Frontcountry Fishery Inventories at Least Three Size/Age Groups Have Consistently Been Caught

Frontcountry Fishery Inventories at least three size/age groups have consistently been caught. Average size of captured trout was typically between 160 and 175 mm; few

nps / dan mahony individuals were longer than 300 mm (Figure 13). Although the cutthroat trout in Soda Butte Creek have been protected from harvest since 1996, with the adoption of total catch-and- release regulations, few fish longer than 330 mm have been caught in recent years. Comparison of population length structure prior to 1996 with the most recent five-year sampling period Yellowstone cutthroat trout from Soda Butte Creek. suggests that the trout’s response to the catch- and-release regulation in this stream has been Soda Butte Creek Long-term minimal. Similar findings for rainbow trout Monitoring were found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and suggested that factors other than angler oda Butte Creek has historically been harvest (particularly, stream productivity) might sampled regularly in the park. Since the be most important in regulating fish populations mid-1960s, park fishery personnel have (Kulp and Moore 2005). Estimated abundance S of cutthroat trout in Soda Butte Creek has collected information about the resident fish and macroinvertebrates there to monitor responses, increased since 2002, but most of the increase if any, to reduction in water quality arising from appears to be occurring in younger age classes ongoing inputs of mining-associated pollutants. that were previously not affected by the allowable With few exceptions, annual monitoring has harvest regulation. occurred at a site near the park’s northeast A shift in stream channel location further boundary since 1984. confounds interpretation of long-term Cutthroat trout abundance in Soda Butte population responses in Soda Butte Creek. Creek has varied considerably from year to Downcutting, and the creation of a new stream year, and length-frequency data suggest that channel after the record-high stream flows in 1997, resulted in the loss of approximately half of the old monitoring section. The new channel has undercut numerous trees that have been incorporated into the stream. This large woody debris appears to be a preferred habitat of young nps / dan mahony cutthroat trout during the colonization of the new stream channel area. Although non-native brook trout had previously been known to reside in the headwater portions of Soda Butte Creek (Shuler 1995), they were not found in the park until 2003. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks chemically removed the source population of brook trout from a small upstream tributary in 2004, and re-treated it again in 2005. Although suppression by electrofishing within the park since 2003 has yielded brook trout each year (Figure 13), evidence of a widespread, robust population is lacking. The upstream chemical removal project appears to have reduced the Fisheries crew electrofishing Soda Butte Creek in 2005. brook trout population to where only an

24 occasional individual is now found in the park. Monitoring Associated with Road Cutthroat trout collected during brook Reconstruction trout electrofishing suppression were sampled for genetics analysis. Initial results indicate that Because large sections of many park roads the cutthroat trout have been recently hybridized were intentionally located adjacent to stream with rainbow trout (Olson 2005). In 2005, corridors, road reconstruction projects can NPS biologists also collected fin clips from 40 potentially impact fish populations. In 2005, cutthroat trout upstream from Icebox Canyon we continued to monitor these activities. Most to obtain the current genetic status of the of the projects were at the mid-construction population there. Although these fish have not or completion phase; thus, monitoring was yet been analyzed, at least one had the physical restricted to areas sampled in previous years. In appearance of a hybrid. 2005, electrofishing surveys were conducted at several sites in Hayden Valley, in the tributary of Cascade Creek at the south end of the Canyon-to-Chittenden road, and at three sites 6 40 2001 in Antelope Creek. As in previous years, few 30 4 of the captured cutthroat trout were longer 20 2 than 250 mm, suggesting that the streams are 10 used primarily as spawning and rearing areas 0 0 for fish from the Yellowstone River mainstem. Sampling at 6 However, in Antelope Creek, consistent capture 40 2002 the two sites of 30 4 of multiple size-groups and the presence of 20 potential barriers indicate that the population Middle Creek 2 may be comprised of fluvial residents. 10 on the east side 0 0 Sampling at the two sites of Middle Creek on the east side of Sylvan Pass again revealed 6 of Sylvan Pass 40 a predominance of brook trout over cutthroat 2003 30 4 trout. Relative abundance of both species again revealed a 20 was smaller in 2005 than on other sampling 2 predominance of 10 occasions, but this may have been due, in part, Number Caught 0 0 to reduced capture efficiencies associated with brook trout over 6 the difficulty of sampling during higher stream cutthroat trout. 40 2004 flows. This year, in consultation with NPS 30 4 20 2 joann 10 0 0 vo i gt

6 40 2005 30 4 20 2 10 0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Total Length (mm) Figure 13. Number of Yellowstone cutthroat trout and brook trout captured in the Northeast Entrance sample section of Soda Butte Creek, 2001–2005. Solid bars denote 10-mm length groups for cutthroat trout. Triangular markers denote number of brook trout Non-native brook trout are being removed from upper captured by length group and year. Soda Butte Creek by electrofishing each year.

25 geologists and Federal Highway Administration most monitoring efforts have been focused at staff, Aquatics Section staff sampled the upper local sites where those types of impacts might portions of Middle Creek as a result of water occur. However, a broader temporal and spatial quality concerns arising from the gravel-washing examination is required for all effects of road operation at the top of the Sylvan Pass divide. projects to be considered (Angermeier et al. In September 2005, sampling of Middle Creek 2004). One long-term effect of upgraded roads near the input source of the fine materials failed is increased access and usage. Wider roads to capture any fish. Additional electrofishing and larger parking areas may lead to increased upstream from the affected area also yielded numbers of anglers at streams that are close to a no fish. This brief initial survey suggests that road, but not close enough to be directly affected the localized area was historically fishless and by the actual construction activities, for instance, remains so today. A more extensive survey of the at Obsidian Creek, where angler use may watershed could reveal the presence of barriers, increase due to improved access to the stream upstream distribution of cutthroat trout in the with an upgraded road or removal of size limits stream, and amount of risk to the cutthroat in 2006. This stream was historically fishless, trout population based on its proximity to but brook trout were stocked there in the early the input source. Intensive water quality and days of the park. As brook trout have a high macroinvertebrate surveys have also been catch rate, Obsidian Creek has an unusual status completed to document the potential impacts as a park stream where children are allowed to One long- of sediment from the gravel-washing operation use bait to catch non-native trout. Four years of (described below). sampling near the Indian Creek campground term effect of Typically, road projects are a concern to area have revealed that small brook trout are upgraded roads resource managers because they can potentially abundant in Obsidian Creek. Population data impact fish populations if excessive sediment is obtained during the pre-construction phase of is increased generated during construction or improperly the Mammoth-to-Norris road project will be access and designed or placed road culverts impede fish useful for examination of longer-term passage after completion of the project. As such, changes. usage. nps / dan mahony

An upper reach of Middle Creek sampled in 2005.

The close proximity of Middle Creek to the East Entrance Road is a concern to fisheries biologists.

