Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

For the Ganaraska River Fisheries Management Plan, Community Advisory Committee

Prepared by:

M. Desjardins, J. Lapierre and A. Smith

March 2007 Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

The Ganaraska River Watershed has long been recognized for its clear cold water and excellent trout and salmon fisheries. Historically, the Ganaraska River supported healthy resident brook trout populations and migratory Atlantic salmon from Lake Ontario. In the early 1800s, dams near the mouth of the Ganaraska River blocked Atlantic salmon runs. By the 1870s, Atlantic salmon populations had collapsed in most Lake Ontario rivers. The role of Atlantic salmon as a top predator in Lake Ontario has since been replaced with stocked Pacific salmon and trout. The Ganaraska River ecosystem has seen a significant positive change since the 1940s when a series of studies and restoration projects began. Currently the Ganaraska River Watershed supports one of the largest wild rainbow trout runs in the Lake Ontario basin.

In the past, fisheries management of the Ganaraska River was guided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Lindsay District Fisheries Management Plan. In 2000, the plan expired and the lead agencies responsible for fish and aquatic habitat management merged to direct the development of a new management plan. A Technical Steering Committee (TSC) was established to help guide the development of a background report and fisheries management plan. Since 1994, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) have collected information on the current state of the fisheries and aquatic habitat across the Ganaraska River Watershed.

This report reviews the background information of the fisheries and aquatic habitat in the Ganaraska River Watershed. Variables analyzed include fish species, aquatic habitat, land cover, water quality and quantity. Distribution of dominant fish species and aquatic habitats were examined to identify spatial trends throughout the watershed. Historic fish community data were examined to determine if changes occurred through time. Water quality variables tested include ph (acidity), conductivity, chloride, nitrate, ammonia-ammonium, phosphorous, E.Coli and total coliforms.

Watershed Catchments

The Ganaraska River Watershed (Figure 2) was partitioned into 16 watershed catchments to help facilitate state of the resource reporting. The catchments are based on larger tributaries or sections of tributaries where dams or other barriers exist (Figure 1). Four distinct fish communities were identified in the Ganaraska River Watershed and are illustrated (Figure 3).

Figure 1. Residential areas, major roads, and large dams within the Ganaraska River Watershed 10 7 8 `12 6 9 4 13 11 15 5 14 3 2

16 1 Catchment 1. Corbett Dam to Canton Dam 2. Canton Dam to Osaca 3. Osaca to Kendal – downstream of Jackson Dam 4. Headwater mainstem – upstream of Jackson Dam 11.Lower Little Ganaraska – downstream Elizabethville 5. Quay’s Branch Dam to Cold Springs Creek This map is for information purposes 6. North Ganaraska -Canton 12. Soper Branch only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no 7. North Ganaraska – upstream Garden Hill Dam 13. Burnham Branch responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information 8. North Ganaraska – upstream Fudge’s Mill Dam 14. Duck Pond Branch contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced 9. Cold Springs Creek 15. Elliott Stream using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, 10. Upper Little Ganaraska- upstream Elizabethville Dam 16. Welcome “Henwood Stream” GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 2. Ganaraska River Watershed catchments 10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3 2

16 1 Fish Communities

1 - rainbow trout and minnow 2 - brown trout and minnow 3 - brown trout and sculpin 4 - brook trout and sculpin

This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 3. Dominant fish communities and catchments in the Ganaraska River Watershed Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

Fish Community Characteristics and Locations

Fish Community 1: rainbow trout and minnow species

This diverse fish community was dominated by rainbow trout as a top predator, but also present were white sucker, sculpin and a variety of minnow species including, blacknose dace, longnose dace, creek chub, and Johnny darter. Fish Community 1 is found in the mainstem north of Corbett’s Dam to Jackson Mill Dam containing Catchments 1,2 and 3 and the lower reaches of 9 and 13. The fish community boundaries then extend northeast including Catchments 11 and 15 and east into Quays Branch (Catchment 5) and Duck Pond (Catchment 14).

The mainstem Catchments 1,2 and 3 have the largest drainage area of 94km2, longest channel length at 45km, and highest discharge. These catchments supported white sucker, longnose dace, creek chub, and Johnny darter but were dominated by the highest densities of rainbow trout in the watershed. The median maximum summer water temperature varied from 19.4oC to 23.9 oC, from the upper to lower reaches. Substrate consisted of gravel and cobble with increasing sands in the upper reaches.

In Catchment 5 and 14 fish species diversity and density was lower than the mainstem catchments. In Catchment 5 species diversity and density decreased above a weir, located north of 5th Concession. Species included rainbow trout, blacknose dace, creek chub, and sculpin species. The median maximum summer temperature for both catchments was 21.7oC. Substrate consisted of sand in the upper reaches and mixed gravel and cobble in the lower reaches for both catchments. Both tributaries originate from a drumlinized till plain called the South Slope. The South Slope is an aquatard (containing soils not conducive to ground water discharge) resulting in low discharge compared to the other tributaries within the watershed.

Adult Chinook salmon are prevalent within Fish Community 1 during spawning migration. Spawning activity was documented throughout Catchments 1,2 and 3 and in the lower reaches of Catchments 5,9,11,12,13,14. Due to Chinook life history, where they leave the stream within months of hatching to rear in Lake Ontario, they are rarely collected during summer electrofishing surveys. Therefore Chinook are not discussed in terms of the data analysis in the background document. Coho salmon have also been collected sporadically during the summer surveys and were not included in the analysis for the same reason as Chinook. It should be noted that the occurrence of pacific salmon is unique to Fish Community 1.

Fish Community 2: brown trout and minnow species

A second distinct fish community was identified in Catchment 6 on the North Ganaraska Branch between the Canton Hydroelectric Dam and Garden Hill Creek confluence. This community included brown trout, white sucker,

Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

blacknose dace, longnose dace, and creek chub, but is dominated by brown trout and minnow species. The median maximum summer water temperature for this area was 20.0oC. Substrate composition throughout the tributary consisted of gravel, sand and cobble.

Fish Community 3: brown trout and sculpin

This community includes Catchment 4 north of Jackson Dam and the lower reaches of Catchment 12. Brown trout and sculpin species dominate this community; however brook trout were also prominent in the headwaters. The maximum summer water temperature for Catchment 4 was 18.3oC and mean maximum water temperature for the lower reach of Catchment 12 was 17.4oC. This section of the river was largely dominated by sand and gravel substrate.

Fish Community 4: brook trout and sculpin

The fourth fish community consists of all northern headwater streams including Catchment 4 north of Fish Community 3, Catchment 12 north headwaters, Catchment 13 north of County Rd. 9, Catchment 10 north of Elizabethville Dam, Catchment 12 northern tributaries, and Catchments 6,7 and 8 north of the Garden Hill Dam. Fish community 4 is dominated by brook trout and sculpin species.

Catchment 4 includes all tributaries entering the Ganaraska River north of Fish Community 3. Fish species found include brown trout, rainbow trout, and sculpin species. The median maximum summer water temperature was 13oC and substrate was composed mainly of sand and large gravel.

Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9) had a maximum summer water temperature of 14.0oC in the upper reach to 20oC in the lower reach. Fish species found included brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, blacknose dace, creek chub, and sculpin species. Substrate was composed of sand, gravel, and cobble.

Catchment 10 upstream of Elizabethville Dam on the Little Ganaraska Branch had a lower species diversity including brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and sculpin species. The median maximum summer water temperature was 14.7oC. Substrate composition was mainly sand and gravel.

Catchments 6,7 and 8 include tributaries of the North Ganaraska Branch above the Garden Hill Dam. Fish species found include brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, white sucker, blacknose dace, longnose dace, creek chub, Johnny darter, and sculpin species. The median maximum summer water temperature for Catchment 7 and 8 was 16.2oC, and 15.1oC respectively. The maximum summer temperature for Catchment 6 was 22.1oC. Only one temperature site was present in this portion of the catchment, and therefore, poorly represents the headwater temperatures. Substrate composition was primarily sand and gravel.

10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3

2 Catchment Current Abundance 1 Not present 16 1 2 Not present 3 Not present 4 High Trends 5 Low Increase 6 Low 7 High Decrease 8 Low Not present 9 and 11 High 10 Moderate No historical data 12 Moderate Insufficient data 13 High No change This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation 14 Not present Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information 15 Insufficient data contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural 16 Not present Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 4. Trends in brook trout density over time by catchment from the 1970s to the 2000s in the Ganaraska River Watershed 10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3

Catchment Current 2 Abundance 1 Low 2 High 16 1 3 Moderate 4 Low 5 Moderate Trends 6 Not present Increase 7 Not present 8 Not present Decrease 9 and 11 Moderate Not present 10 Low 11 Moderate No historical data 12 Moderate Insufficient data 13 Moderate This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation 14 Moderate No change Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: 15 Insufficient data January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural 16 Not present Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 5. Trends in rainbow trout density over time by catchment from the 1970s to the 2000s in the Ganaraska River Watershed 10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3

Catchment Current 2 Abundance 1 Low 2 Low 16 1 3 High 4 High Trends 5 Low 6 Moderate Increase 7 High Decrease 8 Low 9 and 11 Low Not present 10 Low No historical data 12 High 13 High Insufficient data 14 Not present No change This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information 15 Insufficient contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: data January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural 16 Not present Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 6. Trends in brown trout density over time by catchment from the 1970s to the 2000s in the Ganaraska River Watershed Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

Salmonid Density Trends Over Time and Current Abundance

The following statements reflect trends in density over time and current abundance for brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout (Figure 4,5, and 6 respectively). Density data was collected from the 1970s to the 2000s. Abundance levels (low, moderate, and high) were determined as percentiles and are therefore in reference to the Ganaraska River Watershed data exclusively.

Catchment 1 Rainbow and brown trout abundance was low; however, both species had increasing densities. • Brook trout were not present • Brown trout were first collected in the 1990s.

Catchment 2 Rainbow and brown trout densities were increasing, while brook trout have not been collected in this catchment since the 1970s. Rainbow trout abundance was high and brown trout abundance was low. • This catchment has the highest recorded densities of rainbow trout in the watershed. • Brown trout density increased from the 1990s to the 2000s.

Catchment 3 Rainbow trout densities were increasing and brown trout densities were decreasing. Brook trout have not been collected in this catchment since the 1970s. Rainbow trout abundance was moderate and brown trout abundance was high.

Catchment 4 Rainbow trout densities were increasing, while brook and brown trout densities remained the same. However, brook and brown trout abundance was high and rainbow trout abundance was low. Rainbow trout abundance was low because Jackson Dam prevents migration into the North Ganaraska Branch. • Rainbow trout were not present in the 1970s, but were collected in the 1990s and increased into the 2000s. The mechanism for the introduction of rainbow trout upstream of the dam is unknown.

Catchment 5 Brook and brown trout abundance was low and rainbow trout abundance was moderate. Small sample size inhibited density analysis through time for all three species. • Brook trout were first collected in 2004. • Rainbow trout first collected in the 1990s.

Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

Catchment 6 Brown trout densities were increasing, and brook trout densities remained the same. Brook trout abundance was low and brown trout abundance was moderate. Rainbow trout were not present because the Canton Hydroelectric Dam prevents migration into the North Ganaraska Branch. This Catchment was not sampled in the 2000s. • Brook trout were first collected in the 1990’s.

Catchment 7 Brook and brown trout densities remained the same, and rainbow trout were not present because the Canton Hydroelectric Dam prevents migration into the North Ganaraska Branch. Brook and brown trout abundance was high.

Catchment 8 Brook and brown trout abundance remained the same, and rainbow trout were not present because the Canton Hydroelectric Dam prevents migration into the North Ganaraska Branch. Brook and brown trout abundance was low. No sampling occurred in the 1990s for this catchment.

Catchments 9 and 11 Brook trout densities increased while brown and rainbow trout densities remained the same. Brook trout abundance was high, rainbow trout abundance was moderate and brown trout abundance was low.

Catchment 10 Rainbow, brown, and brook trout densities have not significantly changed over time. Rainbow and brown trout abundance was low, while brook trout abundance was moderate. This Catchment was not sampled in the 1990s. Rainbow trout were detected upstream of the Elizabethville dam for the first time during the 2000 sampling period. Although this may not represent a significant increase their presence upstream of the dam is interesting, as the structure is perceived as being a migration barrier. The mechanism for the introduction of rainbow trout upstream of the dam is unknown.

Catchment 12 Brook, brown, and rainbow trout densities have not changed over time. Brook and rainbow trout abundance was moderate, while brown trout abundance was high.

Catchment 13 Brook and brown trout abundance was high and rainbow trout abundance was moderate. Insufficient density data in the 1970s and 2000s inhibited comparison through time for all trout species. This Catchment was not sampled in the 1990s. • Rainbow trout were not present in the 1970s or the 2000s data set used for temporal comparison, however a site located low in the catchment sampled in 2004 had moderate rainbow trout abundance. This site was in an isolated

Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

location relative to other sites in the catchment, therefore it was not included in the temporal comparison. • Brown trout were not present in the 1970s or the 2000s data used for the temporal comparison. In 2004, a site located low in the catchment had a high abundance but was not included in the temporal comparison because of its isolated location relative to other sites in the catchment.

Catchment 14 Brook and brown trout were not present and rainbow trout abundance was moderate. This Catchment was only sampled in the 2000s, inhibiting data comparison over time.

Catchments 15 and 16 Fish species data was not collected.

Land Cover: Agriculture and Forest

Land use affects stream habitats through rates of sedimentation, nutrient cycling, erosion, and other ecological processes that ultimately effect fish community composition and abundance (Allan 1995). Documenting percent land cover of forest and agriculture in the Ganaraska River Watershed will increase our understanding of fish species trends and facilitate management decisions.

Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for Southern Ontario was used to determine area within the Ganaraska River Watershed of each land use. Land uses that are most likely to effect ecological functions in the Ganaraska River Watershed are forested and agricultural lands. Agricultural cover consists of intensive and non-intensive agriculture land uses. Intensive land uses included all tilled land, and non-intensive lands include non-tilled and grazed lands. Forest cover consists of mixed forests, coniferous forests, deciduous forests, plantations, and forested wetlands. Land cover was converted into percent cover per catchment.

