River Lyo-2 Emm-3 X W X W X W Otter Creek Mit-5 X W Little Cedar River Dic-4 X W How-6 Osc-1 X W How-1 Win-2 X W X W How-4 Win-1 X W Mit-4 X W X W

X W Mit-3 X W How-2 X W Wor-1 X W East Fork Des Moines River Rock River Obr-1 Mit-8 X W X W All-1All-1 X W X W

X W Crane Creek X W

X W X W Mit-7 Flo-6X W Winnebago RiverCer-19 Cer-5 Win-3 Yellow River X W X W X W

X W X W Turkey River X W X W Chi-4 X W X W X W

Flo-3X W

Cer-18 Cer-9 X W Flo-2 Flo-4 Fay-9 Chi-3 X W Sio-4 X W X W X W Fay-4 X W X W Cer-10 Mill Creek Flo-5 Chi-2 X W X W

X W Chi-1 Bue-1 X W Big Sioux River But-1 X W X W Cedar River Bre-1 Volga River Cly-2 West Fork Cedar RiverX W X W X W X W Cly-1 Cly-4 Fay-2 Fra-1 Fra-3 But-3 Hum-1 X W X W

Wri-1 X W X W X W X W Fra-2X W But-4 X W X W Hum-5 X W Hum-2 Boone River X W Floyd River Fay-8 X W Buc-1 X W X W

X W Del-1 North Fork of the Maquoketa River Woo-9 But-5 Fay-7 X W X W Dub-3

X W Web-4 Woo-5 Woo-11 X W Bla-1 Web-8 Har-1 WapsipiniconBuc-2 River X W X W X W Har-2 Beaver Creek Del-2 X W

X W Iowa River X W X W X W X W X W X W Bla-4 Del-3 X W X W X W X W X W X W Ham-7 X W Woo-6 Woo-13 Bla-2 Buc-4 X W X W

Web-7 X W X W X W Web-5 X W X W X W X W X W X W Ham-3 Har-3 Buc-3 X W Del-5 Web-11 Bla-5 Buc-5 Del-4 X W Lytle Creek Little Sioux River X W Gru-3 X W X W X W Dub-2 X W Lin-5 Lin-7 Jac-4 Buffalo Creek X W Jac-3

X W Jon-3 X W

X W X W

Mon-2 X W Cra-2 Cedar River Lin-6 Mon-3 Des Moines River Black Hawk Creek X W X W X W

Missouri River Missouri X W Iowa River Boo-3 Jon-1

X W Jac-1 X W Car-7 X W Jac-2 X W X W Sto-7 Sto-6 X W X W Cra-1 Boo-2 X W Maquoketa River X W X W X W

X W Lin-3 Jon-2 Middle Raccoon River Sto-5 X W Car-8 X W Lin-2 Cli-1 X W Has-1 Soldier River X W North Raccoon River South Skunk River Lin-4

X W X W X W Has-3 Wapsipinicon River

X W Iow-1 Joh-6 Cedar River She-2 Gut-5 Pol-7 X W Boyer River Has-4 X W X W X W Aud-2 X W Jas-2 Joh-7 X W X W

X W Pol-8 X W X W Gut-1 X W X W X W Joh-1

Joh-3X W X W

She-6 Gut-3 X W

Dal-2 X W X W

X W Joh-2 X W Sco-5 Willow Creek Has-5 Dal-1 X W Pol-5 Jas-1 North Skunk River Sco-2 Sco-4

X W X W X W X W Dal-3 X W X W X W X W Pol-2 X W X W X W

South Raccoon River Sco-1 XSco-6W Mus-1 Pot-6

North River Mus-3 X W X W X W

X W

X W Cas-2

X W Ada-1 Pot-8 Pot-2 Mri-1 English River Silver Creek X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Legend Mad-2 Pot-9 X W Pot-4 East NishnabotnaCas-4 River X W Middle River X W X W X W