26 Wilderness Fisheries of the South

Fine spotted Overview Map Status of Cutthroat Trout in the cutthroat found Cutthroat found Upper Snake River Not found Creeks Creeks - not sampled Rivers he Snake River watershed is the third Rivers - not sampled Roads largest in Yellowstone National Park. Major Lakes THistorically, Yellowstone cutthroat Yellowstone Park Boundary trout, Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout, and several other native fish species occupied the mainstem river and its tributaries. Much of this basin has not been previously surveyed because of its remote location and difficult access to pre-selected study areas. In 2005, the Aquatics Section continued its native fish inventory of the

0 2 4 6 Snake River in order to describe the distribution Kilometers Miles of cutthroat trout subspecies in the remote 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 headwaters region within the park. A primary Figure 14. The upper Snake River watershed where fishes were sampled by objective of the survey is detection of areas where electrofishing in 2004 and 2005, and Snake River finespotted cutthroat trout were the two cutthroat trout subspecies may coexist. found, Yellowstone cutthroat trout (large spotted) were found (“Cutthroat found” in Equally important is documenting the relative the legend), or none were found. abundance and distribution of other native fishes streams were approximately 1 km apart (Figure and potentially harmful non-native species, 14). Forest Creek watershed was most likely including brown trout, brook trout, and lake historically fishless due to the presence of a large trout in this watershed. waterfall (>20 feet high) located about 1 km As the mainstem river survey was completed upstream from the confluence with the Snake in 2004, our sampling in 2005 was primarily River mainstem. According to historical records, focused on tributary streams. Fish sampling about 100,000 eyed Yellowstone cutthroat trout techniques were similar among years and eggs from the Yellowstone Lake hatchery were followed the methods of Novak et al. (2005) stocked annually into Forest Creek between where each stream was subdivided into ten 1939 and 1943 (Varley 1981). The relatively sections and the lower 100 meters of each high abundance and widespread distribution section were sampled in an upstream direction. of cutthroat trout there now suggests that these Surveys of two of the most remote tributaries early stockings were highly successful. Much (Forest Creek and Sickle Creek) were completed. of the Forest Creek watershed was intensely As neither of these streams has an established burned during the 1988 wildfires. The stream trail access, logistic considerations were an channel now contains abundant deadfall and important part of completing the inventory. other woody debris from the riparian areas and Surveyed sample sections in these two tributary adjacent uplands. The cutthroat trout population sampled contains numerous size groups representing several year classes. Abundance, i cz i ew nps / chr i s romank i cz i ew nps / chr i s romank

Forest Creek was one of several remote Snake River Forest Creek Yellowstone cutthroat trout. tributaries surveyed for fishes in 2005.

27 distribution, and utilization of a variety of in the nearby mainstem section in 2004. This habitat types by the cutthroat trout all suggest tributary is the only location where mottled that wildfire effects on this isolated population sculpins were collected in 2005. were negligible. A secondary objective of the survey was to Sickle Creek, which contains large, low- collect additional cutthroat trout from previously gradient meadows in its headwater sections, sampled streams in order to obtain an adequate flows out of a steep canyon into the Snake River number of tissue samples for stream-specific approximately halfway between the headwaters genetic analyses. Enough genetic samples now of the river and the South Entrance of the park. have been collected for subspecific differences In 2004, two sections near the confluence with (if any) among the Heart River, Sickle Creek, the Snake River were sampled. All but one of the Crooked Creek, and Forest Creek populations to cutthroat trout caught in the high-gradient areas, be examined (Janetski 2007). Only Red Creek characterized by bedrock pools and unstable (which may have permanent barriers located near stream channels, were small (<150 mm total its mouth) and Basin Creek (which does have length). The electrofishing survey of Sickle Creek an occasional angler report of cutthroat trout) was completed in 2005. Only cutthroat trout remain to be surveyed. Although these latter were caught, but their abundance in the upper two streams have good trail access for much of reaches was one of the highest of any section their length, limited information is available and sampled in the Snake River watershed. Most angler use appears to be minimal. The upper of the sampled trout had typical Yellowstone cutthroat trout spotting patterns; however, Yellowstone Status of Cutthroat Trout in the several fish had small- to intermediate-size Upper Yellowstone River River (upstream spots distributed in a pattern characteristic of finespotted cutthroat trout. Several size classes The upper Yellowstone River (upstream of of Yellowstone of cutthroat trout were captured throughout the Yellowstone Lake) is the largest of 126 tributaries stream, and young-of-the-year were abundant. Lake) is the to Yellowstone Lake. More than one third of The largest cutthroat was captured in the the water that enters Yellowstone Lake through largest of 126 headwater section. tributary streams originates from this system. This year, we initiated an inventory of tributaries to Its mainstem flows more than 84 river km from a large, unnamed tributary that flows north its source on Younts Peak in the Bridger-Teton Yellowstone from Big Game Ridge into the Snake River just Wilderness to its mouth within the Southeast slightly upstream from the Crooked Creek- Lake. Arm of Yellowstone Lake. The watershed Snake River confluence. This tributary appears contains more than 200 km of tributary streams to comprise a substantial amount of the total and covers an area greater than 1,244 square km. mainstem flow. The cutthroat trout captured The year 2005 was the third year of the here were typically smaller than those caught upper Yellowstone River fisheries assessment. The project, initiated in 2003 by the National Park on Service, is now a joint effort between the NPS and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

nps / chr i s d ix Through this coordinated effort, nearly the entire drainage has been surveyed. Until this survey, a comprehensive fishery assessment had not been performed in this region. When completed, the study will help answer questions regarding life-history strategies, movements, and distributional patterns of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the most remote wilderness remaining in the continental United States. To monitor movement patterns of adult Sickle Creek near confluence with Snake River.