Forest cover shows a clear decreasing spatial trend from west to east in the Ganaraska River Watershed (Figure 7). The highest percent of forested land occurs in the northwest portion of the watershed including Catchments 4,7,9,10,12, and13. The lowest percent of forested land is found in the southeast portion of the watershed including Catchments 1,2,5,14,15 and 16. Moderate forest cover is centrally located in watershed Catchments 3,6,8, and 11.

Agricultural land shows the reverse trend to forest cover, with a distinct spatial increase from west to east (Figure 8). The highest percent of agricultural land is found in the eastern portion of the watershed including Catchments 1,2,5,6,8,11,14,and 16. The lowest agricultural land use occurs in the northwest portion of the watershed including Catchments 4,10,12, and 13. Moderate agricultural land use is centrally located in Catchments 3,7, and 9.

10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3 2

16 1 Percent Cover Very dense (100- 65) High (64.9 – 49.5) Moderate (49.4 – 32) Low (31.9 – 0)

Figure 7. Percent of forested land cover by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed as of 2002. 10 7 8 `12 6 4 13 9 11 15 5 14 3 2

16 1

Percent Cover Very dense (100 – 65) High (64.9 – 50.0) Moderate (49.9 –35) Low (34.9 – 0)

Figure 8. Percent of agricultural land cover by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed as of 2002. Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

Habitat Characteristics:Surficial Geology, Water Temperature and Baseflow

Sand and gravel substrate composition for the Ganaraska River Watershed are displayed by Catchment in Figure 9. Median maximum summer water temperature for each site and mean maximum summer water temperature for each Catchment (Figure 10), and baseflow (indicate ground water discharge) is averaged by catchment (Figure 11).

The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) lies on the northern borders of the Ganaraska River Watershed. The ORM is characteristic of high relative elevation, and sand/gravel soil composition function as a major recharge zone within the watershed. Precipitation falling on the ORM surface infiltrates through the sand and gravel providing recharge to the underlying aquifers (a layer of underground rock or sediment that stores and transports water). The flanks of the ORM also provide groundwater discharge areas. Flow for the Ganaraska River and its tributaries are provided by the groundwater discharge from the flanks of the moraine and its surface runoff. The groundwater discharge flow is a source of coldwater throughout the watershed. Groundwater discharge areas are important factors contributing to quality fish habitat for coldwater species. Localized areas of coldwater input are common through sand and gravel substrates, and are valued throughout the watershed as they provide salmonid spawning habitats and refuge areas during hot summer days for coldwater fish species.

Water temperature is a key environmental parameter in fisheries management as it strongly influences and potentially limits physiological processes, reproductive potential, and distribution. However, the definition of optimum temperature in fishes poses a significant challenge because of the wide variety of physiological processes affected by temperature, the potential importance of environmental history, and other factors like life stage and reproductive status. However, generally speaking salmonids including brook, brown and rainbow trout prefer a narrow coldwater temperature range, and are sensitive to changes in water temperature (Wootton 1998). Stream salmonids prefer a temperature range of approximately 14-17 ºC, but can tolerate temperatures in the mid 20sºC (Wootton 1998). To examine the thermal properties of the Ganaraska River, median maximum water temperatures were determined for each catchment and divided into 3 categories: coldwater (<18.9ºC), coolwater (19-25ºC), and warmwater (>25.1ºC) (Stoneman and Jones 1996).

All coldwater catchments originated in the north headwaters of the Oak Ridges Moraine, except Catchments 9 and 13, which are classified as coolwater. These areas consisted of >40 percent sand and gravel substrate, and had a low to moderate baseflow. Data from Catchment 13 reflects conditions in the lower reaches of that catchment. Headwaters of Catchment 13 were poorly represented in the study. Likely, the headwaters of Catchment 13 are characterized by water temperatures within the coldwater category.

Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

The coolwater Catchments (1,2,3,5,6, and 14) were found along the mainstem and the east-southeast portions of the watershed. The catchments consisted of 10-30 percent sand and gravel substrate. The coolwater catchments were divided by high and low baseflow areas. Catchments 1,2,3, and 6 had the highest flows of the watershed. The high flows reflect the catchment positions within the watershed, as cumulatively they represent two of the largest tributaries (mainstem and the lower North Ganaraska Branch).

Catchments 5 and 14 are low baseflow catchments. The reduced flow within these catchments can be attributed to the physiographic region from which they originate. Unlike other catchments in the watershed that begin as seeps from the ORM sediments, these streams originate from the dumlinized till plain of the South Slopes physiographic unit. The south slope contains soils that have lower hydraulic permeability when compared to moraine soils. The lower infiltration results in a reduction of baseflow.

Warmwaters were found in 4 sites throughout the watershed, however, only Catchment 16 was classified as a warmwater area. Catchment 16 had <10% sand and gravel substrate, low baseflow, and the highest percent of agricultural land use.

Baseflow was quantified in the summer of 2004 throughout the watershed during periods of low flow. This was the first attempt of quantifying baseflow in the Ganaraska River Watershed. Data were collected over the summer months and flow data was not normalized to one date, therefore, watertable fluxuations and other environmental factors effecting basefow were not accounted for. In addition, unknown water takings most likely occurred above baseflow sampling sites and dam reservoir water levels changed throughout the summer. The baseflow data for the Ganaraska River will be updated, as a comprehensive watershed project is expected to occur in the summer of 2007.

Water Quality

Humans have significantly altered the Ganaraska River Watershed dating back to European settlement in the late 1700s. Given that water quality directly affects the health of aquatic life, 30 water quality monitoring stations were established throughout the watershed recording data 4 times a year. The water quality variables samples reflect the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of each site. In Ontario the standard for maximum acceptable limits of these variables are set by the Provincial Water Quality Objectives guidelines (PWQO) and the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG). Water quality values that are within these standards will be referred to as being in the “normal range”.

The Ganaraska River Watershed over all had a normal range of water quality samples. All of the physical water quality variables were within normal ranges for freshwater streams. Most of the chemical variables were within normal range except phosphorous. Phosphorous occurs naturally in freshwater streams from

Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

rock and sediment erosion, and is present in sewage, industrial effluent, agricultural run off, and storm waters. Phosphorus is an essential element required for plant growth, however too much can reduce the amount of total dissolved oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic life, and therefore healthy waters should be below 0.03 mg/L of total phosphorous according to the PWQO. Phosphorous is above the PWQO in the catchments with high agricultural land use. Catchment 2 was > 0.04mg/L and Catchments 1,6, and 8 where between 0.03mg/L and 0.04mg/L.

The biological values within the watershed were above PWQG in most of the catchments. The PWQO of Escherichia coli (E.coli) are 100 bacterium/100 ml, total coliforms are 100 bacterium/100ml.

E.coli and total coliforms are indicator bacteria used to asses the microbial health of water. These bacteria are associated with fecal contamination from warm bodied animals, including humans, livestock, and wild animals (ie. geese). Direct ingestion of these bacteria, through drinking water can cause gastro-intestinal complications. High levels of fecal bacterial can be mitigated by directly removing contaminate sources. In the Ganaraska River Watershed 19 of the 30 sites had E.coli levels higher than the PWQO. Over 50% of these sites were found in catchments with high agricultural land cover and low to moderate percentages of forested land cover.

Total coliforms also come from non-fecal origins such as soil, organic surfaces, and decaying matter. In the Ganaraska River Watershed all 30 sites were over the PWQO. The highest counts of total coliforms were found in catchments with high and moderate percentages of agricultural land and moderate to low percentage of forested land. Areas with large percentages of agricultural land are also related to increased rural development and private septic systems, which also contributes to the amount of total coliforms present within the watershed.

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Percent sand/gravel 16 1 < 10 10-20 20-30 30-40 40-50 50-60 60-70 This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation >70 Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 9. Surficial geology as percent of sand/gravel substrate by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed 7 10 8 `12 4 6 9 13 11 15 5 14 3 2

Catchment Temperature (°C) Coldwater (<18.9) 16 1 Coolwater (19 – 25) Warmwater (>25.1) No data

Site Temperature (°C)

Coldwater (<18.9) This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Coolwater (19 – 25) Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: Warmwater (>25.1) January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 10. Maximum summer water temperature by site (°C) and median maximum summer water temperature (°C) by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed. Figure 11. Average baseflow (cms) by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed as of 2004

GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Project Introduction______8 Section 2: Watershed Characteristics ______10 2.1 Introduction______10 2.2 Watershed Description ______10 2.3 Physiography______11 2.4 Hydrology ______12 2.4.1 Surface Water Hydrology ______12 2.4.2 Groundwater ______13 2.4.3 Climate______14 2.5 Resource Uses and Ecosystem Changes ______15 2.5.1 Prior to European Colonization ______15 2.5.2 European settlement______15 2.5.3 From Restoration to the Present Ecosystem ______17 Section 3: Fisheries Data and Standardization ______28 3.1 Data Sets ______28 3.1.1. Fisheries Data ______28 3.1.2. Physical Habitat Data ______30 3.1.3. Water Quality Data ______31 3.1.4 Water Quantity Data Set ______32 3.2 Sources of Variation in the Data Sets ______33 3.2.1 Fish Identification ______33 3.2.2 Electrofishing Effort ______33 3.3 Standardization Procedures______33 Section 4: Longitudinal distribution pattern ______34 4.1 Objectives______34 4.2 Methods ______34 4.3 Fish Species Distribution Patterns ______35 4.3.1 Brook Trout ______35 4.3.2 Brown Trout______36 4.3.3 Rainbow Trout ______36 4.3.4 White Sucker ______36 4.3.5 Blacknose Dace ______36 4.3.6 Longnose Dace______37 4.3.7 Creek Chub ______37 4.3.8 Johnny Darter______37 4.3.9 Sculpins ______37 4.4 Habitat Patterns ______37

1 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

4.4.1 Water Temperature ______37 4.4.2 Physical Habitat ______38 4.4.3 Water Quality______38 4.4.5 Water Quantity______39 Section 5: Longitudinal Distribution Analyses ______86 5.1 Objective ______86 5.2 Methods for Analyzing the Fish Species Distribution Patterns ______86 5.3 Results ______87 Section 6: Temporal Analysis ______94 6.1 Objective ______94 6.2 Methods ______94 6.3 Results ______95 6.3.1 Brook Trout ______95 6.3.2 Brown Trout______96 6.3.3 Rainbow Trout ______96 6.3.4 White Sucker ______97 6.3.5 Blacknose Dace ______98 6.3.6 Longnose Dace______99 6.3.7 Creek Chub ______99 6.3.8 Johnny Darter______100 6.3.9 Sculpin ______100 References ______122 Appendix A ______126 Appendix B ______145 Appendix C ______149 Appendix D______156

2 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

LIST OF FIGURES Section 2 Figure 2.01. Residential areas, roads, dams and elevation of Ganaraska River Watershed. Figure 2.02. Elevation of the Ganaraska River Watershed Figure 2.03. Main tributaries of the Ganaraska River Watershed Figure 2.04. Catchments of the Ganaraska River Watershed Figure 2.05. Surficial geology of the Ganaraska River Watershed Figure 2.06. Land uses classification of the Ganaraska River Watershed

Section 4 Figure 4.01. Mean density of brook trout (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.02. Mean density of brook trout (<70mm T.L) at each sampling station. Figure 4.03. Density and biomass of brook trout (all sizes combined) capture vs distance to Lake Ontario. Figure 4.04. Density and biomass of brook trout (<70mmT.L) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario. Figure 4.05. Mean density of brown trout (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.06. Mean density of brown trout (<70mm T.L) at each sampling station. Figure 4.07. Density and biomass of brown trout (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario. Figure 4.08. Density and biomass of brown trout (<70mm T.L) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario. Figure 4.09. Mean density of rainbow trout (all sizes combined) at each sampling station.

Figure 4.10. Mean density of rainbow trout (<70mm T.L) at each sampling station. Figure 4.11. Density and biomass of rainbow trout (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.12. Density and biomass of rainbow trout (<70mm T.L) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.13. Mean density of white sucker (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.14. Density and biomass of white sucker (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario

3 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.15. Mean density of blacknose dace (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.16. Density and biomass of blacknose dace (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.17. Mean density of longnose dave (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.18. Density and biomass of longnose dace (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.19. Mean density of creek chub (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.20. Density and biomass of creek chub (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.21. Mean density of Johnny darter (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.22. Density and biomass of Johnny darter (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.23. Mean density of sculpin (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Figure 4.24. Density and biomass of sculpin (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario Figure 4.25. Maximum summer water temperature of the Ganaraska River Watershed Figure 4.26. Average water depth measured at each sampling station. Figure 4.27. Average wetted width measured at each sampling station Figure 4.28. Percentage of fines substrate (<2mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station. Figure 4.29. Percentage of gravel substrate (>2 - 100mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station. Figure 4.30. Percentage of cobble substrate (100 – 1000 mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station. Figure 4.31. Percentage of clay substrate measured in point particle counts at each sampling station.

Figure 4.32. Mean alkalinity measured as CaCO3 (mg/L) at each of the water quality sampling station.

4 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.33. Range of variation in the alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) measured across the tributaries. Figure 4.34. Range of variability in the pH measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.35. Mean conductivity (US/cm2) measured at each water quality sampling station. Figure 4.36. Range of variability in the conductivity (US/cm2) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.37. Range of variability in the chloride (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.38. Mean nitrate (mg/L) measured at each water quality sampling station. Figure 4.39. Range of variability in the nitrate (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.40. Range of variability in the ammonia-ammonium (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.41. Range of variability in the phosphorus (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.42. Mean E.coli (CFU/100mL) measured at each water quality sampling station. Figure 4.43. Range of variability in the E.coli (CFU/100mL) measurements across the tributaries. Figure 4.44. Mean total coliform (CFU/100mL) measured at each water quality sampling station. Figure 4.45. Range of variability in the total coliforms (CFU/100mL) measurements across the tributaries. Section 5 Figure 5.01. Scree plot displays the eigenvalue numbers Figure 5.02. Projection of the fish species variables used on the factor-plane (1x2). Figure 5.03. Projection of the site variables on factor plan (1x2). Figure 5.04. Fish community groups classified by using the first three factors of the principal component analyses.