X W Lou-1 Fish barrier Skunk River West Nishnabotna River

X W

Major Lakes Keg Creek Mot-4 X W County Boundary X W Mil-1 Wap-1 X W Mot-6 Mot-2 X W Grand River X W X W X W Des Moines River Total Fish Species Hen-1 X W

Pag-2 X W Des-1 Missouri River X W No data X W App-1 Walnut Creek Chariton River 1-9 X W Pag-1 Tay-3 X W 10-19 Pag-4 X W X W Tay-4 Tay-1 X W

Pag-6 X W X W X W

20-29 X W Tay-2 X W 30-49 Nodaway River 50-74

>75 species Lee-1

X W

32 Mussel restoration efforts Native mussels are intimately connected with fish and fish migrations. Known to many Iowans as clams – they may be of increasing popular interest to Iowans as they learn more about their habits and life cycle. Mussels reproduce and spread their young, called glochidia, via fish hosts through an astonishing variety of means. Some, such as the pocket- book mussel, have modified mantle tissue that serves as a fish “lure,” which attracts fish near. It then sprays glochidia, some of which attach to the fish gills and move to new waters where the fish will spawn. Others wait with shells open in ambush. When a small fish like the logperch that forages by dislodging pebbles gets too near, the mussel clamps down and holds the small fish, injecting it with glochidia. (Barnhart, 2008) Iowa’s mussels filter feed on tiny organisms such as phytoplankton and bacteria. (Heidebrink, 2002). A typical mussel can filter several gallons of water a day, and some can filter up to 10 gallons per day. If they are not overwhelmed with sediments, healthy mussel beds can clarify water and filter bacteria (Machtinger, 2007). About 12 species of mussel supported a post-settlement button industry beginning in 1891. By 1910 there were 70 factories centered in Muscatine, employing 3,376 Iowans for a total product value of $4 million in 1910, equating to about $90 million today. However, the economic boon for eastern Iowans rapidly decimated mussel populations. As Iowa Iowa Common Name Scientific Name early as 1898, mussels had to be imported from Missouri and Illinois because of “overfishing, made worse by pollution, Abun. Trend depleting the supply of oxygen in the rivers” (Annals). Elktoe Alasmidonta marginata UD Slippershell Alasmidonta viridis RD In recent years, the story of mussels has been one of declining populations and potential extirpation of a number of Flat floater Anodonta suborbiculata RD species from Iowa. Unfortunately, they fall victim to a variety of today’s stresses on streams. Stressors may include ex- Cylinder Anodontoides ferussacianus RD cessive and overly frequent channel scour events that re-locate the animals to inopportune places or bury them under Rock pocketbook Arcidens confragosus UD Spectacle case Cumberlandia monodonta RD sediments, exessive nutrients or low dissolved oxygen, and an inability to re-polulate after events such as chemical Purple pimpleback Cyclonaias tuberculata R/X D spills. Mussels of greatest conservation need are identified in the Iowa Wildlife Comprehensive Plan. Butterfly Ellipsaria lineolata UK Spike Elliptio dilatata UD GIS modeling was used to compare fish host and mussel presence datasets to indicate study areas for recovery (Figure Ebonyshell Fusconaia ebena RD 3-c) and potential re-colonization of mussels identified as species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). An attempt Ozark pigtoe Fusconaia ozarkensis XX was made to examine segments upstream of dams where both mussels and known fish hosts (Kurth, 2009) had not Higgins’ eye pearlymussel Lampsilis higginsi RD Yellow sandshell Lampsilis teres anodontoides RD been sampled, but had been sampled in a segment downstream of the dam. Data was insufficient to find examples. Slough sandshell Lampsilis teres teres RD In lieu of this, for calculating scores for biological priority (see Appendix C), proximity of SGCN mussels sampled near Creek heelsplitter Lasmigona compressa RD dams was used for prioritization. Sample sites for mussels are not as extensive or geographically balanced as they are Fluted shell Lasmigona costata RD Pondmussel Ligumia subrostrata X NA for fish, but the map does outline areas worthy of consideration. If a dam is being considered for a fish passage project, Hickorynut Obovaria olivaria UD additional mussel sampling should be conducted within the project scope. In the future, study is needed to verify that Bullhead (Sheepnose) Plethobasus cyphus RD fish hosts and their glochidia take advantage of access to upstream reaches. In addition, the immediate project area Round pigtoe Pleurobema sintoxia RD Monkeyface Quadrula metanerva UD should be surveyed for mussels by a qualified professional to ensure that various species under population decline are Wartyback Quadrula nodulata UD not disturbed in the project area. Strange floater (Squawfoot) Strophitus undulatus RD Lilliput Toxolasma parvus RD Pistolgrip Tritogonia verrucosa RD Aquatic threatened and endangered species and river connectivity Fawnsfoot Truncilla donaciformis RD Pondhorn Uniomerus tetralasmus RK In addition to mussels, a number of fish species are also imperiled, and have been determined by state and federal Paper pondshell Utterbackia imbecillis RD Ellipse Venustaconcha ellipsiformis RD authorities to warrant listing as a threatened and endangered species. Iowa administrative code (571—Chapter 77.2) Iowa Abundance: A = abundant, C = common, U = uncommon, R = rare, K = unknown, X = possibly extirpated. defines animal species to be endangered, threatened or of special concern. Iowa Trend: K = unknown, I = increasing, S = stable, D = decreasing. State threatened and endangered species include: Table 3-a: Mussel Species of Greatest Conservation Need, status and trend.