28 Yellowstone cutthroat trout, 151 fish were tagged with radio transmitters from June 2003 Yellowstone through July 2005, in various locations in the Lake upper Yellowstone River basin (Figure 15). Due to the large size of the Yellowstone River and Thorofare Creek, angling was the most effective technique in capturing fish. All fish captured were examined for gender and spawning stage, and were measured for total length and weight. Scale samples for age and growth analysis, and fin clips for genetic testing were collected from a subsample of fish during each tagging trip. Fish were radio-tagged during the spawn and post-spawn period to increase the likelihood Ye eek llowstone in Cr of studying both the lacustrine-adfluvial and Mounta fluvial-adfluvial life history types (if they were present in the system). However, lack of fish R i within the mainstem or lower reaches of large v e r reek tributaries late in the season (after August 1) C prevented us from tagging equal numbers of Open fish in the spawning and post-spawning periods. Yellowstone National Park Tracking surveys were conducted with a fixed- Bridger-Teton Wilderness wing aircraft flying over the river system and Thorofare Creek portions of Yellowstone Lake (Figure 16). Monitoring flights took place weekly from May through August, twice each month in September and October, and monthly from November through April. Tracking flights were supplemented with walking surveys of the rivers 4 2 0 4 8 12 16 Cutthroat Tagging Locations Kilometers and streams, and boat surveys on Yellowstone Fish Tagging 2003 Events Lake as time permitted. Boat surveys proved Fish Tagging 2004 Events unsuccessful, and they were discontinued after Fish Tagging 2005 Events the first season of the study. Figure 15. Locations where cutthroat trout were implanted with radio-tags in the The majority of tagged fish migrated into upper Yellowstone River watershed, 2003–2005. Yellowstone Lake following the spawning period each year. Of the 109 fish that were relocated, 64% moved downstream to Yellowstone Lake locations throughout Yellowstone Lake and and 14% moved downstream toward the lake also in locations within the Yellowstone River before their signals were lost. We were unable downstream of the lake outlet at Fishing Bridge. to relocate 42 fish after their initial tagging, Similar results have been found in other tracking possibly because several of the fish migrated studies in the Yellowstone Lake basin (Koel et al. over large distances in relatively short periods 2003). There is also the possibility of tag failure of time. One fish actually migrated more than or of a predator eating the fish and moving out 40 river and lake miles in just 16 days. Fish of the system. also may have migrated to Yellowstone Lake To assess distribution of cutthroat trout and resided in locations outside of our tracking of all ages in the basin, electrofishing surveys surveys. Increased coverage of Yellowstone (100-m sections for every km of stream) were Lake during tracking flights in 2005 showed conducted in tributaries of the Yellowstone River that fish implanted with transmitters in the and Thorofare Creek. Surveys were conducted upper river system were found in several after August 1, when it is likely that adfluvial

29 Ye llo wstone Ri

ve r

Yellowstone Lake

Y e l l o ws

t on

e Ri

v er Yellowstone National Park Bridger-Teton Wilderness

Tracking flight course 2003−2005 Tracking flight course added in 2005 Fisheries technicians Brad Olszewski and Brian Ertel processing fish samples. Figure 16. Yellowstone River watershed upstream of It remains Yellowstone Lake and path of flights used to track radio- barriers to fish migration (e.g., waterfalls) tagged cutthroat trout, 2003–2005. during the electrofishing surveys within park unknown if fish boundaries. These fish ranged from 26 mm to remain as year- fish migrating upstream from Yellowstone Lake 182 mm in length, and analysis of scales showed would have returned to the lake. To date, surveys them to be 0–2 years of age. This indicates that round residents have been conducted on Trappers, Mountain, some extended rearing may occur in the river and survive Howell, Cliff, and Phlox creeks within the park system. It remains unknown if fish remain as boundary, and Open, Dell, Butte, Coyote, year-round residents and survive to be adults to be adults Hidden, Castle, and Atlantic creeks south of within the upper Yellowstone River watershed. within the upper the park. All fish collected were measured and Data collected during movement and weighed. Scale samples for age and growth distribution surveys (2003–2005) indicate Yellowstone analysis, and fin clips for genetic analysis, were that Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the upper River watershed. taken from a subsample of fish in each section. Yellowstone River system primarily exhibit a Small cutthroat trout were captured below lacustrine-adfluvial life history strategy, and spend the majority of their lives in Yellowstone Lake, migrating into the river system to spawn. This is similar to what has been observed in the other, much smaller tributaries of Yellowstone

nps / jeff arnold Lake. Completion of our surveys and detailed analyses planned during the next 1–2 years should result in a better understanding of movement patterns, habitat use, and life history strategies represented. Overall, through collaboration with our partners in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, we will have documented the status of this subspecies in a very remote and logistically challenging Radio-tagged Yellowstone cutthroat trout from the upper watershed. Yellowstone River.

30 Aquatic Ecosystem Health nps / jeff arnold Aquatic Invasive Species • Collaboration with partner Program agencies and non-governmental organizations and development ellowstone’s world-class fisheries are of an Aquatic Nuisance Species threatened by introductions of aquatic Management Plan for the Greater Y invasive species (AIS). These harmful Yellowstone Area. non-native and exotic invading species displace precious native species, such as cutthroat trout Yellowstone National Park and many native macroinvertebrates, upon is a partner in the “Stop Aquatic which Yellowstone fishes depend for growth and Hitchhikers” campaign, led by the survival. AIS also have the potential to impact Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force important trout consumers such as eagles, and sponsored by the U.S. Fish and ospreys, and grizzly bears, causing a disruption of Wildlife Service and U.S. Coast Guard the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. (http://www.protectyourwaters.net). The New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus Whenever possible, images and other educational materials common to the Water quality technician Jeremy antipodarum; Richards 2002; Hall et al. 2003; Erickson collecting data at the campaign are used for purposes of AIS Kerans et al. 2005) and the parasite that causes Lamar River site. whirling disease in trout (M. cerebralis; Koel et prevention within the park. Additional al. 2006) are examples of exotic AIS that are information can be obtained at www. already present in park waters. The zebra mussel protectyourwaters.net and several other websites. and Eurasian watermilfoil are examples of AIS that are quickly approaching the park from Long-term Water Quality Aquatic invasive elsewhere in the United States, and there are Monitoring species have more than 300 others now in North America— often so small they are difficult to see (http://nas. All water bodies in Yellowstone National the potential to er.usgs.gov). Because AIS are often hidden, Park are classified as outstanding natural impact important they frequently “hitchhike” from one lake or resource waters and designated as Class I waters stream to another within the water of a boat by the states of Montana and Wyoming. Class trout consumers bilge or livewell, or in mud, dirt, sand, and plant I waters are afforded the highest protection such as eagles, fragments attached to boats, fishing equipment, possible and, as a result, long-term degradation or clothing. Prevention is key, because once of these waters is prohibited (WDEQ 2001). ospreys, and introduced and established in park waters, Chemical and physical attributes of streams and grizzly bears. AIS are virtually impossible to get rid of. The lakes are a direct reflection of the land use that following measures have been taken in the park occurs within a watershed. Consequently, these to help prevent additional AIS introductions: attributes directly affect the organisms that live within those aquatic systems. For this reason, • A brochure has been developed to water quality monitoring is a necessary tool for provide information on how to conduct tracking natural and anthropogenic changes boat inspections and clean angling gear as well as providing an overall evaluation of (available online at www.nps.gov/yell/ ecosystem health in Yellowstone National Park. planyourvisit/fishingexotics.htm). By collecting chemical, physical, and biological properties of aquatic systems, staff can not • Boat ramp signs have been developed and only evaluate the overall health of those water installed at Yellowstone Lake and Lewis bodies, but also assess the overall condition of Lake ramps. the watershed and the surrounding environment. The Aquatics Section’s long-term water quality • Anyone purchasing a boating permit in monitoring program is comprised of two the park is now informed about AIS and main components: (1) long-term water quality how to conduct boat inspections. monitoring of major streams and Yellowstone