5 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 6 Figure 6.01. Sampling station locations sorted by sampling periods and catchments. Figure 6.02. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of brook trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.03. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of brook trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.04. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of brown trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.05. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of brown trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.06. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of rainbow trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.07. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of rainbow trout sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.08. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of white sucker sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.09. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of white sucker sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.10. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of blacknose dace sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.11. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of blacknose dace sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.12. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of longnose dace sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.13. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of longnose dace sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.14. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of creek chub sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.15. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of creek chub sampled within each zone and sampling period.

6 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 6.16. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of Johnny darter sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.17. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of Johnny darter sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.18. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of sculpin sampled within each zone and sampling period. Figure 6.19. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of sculpin sampled within each zone and sampling period.

LIST OF TABLES

Section 2 Table 2.01 List of fish species first sampled in the Ganaraska River Watershed

Section 5 Table 5.01. Principal component factor loading scores of the fish species relative abundance.

Section 6 Table 6.01. Summary of the Mann-Whitney U critical Z and p-value

7 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 1: Project Introduction

Background

Management of Ontario’s aquatic environment and resources is a shared responsibility between multiple governments of the federal, provincial, tribal, and municipal level. Partnership responsibilities included development of habitat management objectives, collecting sound background science to understand the relationships of habitat and biotic communities, and creating baseline standards for successful monitoring of the aquatic ecosystem.

The Lindsay District Fisheries Management Plan guided the Ganaraska River Watershed resources until 2000, when the plan expired. The involved agencies took initiative to develop and new management plan that would care for the fish communities and aquatic habitat within the watershed. These agencies include the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA).

The OMNR has developed a Watershed-based Fisheries Management Plan Guideline to assist in the development process of building a Fisheries Management Plan in the Southern Ontario Region.

The Fisheries Management Process (FMP) Developing a plan has fours stages • Issue identification and data collection; • Analysis and planning; • Implementation; and • Monitoring

The planning process encourages the creation of partnerships involving conservation authorities, municipalities, and other key stakeholders. The development process is a social and technical procedure. To ensure the FMP is

8 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT relevant it must not only reflect the background science, it must reflect the interests of the public and stakeholders. Public involvement is essential in every step of the process, guiding and shaping the planning process, and with implementation of the projects and programs, monitoring, reporting, and reviewing watershed plans.

This document describes and characterizes the physiography, hydrology, resource use, and ecosystem changes of the Ganaraska River Watershed. The main focus of this document however, is the analysis and interpretation of complied background scientific data. Data standardization, data sources, and data variation are all described within the report. The fish species data was represented as trends, identified as longitudinal distribution patterns and temporal distributions. A Technical Steering Committee was established to review the data analysis and guide the development of the background report. See appendix C.2 for a list of the Technical Steering Committee members.

Objective The objective of a Fisheries Management Plan is to integrate all existing knowledge of the fisheries resources and the aquatic environment into an optimal management tool that will protect, enhance, and rehabilitate the Ganaraska River Watershed, providing sustainable resources for our future.

To ensure the objectives are achieved and maintained the FMP must be supported by accurate scientific data. Data summary provides a benchmark state of resources that will allow future monitoring and for the selection of accurate indicator measures essential for the future monitoring of the FMP.

9 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 2: Watershed Characteristics

2.1 Introduction

This section provides historic and current information on the characteristics of the Ganaraska River Watershed. The characteristics discussed were selected to support the interpretations of observed spatial and temporal trends in the aquatic ecosystem of the Ganaraska River Watershed. This section also describes important geological events that helped create the basin shape, surface and groundwater hydrological regime, and natural resources. The geology and hydrology sections described are summarized from the Draft Source Water Protection Water Budget Report (GRCA, 2006). The resource uses section describes the historical conditions, influential restoration and research projects, and current conditions of the watershed.

2.2 Watershed Description

The Ganaraska River watershed is a triangular basin that covers approximately 279.5km2 extending north of Kirby in the west to north of Campbellcroft in the east and south to Port Hope (Figure 2.01). The Ganaraska River Watershed centrally located in the Municipality of Port Hope and Municipality of Clarington, with its eastern extent in the Township of Hamilton.

The Ganaraska River Watershed has eight main tributaries; the Mainstem, North Ganaraska Branch, Little Ganaraska Branch, Duck Pond Branch, Quay’s Branch, Soper Branch, Cold Springs Creek, and Burnham Branch (Figure 2.03) These tributaries were divided into 16 catchment areas to help facilitate state of resource reporting (Figure 2.04) Majority of the tributaries drain off the Oak Ridges Moraine flowing in a south-easterly direction to its outlet on Lake Ontario. The Mainstem (Catchments 1,2,3 and 4) has the largest drainage area of 94km2, longest channel length of 45km, highest discharge, and an average gradient of 5.5m/km in the Ganaraska River Watershed. The North Ganaraska Branch

10 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

(Catchment 6,7 and 6) has the second largest drainage area of 70km2, channel length of 24km, and an average gradient of 9.2m/km. Little Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 10 and 11) has a drainage area of 33km2, channel length of 15km, and an average gradient of 13m/km. Duck Pond Branch has a drainage area of 21km2, channel length of 14km, and an average gradient of 12m/km. Quay’s Branch has a drainage area of 21km2, channel length of 13km, and an average gradient of 10m/km. Soper Branch has a drainage area of 15km2, channel length of 8km, and an average gradient of 20m/km. Cold Springs Creek has a drainage area of 13km2, channel length 12km, and an average gradient of 16m/km. Burnham Branch has the smallest drainage area of 10km2, channel length of 8km, and steepest average gradient of 23m/km. These values were calculated using Ontario Flow Assessment Tool (NESI, 2002).

2.3 Physiography

The Ganaraska River watershed encompasses three major physiographic regions; Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM), South Slope, and Lake Iroquois Plain (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). The ORM is positioned along the northern boundary of the watershed dominating the landscape. The Moraine is a long broad build up of sand and gravel that was deposited at the toe of two large ice sheets during the last ice age in Southern Ontario (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). The ORM is between 2 and 14km wide along the northern extent of the watershed, and stretches approximately 35km (Figure 2.05). The crest of the ORM is 395 meters above sea level(masl) dropping to an elevation of approximately 210 to 250masl on the southern flank (Figure 2.02).

South of the ORM lies a drumlinized till plain called the South Slope. Numerous branches of the Ganaraska River originate in the Oak Ridges Moraine, carving the till plain as they flow into Lake Ontario, where the banks are lined with recent river deposits. The ground surface topography continues from the flanks of the ORM, reaching an elevation of approximately 160masl at the historical glacial

11 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Lake Iroquois shoreline. The glacial Lake Iroquois continues to extend south to Lake Ontario as lacustrine clay and sand plains. Ground surface elevation along Lake Ontario shoreline is approximately 75masl.

Regional surficial geologic mapping (Figure 2.05), indicates land south of the ORM consists of several till sheets overlain by glacial lake deposits of either silt/clay or sand/gravel. Overtime the lake deposits are cut through and overlain by river deposits (Barnett et al., 1998). Beneath the glacial and lacustrine overburden lies limestone bedrock coupled with shaley partings of the Lindsay Formation of the Simcoe Group dated within the Ordovician period. The bedrock surface slopes gently to the south-southeast, to an elevation of 80 to 90masl near the Municipality of Port Hope. The limestone bedrock is frequently outcropped along the Ganaraska River near the Town of Port Hope, and along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

2.4 Hydrology

2.4.1 Surface Water Hydrology The Ganaraska River has a triangular shaped basin with a total area of 279.5km2. The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) supplies the dominant water source for the Ganaraska River at an elevation of 305masl, flowing south-easterly for 45km to the Lake Ontario outlet in the Town of Port Hope. The river follows a well-defined valley through the till plains situated through Concession 6, 7, and 8 of the Municipality of Clarington, continuing across the sand plains while increasing in width and depth through Concession 4, 5, and 6 in Municipality of Port Hope. The stream continues into the beveled till plains of Canton where the North Ganaraska Branch flows into the Mainstem. After this confluence, the river flows southward through Concessions 3, 2, and 1 of the Town of Port Hope where the channel has eroded to limestone bedrock in the final reach to the Lake Ontario outlet. The Ganaraska River descends 161m from source to confluence.

12 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

2.4.2 Groundwater The Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) serves as a major recharge zone within the Ganaraska watershed. Precipitation reaching the ORM surface infiltrates through the sand and gravel substrate, providing recharge to the underlying aquifers (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). The surface water flowing off the ORM and groundwater discharge from the flanks of the ORM is responsible for headwater flows in the majority of streams, creeks, and rivers in the Ganaraska River Watershed (Dyke et al., 1997).

Investigation of groundwater and surface water interactions has been completed in the Bowmanville, Soper, and Wilmot Creek Watershed west of the Ganaraska River Watershed (Funk, 1977 and Singer, 1981). Numerous monitoring wells across the above drainage basins indicate that groundwater recharge conditions dominate the till plain and the laustrine clay and sand plain, where river valleys are not in vicinity.

Flowing artesian wells are commonly found in stream valleys (Singer, 1981), and flowing artesian wells are present along the remnants of the Lake Iroquois shoreline (Funk, 1977andSinger, 1981), contributing groundwater flow to surface waters throughout the Ganaraska River Watershed. This discharge occurs on the Mainstem between Osaca and Canton, where glacial lake deposits of sand and gravel are exposed to the surface. Several studies have shown that groundwater discharge from deep aquifers contribute to the formation of Lake Ontario’s low lying groundwater fed marshes and streams (Singer, 1974). As a result, all groundwater in the Ganaraska River Watershed is discharged into Lake Ontario.

The groundwater in the Ganaraska River Watershed generally flows south, following the ground surface topography and bedrock. The regional cross- section observations showed that aquifers are found in the overburden and bedrock, with both near surface and deeper overburden aquifers in the zones of

13 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

sand and gravel. Fluctuations of the water table were noted in the shallow aquifers (Singer, 1974). The deep regional groundwater aquifers are primarily recharged in the northern portion of the watershed, in the ORM (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). The deep groundwater then flows south to be intersected by streams, rivers, groundwater wells, and Lake Ontario. The deep aquifers are generally under confined conditions crating high groundwater pressure heads, resulting in occasional artesian wells in the watershed.

2.4.3 Climate The Global atmospheric circulation has direct affects on local climate, and local climate effects many local biological systems including hydrological regime. Precipitation (in the form of both rain and snow), evaporation, and temperature, all are climate variables that have a dominant effect on hydrological regime. These factors can provide a better understanding of the abiotic influences on the aquatic ecosystem.

Local climate may also be profoundly affected by the proximity of water and local topographical relief. Topography significantly influences local temperature and precipitation in the Ganaraska River Watershed where elevations range from 75- 366masl. However, average annual temperature and precipitation values show minor variations throughout the watershed, and is most likely as result of the small catchment drainage area. The most significant factor affecting the Ganaraska Watershed climate is its proximity to Lake Ontario. The lake influence has a significant moderation effect on local climate. Climate moderation is most prominent in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ontario shores, and beings to diminish towards the northern inland slopes. On the moraine upland the climate cools, exhibiting sharper winters and later springs than the remaining drainage area.

Precipitation in the Ganaraska watershed shows noticeable local variation., The mean annual precipitation along the lake shore varies from 755 to 830mm; while, on the northern upland slopes varies from 875 to 900mm. Precipitation values

14 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

continue to increase up to an average 1000mm/yr on the Oak Ridges Moraine slopes and low regions of the watershed.

2.5 Resource Uses and Ecosystem Changes

2.5.1 Prior to European Colonization Pre-European colonization, the Ganaraska River Watershed resource uses was minimal. The Ganaraska River Watershed was densely wooded with massive stands of oak and pine trees. Migrant Huron aboriginals were the area’s first inhabitants, however, their occupation was inconsistent from ongoing Iroquois raids (GRCA, 1981). The Huron’s eventually left the area in the 1650s and the Iroquois remained to fish, hunt and trap the Ganaraska River. The Iroquois named the river Ganaraska, meaning the “spawning place” which referred to the historical abundance of Atlantic salmon (Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966). The Ganaraska River was a major trade route and had several small huts along the river. In the watershed, there were 3 main walking trails similar to the present Walton Street downtown Port Hope, Highway 2, and County Road 28 (Richardson, 1944). The watershed was completely forested except for several tall grass prairie fields along the headwaters. The mouth of the river was a large coastal wetland that supported a variety of Lake Ontario fishes such as Atlantic salmon and lake sturgeon that entered the river to spawn (Richardson, 1944).

2.5.2 European settlement The French entered the area soon after Canada became a Royal Province of France in 1663 (GRCA, 1981). The French harvested oak and some pine timber for building Royal Navy vessels. Interest in the white pine resources grew after Canada became a British Colony in 1763.

Permanent settlement in the Ganaraska River Watershed was not until 1793 near the mouth of the river (Richardson, 1944). Settlement increased rapidly after the founding of Port Hope in 1798. By the 1840’s, communities were founded as far north as the present day 8th Concession road. Between 1860 and 1880 many

15 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

of the communities in the watershed doubled in population (Richardson, 1944). These newly founded communities had settled along all the tributaries of the Ganaraska River and were centered on waterpower structures.

The waterpower structures were designed for several different purposes, mainly for sawing and planing lumber, gristmills and a few woolen mills. The first waterpower dam was built in 1795 near the present Mill Street located east of the Ganaraska River. The number of dams built on the river continued to increase until the 1860’s where construction stopped, leaving 37 active waterpower structures operating in the watershed. There were 10 waterpower structures built on the main branch, 2 on Duck Pond Branch, 1 on Quay’s Branch, 13 on North Ganaraska Branch, 1 on Little Ganaraska Branch, 2 on Soper Branch, and 1 on Burnham Branch (Richardson, 1944). By 1876, the mouth of the river was dredged for the first time, forming a larger harbor area.