33 Fig. 5-3: Segments with Potential for Mussel Recolonization, Figure 3-c. Dams on river segments with potential for species of greatest conservation need and musselS recolonization.pecies of Greatest Conservation Need

How-3 Mit-2 X Emm-3 Wor-2 X Mit-1 X

Wor-3 X X

X Mit-5 X

MX it-3 Mit-4 Wor-1 X How-2 Mit-7Mit-8 X Kos-11 X X X Flo-6 X X X Cer-8Cer-9 Mit-10

X Flo-3 X X X X X X X X Cer-7 X Chi-4

Cer-6 X Flo-1 Flo-4 X

FX lo-2

X Chi-3 Cer-10 X Flo-5 X

X Chi-2 But-1 X Chi-1 X Bre-1 X X Bre-5 Fra-3 X Hum-1 Fra-2 But-3

Wri-1 X X

Hum-2 X

X Bre-2 FraX -1 X X Hum-5 X But-7 But-4 X

X Fay-7Fay-8 X Buc-1 X X

X Buc-6

Web-4 But-5 X X Bla-1Bla-2 Har-1 Buc-2

X Web-5 Har-2 X X Web-6 Bla-4Bla-7 X Del-3 X X X X Ham-3 Buc-3Buc-4 X X X X X

Web-2 X Bla-3 Del-2 X X X Del-4

Web-1 X Har-3 X Del-5 Bla-5 Buc-5 X X

Gru-3 X X X Lin-5 Lin-7 X X Jon-3

Lin-6 X X

Lin-3

X Lin-2

X Lin-4 X

Iow-1 X Joh-7

X Joh-3

Joh-2 X X

JoX h-1

Legend

X Potential Mussel Priority Dams

34 teres anodontoides), Higgin’s-eye Pearly Mussel (Lampsilis of aquatic species. These may include specific listed species, higginsi). they may document a decline in existing species, or they may indicate a segment is less diverse than would be expected of a more natural reference reach. If they do not attain the aquatic Iowa threatened fish: life uses they are designated to support, they are added to Chestnut Lamprey (Ichthyomyzon castaneus), American Brook Iowa’s Section 303(d) listing of impaired streams for waters. Lamprey (Lampetra appendix), Redfin (formerly “Grass”) Pick- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires such lists erel (Esox americanus), Blacknose Shiner (Notropis heterolepis), from all states to comply with Section 303(d) of the federal Topeka Shiner (Notropis topeka), Western Sand Darter (Am- Clean Water Act. mocrypta clara), Black Redhorse (Moxostoma duquesnei), Bur- Iowa DNR can remove segments from this listing when cred- bot (Lota lota), Orangethroat Darter (Etheostoma spectabile). ible data can show designated uses are being attained. In some cases, carefully targeted dam mitigations may be able to help achieve this over-arching goal of removing listings. Using Iowa Threatened Fresh water mussels: GIS coverages, impaired segments were visually compared Cylinder (Anodontoides ferussacianus), Strange Floater (Stro- to areas where a series of dams exists along rivers. A number phitus undulatus), Creek Heelsplitter (Lasmigona compressa), of segments were identified where (Figure 3-d) dam mitiga- Purple Pimpleback (Cyclonaias tuberculata), Butterfly tionpriorities may overlap with de-listing of a section. Where (Ellipsaria lineolata), Ellipse (Venustaconcha ellipsiformis). priorities overlap, there is a potential for collaboration with the Iowa DNR’s federally funded Section 319 watershed improve- ment program. Iowa fish of special concern:

Pugnose Minnow (Notropis emiliae), Pirate Perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), Invasive species priorities In addition, there are three federally endangered aquatic spe- While many factors discussed above favor connectivity, dam cies in Iowa: pallid sturgeon, Topeka shiner, Higgin’s eye mus- mitigation projects should not be assumed to automatically sel. As these species are priorities for federal recovery efforts, be of general benefit to river ecosystems. Invasive animals in US Fish and Wildlife Service is likely to collaborate in species Iowa’s streams present a clear and present danger that can recovery involving fish passage targeted to benefit these quickly displace native species. species. Two additional mussels, the sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) and the spectacle case (Cumberlandia monodonta), Iowa endangered fish are candidates for federal listing. Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphi- Asian carp – preventive dams Special care should be used in dam-related projects not to A consensus item among U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, rhynchus albus), Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus), Weed damage habitat for these listed species as projects are con- Iowa DNR fish management biologists, and IDNR Aquatic Shiner (Notropis texanu), Pearl Dace (Semotilus margarita), structed. But overall, improved river connections, longer seg- Invasive Species (AIS) staff is that certain dams should receive Freckled Madtom (Noturus nocturnus), Bluntnose Darter (Etheo- ments between obstructions, and more diverse habitat than in a great deal of scrutiny, research, and planning before a fish- stoma chlorosomum), Least Darter (Etheostoma microperca) existing river impoundments are likely to result in benefits for passable connection is re-established to the Mississippi River, Iowa endangered fresh water mussels these species. the Missouri River, or an Asian-carp- infested interior stream. Spectacle Case (Cumberlandia monodonta), Slippershell (Alas- Generally, these are the tallest dams (generally 10 feet or midonta viridis), Buckhorn (Tritogonia verrucosa) greater with infrequent submergence) that are farthest down- stream on a river. Asian carp, including big head (Hypophthal- Ozark Pigtoe (Fusconaia ozarkensis), Bullhead (Plethobasus Aquatic life impairments michthys nobilis) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) cyphyus), Ohio River Pigtoe (Pleurobema sintoxia), Slough A number of reaches of river in Iowa have been monitored are known to inhabit the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and Sandshell,(Lampsilis teres teres), Yellow Sandshell (Lampsilis to detmermine whether they support heathly populations

35 Figure 3-d. Iowa’s section 2009 303(d) listed Fig.segments 5-4 Iowa's Section 303(d) Listing: impaired for aquatic life, compared with dams that block biological connectivity. Segments with Dams Impaired for Aquatic Life

3

Lyo-6 West Fork Des Moines River Ocheyedan River Dic-3 How-3 Shell Rock River Mit-2 X W Lyo-3 X W Wor-2 Mit-1 X W

X W 9 Lyo-2 Emm-3 X W Upper Iowa River X W X W Mit-5 X W Dic-4 X W How-6 Osc-1 X W Crane Creek Win-2 X W X W How-4 Win-1 X W Mit-4 X W X W