31 Lake, and (2) using aquatic benthic concentration (11.1 mg/L-1, range 8.6–15.4 macroinvertebrates as health indicators mg/L-1) was recorded for the Yellowstone of aquatic systems. River at Corwin Springs; lowest mean DO nps / jeff arnold During 2005, the Aquatics concentration (8.1 mg/L-1, range 6.5–9.7 mg/L- Section continued to conduct routine 1) was recorded for Firehole River (Figure 17). water quality monitoring at the 12 High daily temperatures on the Firehole River established sites on major river basins probably played an important role in the low throughout Yellowstone National Park DO concentrations recorded. (Figure 1). Sites were sampled once Within-site variation of pH was quite every two weeks (once each month low, with most differences occurring between during winter), with sample days sites (Figure 17). Mean pH for the thermally randomly selected within a sample influenced Firehole River was 8.3 standard units week. A multiparameter probe was (SU) (range 7.7–8.7). This was the highest mean Water quality technicians Jeremy used to collect in situ water quality value for all sites sampled, with the exception of Erickson and Hunter Hutchinson processing samples for total suspended measurements including water the Gardner River, which also had a mean pH solids analysis. temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, value of 8.3 (range 7.9–8.7). The Gibbon River and conductivity. A portable turbidity had a mean pH value of 6.9 (range 6.6–7.2). meter was used to collect turbidity This river receives considerable amounts of water measurements as a way to quantify water clarity. from the Norris Geyser Basin, which is typically In addition, water samples were collected during more acidic than other geyser basins within the each site visit and filtered and dried for total park. The Yellowstone River at Artist Point had suspended solids (TSS) analysis. These water the lowest mean pH of all water quality sites, quality parameters are important because they with a value of 6.8 (range 6.3–8.3). directly affect the types and distribution of Specific conductance, turbidity, and TSS organisms (plants, invertebrates, and fish) living were highly seasonal, and appeared to be in aquatic systems. correlated with river discharge (Figure 17). These The park experienced a fairly dry winter parameters directly reflect changes in vegetative in 2005, followed by a relatively wet spring. cover or other patterns that may occur within Temporal and spatial features of individual a watershed. In general, specific conductivity streams contributed to the wide variation is a measure of the amount of ionic material of water quality parameters recorded from dissolved in water. While a majority of ions individual sites. Examples of environmental found in water are derived from the weathering factors that affect water quality include diurnal of rock material, small amounts of ions originate cycles, higher flows during spring snowmelt, rain from atmospheric deposition and precipitation. events, seasonal temperature changes, altitude Higher ion concentrations per volume of water differences, and the geothermal influences result in higher specific conductivity values. On that affect many streams in YNP. The highest average, specific conductivity tended to be lowest mean water temperature (15.6˚C, range during spring snowmelt and highest during 6.0–25.1˚C) occurred in the Firehole River, a the base flow period of fall and winter. Higher thermally influenced stream. Lowest mean water specific conductivity values were generally found temperature (4.9˚C, range −0.1 to 13.7˚C) at sample sites with thermal contributions. For occurred on upper Soda Butte Creek. example, the highest mean specific conductivity Most organisms become stressed when recorded for all sites were from the Gardner, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations fall Firehole, Madison, and Gibbon rivers, with 593, below 5.0 milligrams/Liter (mg/L-1). Low DO 489, 464, and 429 µSeimens per centimeter (µS/ concentrations are not usually a problem in cm-1) respectively. All of those waterways receive YNP because the water is constantly aerated considerable amounts of thermal contributions. by downhill movement. However, low DO Specific conductance was least variable at the concentrations may be a concern in some slow- Yellowstone River near Fishing Bridge, and had moving and thermal streams. Highest mean DO the lowest mean value of 94 µS/cm-1 (range

32 85–98 µS/cm-1) (Figure 17). The lowest specific units (NTU), with the exception of Pelican conductivity for all sites sampled was 68 µS/cm- Creek and the Yellowstone River at Corwin 1, recorded at the Lamar River water quality Springs, which had mean NTU values of 18.5 station during a high-flow period on May 20, NTU (range 7–118 NTU) and 12.3 NTU 2005. (range 0.9–160 NTU) respectively (Figure 17). Turbidity and TSS both measure the amount The lowest mean turbidity measurement of 1.1 of inorganic (clay, silt, and sand) and organic NTU (range 0.5–2.2 NTU) was recorded for (detritus and plankton) material suspended in the Yellowstone River at Fishing Bridge, which is the water column. Typically, turbidity and TSS located just downstream of Yellowstone Lake. values increase with increased discharge, which TSS is a quantitative measure of the total usually occurs during snowmelt and after rain fraction of inorganic and organic material events. Values for these parameters can also suspended in the water column. Increases in increase with an increase in algal production, TSS, primarily in silt and sand, can lead to which is a common occurrence on lakes during sediment deposition in the streambed, increasing the warmer summer months. Turbidity is a stream embeddedness and resulting in a decrease measure of water clarity, with higher values of benthic productivity and loss of fish habitat. reflecting a more turbid condition (i.e., less-clear Concentrations of TSS at stream sites mirrored water). Increases in turbidity can negatively turbidity readings (Figure 17). The three highest affect aquatic plants (reduce photosynthesis) averages for TSS occurred within the Yellowstone and animals (influence feeding behavior of River drainage. The highest mean TSS of 23.21 visual predators). Most sites had mean turbidity mg/L was recorded for the Yellowstone River measurements below 10 nephlometric turbidity at Corwin Springs (range 1.49–337.00 mg/L),

30 1000 Temperature 25 Conductivity 800 20 15 600

C o 10 400

5 S cm -1 200 0 -5 0 16 80 Dissolved Oxygen Turbidity 12 60 NTU mg/L 8 40

4 20

0 0 10 180 pH 160 Total Suspended Solids 8 80 6

mg/L 60 SU 4 40 2 20 0 0 FB AP CS PC USB LSB LM GN SR FH GB MD FB AP CS PC USB LSB LM GN SR FH GB MD Yellowstone Snake Madison Yellowstone Snake Madison Figure 17. Box and whisker plot illustrating annual variation for selected parameters at each stream water quality location in 2005. Lower and upper portions of boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentile, respectively; lower and upper black horizontal bars represent 10th and 90th percentile, respectively. Outlying values are represented by black dots; means are indicated by solid red lines. Green, blue, and orange represent the Yellowstone, Snake, and Madison river basins, respectively. FB = Fishing Bridge, AP = Artist Point, CS = Corwin Springs, PC = Pelican Creek, USB = upper Soda Butte, LSB = lower Soda Butte, LM = Lamar River, GN = Gardner River, SR = Snake River, FH = Firehole River, GB = Gibbon River, and MD = Madison River.