During this time, much of the old growth forest was being actively harvested. As the settlement moved north, the watershed was clear-cut for agricultural use. It was reported that by the 1860s the lower reaches of the watershed were completely cleared and by the 1890s the entire watershed was completely deforested (Richardson, 1944). The fertile soils of the headwater quickly deteriorated into large areas of barren sandy soils. The watershed experienced increased periods of drought and frequent flooding events.

The aquatic ecosystem shifted during this period of severe landscape degradation and modification. The drastic changes to the landscape and watercourse negatively impacted the Atlantic salmon and brook trout populations. Prior to the landscape changes, Atlantic salmon populations in the early 1800s were reported to be so abundance that in “1801, James Sculthorpe, together with an uncle, speared 300 salmon in one evening” (Richardson, 1944). Shortly after the first dam was built residence began noticing a decline in Atlantic salmon populations (Christie, 1973). By the early 1860s the decline was so evident that

16 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Samuel Wilmot, a resident of Wilmot Creek, started operating a hatchery to rear young Atlantic salmon. Samuel Wilmot obtained adult fish from the Ganaraska River for the hatchery stock and later tried stocking the river with the offspring. However, despite the efforts to sustain the dwindling Atlantic salmon population, they eventually disappeared from the Lake Ontario basin by 1895 (Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966). Brook trout populations were also declining in considerable numbers during this period. Brook trout were reported to historically range throughout the entire Ganaraska River Watershed. “It is stated by residents of the district that native trout were, by 1880, gone from the southern waters of the rivers and were, by 1890, very scarce in the northern reaches” (Richardson, 1944).

2.5.3 From Restoration to the Present Ecosystem Clearing of the forest and damming of the river changed the rivers flow regime. This resulted in numerous flooding events in the Port Hope area. Resource managers responded in 1922 by initiating the first restoration program for the Ganaraska River Watershed and active management of the water control structures (GRCA, 1981). This initiation involved purchasing and opening Orono Crown Land Nursery, to provide trees for reforestation the Ganaraska River Watershed headwaters.

Researchers from the Royal Ontario Museum conducted the first fish species inventory of the Ganaraska River in 1921. Sampling was conducted on the lower mainstem of the Ganaraska River, near Highway 2. In 1927, the Department of Game and Fisheries sampled further up stream along the main branch, finding many tributaries supported brook trout. They reported brook trout were captured in considerable numbers in the headwaters of the river; however it was noted brook trout size and abundance decreased in the headwaters compared to brook trout captured in the mainstem (Richardson, 1944). A list of the fish species first sampled is summarized in Table 2.01. The Department of Game and Fisheries and private landowners had been stocking brook trout in the Ganaraska River two years prior of initial sampling in 1927.

17 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

The Department of Game and Fisheries first introduced European brown trout to the Ganaraska River through a stocking program in 1933 (Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966). The first year, approximately 675 yearlings were stocked in the lower reaches of the river. The next year, approximately equal numbers of both yearlings and adults were stocked. At this time, resource managers were placing efforts on stocking brown trout. They believed brown trout would be more adapted to survive in the harsh environment of the lower reaches than brook trout, which previously inhabited the lower reaches Ganaraska River. Stocking of brook trout and brown trout in the river continued on a rotational basis until the mid 1960s (Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966) and there is still some private stocking in ponds occurring today in the watershed.

In 1941, the Guelph Conference was held at the Ontario Agricultural College. This conference included the Ontario Government, Ontario Conservation and Reforestation Association, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Southern Ontario Section of the Canadian Society of Forest Engineers, the Canadian Agricultural Society, the Canadian Conservation Association, the Canadian Legion, and the Royal Canadian Institute. The above organizations met for several meetings regarding their increasing concerns over environmental problems linked to previous mismanagement of the landscape (Richardson, 1944). The Ganaraska River Watershed was chosen for the first conservation demonstration survey in the province. The Chief Conservation Engineer of the Ontario Department of Planning and Development, Dr. A.H. Richardson, was responsible for planning and compiling the survey. The findings were produced in The Ganaraska Report. The Ganaraska Report recommended many needed changes including reforestation of the headwaters to control erosion, increased dam construction to control flooding, and modification of the main channel for flood control; including channel straightening and deepening. The Ganaraska Forest Center was established to protect and restore the degraded agricultural lands of the

18 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT headwaters along the Oak Ridges Moraine. In 1946, the Conservation Authorities Act was passed in Ontario Legislature and the Ganaraska River became one of the first rivers regulated by a Conservation Authority in Canada (GRCA, 1981). Over the next 5 years over 5,000,000 trees were planted on the newly acquired 460 hectares (1,150 acres) of conservation land. Today, the Ganaraska Forest covers 4,200 hectares (10,400 acres) of the Ganaraska River Watershed headwaters.

A supplementary report to the Ganaraska Report followed in 1966; this report focused on the forest and wildlife present in the watershed. During August and September of 1963, the Fish and Wildlife Branch of Lindsay District conducted a large watershed study on the distribution of fish species present in the Ganaraska River (Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966). Newly documented fish species from the study can be found listed in Table 2.01. The remaining fisheries studies conducted since the 1963 inventory are described and analysed in the following sections.

Since 1974, the Ganaraska Fishway has been in operation at Corbett’s dam. Prior to its construction, migratory fish were manually lifted over the dam. Corbett’s dam was the first barrier on the river that prevented migratory fish from completing their annual journey into the upper watershed. The fishway was designed to serve as a lamprey barrier but also acts as an excellent means of evaluating the rainbow trout populations entering the river. An electronic fish counter was installed in 1987 to record the number of migratory rainbow trout passing through the fishway. A fish sanctuary is in place from Highway 401 south to Jocelyn Street to protect the large concentration of salmon and trout as they rest and prepare to run up the fishway steps. The Ganaraska River Fishway was made possible due to a joint venture of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, the Ganaraska Sportsmen’s Association, the Municipality of Port Hope, and a host of volunteers from Port Hope and the surrounding area.

19 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Land use can have a large influence on the structuring of the aquatic ecosystem. The most recent land use information was revised in 2002 and is based on the Ecological Land Classification System (ELC) for Southern Ontario (Figure 2.06). Agriculture is the dominant land use in the Ganaraska watershed and accounts for 57 percent of the total watershed area. The next dominant land use is forest habitat, which accounts for 40 percent of the total watershed. The Ganaraska Forest covers 16 percent of the Ganaraska River watershed. Urban areas (Port Hope) accounts for 1.4 percent and rural residential areas accounts for 5.4 percent of the watershed cover. Two quarries located north of Kendal and Canton represent 0.4 percent of the watershed land use. The Ganaraska River watershed is among the least developed watersheds along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Considerable effort has taken place over years to restore, conserve, and maintain this healthy coldwater river and its watershed.

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Figure 2.01. Residential areas, major roads, and large dams in the Ganaraska River Watershed

21 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 2.02. Elevation of the Ganaraska River Watershed.

22 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

10 8 12 7

6 14 4 13 9 11 15 5

3 2

16 1

Figure 2.03. Main tributaries of Ganaraska River Watershed 23 23 10 7 8 `12 6 9 4 13 11 15 5 14 3 2

Figure 2.04. Ganaraska River Watershed Catchments GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 2.05. Surficial Geology of the Ganaraska River Watershed, with a 1.5km surrounding buffer 25 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 2.06. Land use/land cover of the Ganaraska River Watershed using Ecological Land Classification (ELC) from 2002 26 26 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Table 2.01. List of the fish species first documentation in the Ganaraska River Watershed

Scientific Name Common Name First Documented Oncorhynchus kisutch coho salmon 1993 ** Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon 1997 ** Oncorhynchus mykiss rainbow trout 1963 * Salmo salar Atlantic salmon 1673 **** Salmo trutta brown trout 1933 **** Salvelinus fontinalis brook trout 1673 **** Umbra limi central mudminnow 1993 ** Catostomus commersoni white sucker 1921 **** Hypentelium nigricans northern hog sucker 1993 ** Phoxinus eos northern redbelly dace 1963 * Phoxinus neogaeus finescale dace 2004 Hybognathus hankinsoni brassy minnow 2004 Nocomis biguttatus hornyhead chub 1963 * Notemigonus crysoleucas golden shiner 1995 ** Notropis atherinoides emerald shiner 1999 ***** Luxilus cornutus common shiner 1963 * Notropis heterolepis blacknose shiner 1973 ****** Notropis hudsonius spottail shiner 1995 ** Pimephales notatus bluntnose minnow 1921 **** Pimephales promelas fathead minnow 1963 * Rhinichthys obtusus western blacknose dace 1921 **** Rhinichthys cataractae longnose dace 1963 * Semotilus atromaculatus creek chub 1921 **** Ameiurus nebulosus brown bullhead 1998 ***** Culaea inconstans brook stickleback 1963 * Ambloplites rupestris rock bass 1963 * Lepomis gibbosus pumpkinseed 1973 *** Micropterus dolomieu smallmouth bass 1973 *** Micropterus salmoides largemouth bass 1973 ****** Perca flavescens yellow perch 1993 ** Etheostoma nigrum johnny darter 1921 **** Etheostoma caeruleum rainbow darter 1963 * Cottus bairdi mottled sculpin 1993 ** Cottus cognatus slimy sculpin 1963 * *Department of Energy and Resources Management, 1966. ** Habprog database, retrieved May 2004. *** Ministry of Natural Resources, 1976. **** Richardson, 1944. *****Unpublished dataset, 2001 ******Unpublished dataset, 1973

27 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 3: Fisheries Data and Standardization

3.1 Data Sets

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, and various other academics and environmental agencies have conducted fisheries research on the Ganaraska River Watershed over the past 40 years.

Fisheries data were compiled for the Ganaraska River Watershed from a variety of watershed based projects. Fisheries data were obtained from an Aquatic Inventory Survey conducted in 1973, Fisheries Monitoring program in 1974, 1975, 1977, and 1978, Stream Juvenile Migratory Salmonid Index in 1993 – ongoing, Atlantic Salmon Fry Stocking Assessment project in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Study project in 1995, OMNR Fish Survey for the Ganaraska River project in 1997, 1998, and 1999, Lake Ontario Bioregional Modeling project in 2002, and Ganaraska River Fisheries Management Plan project in 2004 and 2005.

3.1.1. Fisheries Data The original raw data were obtained from the Aquatic Habitat Inventory Survey and Fisheries Monitoring program sampled in 1973 to 1978. The data set included 34 sites representing the entire watershed. Sampling was intensive 1973 and a monitoring program continued to sample 10 of the 34 sites from 1974 to 1978. Fish were captured using backpack electrofishing and only catch numbers were recorded. Representative samples were taken from all the fish species captured and sent to the Royal Ontario Museum for species verification.

Digital copies of the data sets were obtained from the Stream Juvenile Migratory Salmonid Index project, which began in 1993 and continues to be a yearly monitoring program of the OMNR’s Lake Ontario Management Unit. The data set

28 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

includes five sites; three sites are located on the Mainstem and two sites are on Cold Spring’s Creek. Fisheries data includes catch numbers, fork length, and weight measurements. Fish were captured using electrofisher backpack unit at GN04, GN05 and GN08 sites, and a streamside electrofisher shore unit at GN06 and GN07 sites (Bowlby, 1995). Blocker nets were placed at the top of each site. Fish were identified in the field and any unidentifiable fish were later identified in the lab.

The digital data set of the Atlantic Salmon Fry Stocking Assessment, Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Study, and the Lake Ontario Bioregional Modeling projects were obtained from the master copy of Habprog’s database (Microsoft Access based) maintained by OMNR’s Great Lakes Stream Ecology Unit in Glenora, ON. The Atlantic Salmon Fry Stocking Assessment project had 15 monitoring sites from 1995 to 1999. The majority of the sites were located on North Ganaraska Branch and a few sites were located in the Headwater mainstem. The Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Study project sampled 3 sites randomly located in the watershed. The Lake Ontario Bioregional Modeling project sampled 9 sites across the headwaters of the watershed. Fisheries data was collected following the standard Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2005). Fisheries data included catch numbers, individual total length and weight measurements for salmonid species and bulk weight measurement for all other species

Digital data set of OMNR Fish Survey for the Ganaraska River project was obtained from Leon Carl at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center. Fish and aquatic habitat data were collected from 19 sites along the Mainstem and Soper Branch, however only 15 sites were included in this report, as the location of 4 sites were unknown (J.D. Whall Environmental, 2001). Fish were captured using an electrofisher shore unit or an electrofisher towboat. Shocker seconds and catch numbers were recorded. Weight and total length were recorded for the first twenty-five fishes of each species from each size class (>75mm and <75mm).

29 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Digital data set copies of Ganaraska River Fisheries Management Plan project was obtained from the Habprog’s database stored at the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority office. Fish and aquatic habitat data were collected from 30 sites located across the watershed from 2002 to 2004. Data were collected following the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2005). Fish were captured using an electrofishing backpack unit. Fisheries data included catch numbers, individual total length and weight measurements for salmonid species and bulk weight measurements for all other species.

3.1.2. Physical Habitat Data The original physical habitat raw data were obtained from the Aquatic Habitat Inventory Survey and Fisheries Monitoring program sampled in 1973 to 1978. Aquatic habitat data were collected from all 34 sites in the first sampling season between June 25 and July 24. Site length was sampled at a standard 40 meters length (Dodge et al., 1979) and majority of sites, were sampled up stream of a road crossing. Aquatic habitat data collected included channel width, water depth, water velocity, percent substrate distribution (visual estimates), instream cover, dominant riparian vegetation, stream slope, water quality, and water temperature. The Stream Juvenile Migratory Salmonid Index project did not collect aquatic habitat data. Site length and wetted width were measured for each sampling event.