X W Mit-3 X W How-2 X W

X W How-1 Wor-1 Obr-1 Mit-8 X W Winnebago River X W All-1All-1 X W X W

Rock River X W W X X W X W

Flo-6X W Cer-19 Cer-5 Mit-7 Win-3 Yellow River X W X W

X W X W Chi-4 X W X W X W X W X W X W

Cer-9 Flo-3 Flo-2 X W Flo-4 Fay-9 Chi-3 X W Sio-4 X W X W X W Fay-4 X W X W Cer-10 Flo-5 Chi-2 X W X W

X W Chi-1

Bue-1 X W Mill Creek But-1 X W X W Bre-1 Volga River Cly-2 X W X W X W X W Cly-4 Fay-2 Fra-1 Fra-3 But-3 Hum-1 Turkey XRiverW Big Sioux River X W

Wri-1 X W X W X W X W Fra-2X W But-4 X W X W Hum-5 Boone River X W Hum-2 X W Floyd River Fay-8 X W

North Raccoon River X W X W Beaver Creek X W Del-1 Bear Creek Woo-9 But-5 Fay-7 X W X W Dub-3

Woo-11 X W Web-4 Woo-5 X W Bla-1

Web-8 Har-1 Har-2 Iowa River N X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

Bla-4 X W . X W Del-2 X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Woo-13 Ham-7 Bla-2 Buc-2 Buc-4 X W Del-3 F

Woo-6 X W West Fork Little Sioux River X W

Web-7 X W X W o Woo-12 X W

Web-5 X W X W X W X W Del-4 r X W X W Ham-3 5 k 1 Buc-3 Buc-5 Little Sioux River Web-11 Bla-5 M Har-3 X W X W Gru-3 Maquoketa River X W Del-5 X W X W Buffalo Creek aq X W uo Lin-5 Lin-7 ke Jac-4

X W ta Jac-3

X W

X W Dub-2 R X W

. 8X W Mon-2 Lin-6 X W Cra-2 Jon-3 X W X W X W X W Mon-3 Boo-3

X W Boo-2 Jac-1 X W Car-7 X W Jac-2

Jon-1 7 X W

X W Sto-7 Sto-6 X W X W

Cra-1 X W X W X W X W Jon-2 X W Lin-3 Sto-5 X W

Car-8 X W Cli-1 X W Has-1 X W Lin-4

X W Soldier River Lin-2 X W X W Has-3 6 South Skunk River North Skunk River Wapsipinicon River X W Iow-1 Joh-6 Cedar River She-2 Gut-5 Pol-7 X W Missouri River Has-4 X W X W X W Aud-2 X W Jas-2 Joh-7 X W X W

X W Pol-8 X W X W

Gut-1 X W X W X W Joh-1

Joh-3X W X W

She-6 Gut-3 X W

Dal-2 X W Willow Creek Des Moines River Dal-3 X W X W

X W Joh-2 Has-5 Dal-1 Sco-5 X W Pol-5 2 Sco-2 Sco-4 Iowa River

X W X W X W X W 4 X W X W

Boyer River X W X W Pol-2 Jas-1 English River X W X W X W Sco-1 XSco-6W Pot-6 Mus-1

North River Mus-3 X W X W X W Cas-1

X W

X W Cas-2 Ada-1 Pot-8 X W Pot-2 Mri-1

X W Middle River Silver Creek X W X W X W X W X W X W Pot-1 Mad-2 Pot-9 X W Pot-4 Cas-4 X W

X W # River ABD Codes X W X W Lou-1 West Nishnabotna River

X W Silver Creek 1 Lizard Creek IA 04-UDM-0300_1 Keg Creek

Mot-4 X W 2 North Skunk R. IA 03-NSK-0020_2 Legend X W Mil-1 Wap-1 3 Cedar River IA 02-CED-0110_3

X W Mot-6 Mot-2 X W X W

Fish barrier X W

X W 4 Iowa River IA 02-IOW-0020_1 X W Hen-1 Skunk River X W Impaired_Streams_With_Dams Pag-2 X W Des-1 5 Buffalo Creek IA 01-WPS-0130_1 X W

