GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

INVESTIGATION OF PROPOSED PROJECTS

Bud Bristow

Project FW-16-R -6 Completion Report Work Plan 3 August 1, 1966 to Job 1 March 31, 1967

Abstract

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife report on the Black River-Springerville-St. Johns Project was received for review during this project segment. The fish and wildlife features were evaluated and comments were submitted for inclusion in their report to Congress. The original project plans are being restudied by the Bureau of Reclamation and some major changes are planned.

The Apache-Gilbert Small Watershed Project was investigated during the construction phase and recommendations to enhance upland game hunting were made to the Soil Conservation Service.

Other small watershed projects were investigated but no oppor- tunity for fish or wildlife enhancement was discovered.

The phreatophyte eradication projects on the from San Carlos Reservoir to Camelsback Dam site were investigated. The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a study on the water salvaged from the eradication of 5, 000 acres of phreatophytes along the Gila River on the San Carlos Indian Reservation from San Carlos River and on the Gila River from the Highway 70 river bridge east to the reservation boundary as a land management practice. The Corps of Engineers is authorized to clear the phreatophytes on the Gila River from the reservation boundary east to the Camelsback Dam site. These projects are to be completed in two or three years. This will result in the eradication of the most valuable upland game habitat on the Gila River east of Phoenix.

Objectives

To participate in preliminary discussions of any water,

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -30- drainage, watershed or other development which would appear to have any effect on fish or wildlife, and to make recommendations for miti- gation of losses or enhancement of fish and wildlife resources.

Procedures

A standard review system is followed in the investigation of proposed projects. These procedures are as follows:

The constructing agency during the preliminary planning and investigation phase of a project contacts the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and informs them of their objectives and pro- vides them with their preliminary plans.

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife in turn investigates the fish and wildlife effects of the project in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and drafts a report on the same.

The Department then reviews the report and submits comments which become a part of the report.

If the project appears feasible, the constructing agency report, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife report and the comments or report by the Arizona Game and Fish Department are combined and submitted as a cooperative report to Congress for project authorization. These procedures were followed in the coordination of the River Diversion Projects, the Watershed Projects, and some of the other projects included under this work plan.

Projects under construction are investigated periodically and additional recommendations are submitted directly to the constructing agency if warranted.

Occasionally, authorized projects lie dormant for a number of years due to local problems. When these projects are activated, the circumstances surrounding the project area often make it necessary for the constructing agency to modify the original plans. This also necessitates a reevaluation by the Department. Close contact with the various constructing agencies and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife is maintained to insure our awareness of project progression.

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -31- Findings and Discussion

Colorado River Diversion Projects

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife report on fish and wildlife in relation to the Black River-Springerville-St. Johns Project was received for review during segment six of this project.

The project consists of three dams and reservoirs (Table I) and a series of canals and pipelines. The Crosby Crossing Dam and Reservoir site is located within the Apache National Forest on the north fork of the east fork of Black River. The dam site is approxi- mately 1.25 miles downstream from Crosby Crossing. The water will be transported by pipeline and canal to the headwaters of Colter Creek.

Table I. Reservoir Capacities and Surface Areas

Capacity Surface Area (Acre-feet) (Acres) Reservoir Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Crosby Crossing 26,500 3,000 695 210 Apache 2,370 425 63 18 Bigelow Crossing 4,800 1,400 160 82

The Apache Dam and Reservoir site is located on the White River below the confluence of Snake and Ord Creek. The water stored here will be conveyed by pipeline to Twenty-Four Draw and thence to the Little .

The Bigelow Crossing Dam and Reservoir site is located on the approximately three miles northwest of Springer- ville. This reservoir will store the waters of the Little Colorado River as well as the White River and Black River water diverted into the Little Colorado River drainage. The Bigelow Crossing Dam and Reservoir will have facilities for regulation of irrigation releases. The water will be used to augment irrigation of lands in the vicinity of Springerville and St. Johns.

The project would inundate or severely affect approximately 11.5 miles of the trout stream fishery. This loss, which is irreplac- able, would be severely felt by anglers in the White Mountain area. However, the creation of three reservoirs will enhance appreciably the trout lake fishing opportunities of the region. The exact operating procedures of the three reservoirs are not firmed up as yet, so an

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -32- evaluation of the expected increase in man-days of fishing is not possible at this time.

The three lakes will furnish new waterfowl nesting areas and provide feeding and resting areas in the fall. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife estimated the presence of these lakes would increase waterfowl hunting approximately 850 man-days.