33 followed by the Pelican Creek and Lamar River and analyzed for total and volatile suspended sites, with mean TSS of 20.71 and 16.79 mg/L, solids. Surface water quality parameters were respectively. The lowest mean TSS, 1.06 mg/L, similar among all sites; for reporting purposes, was recorded for the Yellowstone River at Fishing only the sites at West Thumb and the South Arm Bridge (range 0.048–2.92 mg/L). of Yellowstone Lake will be described. Surface water temperatures and DO concentrations Water Quality Monitoring Goals are closely linked, and vary greatly with season. As expected, lower water temperatures were recorded during spring, and higher temperatures Future goals for the water quality program were recorded during the summer months (range are to continue monitoring at the 12 established 3.3–16.2˚C and 4.2–17.4˚C, respectively, for sites on major river basins to acquire baseline West Thumb and the South Arm). Conversely, information and determine inter- and higher DO concentrations were recorded during intra-annual variation of water quality core spring, and lower DO concentrations were parameters. In addition, through collaboration recorded during the summer months (range 8.1– with the NPS Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) 10.1 mg/L and 7.9–10.7 mg/L, respectively, for Program, monitoring of the park’s state 303(d)- West Thumb and the South Arm). Values for pH listed streams (Soda Butte Creek and Reese and specific conductivity were less dependent on Creek) will continue. (Section 303(d) of the seasonal changes and relatively more constant Clean Water Act requires state departments of throughout the sample period. Ranges for pH Sampling aquatic environmental quality to prepare a list of water were between 7.1 and 7.9 for West Thumb and bodies that do not meet water quality standards invertebrate between 7.5 and 8.1 for the South Arm. Ranges and where Total Maximum Daily Loads will be for specific conductivity were between 84 and communities developed.) Water quality monitoring is also 100 µS/cm-1 for both sample locations. expected to occur relative to piscicide treatment continues to be a In addition to surface water parameters, of streams and lakes as a part of the restoration temperature profiles were collected from the practical method program for fluvial populations of native trout. same two locations to give fisheries biologists a Samples would be obtained prior to chemical of evaluating better understanding of seasonal temperature treatment, concurrent with treatment, and post- changes throughout the water column and of stream health in treatment both within and downstream of the fish movement patterns throughout the lake. treatment areas. Specifically, analyses would be YNP. In general, water temperatures remain at about conducted to detect volatile organic compounds, 4˚C throughout the water column until mid- semi-volatile organic compounds, and rotenone. June (Figure 18). Water temperatures begin to Antimycin, at concentrations used to remove increase rapidly during the last week of June with fish, cannot be detected in water analytically, but the development of a thermocline, an area in the solvents used to disperse antimycin in water the water column with noticeable temperature (acetone, diethyl phthalate, and nonoxynol-9) change, becoming prominent from July through would be monitored as a portion of the volatile mid-September. The thermocline remains at organic compounds and semi-volatile organic about 15 and 20 meters for the West Thumb compounds described above. and South Arm locations, respectively. Yellowstone Lake Limnology Macroinvertebrates as Health Water quality sampling was conducted Indicators at seven fixed locations on Yellowstone Lake between May and October (Figure 4). Basic Successful water quality monitoring water quality parameters (water temperature, requires a combination of physical, chemical, DO, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, and and biological measurements to effectively secchi transparency readings) were collected from evaluate the health of aquatic systems. Physical each site. Surface water samples were collected and chemical measurements directly measure

34 0 0

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4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Temperaturemperature (oC)

Figure 18. Isopleth of water temperature in West Thumb and the South Arm of Yellowstone Lake during summer 2005. Contour lines represent one-degree intervals. For comparison and greater resolution of surface temperatures, only data from the first 50 meters is displayed for the West Thumb location. Note that the shallow water depth of the South Arm contributes to surface waters that warm more quickly than surface waters associated with deeper portions of the lake. parameters within the stream channel and water orders Ephemeroptera (mayflies),Plecoptera column; biological measurements evaluate (stoneflies), andTrichoptera (caddisflies). the response of organisms (e.g., periphyton, EPT taxa are pollution-sensitive and respond aquatic invertebrates, and fish) to changes readily to environmental changes. Generally, within their environments. Sampling aquatic numbers of EPT taxa increase with lower water invertebrate communities continues to be a temperatures, increased DO concentrations, practical method of evaluating stream health in and little organic pollution, and decrease with YNP. These organisms are excellent indicators higher water temperatures, decreased DO of aquatic health because they are long-lived, concentrations, and increased organic pollution. relatively immobile, sensitive to changes in the By contrast, organisms that are least sensitive environment, and important food for resident to water pollution are in the non-insect orders fishes. By studying aquatic macroinvertebrate Oligochaeta (segmented worms) and Hirudinea communities within a given stream segment, we (leeches), and in the insect orders Odonata can assess the current water quality condition of (dragonflies/damselflies), andDiptera (true flies). that stream. For each sample, total numbers of Modified HBI values are obtained by invertebrates were tallied for individual taxa and evaluating the number of benthic invertebrates tolerance values (percent tolerant and intolerant in the phylum Arthropoda at a site and their taxa) were calculated. In addition, EPT tolerance to pollution to ascertain the degree (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa) to which organic compounds, elevated Richness Index values and modified Hilsenhoff’s temperatures, low DO, and other stressors are Biotic Index (HBI) values, which are known likely to be present (Hilsenoff 1987; 1988; water quality indicators, were also calculated for USGS 1999). Each benthic invertebrate is each site (Lenz 1997). assigned a tolerance value from 0 to 10, with EPT Richness Index is calculated by tallying 0 assigned to invertebrates least tolerant to distinct invertebrate taxa belonging to the insect pollution and 10 assigned to invertebrates most