X W IA 01-WPS-0130_2 Nodaway River X W Mississippi Lock & Dams App-1 Walnut Creek Chariton River X W 6 Wapsipinicon IA 01-WPS-0010_4 Pag-1 Tay-3 Fish segments Pag-3 X W X W River IA 01-WPS-0010_5

X W Tay-4 Tay-1 TtlSpecies Pag-4X W 7 Maquoketa IA 01-MAQ-0060_2 Pag-6 X W Des Moines River X W East Nishnabotna RiverX W X W

50 and > species X W Tay-2 River IA 01-MAQ-0060_3 30-49 species 8 North Fork IA 01-NMQ-0140_0 Maquoketa R. IA 01-NMQ-0141_0 20-29 species Lee-1 IA 01-NMQ-0010_2

X W 10-19 species 10-19 species 9 Upper Iowa IA 01-UIA-0120_1 0-9 species 0 to 9 species River IA 01-UIA-0110_2 IA 01-UIA-0110_3

0 Major Lakes County Boundary 36 lower portions of southeastern and southern Iowa rivers. that have been subjected to rigorous review outlined by Actions Grass carp are widespread in many Iowa rivers, and while the US Fish and Wildlife Service and/or Iowa DNR Fisheries 1) Iowa DNR River Programs staff will coordinate with Iowa hardly desirable are currently not viewed as having the bureau. If both big head and silver carp are determined to DNR AIS staff to keep a current coverage of infested destructive effects of bighead and silver carp. This exotic be upstream of the barrier, it will no longer be subject to segments and dams that appear to block upstream species may put additional strain on native species as its the same level of review. progress of Asian carp. filter-feeding habits may interrupt the food chain. This can, At certain dams, ecological benefits of fish passage may 2) As dam mitigation projects are developed by communi- in turn, can lead to increased pressure on threatened and outweigh the negative expected effect of Asian carp. endangered fish and mussel species, and Iowa’s species ties, sovereign lands permit applications will be routed Connectivity to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers can be to fisheries, AIS, and river programs staff for review. of greatest conservation need. It has also led to economic highly beneficial to a river’s overall diversity of species. If damage to commercial fishing and sport fishing. In ad- it can be reasonably determined that the upstream area 3) Hazard retrofits (see Alternative H in Chapter 4) provide dition, silver carp tend to both school together and leap would not provide favorable habitat for Asian carp and a method of retrofitting dams deemed hazardous that at disturbances, including noise of motors, splashing of that economic damage is likely to be minimal or low, a are not wise to mitigate for fish passage due to the canoe paddles, or hands of innertubers, resulting in fish fish passage project could potentially be considered after dam’s ability to block the spread of Asian carp. The proj- projectiles sailing through the air. Because silver grow to rigorous scientific vetting. In any such exception, close ect should be approved by AIS staff before proceeding. several feet long, they can collide with people recreating, coordination among DNR AIS staff, local fisheries manage- and can quickly ruin recreation on lakes, impoundments, ment and central office fisheries staff, and US Fish and and slow-moving rivers. Wildlife Service staff will be critical. Certain streams may Zebra mussels Some dams (Figure 3-e) will be considered low priority for have natural conditions that limit dominance of Asian The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) is another inva- state funds involved in projects leading to fish passage, carp, but factors are not yet well understood and cannot sive species which can cause both harm to native ecosys- and may not be recommended for permits during the fish be considered predictive. However, the body of research tems and economic damage. Issues related to dams are and wildlife review processes. Exceptions will be provided appears to be growing. In the future biologists may be very different, however, due to a different type of life cycle. for projects that can improve safety without improving able to make determinations about which rivers Asian carp In lakes or impoundments, zebra mussels rapidly spread upstream passage for big head or silver carp and projects would negatively affect the most. over any hard surface available, including native mussels.

Asian carp barrier dams Dams in Figure 3-e are considered sufficiently tall to slow progress of Asian carp where they have not yet spread upstream to date. The image to the right illustrates how prolific and damaging silver carp can be to an im- poundment.