The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife recommended that boating facilities and regulations be planned for Bigelow and Crosby Crossing Reservoirs; that minimum downstream water releases be provided at all three reservoirs to maintain a stream fishery below the dams and to allow the continued operation of the Alche say National Fish Hatchery below Apache Reservoir. They also recommend that portions of Crosby Crossing and Bigelow Crossing Reservoirs be fenced for waterfowl production areas.

The Department concurred in the evaluations and finding of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife but expressed reservations about certain sections.

This was the last segment of a reconnaissance level study con- ducted by the Bureau of Reclamation of the Colorado River Diversion Projects. The Bureau of Reclamation is presently conducting feasi- bility grade studies on several of these segments. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will continue to investigate the effects of these projects on resources in cooperation with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife.

Watershed Projects

The Apache Junction-Gilbert Small Watershed Project was investigated during the construction phase of one segment. It was discovered that much more habitat was being destroyed than was pre- viously thought. For this reason project personnel and regional personnel, in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service, reviewed the plans at the project site.

The project consists of three major flood control structures which will traverse approximately nine and one half miles of water- shed south of Apache Junction. The structures will have no gated out- lets and hence water will be impounded only a short time. The project is designed to protect the farming and industrial area surrounding the Williams Air Force Base from flash flooding.

The northernmost segment of the project is completed and the

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -33- final plans for the remaining two segments are being drafted. These two dams are approximately eight and one half miles in length. One thousand feet on the upstream side of the structures will be cleared of vegetation to prevent a trash problem at the outlets. Recommenda- tions were submitted to the Soil Conservation Service to pile the veg- etation cleared from the pool area in predetermined locations. These brush piles will provide temporary cover for upland game until the cleared area revegetates itself. The occasional irrigating effect on the area behind the dams will create favorable conditions for a dense stand of vegetation. The increased density of upland game cover will have an enhancing effect on wildlife.

The Harquahala Valley Watershed Preliminary Work Plan was reviewed by project personnel. The features of major importance were discussed in a public meeting held March 7, 1967 in Phoenix. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and project personnel were quite concerned as the fish and wildlife enhancement features were omitted in the Preliminary Work Plan.

The Fredonia and Centennial Wash Watershed Project areas were investigated. The preliminary plans offer no opportunity to develop a body of water sufficient in size to insure permanent fish habitat. However, the temporary impoundment sites will create favorable conditions for the establishment of good upland game cover.

Phreatophyte Eradication Projects

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting a study on the water salvaged from phreatophyte eradication along the Gila River on the San Carlos Indian Reservation. The physical features of this study consist of the installation of an intricate network of soil moisture measuring devices in a 5, 000 acre area along the Gila River. The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to reseed the area with Bermuda grass and control resprouting of phreatophytic vegetation by mowing.

Project personnel have followed the progress of this study with interest. A meeting conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in February revealed the clearing phase is thirty-two percent complete. The remaining area is presently covered by San Carlos Reservoir. The seasonal drawdown of the lake in June will probably permit the clearing of the remaining vegetation.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has decided to clear the phreato- phytic vegetation on the San Carlos River from the lake north to Peridot and on the Gila River from the reservation boundary west to the study area. This area contains practically all the existing river

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -34- BOTTOM VEGETATION ON THE SAN CARLOS INDIAN RESERVATION. THE PROJECT WILL INUNDATE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE SMALL GAME AREA EXISTING ON THE RES- ERVATION.

THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS IS DRAFTING A REVISED DESIGN PLAN FOR THE GILA RIVER CHANNEL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. THE PROJECT WILL ESSENTIALLY PROVIDE FOR CLEARING OF VEGETATION ALONG THE GILA RIVER FROM THE CAMELSBACK DAM SITE EAST OF SAFFORD TO THE SAN CARLOS INDIAN RESERVATION. TENTATIVE PLANS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE MITIGATION STIPULATE THAT A STRIP OF VEGETATION ONE HUNDRED FEET WIDE BE RETAINED ON THE FRINGES OF THE CLEARED AREA. THE WIDTH OF THE CLEARED AREA WOULD VARY FROM A FEW HUNDRED FEET AT SAFFORD TO 4, 000 FEET NEAR FT. THOMAS.