The Atlantic Salmon Fry Stocking Assessment, Oak Ridges Moraine Watershed Study, and Lake Ontario Bioregional Modeling projects collected aquatic habitat data for all 27 sites. Habitat data was collected following the standard Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2005). Habitat data collected included site length, wetted width, water depth, hydraulic head, point and maximum substrate measurements, instream cover, dominant vegetation, and water temperature.

The OMNR Fish Survey for the Ganaraska River project collected aquatic habitat data at all the fish sampling stations each year. Aquatic habitat data collected

30 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

followed the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol with some modifications (J.D. Whall Environmental, 2001). Aquatic habitat data collected included site length, wetted width, water depth, hydraulic head, point and maximum substrate measurements, and water temperature.

The Ganaraska River Fisheries Management Plan project collected aquatic habitat data at the 30 sampling stations,. Habitat data were collected following the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2005). The Aquatic habitat data set included site length, wetted width, water depth, hydraulic head, point and maximum substrate measurements, instream cover, dominant vegetation, and water temperature.

3.1.3. Water Quality Data The Ganaraska Region Water Quality Monitoring Network (GRWQMN) is a water quality monitoring program that is run independently by the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority. The GRWQMN began in the summer of 2002 and supplements the data collected by the Provincial Water Quality Monitoring Network (PWQMN). The PWQMN is a partnership between the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Ministry of Environment (MOE), which has nine sites in the GRCA watershed and samples 36 parameters. The PWQMN program has been running since 1965 with most sites dating back to the mid 1970s.

The samples in this program were collected in periods of lower flows in an effort to minimize effects of altered water chemistry during high flows. This was done because of the limited sample numbers; higher flows are sampled by the PWQMN.

The parameters collected in the GRWQMN are alkalinity, pH, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, chloride (sampling initiating 2004), dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia ammonium, unionized ammonia, phosphorus, Escherichia coli, and total coliforms.

31 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

3.1.4 Water Quantity Data Set Water quantity is a measure of the volume of water flowing past a fixed point in a fixed unit of time. Stream discharge measurements are used to map the distribution of baseflow within a watershed, as discharge is not uniformly distributed due to the nature of groundwater flow and variations in topography and geology.

In 2004 the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority attempted to quantify the volumes of water that each of the tributaries are providing to the Ganaraska River. The data collected was gathered during periods of low flow. This is defined as a period with at least 72 hours of dry weather. Data were collected using a standard panel method for quantifying flows (Hinton, 2004). The points measured were selected near road crossings and evenly distributed throughout the system. All sites were measured using the same Gurley Pygmy meter. Sampling points were selected to be in laminar flow conditions. The number of point measurements used at each site was 20 as a rule but was lower in some very small systems; all point measurements used 1 minute duration.

The main source of error for this section is water consumption occurring upstream of the area sampled without the knowledge of the sampler. This is likely to occur due to the fact that all measurements were taken during periods of low flow when irrigation is most likely occurring. However, an attempt was made to view all of the road crossings on a branch during the time it was sampled but this will only identify water takings at roads and will miss any which are away from public roadways. Human error is another factor, which is most likely to occur during flow readings. If the stream is too shallow there can be friction on the meter, and substrates consisting of large stones may influence stream flow. These problems were addressed by looking for areas with laminar flow of over 90mm depth (Hinton, 2004). There are also several dams on the system that can have great influence when water levels are adjusted in private ponds.

32 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

3.2 Sources of Variation in the Data Sets

3.2.1 Fish Identification For most of the fisheries data collected, fish were identified to the level of species in the field. Some of the species present in the Ganaraska River Watershed have exceedingly similar morphometric and meristic characters that make field identification difficult. The sculpin (Cottidae) family is an example where both mottled and slimy sculpin species have been documented in the watershed. It is difficult to be certain on their identification, as the key difference is the presences or absences of palatine teeth (Scott and Crossman, 1985). Therefore in this study the sculpin family was not separated to species.

3.2.2 Electrofishing Effort Electrofishing effort was not taken into account when standardizing the catch data. Most projects conducted a single pass survey that results in the capture of approximately 60-70 % of the total present fish population (Stanfield, 2005).

3.3 Standardization Procedures

Fisheries data was standardized for the area sampled (Appendix A). The area sampled was calculated by multiplying the mean width by the site length. The area sampled was then divided by the total number of fish sampled for each species at each sampling station. The bulk weight for each species sampled at each station was then divided by area sampled. Fisheries and aquatic habitat data were transformed before being statistical analyzed. Each variable was transformed using the standard score equation. The standard score equation is the raw value subtracted by the mean then divided by the standard deviation. This transformation places each variable on the same relative scale but does not alter the distribution of observations within a variable (Zar, 1999).

33 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 4: Longitudinal distribution pattern

4.1 Objectives

The objective of this section is to describe the fish species distribution patterns and habitat conditions in the Ganaraska River Watershed. A series of descriptive maps and figures are provided, describing the density and biomass patterns for the most common species present in the river along with habitat characteristics measured from sites. The maps and figures will be presented in a longitudinal pattern. Patterns for each species and habitats will be discussed. This section is linked to the next section, which explores whether theses species are found in associated with each other and reflect distinct communities that can be associated with habitat.

4.2 Methods

A series of distribution maps and figures were created for the dominant fish species in the basin. The salmonid catches were separated into two size categories based on the length frequency graphs, which showed binomial distribution (Appendix B). The break in length distributions was used to estimate the criteria for sorting young of the year and juvenile/adult. Brook trout length distributions showed separation occurring at less than 90mm total length and greater than 90mm total length (Appendix B.1). Brown trout length distributions showed separation occurring at less than 100mm total length and greater than 100mm total length (Appendix B.2). Rainbow trout length distributions showed separation occurring at less than 90mm total length and greater than 90mm total length (Appendix B.3). All other fish species were not sorted into size categories. All catches were standardized as described previously (Section 3.3). Sites were classified into five categories that reflect the percentiles of the maximum average density observed. These were calculated by averaging the density estimates at each site and then ranking this value as a percentile of all observations, where the highest

34 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

density represented the 100th percentile. The ranks were as follows: zero catches, >0 - 25th, 26th – 50th, 51th – 75th, and >75th percentile.

Each map has a legend that provides the range of density values that comprise each of the five ranks. Each map will have different threshold values between the categories that reflect density differences between the species. The species plotted are as follows: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, white sucker, blacknose dace, longnose dace, creek chub, Johnny darter, sculpins, and all other species captured.

A similar process was followed for creating the physical habitat, water quality, and water quantity maps. Sites were separated into categories that reflect the amount of that variable at each site. Physical habitat variables plotted included summer maximum water temperature, percent rock and percent wood as cover (particles that were at least 100 mm along their median axis), percent substrate particle compositions (fines <2mm, gravel 2-100, cobble 2 – 100, cobble 101 – 1000, and clay). Water quality variables sampled to reflect the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the sites. Water quality variables sampled include alkalinity, pH, turbidity, ammonia-ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E.coli), and total coliforms. Averages were taken from the water quality variables sampled in 2003, 2004, and 2005 between May and October. Water quality variables were sorted by percentile then by Ontario standard for maximum acceptable limits set in the Provincial Water Quality Objectives guidelines (PWQO’s) (MOE, 1999) and by Canadian Environmental Water Quality Guidelines (CEWQ) (CCME, 2003).

4.3 Fish Species Distribution Patterns

4.3.1 Brook Trout Brook trout were found in the headwaters and upper tributary reaches of watershed (Figure 4.01 and 4.02). The only exception was along the Cold Springs Creek, (Catchments 9 and 11), where brook trout were sampled throughout the tributary.

35 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Brook trout showed a longitudinal trend increasing in density and biomass towards the headwaters (Figure 4.03 and 4.04).

4.3.2 Brown Trout Brown trout were widely distributed throughout the watershed. The highest densities were found in highest density in the upper reaches of the Mainstem (Catchments 3 and 4), Soper Branch and North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 7) section above Canton dam towards the 7th Concession, respectively (Figure 4.05 and 4.06). Brown trout density did not show any longitudinal correlation, however biomass did show positive correlation towards the headwaters (Figure 4.07 and 4.08).

4.3.3 Rainbow Trout Rainbow trout were present in all tributaries except for the North Ganaraska Branch (Figure 4.09 and 4.10). Highest rainbow trout abundance was found on the Mainstem (Catchment 2). There were no significant correlation with upstream distance and density or biomass of rainbow trout (Figure 4.11and 4.12).

4.3.4 White Sucker White sucker were mainly found in the lower reaches of the Mainstem and North Ganaraska Branch (Figure 4.13). White sucker were sampled in high abundance above several large dams indicating that there are resident populations in the watershed (Figure 4.14).

4.3.5 Blacknose Dace The highest blacknose dace abundance was found in the North Ganaraska Branch, Quay’s Branch, and Duck Pond Branch (respectively) (Figure 4.15). Blacknose dace were also present in lower densities along the Mainstem and decreased in abundance towards the headwaters (Figure 4.16).

36 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

4.3.6 Longnose Dace The highest longnose dace abundance was found in North Ganaraska Branch, Quay’s Branch, Duck Pond Branch and the lower reaches of the Mainstem (respectively) (Figure 4.17). Longnose dace density and biomass showed positive inverse relationship with distance to Lake Ontario (Figure 4.18).

4.3.7 Creek Chub The highest Creek Chub abundance was present in the North Ganaraska Branch, Quay’s Branch, Duck Pond Branch and lower reaches of the main branch (respectively) (Figure 4.19). Creek chub showed no relationship with distance to Lake Ontario (Figure 4.20).

4.3.8 Johnny Darter Johnny darter(s) was present in Quay’s Branch, Duck Pond Branch and lower reaches of the Mainstem (respectively) (Figure 4.21). Johnny darter density and biomass showed an inverse relationship with distance to Lake Ontario (Figure 4.22)

4.3.9 Sculpins Slimy and mottled sculpin are both present in the watershed. Highest abundance of slimy sculpin was found in the upper reaches of the Mainstem and Soper Creek. Mottled sculpin were only confirmed to be present in Duck Pond Branch. No sculpins were sampled in Cold Spring Creek and North Ganaraska Branch section above Canton dam towards the 7th Concession (Figure 4.23). Sculpin density and biomass increased towards the headwaters (Figure 4.24).

4.4 Habitat Patterns

4.4.1 Water Temperature Summer water temperatures along the main branch of the river showed decreasing thermal regime from warmer in lower reaches to colder in the headwaters (Figure 4.25). Based on the summer daily maximum thermal classification (Stoneman and Jones,

37 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1996) all sites were classified as coldwater (below 19oC) or coolwater (19 – 25oC) habitat, there were no warmwater (above 25oC) sites sampled.

Welcome “Henwood Stream” was the only warmwater catchment in the entire watershed, with a temperature of 26.7oC. Half of the Ganaraska River Watershed catchments were defined as coolwater, and dominate the central-south east portions of the watershed. The remaining catchments are coldwater, which can be found in the headwaters of the watershed, with the exception of Catchments 9 and 13.

4.4.2 Physical Habitat A variety of physical habitat parameters were sampled at most of the fish sampling stations. Physical habitat parameters sampled include average wetted channel width, average water depth, and point particle counts to represent the substrate composition (shown as percent fines, gravel, cobble and clay). The average wetted channel width and average water depth showed a decreasing longitudinal trend towards the headwaters (Figure 4.26 and 4.27). Sites with a high percent fines were sampled mostly along the headwaters with a few exceptions throughout the tributaries (Figure 4.28). High percent gravel sites were sampled along the main branch headwaters, Soper Branch and North Ganaraska (Figure 4.29). Percent cobble substrate did not show distinct patterns in any tributaries however cobble is present throughout the watershed and would be better represented by examining maximum particle per sample of the percent cobble (Figure 4.30). Percent clay substrate were sampled throughout the lower Mainstem and in the headwaters of the North Ganaraska Branch (Figure 4.31)

4.4.3 Water Quality The Ganaraska River overall has healthy water quality. Physical water quality parameters sampled were within the normal range of fresh water streams. Alkalinity was within the typical levels for stable fresh water streams (Figure 4.32 and 4.33). PH was sampled to be on the alkaline (or basic) scale but was still within the normal range of fresh water streams (Figure 4.34). Most tributary mean conductivity measurements

38 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

were within the normal range for fresh water streams and within the desired range for supporting healthy productive fisheries (EPA, 2003) (Figure 4.35). Duck Pond Branch, Quay’s Branch and Cold Springs Creek tributaries had higher than desired conductivity measurements however, were within the acceptable range (Figure 4.36). Chloride samples were well below the water quality objectives (Figure 4.37).

Most chemical water quality parameters sampled were within normal range of fresh water streams. Nitrate concentrations varied across the tributaries but were all below the maximum acceptable limit (13 mg/L) for sustaining aquatic life (CCME, 2003) (Figure 4.38 and 4.39). Nitrate concentrations of 4 mg/L are considered typical for fresh water streams while concentration above 10 mg/L begin to have negative impacts on the aquatic community (MOE, 1999). Ammonia-ammonium was sampled in very low concentrations (compared to the standard set of 10 mg/L for drinking water and 20 mg/L for PWQO) all throughout the watershed (Figure 4.40). The mean phosphorus concentrations sampled were all above the PWQO in the Mainstem and Cold Springs Creek (Figure 4.41).

Biological water quality parameters sampled exceeded the PWQO. Most tributary mean E.coli counts were sampled below the PWQO’s standard except for Quay’s and Burnham Branch (Figure 4.42 and 4.43). A similar pattern was observed with total coliform counts where Quay’s and Burnham Branch were the only tributaries that exceeded the PWQO (Figure 4.44 and 4.45).