35 tolerant of pollution. A low HBI value indicates excellent water quality with no pollution; a high HBI value indicates poor water quality with high amounts of pollution. nps / jeff arnold During 2005, sample site selection was based primarily on location, accessibility, water depth, and a minimum riffle or riffle- run stretch of at least 15 meters. Basic water quality measurements collected at each site included water temperature, DO, pH, specific conductance, turbidity, and stream discharge. Stonefly collected from the Gibbon River. A Surber net sampler (0.09-m2 plot and 500- micron mesh) was used to quantitatively sample Montana Department of Environmental Quality riffle habitats within the sample reach; an determined a 4.2-mile segment of Soda Butte Eckman dredge (0.02-m2 plot and 500-micron Creek, from the McLaren mine tailings near mesh screen) was used for invertebrate sampling Cooke City, Montana, to the YNP boundary, in deeper, slow-moving streams. Individual plot to be only partially supporting aquatic life and areas were characterized by percent coverage coldwater fisheries due to metals contamination of substrate, silt, and vegetation (i.e., aquatic from the McLaren mine tailings (MDEQ 2002). macrophytes and algae) by using a 20-cm2 piece The designation places this section of Soda of Plexiglas to view underwater benthic habitat. Butte Creek on Montana’s impaired 303(d) list. Following substrate characterization, aquatic Soda Butte Creek is not listed as impaired after benthic macroinvertebrates were collected by it enters YNP, but remains at risk from metals gently rubbing the surface area of cobble and contamination during spring snowmelt and after coarse gravel by hand and thoroughly scrubbing extreme rain events. In addition to invertebrate the plot area with a soft bristle brush. collections on Soda Butte Creek, Aquatics staff Generally, macroinvertebrate collection in sampled for total and dissolved metals (arsenic, the park is focused on aquatic systems threatened copper, iron, and selenium) in the water column, by anthropogenic sources. For example, ongoing and for sediment during the spring and fall. road construction projects are a continual concern to park resource managers. Many Yellowstone River Between Tower roads within the park are decades old, and in and Yellowstone Lake various stages of disrepair. These roads often parallel stream and river corridors. Renovation This sample area encompasses streams that of these roads poses potential risks to aquatic enter the upper Yellowstone River between systems through sedimentation and stream Tower Junction and Yellowstone Lake. In fall channel alteration. Between 2002 and 2005, 2003, reconstruction and resurfacing activities the Aquatics Section sampled 21 sites from 13 began on two road segments between Lake streams in response to ongoing or proposed Village and Tower Junction: (1) the road from road construction projects in YNP. Streams Canyon Village to Tower Junction, and (2) (and number of sites) sampled were: Alum the road between Pelican Creek and Canyon Creek (1), Antelope Creek (1), Elk Antler Village. In response to these activities, Aquatics Creek (1), Gardner River (1), Gibbon River Section staff sampled Antelope Creek near (5), Glen Creek (1), Middle Creek (2) and an Tower Junction (2002–2005) and five streams in associated unnamed tributary (1), Mammoth Hayden and Pelican valleys (Otter, Alum, Trout, Crystal Spring (1), Obsidian Creek (4), Otter Elk Antler, and Pelican creeks, 2003–2004). Creek (1), Pelican Creek (1), and Trout Creek Hydrology, flow characteristics, and thermal (1) (Figure 1). Soda Butte Creek was also contributions vary considerably between these sampled at the park boundary in collaboration two sample areas. Antelope Creek, which with the NPS I&M program. In 2002, the

36 Total Taxa EPT Taxa

80 80 A C 70 70 60 60 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10

axa 0 0 02 03 04 03 04 03 04 03 04 03 04 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 Antelope Otter Alum Trout Elk Pelican Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Antler Gibbon 80 80

Number of T B D 70 70 60 60 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 02 03 04 05 05 02 03 04 05 05 05 Site1 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 1 Site 2 1st 2nd Gardner Obsidian Middle Creek Unnamed tributary Mammoth Crystal Site and Year Sampled Spring

Figure 19. Total aquatic invertebrate taxa and EPT taxa for streams sampled in conjunction with road reconstruction activities in Yellowstone National Park, 2002–2005. Data represents streams sampled within the Yellowstone River drainage (A and B); the Madison River drainage (C); and Middle Creek drainage (D). parallels the road near Tower Junction, has a began in 2002 (Figure 19a). Numbers of EPT moderately steep gradient, considerable canopy taxa were also high for the three sample years, cover, and substrates composed almost entirely ranging between 31 and 38 taxa. The high of large boulders, cobble, and coarse gravel. diversity of aquatic invertebrates on Antelope Thermal areas are absent from this drainage. Creek can be attributed to the wide range of Streams sampled in Hayden and Pelican valleys in-stream habitat, including a mixed variety of have low gradients, little canopy cover, and substrate sizes (boulders, cobble, gravel, and fine sediments primarily composed of sand and sand) and abundant coarse woody debris that is silt. Thermal areas found in the upper reaches present throughout the stream reach. The shaded of all five watersheds can dramatically alter stream and moderately high gradient provide the chemical and physical characteristics of the lower temperatures and higher DO favored by water, thus affecting aquatic biota. In addition, EPT taxa. This stream ranked from very good to these sites are inundated by the Yellowstone excellent on the HBI for the three-year period River (Yellowstone Lake in the case of Pelican (2002–2004). Creek) during the spring and summer high-flow Invertebrate communities found within periods. the five streams sampled between Lake and The aquatic invertebrate community on Canyon villages represented a stark contrast to Antelope Creek is quite diverse, with 94 taxa those within Antelope Creek. Water temperature collected over a three-year period (2002–2004). and DO varied considerably among all sites Seventy-three of these taxa were represented in depending on time of day sampled. During both the 2003 sample—the highest number of taxa sample years, Alum Creek, which has the greatest collected from all sites in YNP since the surveys contribution of thermal activity, had the highest

37 pH (range 8.3–8.9) and specific a high percent of large substrates. Twenty-eight conductance (range 1,055–1,101 taxa were collected from this site between 2003 µScm-1) of the five streams sampled. and 2004, of which 24 were collected during nps / jeff arnold Trout and Elk Antler creeks, located the 2003 sample year. The number of EPT near the south end of Hayden Valley, was relatively low, with 11 and 10 EPT taxa had comparable pH (range 7.3–7.7) collected, respectively, in 2003 and 2004. HBI and specific conductance values indices for both sample years rated this stream (range 170–236 µScm-1) for both from fair (2004) to fairly poor (2003). The years sampled. A total of 56 taxa lower HBI rating for this stream is most likely were collected from the five streams, attributed to the high volume of thermal waters with most invertebrate taxa obtained entering from the Boiling River. from Elk Antler Creek (Figure 19a), Beginning in 2002, macroinvertebrates which also had the most diverse in- have been collected annually from four sites on stream habitat (i.e., greater variety Obsidian Creek to obtain baseline information of substrate) than the other four from this stream with heavy geothermal sites. Numbers of EPT taxa were low contributions. Eighty-three taxa were collected among all sites; three was the highest from four sites on Obsidian Creek between 2002 Water quality technician Hunter Hutchinson filtering water for chloride number, collected from Trout Creek and 2004. The greatest number of taxa collected analysis. in 2003. Although the numbers during a sampling event was 46, occurring at and types of aquatic invertebrates site 2 during 2003 (Figure 19b). Sites 3 and found in this section of the park are not typical 4 had the fewest numbers of taxa (range 3–8) of most coldwater streams, they are characteristic during the three-year sample period. These two of streams that exhibit low gradient and very sites receive waters from various geothermal little in-stream habitat. The lower numbers of sources and, as a result, typically exhibit low invertebrates encountered during the second year DO and high temperatures. They are also very of sampling can likely be attributed to annual acidic. These features contribute to a benthic variation of aquatic communities rather than macroinvertebrate community with low diversity effects of road construction activities. and a tolerance for extreme environmental conditions. Typically, invertebrates collected from these two stream sections belong to the Impacts of Roads on the Gardner insect orders Diptera (true flies) andOdonata River (dragonflies/damselflies).