W-53-R PERSONNEL CONDUCTED DOVE NEST TRANSECTS ALONG THIS STRETCH OF THE RIVER IN THE SUMMER OF 1966. THIS DATA PLUS INFORMA- TION COLLECTED ON NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE AREA BY PROJECT PERSONNEL WILL BE USED TO EVALUATE THE PROJECT AFTER THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS HAVE FIRMED UP THE CONSTRUCTION PLAN. REGIONAL AND PROJECT PERSONNEL ARE VERY APPREHENSIVE AS TO THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROJECT WHICH WILL ERADI- CATE MOST OF THE RIVER BOTTOM VEGETATION REMAINING ON THE GILA RIVER. THIS DENSE STAND OF VEGETATION IS COMPOSED PRIMARILY OF SALT CEDAR AND MESQUITE. THE AREA OFFERS REFUGE TO A LARGE POPULATION OF SMALL GAME, PARTICULARLY DOVES AND QUAIL, AND A SMALLER NUMBER OF BIG GAME. BIG GAME PRESENT INCLUDE DEER, JAVELINA, AND OCCASIONAL VISITS BY TURKEY AND BEAR. THE VEGETATION ALSO PRESENTS A BARRIER TO HUMAN ACTIVITY ALONG THE RIVER BANKS AND THUS PROVIDES A NATURAL REFUGE FOR WATERFOWL IN THE WINTER MONTHS.

THE DEPARTMENT IS ATTEMPTING TO ESTABLISH A POPULATION OF AFGHAN WHITE-WINGED PHEASANTS IN THE GILA RIVER VALLEY. THE FIRST INTRODUCTION OF WHITE-WINGED PHEASANTS WAS MADE IN 1967. WITHIN FIVE MONTHS AFTER THE INITIAL RELEASE THEY HAD SPREAD OVER AN AREA TWENTY- ONE MILES IN LENGTH ALONG THE RIVER. THE WHITE-WINGED PHEASANT SEEMS TO PREFER THE AREAS NEAR THE RIVER RATHER THAN THE SURROUNDING FARM LAND. FIELD PERSONNEL FEEL THE RIVER BOTTOM VEGETATION PROVIDES ESCAPE COVER IN PROXIMITY TO THE CULTIVATED FIELDS IN WHICH THE BIRDS FEED. FOR THIS REASON, THE DEPARTMENT BELIEVES THE ERADICATION OF EXISTING VEGETATION ALONG THE GILA RIVER WOULD HAVE EXTREMELY DETRI- MENTAL EFFECTS ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH AFGHAN WHITE-WINGED PHEASANT IN THE AREA.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRONOUNCED REDUCTION IN THE QUAIL AND RABBIT POPULATIONS. QUAIL USE THE AREA FOR NESTING, ROOSTING AND ESCAPE COVER. RESIDENTS OF THE AREA EXERT AN UNUSUALLY HEAVY HUNTING PRESSURE ON THE QUAIL POPULATION. ONE OF THE FAVORED HUNTING METHODS IS TO DRIVE THE ROAD PARALLELING THE RIVER AND MAKE PERIODIC STOPS TO

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -35- hunt the edges of the river bottom vegetation. The loss of this area for hunting purposes will be severely felt by local sportsmen.

The phreatophyte eradication project will also destroy an important dove nesting area. W-53-R project personnel conducted dove nest transects in the Gila River Valley in July and August of 1966. Their findings reveal 6, 607 acres of prime dove nesting and an appreciable amount of less valuable habitat exists along the Gila River from Soloman west to San Carlos Reservoir. The area of primary importance lies between Glenbar Center and the Highway 70 river bridge. The eradication of 3,232 acres of phreatophytic vegeta- tion in this area alone will result in an estimated annual loss of 140, 000 mourning and white-winged doves. The clearing projects from Camelsback Dam site to San Carlos Lake will result in a total annual loss of 193, 000 doves.

During the survey investigations, certain areas were found which had a high number of nests per acre. Other areas were found which had very little or no nesting activity. We will delineate these areas on maps and recommend to the Corp of Engineers that the area with high dove nesting value be retained for wildlife purposes.

Literature Cited

U.S. Department of the Interior 1966 Black River-Springerville St. Johns Project, Arizona-Colorado River Diversion Projects, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Report, Albuquerque.

Maricopa County Flood Control District 1967 Harquahala Valley Watershed Work Plan, Prepared Under the Authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, P. L. 566.

Prepared by: Bud Bristow Project Leader

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -36- Approved by:

Wendell G. Swank,

Thomas W. Taylor, Fede 1 Aid Coordinator

FW16R6-WP3-J1 -37-