4.4.5 Water Quantity Water sources for many of the tributaries originate from the Oak Ridges Moraine, which serves as a major recharge zone within the watershed (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). Summer base flow measurements of 2004 identified several discharge zones along different reaches of the basin. The highest discharge area was above Canton to Osaca on the Mainbranch. This area is associated with the Lake Iroquois shoreline and has groundwater discharge occurring (Funk, 1977). Other areas along the Oak Ridges

39 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Moraine also showed net gain in surface water discharge; these reaches were along the headwaters of the Mainstem, Soper Creek and North Ganaraska Branch (above Garden Hill). Loses in surface water discharge were sampled in several different reaches in the Ganaraska River Watershed. Surface water loses were sampled below Canton on the Mainstem, lower Little Ganaraska, the reach on North Ganaraska from Canton to Campbellcroft, Welcome tributary, and lower reach of Quay’s Branch (respectively). The surface water loss sampled on the Mainstem below Canton is due to the water pumping station and large irrigation system operating along this section. The surface water loss sampled at the confluence of Little Ganaraska and Cold Springs has an operating water pumping station. The surface water loss along the North Ganaraska Branch above Canton Dam to Garden Hill Dam may have been influenced by the operations regime of the downstream hydroelectric dam. The surface water loss sampled on Welcome tributary is a smaller tributary with low flow and depth except behind the large beaver dam, since the sampling event the headwaters have been drained.

40 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

This map is for information purpo ses only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copy right (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 4.01. Mean density of brook trout (all sizes combined) at each of the sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 41 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.02. Mean density of brook trout (<70mm TL) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 42 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1.20

Headwater Mainstem (4) 1.11 Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (16) 1.00 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) ) Quay' s Branch (5) 2 0.80 Duck Pond Branch (5)

0.60

0.47

Brook Trout Density (#/m Brook Trout 0.36 0.26 0.18

0.09

0.00 0.0 0 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

9.00

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) 7.81 Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 7.00 Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50)

) Welcome Branch (1) 2 Quay' s Branch(5) 6.00 Duck Pond Branch (5)

5.00

3.86

2.94 Brook Trout BiomBrook Trout ass(gr/m

1.57

0.76

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.03. Density and biomass of brook trout (all sizes combined)

captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

43 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.45 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) 0.40 Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) 0.35 North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) )

2 Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.30

0.25

0.18 0.15 Brown Trout Den sity Trout Brown (#/m

0.09 0.06 0.03 0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26 .06 29.10 32. 21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

24.00 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mai nstem (40) 22.00 Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) 20.00 Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) 18.00 Welcome Branch (1)

) Quay' s Branch (5) 2 Duck Pond Branch (5) 16.00

14.00

12.00

10.00

8.00 Brown Trout Biom Trout Brown ass (gr/m 6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10 .70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.04. Density and biomass of brook trout (<70mmT.L.) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

44 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.05. Mean density of brown trout (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 45 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.06. Mean density of brown trout (<70mm TL) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 46 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.45 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) 0.40 Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) 0.35 North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1)

) Quay' s Branch (5) 2 Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.30

0.25

0.18 0.15 Brown Trout Density (#/m Trout Brown

0.09 0.06 0.03

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18 .00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Dis tance to Lake Onta rio (km)

24.00 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) 22.00 Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) 20.00 Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) 18.00 Welcome Branch (1) ) Quay' s Branch (5) 2 Duck Pond Branch (5) 16.00

14.00

12.00

10.00

8.00 Brown Trout Biomas Trout Brown s (gr/m 6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.0 6 29.10 32. 21 35 .78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.07. Density and biomass of brown trout (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

47 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.14

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) 0.12 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) ) Quay' s Branch (5) 2 0.10 Duck Pond Branch (5)

0.07

0.06

Brown Trout Density (# Trout /m Brown 0.04

0.02

0.01 0.00 0.0 0 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18 .00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Dis tance to Lake Onta rio (km)

4.50

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) 4.00 Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 3.50 Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50)

) Welcome Branch (1) 2 Quay' s Branch(5) 3.00 Duck Pond Branch (5)

2.50

2.00

1.50 Brown Trout Bi Trout Brown omass (gr/m 1.00

0.50

0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.08. Density and biomass of brown trout (<70mm TL) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

48 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.09. Mean density of rainbow trout (all sizes) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile.

49 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no responsibility for, nor

guarantees, the accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007

Figure 4.10. Mean density of rainbow trout (<70mm TL) at each sampling station. Mean density of every

station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile.

50 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.90

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (16) 0.78 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) 0.70 North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) )

2 Quay's Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.60

0.45

0.35

0.26 Rainbow D Trout ensity(#/m 0.19 0.13

0.06 0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

2.80

Headwater Mainstem (4) 2.60 Mai nstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) 2.40 Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 2.20 Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) )

2 Welcome Branch (1) 2.00 Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 1.80

1.60

1.40

1.20

1.00 0.80 Rainbow Trout Biomass (gr/m 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.8 1 26 .06 29.10 32. 21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.11. Density and biomass of rainbow trout (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

51 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.80

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) 0.70 Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch(5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50)

) 0.60 Welcome Branch (1) 2 Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.50

0.35 0.30 RainbowDens Trout ity (#/m 0.17 0.11 0.06 0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

2.20

Headwater Mainstem (4) 2.00 Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) 1.80 Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1)

) North Ganaraska (50) 2 1.60 Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 1.40

1.20

1.00

0.80

0.63 Rainbow Trout Bio Trout Rainbow mass (gr/m 0.46 0.30 0.15

0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.12. Density and biomass of rainbow trout (<70mmTL) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

52 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.13. Map displays mean density of white sucker (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 53 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.16

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) 0.14 Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 0.12 Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50)

) Welcome Branch (1) 2 0.11 Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.10

0.08

0.07 0.06

0.05 White Sucker Density (#/m Density Sucker White 0.04 0.02

0.01

0.00 0.00 4.18 7.4 6 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Di sta nce to Lake Ontario (km)

11.43 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) 10.00 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) ) Welcome Branch (1) 2 Quay' s Branch (5) 8.00 Duck Pond Branch (5)

5.99

4.00 White Sucker Biomass (gr/m 2.64 1.82

0.84

0.00 0.0 0 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.14. Density and biomass of white sucker (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

54 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.15. Mean density of blacknose dace (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile.

55 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1.60

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) 1.40 Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) )

2 Welcome Branch (1) 1.13 Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 1.00

0.80

0.60

0.45 Blacknose Dace Dens ity (#/m ity Dens Dace Blacknose 0.34

0.22 0.11

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

4.00

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) 3.50 Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) ) North Ganaraska (50) 2 3.00 Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 2.50

1.97

1.50 1.22

Blacknose Dace Biomass (gr/m Biomass Dace Blacknose 0.87

0.58

0.28

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.16. Density and biomass of blacknose dace (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

56 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.17. Map displays mean density of longnose dace (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile.

57 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.43 Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) 0.39 Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 0.34 Elliott Stream (1) ) North Ganaraska (50) 2 Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.29

0.25

0.20

0.16 0.13 Longnose Dace Densi ty (#/m 0.10

0.06 0.03

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

3.00

Headwater Mainstem (4) 2.77 Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 2.40 Elliott Stream (1)

) North Ganaraska (50) 2 2.20 Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) 2.00 Duck Pond Branch (5) 1.80 1.60 1.40 1.20 1.00 0.80 LongnoseDace B iomass (gr/m 0.60 0.40 0.20 0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.18. Density and biomass of longnose dace (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

58 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.19. Mean density of creek chub (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile. 59 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1.80

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) 1.60 Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) 1.40 Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) )

2 Quay' s Branch (5) 1.20 Duck Pond Branch (5)

0.92 0.80

0.60 Creek ChubDensit y (#/m 0.45 0.32

0.14

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.8 1 26 .06 29.10 32. 21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

9.00

He adwater Mainstem (4) Ma i nstem (40) 8.00 Burnham Br anch (2) So per Creek (7) Co ld Springs Creek (13) Little Ganara ska Branch (5) 7.00 El liottStr eam (1) No rth Ganar aska (50)

) Welcome Branch (1) 2 Qu ay' s Br anch (5) 6.00 Du ck Pond Branch (5)

5.00

4.00

2.63 Creek Chub Bioma Chub Creek ss (gr/m 1.95

1.24 0.63

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45 .00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.20. Density and biomass of creek chub (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

60 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.21. Mean density of Johnny darter (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of th every station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25 percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and greater than 75th percentile.

61 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.22

Headwater Mainstem (4) 0.20 Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) 0.18 Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50)

) Welcome Branch (1) 2 0.16 Quay' s Branch(5) Duck Pond Branch (5) 0.14

0.12

0.10

0.08 Johnny Darter DeJohnny nsity Darter (#/m 0.05

0.03

0.01 0.00 0.00 4.18 7.4 6 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

0.24

Headwater Mainstem (4) 0.22 Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) 0.20 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1)

) 0.18 North Ganaraska (50) 2 Welcome Branch (1) Quay' s Branch (5) 0.16 Duck Pond Branch (5)

0.14

0.12

0.10

0.07 Johnny Darter BioJohnny Darter mass (gr/m 0.05 0.03 0.02

0.00 0.00 4.18 7.4 6 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Di sta nce to Lake Ontario (km)

Figure 4.22. Density and biomass of Johnny darter (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

62 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.23. Mean density of sculpin (all sizes combined) at each sampling station. Mean density of every

station was separated into 5 categories: none captured, 25th percentile, 50th percentile, 75th percentile and th greater than 75 percentile. 63 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.80

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (69) Burnham Branch (2) 0.69 Soper Creek (16) Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1) 0.56 Quay' s Branch(5) ) Duck Pond Branch (5) 2 0.50

0.38

0.30 Sculpin Density (# /m 0.24

0.18

0.11

0.06 0.00 0.00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18.00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Distance to Lake Ontario (km)

1.40

Headwater Mainstem (4) Mainstem (40) Burnham Branch (2) Soper Creek (7) 1.17 Cold Springs Creek (13) Little Ganaraska Branch (5) Elliott Stream (1) North Ganaraska (50) Welcome Branch (1)

) 1.00 Quay' s Branch (5) 2 Duck Pond Branch (5)

0.75

0.62

0.51

Sculpin Biomass(g r/m 0.40

0.30 0.20 0.10

0.00 0. 00 4.18 7.46 10.70 14.00 18 .00 22.81 26.06 29.10 32.21 35.78 40.00 45.00 Dis tance to Lake Onta rio (km)

Figure 4.24. Density and biomass of sculpin (all sizes combined) captured vs distance to Lake Ontario.

64 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment Temperature (°C)

Coldwater (<18.9) Coolwater (19 – 25) Warmwater (>25.1) No data Site Temperature (°C) This map is for information purposes only and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority takes no responsibility for, nor guarantees, the Coldwater (<18.9) accuracy of the information contained within the map. Prepared by Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority: January 2007. Produced Coolwater (19 – 25) using information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources, GRCA and other municipal sources, Copyright (c) Queen's Printer, 2007 Warmwater (>25.1)

Figure 4.25. Maximum summer water temperature (°C) by site and median maximum summer water temperature (°C) by catchment in the Ganaraska River Watershed. 65 65 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.26. Average water depth measured at each sampling station. 66 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.27. Average wetted width measured at each sampling station.

67 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.28. Percentage of fines substrate (<2mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station.

68 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.29. Percentage of gravel substrate (>2 – 100mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station.

69 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.30. Percentage of cobble substrate (100 – 1000 mm) measured in point particle counts at each sampling station.

70 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.31. Percentage of clay substrate measured in point particle counts at each sampling station.

71 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.32. Mean alkalinity measured as CaCO3 (mg/L) at each water quality sampling station.

72 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

350

300

250 L

Min 200 25th Mean 75th 150 Max Alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/ as CaCO3 Alkalinity

100

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.33. Range of variability in the alkalinity as CaCO3 (mg/L) measured across the tributaries.

73 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

9 PWQO 8.5

8.5

Min 25th 7.5 Mean pH 75th Max PWQO 6.5

6.5

6 Main Branch Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.34. Range of variability in the pH measurements across the tributaries.

74 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.35. Mean conductivity (US/cm2) measured at each water quality sampling station.

75 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1400

1200

1000 2 800 Min 25th Mean 75th 600 Max Conductivity (US/CM

400

200

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.36. Range of variability in the conductivity (US/cm2) measurements across the tributaries.

76 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

10 CWQG 250mg/l

6 Min 25th 5 Mean 75th

Chloride (mg/L) Max 4

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Ganaraska Little Ganaraska Cold Springs Soper

Figure 4.37. Range of variability in the chloride (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries.

77 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.38. Mean nitrate (mg/L) measured at each water quality sampling station.

78 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

9 CWQG 13mg/l

Min 5 25th Mean 75th 4 Nitrate (mg/L) Nitrate Max

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.39. Range of variability in the nitrate (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries.

79 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.6

0.5

0.4

Min 25th 0.3 Mean 75th Max

Ammonia-Ammonium (mg/L) 0.2

0.1

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.40. Range of variability in the ammonia-ammonium (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries.

80 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.04

PWQO .03mg/l 0.035

0.03

0.025 Min 25th 0.02 Mean 75th Max Phosphorus (mg/L) 0.015

0.01

0.005

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.41. Range of variability in the phosphorous (mg/L) measurements across the tributaries.

81 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.42. Mean E.coli (CFU/100mL) measured at each water quality sampling station.

82 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1000

900

800

700

l 600 PWQO 100CFU/100ml Min 25th 500 Mean 75th Max E.coli (CFU/100m E.coli 400

300

200

100

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.43. Range of variability in the E.coli (CFU/100mL) measurements across the tributaries.

83 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 4.44. Mean total coliform (CFU/100mL) measured at each water quality sampling station.

84 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

6000

5000 PWQO 1000 CFU/100mL

4000

Min 25th 3000 Mean 75th Max

Total Coliforms (CFU/100mL Coliforms Total 2000

1000

0 Main Stem Quay's Duck Pond North Little Cold Springs Soper Burnham Ganaraska Ganaraska

Figure 4.45. Range of variability in the total coliforms (CFU/100mL) measurements across the tributaries.

85 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 5: Longitudinal Distribution Analyses

5.1 Objective

The objective of this section is to analyze the fish species distribution patterns for distinct community structure in the Ganaraska River. This section builds on the previous section by analyzing the fisheries data for associations in the fish species distribution patterns seen in the previous section. Habitat conditions will be further explored to determine if there are associations with the fish species.