The Gardner River, located in the north- central portion of YNP, is a major tributary to Road Re-route in the Gibbon the Yellowstone River. Sampling in this area River Canyon primarily focused on the road segment between Norris Junction and the North Entrance The Gibbon River is located in the (Figure 1). Road improvement activities here west-central portion of YNP, and is a major have been sporadic over the past five years, tributary to the Madison River. During the mainly consisting of localized repair work and summer of 2001, major reconstruction and a resurfacing project between Norris Junction widening activities began on the road segment and Golden Gate in summer 2003. Streams between Norris and Madison junctions, a large (and number of sites sampled), included the portion of which parallels the Gibbon River. Gardner River (1), Obsidian Creek (4), and Aquatics Section staff began to monitor aquatic Glen Creek (1). Sampling on the Gardner River macroinvertebrates and other water quality was conducted near the main road just south parameters here in 2002 (Figure 1). In general, of the park boundary. This area is several miles all sites on the Gibbon River exhibited similar downstream of Boiling River (a thermal feature), patterns for total numbers of taxa and EPT taxa and has a high gradient, low canopy cover, and for all sample years (Figure 19c). The greatest

38 number of total taxa (40) and least number of Non Insect Insect New Zealand total taxa (19) were collected from site 1 during mud snail EPT Taxa 2003 and 2004, respectively. Generally, HBI other Diptera values rated this stream between fair and fairly poor. This is likely a result of thermal activity Coleoptera rather than road construction. In addition, the 100% New Zealand mudsnail, an exotic species that competes with native invertebrates for food and 80% habitat, was collected from the first three sites on the Gibbon River, and is now documented 60% to occur above Gibbon Falls. During 2002, this species alone comprised between 38 and 60% of 40% the total invertebrates collected from these three sites. However, through subsequent sampling, 20% it appears that this nuisance species has been Percent Major Invertebrate Groups declining within the sampling areas (Figure 20). 0% 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4

Water Quality Monitoring at Site and Year Sampled Mammoth Crystal Spring Figure 20. Percentage of major invertebrate groups collected from four sites on the Middle Creek is located in the east-central Gibbon River, 2002–2004. portion of YNP; its headwaters are near the base of Top Notch Peak of the Absaroka Mountain Spring. Mammoth Crystal Spring is a small Range. The mainstem of Middle Creek flows in tributary of Middle Creek whose headwaters an easterly direction for approximately 12 km originate near Sylvan Pass. The geology of the before leaving the park. Within YNP, the lower Sylvan Pass area is dominated by talus generated 10 km of the creek parallel the East Entrance by adjacent mountains. A large gravel mine and road, with the last three km flowing directly rock-crushing operation is the primary land adjacent to the road. The watershed of Middle use in the vicinity, and there is concern that Creek is relatively small, with a total catchment increased turbidity and sediment loads from area of approximately 8,414 hectares contained the operation could threaten the aquatic biotic within the borders of YNP. Middle Creek exits YNP near the East Entrance and flows another three km before it merges with the North Fork Shoshone River. Benthic macroinvertebrate sampling began within the Middle Creek drainage during late nps / jeff arnold August 2002 (Arnold and Koel 2006). Two sites were established: one on the mainstem of Middle Creek near the East Entrance, another on an unnamed tributary at a location directly downstream from the East Entrance road crossing (Figure 1). Between 2002 and 2005, both sites were sampled once each year during late August or early September. Because of recent concerns about road construction activity within the Middle Creek drainage, two additional stream sites were sampled during late August 2005, near the vicinity of Mammoth Crystal Mammoth Crystal Spring.

39 Middle Creek 2005 Middle Creek 2005 likely caused by increases in turbidity and stream site 1 site 2 embeddedness. 1% 12% 3% 5% EPT taxa were most abundant on the 2% 2% unnamed tributary (range 26–32) and least

11% abundant at the Mammoth Crystal Spring site (range 5–6). By comparison, 20 EPT taxa were 54% collected from the Middle Creek site adjacent to 9% 36% 65% Mammoth Crystal Spring. Middle Creek near the park boundary also had a high number of EPT taxa for all years combined (range 27–30) (Figure 19d). Unnamed Tributary 2005 Non-tolerant Tolerant As a group, EPT taxa dominated the 8% Ephemeroptera Non insects mainstem of Middle Creek and the unnamed 30% tributary segment. Total percent of EPT taxa Plecoptera Coleoptera 24% combined for Middle Creek near the park Trichoptera Diptera boundary had a range between 74 and 86%, Chironomidae with the lowest percentage occurring during 1% the 2004 sample year. Total percent of EPT

19% taxa combined for the unnamed tributary was 18% between 29 and 62%, with the lowest percentage also occurring during the 2004 sample year. The Mammoth Crystal Spring Mammoth Crystal Spring upstream site on Middle Creek exhibited the 1st replicate 2nd replicate highest percent of EPT taxa for all sites and all 1% 1% 4% years combined (92%), while the invertebrates collected at Mammoth Crystal Spring had the lowest percent of EPT for all sites and combined years, with <2% EPT taxa for the first replicate sample and <4% EPT taxa for the second replicate sample. Dipterans, primarily chironomids, made up the remainder of the invertebrate taxa collected from each sample 98% 96% Figure 21. Percentage of major invertebrate groups collected from the location (Figure 21). Middle Creek drainage during 2005. Regulatory Monitoring on Soda community and the overall health of Middle Butte Creek Creek. A total of 113 unique invertebrate taxa were During 2005, field parameters including collected from the Middle Creek drainage from water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, 2002 to 2005. Distinct benthic invertebrate specific conductivity, and turbidity were taxa from individual locations ranged from 23 collected from this site once every two weeks at the Mammoth Crystal Spring site (one year as part of YNP’s long-term water quality and of collection) to 82 at the unnamed tributary ecosystem health program. Water samples were (four years of collection). Chironomids (midges), also brought back to the Aquatics Section’s field a group of aquatic insects that are generally laboratory for total suspended solid analysis tolerant of adverse environmental conditions, (TSS). Water and sediment samples were dominated the invertebrate community at analyzed for metals (arsenic, copper, iron, and Mammoth Crystal Spring. The high abundance selenium) in conjunction with the NPS I&M of chironomids is one indication that this stream program during June and September (Table reach is under severe environmental stress, most 2). To better assess the overall health of Soda