Most dams listed in this chapter are not effective barriers to persistent Asian carp, especially in light of apparent increases in frequency and severity of floods in recent years. Any dam that becomes submerged will begin passing fish, and the chance of temporary or permanent damage increases during severe floods. Asian carp – especially silver carp with their ability to leap – may be better equipped to quickly take advantage of such conditions than native fish. In the case that established populations of silver and bighead carp are observed upstream of a dam, input from DNR biologists may remove a dam from the list and add a new dam to the list that is further up- stream. If technologies, such as introduced parasites, introduction of sterile fish to the gene pool, or other ways to effectively limit Asian carp domi- nance become available in Iowa, many of the issues may be rendered moot. 37 Figure 3-e. Dams likely to slow upstream infestation of silver andFig. big head 5-5 carp. Dams Likely to Slow Upstream Infestation of Silver / Big Head Carp

West Fork Des Moines River Ocheyedan River Spirit Lake Outlet X W X W X W &-X W X W Upper Iowa River X W X W X W X W

X W Turkey River Lower Dam X W X W Upper Dam

&-X W X W X W

X W &- X W &-X W Rock River Lake Okoboji Outlet X W X W Mississippi Lock and Dam 9 X W Crane Creek X W X W X W &-X W X W X W Yellow River X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

Linn Grove Dam X W X W X W &-X W Volga River Elkader Big Dam X W X W X W

&-X W X W

Big Sioux River X W X W X W X W X W

Little Sioux River X W X W X W Boone River X W X W Floyd River X W X W X W Beaver Creek X W X W X W X W Iowa River X W X W X W X W X X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

West Fork Little Sioux River X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Lytle Creek X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W Anamosa Dam Lakehurst Dam X W X W &-X W

&-X W X W Iowa River X W X W X W X W X W X W 5-in-1 Bridge & Dam Maquoketa River X W X W &-X W X W Soldier River X W X W X W

X W South Skunk River North Raccoon River Cedar River Wapsipinicon River X W X W

Missouri River X W X W X W X W X W X W Coralville Dam X W X W X W &-X W X W X W X W &-X W X W Willow Creek X W X W X W Saylorville Dam X W X W

X W Des Moines River X W X W X W X W X W Boyer River X W English River X W X W X W X W X X W

&-W

North River X W Mississippi Lock and Dam 15 X W X W W X W X W

X W Middle River Silver Creek X W X W X W X X W X W X W &-- Red Rock Dam X W X W X W X W X W

West Nishnabotna River

Silver Creek X W

Keg Creek X W X W X W X W

X W Big Cedar Creek

X W X W Oakland Mills Dam X W

&-X W Skunk River X W X W

Nodaway River Rathbun Dam Walnut Creek Chariton River &-X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

X W Des Moines River Legend &- Asian Carp Barrier Structures X W Known upstream extent of Big Head Carp Known upstream extent of Silver Carp Fish segments

X W Fish barrier Major Lakes County Boundary

38 Excessive zebra mussel colonization of native mussels Currently in the interior of Iowa, zebra mussels are known Lake Delhi was an impoundment on the Maquoketa River can lead to mortality among native mussels. However, to infest one natural lake, Clear Lake, and one river that was heavily infested with zebra mussels prior to its unlike native mussels which colonize upriver by using fish impoundment, Lake Delhi. Water from Clear Lake feeds breach in 2010 (see image below). A dam directly down- hosts, exotic zebra mussels produce immense quantities Willow Creek, which flows into the Winnebago River, which stream, Mon-Maq Dam, is currently undergoing alternative of young, waterbourne zebra mussels called “veligers” that flows into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar analysis in a community effort, due to flooding problems can quickly spread throughout lakes and impoundments. River and eventually the Iowa. Because Willow Creek and that may in part be caused by the dam and an associated These veligers can also drift down rivers. Swifter water may the Winnebago River are naturally rapids streams, it may dike. While it is unlikely the zebra mussel issue will become help destroy the veligers as they move downstream, while be that removal of several unused dams, if there is little a primary local driver to drive outcomes such as thes dams, impoundments provide locations where it is more likely social value to the dams, could have positive benefits on considering ways to slow the speared of zebra mussels veligers may drop out of the water column and begin slowing the downriver spread of zebra mussels. should be considered. colonies.