5.2 Methods for Analyzing the Fish Species Distribution Patterns

The mean relative abundance per sampling station was used to detect patterns in the data set. The data set was normalized (using the standard score equation = (raw score – mean)/ standard deviation). A normality test was then run on the fisheries data to ensure that the data was normally distributed, which would satisfy the assumptions required to run a parametric test. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a multivariate parametric test commonly used to quantify patterns in fish communities (McGarigal et al., 2000; Scheiner and Guevitch, 1993). Principal component analyses were based on a correlation matrix of the variance within fish communities sampled. Eigenvalue numbers were calculated to describe the explanatory power of the principal components: larger the eigenvalue greater the explanatory power of the principal component (McGarigal et al., 2000). Scree plot criterion was used to determine the number of significant components to retain and interpret (McGarigal et al., 2000). Principal component loading values greater than ±0.35 were considered significant, however more meaning was placed on loading scores greater than ±0.60 when classifying and interpreting the fish species density patterns (McGarigal et al., 2000). The principal component analysis loading scores were used to classify and group the dominant community patterns in the dataset.

86 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

5.3 Results

Principal component analyses of fish species standardized mean relative abundance per sample stations were used to identify species associations within the Ganaraska River basin. The scree plot curve indicated that the first four component loading scores should be retained to explain the variance sampled within fish community (Figure 5.01). The first four components of the principal component analysis explained 70 percent of the total variance within fish species mean density (Figure 5.01).

The first principal component explained 31% of the total variance of the relative abundance. The first component represented a gradient from sculpin dominated sites to cyprinids and white sucker dominated sites (Figure 5.02). The first component sorted the community structure by pulling out sites with low species diversity in a positive direction to sites with high species diversity in a negative direction.

The second principal component explained 15% of the total variance of the relative abundance. The second component represented a gradient of positive loading scores for longnose dace presences to negative loading scores for sculpin, brown trout and brook trout (Figure 5.02). The second component separated sites sampled in the lower reach of the Mainstem, Quay’s Branch and Duck Pond Branch in a positive direction and headwater sites in a negative direction.

The third principal component explained 13% of the total variance of the relative abundance. The third component represented a gradient of positive loading scores for brown trout to negative loading scores for rainbow trout and Johnny darter (Table 5.01). The third component further sorted headwater sites from lower reach sites.

87 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

The fourth component explained 12% of the total variance of the relative abundance. The fourth component represented a gradient of positive loading scores for sites composed of brown trout and rainbow trout and negative loading scores for brook trout dominated sites (Table 5.01).

Principal component loading scores indicated four dominate fish community patterns sampled in the Ganaraska River Watershed. The first two component loading scores sorted the fish community by either cyprinid dominated or sculpin dominated sites (Figure 5.03). The third component loading scores sorted the cyprinid dominated sites into classes, those dominated by brown trout and cyprinids and those dominated by rainbow trout and cyprinids. The fourth component scores further sorted the sites dominated with high abundance of sculpin into brook trout and sculpin community, and brown trout and sculpin community. The above results classified sites into four community groups, characterizing clear community distribution pattern in the Ganaraska River Watershed (Figure 5.04).

88 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT Eigenvalues of correlation matrix 3.5

3.0 31.04%

2.5

2.0

1.5 14.78% 12.88%

Eigenvalue 11.83% 1.0 9.65% 7.51% 5.79% 0.5 4.72% 1.80%

0.0

-0.5 -101234567891011

Eigenvalue number Figure 5.01. Scree plot displays the eigenvalue numbers that explains the amount of variance associated with each variable. The red line indicated the threshold separating factors with variance contributing greater than 1.

89 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

1.0

longnose dace

0.5

rainbow trout 0.0 johnny darter white sucker blacknose dace Fac tor 2 : 14.78% brown trout creek chub brook trout

-0.5 sculpin

-1.0

-1.0 -0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0 Factor 1 : 31.04%

Figure 5.02. Projection of the fish species variables used on the factor- plane (1x2).

90 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

4 GN0601GN0698 Rainbow Trout GN0694GN0603GN0602GN0697 GN0600 2 FS0195NOM596GN0604GN0793PIG495 GN0693NOM5997CO396GN1_192PIG696 THMY97NOM597BLDR977CO7967CO795LEUT97GN06957CO695GN0700GN0797PIG698PIG395GN0704GN0794GN0703PIG496PIG499LEUT98GN0798GN0702GN0701 ORM895NOM595GRCA97PIG398GN0795NOM598THMY99GRCA98PIG397WALKERS02PIG396THMY98GRCA99BLDR99BLDR98GAN2704GAn0205FFDN98PIG697FFDN99DRRG98FFUP99SHAM98LEUT99DELL02PIG699SHAM99FFUP98GAN1304GNMD99DRRG99 CHY595CHY597NOM395GAN22047CO696GAN3004SHAM97GAN0604PIG399GAn2604FFDN97OAKHILL02KANADA02WRIGHT02PATH98FFUP97GAN1904GAN1404PIG497PATH99GAN1004GN0500LADY99GNMD98GNMD97GN0597 GAN2304NOM398GN1_393GN1_292NOM397NOM399GAN1504DRRG97MCMILLIN02GN0495WIGGINS02DELLRD02WILSON02GAN0204MCCR99GAN2004GN0598HEND99HEND98GAN1104GN0501GN0804MCCR98GN0497LADY98GN05947 0 CHY596NOM396CHY298CHY297GAN2804CHY296GAN2504GAN0904CHY299GN04948CO396LADY97GN0595GN0503SWMP98MCCR97HEND97GN0403 GAN2104GN0493KEN90495GN1_493SWORM195GN0498LANG99GN0593GN0400GAN0304GN0404GAn0104LANG97GAN1804MP99 CHY598CHY295GAN2404CHY599 GAN1204GAN0404GN1_593 LANG98GN0401 FS0295GAN0405 GN0402 -2 Cyprinids GAN0504 KEN90295SWMP97

Fac tor 2:14.78% -4 Brown Trout and Brook Trout GAN0305 -6 ORM495

-8

-10 -18 -16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 Factor 1: 31.04%

Figure 5.03. Projection of the site variables on factor plan (1x2).

91 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Table 5.01. Principal component factor loading scores of the fish species relative abundance.

Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Factor 4 Rainbow Trout 0.3396 -0.0066 -0.7331 0.3494 Brown Trout 0.3384 -0.3559 0.4800 0.5564 Brook Trout 0.2908 -0.4234 -0.0427 -0.7802 White Sucker -0.7108 -0.2148 0.1780 0.0701 Blacknose Dace -0.8345 -0.2712 0.0720 0.0227 Longnose Dace -0.3935 0.5756 0.0605 -0.0296 Creek Chub -0.8114 -0.4243 -0.1084 0.0485 Johnny Darter -0.5166 -0.0520 -0.5603 0.0619 Sculpin 0.4446 -0.6248 -0.1531 0.1088

92 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 5.04. Fish community groups classified by using the first three factors of the principal component analyses.

93 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Section 6: Temporal Analysis

6.1 Objective

The objective of this section is to examine the fisheries data set for evidence of temporal trends. Fisheries data has been collected for several decades on the Ganaraska River. The presence of temporal trends could support the patterns identified in structuring of the fish communities.

6.2 Methods

The data set analyzed in this section was compiled from several different fisheries assessment projects on the Ganaraska River previous discussed in Section 3. No long-term monitoring stations were sampled prior to 1993. This resulted in comparing sampling stations located within proximity to each other. Data were summarized by catchments and sampling periods (Figure 6.01).

The data set represented in this section sampling periods ranged from 1973 to 2005. The data were sorted into three sampling periods. The first sampling period was collected between 1973 and 1978. The second sampling period was collected between 1993 and 1999. The third sampling period was collected between 2000 and 2005. The break between the second and third sampling periods was chosen arbitrarily.

For each catchment and sampling period the weight mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of the dominant fish species were calculated (Appendix C.1). Box plot graphs were made for each fish species per catchment to examine the data set for trends over time. The species mean density per catchment was tested for significant differences across the sampling periods using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test (Zar, 1999). The sum of means calculated for the Mann-Whitney U test were reported in Appendix C.2. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test are reported in Table 6.01.

94 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

6.3 Results Similar temporal trends were observed throughout the watershed. Most fish species density showed a significant decreased from the 1970s (1973-1978) sampling period to the 1990s (1933-1999) sampling period followed by significant increases in density in the 2000s (2000-2005) sampling period. Differences in species and catchment densities are discussed individually in the preceding section.

6.3.1 Brook Trout Brook trout showed significant temporal changes in density across the watershed. Densities have decreased in Catchments 2 and 3, where they are currently not present. However, densities have increased in Cold Springs Creek (Catchments 9 and 11). Through out the rest of the watershed brook trout densities have not changed from the 1970s to the 2000s (Appendix C1). Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11) brook trout density increased from the 1970s to 2000s when the highest mean density was 0.31m2 in the 1990s sampling period, which increased from 0.04/m2 in the 1970s and 0.18/m2 in the 1990s (Figure 6.03).

Brook trout were sampled in the Mainstem north of Canton up to the headwaters in the 1970s sampling period. Brook trout were in low abundance (0.001/m2) at 1 of 5 sampling events on the Mainstem between Canton to Osaca (Catchment 2) and increased in abundance to 0.03/m2 at 2 of 12 sampling stations between Osaca to Jackson Dam (Catchment 3) (Figure 6.02). Highest abundance was sampled at 4 of 5 sampling stations and had a mean density of 0.12/m2 in the headwaters above Jackson Dam (Catchment 4).

Brook trout were only sampled in the headwaters of the Mainstem above Jackson Dam in the 1990s and 2000s (Figure 6.02). Brook trout highest mean density was found in the upper Little Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 10) where the densities were 0.31/m2 in the 1990s and 0.18/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.02).

95 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Brook trout showed no differences in density along the North Ganaraska branch (Catchment 6, 7 and 8), Little Ganaraska above Elizabethville Dam (Catchment 10), and Burnham Branch above County Road 9 (Catchment 13) (Table 6.01).

6.3.2 Brown Trout Along the lower reaches of the Mainstem, brown trout density has increased from the 1970s to the present (Catchments 1,2, and 6) (Figure 6.04). In Catchment 1 brown trout were not present, but were found at low density of 0.0007/m2 in the 1990s and increased to 0.0011 in the 2000s. Canton to Osaca (Catchment 2) brown trout mean density was 0.004/m2 in the 1970s and remained similar in the 1990’s (0.0065/m2) then increased to 0.0128 in the 2000s, which was significantly higher than the 1970s density (Table 6.01).

The brown trout density in the upper reaches of the Mainstem (Catchments 3 and 4) and the headwater areas (Catchments 7, 8, 9,10, and 11) have remained the similar and show no significant changes from the 1970s to the present.

Along the lower North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6), brown trout significantly increased in mean density from 0.003/m2 to 0.045/m2 in 1970s and 1990s (Figure 6.04).

Brown trout mean density significantly decreased in the Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11). Brown trout mean density was 0.02/m2 in the 1970s, and no brown trout were collected in the 1990s, however they were detection again (0.01/m2 ) in the 2000s (Figure 6.05).

6.3.3 Rainbow Trout Rainbow trout mean density increased through the entire Mainstem (Catchments 1,2,3 and 4) since the. Adult migratory rainbow trout were blocked at Corbett’s dam until 1974 when a fishladder was installed (OMNR and GRCA, 2002). Adult migratory rainbow trout were still restricted due to limited jumping pool depth on

96 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

the flat bedrock below Corbett’s dam until 1983 when channel structures were redesigned (Karges, 1987).

Along the main branch, rainbow trout mean density significantly increased from the 1970s sampling period to the 1990s and 2000s (Figure 6.06). In the 1970s, rainbow trout were not sampled on the main branch above Corbett’s dam to Canton (Catchment 1). Rainbow trout mean density increased to 0.036/m2 in the 1990s and 0.03/m2 in the 2000s above Corbett’s dam to Canton. Rainbow trout mean density in the Mainstem (Catchment 2) was the highest reach sampled across the time periods. Rainbow trout highest mean density was 0.31/m2 in 2000s, a significant increase from 0.19/m2 in the 1900s and 0.005/m2 in the 1970s (Table 6.01). Rainbow trout mean density sampled on the Mainstem between Osaca and Jackson Dam (Catchment 3) showed similar significant patterns. Rainbow trout mean density was 0.067/m2 in 1970s increasing to 0.16/m2 in the 1990s and 0.23/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.06). In the headwaters of the Mainstem branch above Jackson Dam (Catchment 4), rainbow trout were not present in the 1970s, but where in low density (0.017m2) by 1990s and continued to increase in density (0.02/m2 ) by the 2000s.

Rainbow trout density showed no changes in Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11), Soper Branch (Catchment 12), and the Little Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 10). Rainbow trout were present in low abundance (0.01/m2) in the 2000s samples in Catchment 10, but were previously not present in 1970s (Figure 6.07). Rainbow trout are not present in the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6,7 and 8), as the Canton Hydroelectric Dam prevents their migration.

6.3.4 White Sucker White sucker populations show minimal significant temporal changes in mean density, only occurring in catchments 1, 3 and 9. Along the main branch above Corbett’s dam to Canton (Catchment 1), white sucker mean density was

97 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

0.009/m2 in the 1970s sampling period followed by an increase to 0.017/m2 in the1990s, then significant decline to 0.0005/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.08). Along the Mainstem between Canton and Osaca (Catchment 2), white sucker mean density was 0.03/m2 in the 1970s sampling period followed a density of 0.017/m2 in the 1990s and a decline to 0.009/m2 in the 2000s, however not significant (Figure 6.08). Along the Mainstem between Osaca and Jackson Dam (Catchment 3), white sucker mean density was 0.01/m2 in the 1970s and 1990s followed by a significant decline to 0.004/m2 in the 2000s (Table 6.01).

Along the main section of the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6), no significant changes in mean density were observed. White sucker were present above Garden Hill dam (Catchment 7) in the 1970s but not present in the 1990s and 2000s sampling events. White sucker mean density decline from 0.13/m2 to 0.05/m2 above Fudge Mill dam (Catchment 8).