40 Butte Creek at the park boundary, benthic macroinvertebrate samples were also collected on August 16, 2005. These samples were sent to an independent laboratory for processing and nps / jeff arnold analysis. All required field parameters were within ranges expected of high-elevation, coldwater streams. Natural variations were observed depending upon the time of day and month sampled. Mean water temperature was 5oC (range −0.1 to 13.7˚C). Dissolved oxygen concentrations (range 7.7–10.5 mg/L) tended to correspond with changes in water temperature, with high concentrations recorded during the cold winter months and lower concentrations recorded during July and August. The pH of Soda Butte Creek was neutral to slightly basic (range 7.3–8.4), and considerably higher than pH values consistent with acid mine drainage. Values for specific conductance, turbidity, and Water quality technician Hunter Hutchinson collecting TSS tended to be directly related to flow. In water for heavy metal analysis on Soda Butte Creek. general, specific conductance tended to be lower during the spring high-flow period, turbidity and TSS higher. During the low-flow fall and winter copper concentrations were detected in water periods, the opposite seemed to be true, with samples collected on the evening of June 17, higher specific conductance values and lower 2005 (Table 2). Dissolved copper concentration turbidity and TSS values. (3 µg/L) was below the Montana aquatic life During June and September 2005, arsenic standards for acute and chronic levels (5.2 µg/L and selenium were below the specified laboratory @ 50mg/L hardness for acute and 7.3 µg/L reporting limits for both aqueous and sediment @ 50mg/L hardness for chronic aquatic life samples collected. Both dissolved and total standards); however, total copper concentrations

Table 2. Concentrations for select metal concentrations on Soda Butte Creek at the park boundary during June and September 2005.

Measured Analyte Date Matrix Analysis Time Arsenic Copper Iron Selenium 0904 <8 <3 112 <20 Dissolved metals 1846 <8 <3 85 <20 June 17 Aqueous* 0904 <8 3 658 <20 Total metals 1846 <8 11 3,270 <20 0917 <8 <3 55 <20 Dissolved metals 1809 <8 <3 51 <20 September 22 Aqueous* 0917 <8 <3 219 <20 Total metals 1809 <8 <3 237 <20 September 22 Sediment** Total metals 1809 <5 17 14,000 <5

*Aqueous measurement units are in µg/L. **Sediment measurement units are in mg/kg. 41 (11 µg/L) were above the specified chronic generally covered by snow during the first part levels of copper in water. Although copper did of the year, with snowmelt usually beginning exceed Montana’s chronic aquatic life standard, in May. Snowmelt contributes to the low water the data may not be comparable because water temperatures and high streamflow during May hardness was not measured at the time of sample and June. These high-flow conditions ultimately collection. Copper in sediment was recorded at lead to higher turbidity and lower conductivity 17 mg/kg, which is below the 33 mg/kg listed values. During July and August, water by Montana’s aquatic life standards. Samples temperatures and specific conductivity values analyzed for dissolved iron did not exceed generally increase while turbidity values decrease. the Montana aquatic life standard of 1,000 Substrate within Specimen Creek is primarily µg/L. However, samples analyzed for total iron composed of cobble and coarse gravel, which is exceeded this standard on the evening of June ideal for aquatic invertebrates and larval fishes. 17, 2005. During September 2005, total iron Submersed aquatic vegetation is sporadically concentration was 14,000 mg/kg; there are no dense in some stream segments and primarily recognized standards for iron in sediments. consists of rooted aquatic bryophytes. During August 2004 and 2005, the Aquatics Specimen Creek Prior to Section sampled the Specimen Creek drainage Cutthroat Trout Restoration as part of the proposed westslope cutthroat trout restoration project. Chemical, physical, and biological parameters were sampled at six stream During August Specimen Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin locations during 2004, and at three stream River, is located in the northwest corner of YNP, 2004 and 2005, locations (East Fork Specimen Creek only) near the northwestern boundary. Specimen during 2005 (Figure 22). High Lake, which the Aquatics Creek exhibits geophysical, hydrological, and forms the headwaters of East Fork Specimen chemical characteristics that are common Section sampled Creek (EFSC), was also sampled for basic water for high-elevation, coldwater systems of the quality parameters and aquatic invertebrates the Specimen northern Rocky Mountains. The drainage is Creek drainage as part of the proposed westslope cutthroat trout restoration project.

Figure 22. Sites where pre-treatment surveys were conducted for fish, macroinvertebrates (Invert.), and water quality (WQ) in the East Fork (EF), North Fork (NF), and mainstem (MS) Specimen Creek.

42 A B Non Insects Non Insects 7% 6% Chironomidae Ephemeroptera Ephemeroptera 23% 17% 22%

Chironomidae 50% Diptera 15% Plecoptera 14% Plecoptera 12% Coleoptera 2% Trichoptera Trichoptera Diptera 6% 22% 3% Coleoptera 1% Figure 23. Percentage of major invertebrate taxa (A) and percent invertebrate abundance (B) belonging to major taxonomic groups collected from the Specimen Creek watershed, August 2004.

During August during August 2005. Water quality parameters locations on High Lake. A D-frame net was collected at each site included temperature, DO, used to collect supplementary information 2004, 87 pH, specific conductivity, turbidity, and stream regarding invertebrate and larval frogs from the invertebrate taxa discharge. Aquatic invertebrates were collected littoral zone surrounding High Lake. Generally, to gain supplementary information regarding sediments in High Lake are composed of fine silt were collected their presence and distribution throughout the and organic material. Benthic invertebrate fauna in the Specimen watershed and because they are relatively long- consisted of midge larvae in the deeper portions lived, immobile, and sensitive to environmental of the lake, and abundant midge larvae and Creek drainage. changes. fingernail clams (familySphaeriidae ) in shallow During August 2004, 87 invertebrate taxa portions of the lake. Amphipods, fingernail were collected in the Specimen Creek drainage. clams, and dragonfly larvae were collected The least number of taxa (39) identified was within the littoral zone. Open-water areas were collected from the mainstem of Specimen Creek; dominated by several species of Cladocerans the greatest number (51) was collected from the and Copepods, both of which are planktonic uppermost site on EFSC. Ten taxa were found crustaceans. No larval amphibians were collected at all six locations: water mites (Acari spp.), two during the lake survey; however, one adult frog mayflies Baetis( bicaudatus and Cinygmula spp.), was collected on a subsequent trip in September three stoneflies Sweltsa( spp., Zapada columbiana, 2005. and Zapada oregonensis), and four midge taxa Monitoring for potential impacts of (Cricotopus nostococladius, Eukiefferiella spp., the piscicides antimycin and rotenone Orthocladius spp., and Pagastia spp.). EPT taxa and/or KMnO4 (potassium permanganate, comprised 53% of the total taxa identified from used to detoxify the piscicides) on aquatic all sites combined (Figure 23), while midges macroinvertebrate communities and amphibian (order Diptera, family Chironomidae) comprised species would be conducted immediately 51% of total invertebrate abundance within the following treatment and for several years Specimen Creek drainage. thereafter. Impacts would be judged by During August 2005, additional benthic comparing post-treatment data to that collected invertebrate samples were collected from three during pre-surveys at sites throughout the EFSC sites on EFSC. In addition, both benthic and watershed (both treated and untreated streams) plankton samples were collected from several and in High Lake.