Actions 1) Where dams with little remaining social value coincide with zebra mussel priorities, high biological Figure 3-f examines impoundments downstream of the two zebra-mussel infested waters in Iowa’s interior, for potential priority shall be given to removal of structures and Fig. overlapping5-6 River priorities. Segments Where dam to projects Monitor otherwise For have Dowstream movements, removal Spread will be encouraged of Zebra as a Musselpreferred option restoration of free-flowing water. to potentially reduce downstream spread of zebra mussels. 2) Collaborations among USFWS, DNR aquatic invan- sive species program, and Iowa DNR 319 program will How-3 Mit-2

Cedar River X W

Wor-2 X W Mit-1

X W Upper Iowa River X W be sought in support of such projects. Elk Creek Shell Rock River Mit-5 Crane Creek

X W How-6 X W Mit-3X W How-1 Win-2 X W

How-4 Win-1 X W Mit-4 X W X W Rock Creek X W Little Wapsipinicon River Crane Creek 3) Where dams are failing, ensure the public is pre- How-2

Wor-1 X W Cer-11 X W X W Mit-7 All-1All-1 X W X W X W X W Mit-8 Flo-6 sented with a full range of alternatives that include

Winnebago River X W X W

Cer-5 Win-3 Winnebago River

X W Flo-3 X W X W X W X W X W X W X W

X W Yellow River Cer-19 X W Willow Creek X W Cer-19 Cer-9 biological connectivity. Chi-4 X W

Cer-5X W X W

Cer-6X W

Flo-2 X W Crane Creek Fay-9 Cer-7 X W

Flo-4 X W X W

X W Cer-18 Flo-1 Chi-3 Willow Creek Cer-13 X W Cedar River X W

X W Cer-8

Fay-4 X W X W Cer-10 Flo-5 Cer-9

X W Chi-2

X W Legend Beaverdam Creek X W X W

Chi-1 X W Fish barrier Fish segments X W But-1 Bre-1 Major Lakes X W X W Cly-2 Willow Creek Dams to Confluence County Boundary X W X W Volga River Cly-1

Cly-4 Shell Rock River

Fay-2 X W Fra-3

Fra-1 Hartgrave Creek But-3 X W X W

X W Turkey River Fra-2 X W X W Iowa River Bre-2 Turkey River

But-4 X W X W

Buc-1 Fay-8 X W X W X W Fay-7 Buc-6 Del-1 Zebra mussels blanketed all hard surfaces beneath X W But-5 Cedar River X W Beaver Creek

X W Dub-3

X W Bla-1 Bla-2 Buc-2 Lake Delhi, including the dam before the July breach. X W Har-1 X W

Har-2 X W Del-2 X W X W Bla-4 X W Otter Creek Del-3 X W X W

Buc-4 X W Bla-3 Del-4 X W X W

Buc-3 X W

Del-5 Har-3 Buc-5 X W

X W Bla-5 Black Hawk Creek X W Buffalo Creek X W

South Fork Iowa River Gru-3X W

Wapsipinicon River Dub-2 Lytle Creek Lin-7 X W Jac-4 X W X W

Jac-3 X W Lin-5

Jon-3 X W

X W Maquoketa River Buffalo Creek Lin-6 X W

Iowa River Jon-1

X W Jac-1 Maquoketa River Jac-2 X W X W X W Cedar River X W

X W Wapsipinicon River X W Lin-3 Jon-2 X W X W X W X W

Legend

X W Fish barrier Impoundments likely to be colonized by zebra mussels

X W Mississippi Lock & Dams Fish segments Major Lakes County Boundary 39 40