Along Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11), white sucker mean density was 0.07/m2 in the 1970s sampling period, and were not present in 1990s and 2000s sampling events (Figure 6.09).

6.3.5 Blacknose Dace Blacknose dace populations showed temporal mean density changes across some of the catchments. Along the Mainstem from Corbett’s dam to Canton (Catchment 1), blacknose dace mean density was 0.02/m2 in the 1970s followed by a increase to 0.04/m2 in the 1990s, and to 0.14/m2 in the 2000s (Table 6.01). From Canton to Osaca (Catchment 2), blacknose dace mean density showed similar trends to the previous zone. Blacknose dace mean density was 0.025/m2 in the 1970s with little change to 0.02/m2 in the 1990s and significant increase to 0.074/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.10). From Osaca to Jackson Dam (Catchment 3), blacknose dace mean density was 0.015/m2 in the 1970s, and declined to 0.004/m2 in the 1990s and 0.0007/m2 in the 2000s. No mean density differences were sampled along the Mainstem headwaters (Catchment 4). Blacknose dace

98 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

mean density in the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6, 7 and 8) was similar over time (Figure 6.10). There has been significant decline of blacknose dace in the Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9) since the 1970s. Blacknose dace mean density was 0.23/m2 in the 1970s followed by a decline to 0.008/m2 in the 1990s and 0.02/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.11).

6.3.6 Longnose Dace Longnose dace population showed temporal mean density changes across a few catchments (Figure 6.12 and 6.13). Longnose dace mean density was significantly higher in the 2000s along the lower Mainstem from Corbett’s Dam to Osaca (Catchment 1 and 2). Along the Mainstem from Corbett’s Dam to Canton (Catchment 1), longnose dace mean density was 0.04/m2 in the 1970s followed by an increase to 0.13/m2 in the 1990s and a further increase to 0.31/m2 in the 2000s (Table 6.01). From Canton to Osaca (Catchment 2), longnose mean density was 0.04/m2 in the 1970s and in the 1990s followed by a significant increase to 0.09/m2 in the 2000s (Table 6.01). No difference was found in mean density along the Mainstem from Osaca to Jackson Dam (Catchment 3). No differences were observed on the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6,7 and 8). Longnose dace mean density in Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11) significantly declined from 0.02/m2 in the 1970s to no fish present in the 1990s and 2000s.

6.3.7 Creek Chub Some temporal changes were observed in the creek chub mean densities (Catchment 3). No significant differences were observed in the lower Mainstem from Corbett’s Dam to Osaca (Catchment 1 and 2). Along the Mainstem from Osaca to Jackson Dam (Catchment 3), creek chub mean density declined from 0.001/m2 in the 1970s, no fish present in the 1990s and 2000s. There were no significant differences sampled in creek chub mean density along the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6, 7 and 8) (Figure 6.14) and throughout the northern head waters (Figure 6.15).

99 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

6.3.8 Johnny Darter Johnny darter showed temporal change only in Catchment 1 of the Mainstem. Mean density was 0.01/m2 in the 1970s, 0.03/m2 in the 1990s and 0.02/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.16). Johnny darter mean density between Canton and Osaca (Zone 2) was 0.01/m2 across all sampling periods. No significant differences were observed along the North Ganaraska branch (Figure 6.17).

6.3.9 Sculpin Mean density of sculpin showed temporal changes across some of the catchments. Along the Mainstem from Corbett’s Dam to Canton (Catchment 1), sculpin were not present in the samples until the 2000s. No differences in their mean density were observed on the Mainstem from Canton to Osaca (Catchment 2). On the Mainstem from Osaca to Jackson Dam (Catchment 3), sculpin mean density significantly increase from 0.025/m2 in the 1970s to 0.09/m2 in the 1990s to 0.20/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.18). No differences in the mean density in the headwaters of the Mainstem (Catchment 4). Sculpins were not present in the North Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 6), however were present above Garden Hill Dam (Catchment 7) and Fudge’s Mill Dam (Catchment 8). On Cold Springs Creek (Catchment 9 and 11), sculpin mean density was significantly higher in 1970s. Sculpin mean density was 0.20/m2 in the 1970s, not present in the 1990s and were sampled at 0.03/m2 in the 2000s. On Little Ganaraska Branch (Catchment 10), sculpin mean density was also sampled higher in the 1970s at 0.19/m2 compared to 0.07/m2 in the 2000s (Figure 6.19). No differences were sampled in the mean density of sculpin in Soper Creek Branch (Catchment Zone 12).

100 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Figure 6.01 Sampling station locations sorted by sampling periods and catchments.

GANARASKA RIVER FISHERIES AND AQUATIC HABITAT BACKGROUND REPORT 101 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Table 6.01 Summary of the Mann-Whitney U critical Z and p-value based on the mean density of the dominant species sampled at each zone (continues on next page).

Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Brook Trout 2.00 (0.046) 1.00 (0.317) Brown Trout -2.04 (0.041) -1.75 (0.081) -0.47 (0.635) -1.36 (0.174) -1.80 (0.072) -2.04 (0.042) Rainbow Trout -2.99 (0.003) -2.56 (0.011) 0.37 (0.711) -3.40 (0.001) -2.64 (0.008) -0.54 (0.587) White Sucker -0.21 (0.831) 2.56 (0.011) 2.90 (0.004) -0.70 (0.486) 0.37 (0.712) 1.43 (0.154) Blacknose Dace -0.74 (0.457) -2.45 (0.014) -2.96 (0.003) 0.62 (0.535) -2.20 (0.027) -2.92 (0.003) Longnose Dace -0.96 (0.339) -2.45 (0.014) -2.13 (0.033) 0.54 (0.588) -2.20 (0.027) -1.97 (0.049) Creek Chub 0.32 (0.750) 0.73 (0.462) 0.37 (0.711) -0.62 (0.534) 0.26 (0.798) 0.95 (0.340) Johnny Darter -2.55 (0.011) -2.45 (0.014) 0.28 (0.781) -1.55 (0.121) -1.47 (0.142) -0.27 (0.786) Sculpin -1.34 (0.180) -2.43 (0.015) -1.94 (0.052) -1.23 (0.219) 0.82 (0.415)

Catchment 3 Catchment 4 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Brook Trout 2.83 (0.005) 2.52 (0.012) -0.51 (0.609) 0.76 (0.445) 0.367 (0.714) Brown Trout -0.98 (0.327) -1.12 (0.262) -2.17 (0.030) -0.98 (0.325) -1.05 (0.294) -0.35 (0.734) Rainbow Trout -3.05 (0.002) -3.30 (0.001) -2.05 (0.041) -1.68 (0.094) -2.56 (0.010) -1.07 (0.285) White Sucker -1.48 (0.140) 0.81 (0.417) 3.77 (0.0001) 1.15 (0.248) 1.00 (0.317) Blacknose Dace 2.23 (0.026) 2.98 (0.003) 1.39 (0.166) 1.15 (0.248) 1.00 (0.317) Longnose Dace 0.12 (0.905) 1.06 (0.288) 1.48 (0.166) Creek Chub 2.63 (0.009) 2.32 (0.020) 0.00 (1.00) Johnny Darter -0.01 (0.419) -0.63 (0.527) 0.26 (0.791) Sculpin -2.15 (0.031) -2.69 (0.007) -2.60 (0.009) -0.89 (0.372) -0.89 (0.376) 0.54 (0.593)

102 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 6 Catchment 7 Catchment 8 Catchment 9 and 11 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 70s vs 00s 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Brook Trout -0.32 (0.749) 1.07 (0.286) -0.89 (0.374) -2.71 (0.007) -2.41 (0.016) 1.93 (0.053) Brown Trout -2.36 (0.018) 1.31 (0.187) -0.82 (0.414) 2.21 (0.027) 0.68 (0.495) -1.94 (0.052) Rainbow Trout -1.26 (0.205) -0.58 (0.564) 0.88 (0.386) White Sucker -1.06 (0.288) 1.41 (0.157) 0.58 (0.564) 2.79 (0.005) 3.50 (0.001) Blacknose Dace -1.24 (0.215) 1.41 (0.157) 2.05 (0.041) 2.43 (0.015) -0.42 (0.676) Longnose Dace -1.36 (0.174) 1.41 (0.157) -0.82 (0.414) 1.93 (0.054) 2.50 (0.012) Creek Chub -0.59 (0.555) 1.41 (0.157) 0.59 (0.554) 1.93 (0.054) 1.43 (0.140) -1.09 (0.274) Johnny Darter 1.41 (0.157) 1.00 (0.317) 1.34 (0.178) Sculpin 1.41 (0.157) 0.65 (0.519) 2.35 (0.019) 2.25 (0.024) -0.75 (0.456)

Catchment 10 Catchment 12 Time Period 70s vs 00s 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Brook Trout -0.58 (0.564) 0.74 (0.461) -0.31 (0.759) -0.69 (0.490) Brown Trout -0.82 (0.414) -0.18 0.13 (0.897) 1.01 (0.313) (0.861) Rainbow Trout -1.29 (0.197) 0.18 (0.861) 1.58 (0.115) 1.42 (0.155) White Sucker -0.57 0.00 (1.00) 0.70 (0.483) (0.566) Blacknose Dace Longnose Dace Creek Chub Johnny Darter Sculpin 1.73 (0.083) -0.68 -0.30 (0.767) 1.41 (0.158) (0.497)

103 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.02. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of brook trout density within each zone and sampling period.

104 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.03. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of the density of brook trout sampled within each zone and sampling period.

105 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.04. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of brown trout density sampled within each zone and sampling period.

106 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.05. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of brown trout density sampled within each zone and sampling period

107 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.06. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of rainbow trout density sampled within each zone and sampling period

108 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.07. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of rainbow trout density sampled within each zone and sampling period

109 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.08. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of white sucker density sampled within each zone and sampling period

110 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.09. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of white sucker density sampled within each zone and sampling period

111 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3 Catchment 4

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.10. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of blacknose dace density sampled within each zone and sampling period

112 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.11. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of blacknose dace density f sampled within each zone and sampling period

113 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.12. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of longnose dace density sampled within each zone and sampling period

114 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.13. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of longnose dace density sampled within each zone and sampling period

115 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.14. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of creek chub density sampled within each zone and sampling period

116 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.15. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of creek chub density sampled within each zone and sampling period

117 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 4 Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.16. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of Johnny darter density sampled within each zone and sampling period

118 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.17. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of Johnny darter density sampled within each zone and sampling period

119 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3 Catchment 4

Catchment 8 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Catchment 7

Figure 6.18. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of sculpin density sampled within each zone and sampling period

120 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 13 Catchment 9 & 11 Catchment 10 Catchment 12

Figure 6.19. Mean, minimum, maximum, and standard error of sculpin density of sampled within each zone and sampling period

121 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

References

Allan, D.J. 1995. Stream Ecology. Chapman and Hall, London, UK

Barnett, P.J., D.R. Sharpe, H.A.J. Russell, T.A. Brennand, G. Gorrell, F.M. Kenny, and A. Pugin, 1998. On the origin of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 35: 1152-1167.

Barnett, P.J. 1992. Quaternary Geology of Ontario. In Geology of Ontario.

Bowlby, J. 1995. Field Protocol for Juvenile Migratory Salmonid Index. Internal document Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Glenora, Ontario.

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. (CCME). Updated 2003. Summary Table. In: Canadian Water Quality Guidelines. Manitoba Statutory Publications, Winnipeg.

Chapman, L.J and Putnam, D.F. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario, Third edition. Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 2.

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Csuros, M. 1994. Environmental Sampling and Analysis for Technicians. Lewis Publishers. Boca Raton, Florida.

Department of Energy and Resources Management. 1966. Ganaraska Region Conservation Report.

Dodge, D.P., G.A. Goodchild, J.C. Tilt, and D.G. Waldriff. 1979. Manual of instructions Aquatic habitat inventory surveys. Fisheries Branch. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen’s Park, Toronto, Ontario.

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Dyke, L.D., Sharpe, D.R., Ross, I., Hinton, M. and Stacey, P. 1997. Potential Springs in the Oak Ridges Moraine, Southern Ontario: Mapping from Aerial Thermography. Geological Survey of Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources, Geological Survey of Canada. Open File 3374. Scale 1:200,000.

Funk, G. 1977. Geology and Water Resources of the Bowmanville, Soper and Wilmot Creeks IHD Representative Drainage Basin. Water Resources Report 9a. Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources Branch. Toronto, Ontario.

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Ganaraska River Conservation Authority (GRCA). 1981. 35 Years of Watershed Management. The Haynes Printing Company Ltd, Cobourg, Ontario.

Hinton, M.J. 2004. Methodology to determining the spatial distribution of low flow in a watershed. Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.

J.D. Whall Environmental Consultants. 2001. Final Data Report: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Fish Survey for the Ganaraska River, 1997 to 1999. Prepared for Leon Carl, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University. Peterborough, Ontario.

Karges, R. 1987. Life history, reproductive success, and abundance of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) in the Ganaraska River, Ontario. M.Sc. thesis. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.

McGarigal, K., Cushman, S., and Stafford, S. 2000. Multivariate Statististics for Wildlife and Ecoloy Research. Springer-Vergal, New York, NY.;

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Ministry of the Environment (MOE). 1999. Water Management Policies Guidelines Provincial Water Quality Objectives for the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. pp. 43-62.

Naiman, R.J. and B.E. Robert, 1998. River Ecology and Management. Springer –Verlag, New York, NY.

Northeast Science and Information (NESI). 2002. Ontario Flow Assessment Techniques (OFAT), Version 1.0. Ministry of Natural Resources, Queen’s Printer for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (OMNR and GRCA). 2002. Draft Operational Manual for Ganaraska Fishway Corbett’s Dam. Port Hope, Ontario.

Richardson, A.H. 1944. The Ganaraska Watershed: a study in land use with plans for the rehabilitation of the post-war period. The Dominion and Ontario Governments, Toronto.

Scheiner, S.M., and J. Guevitch, 1993. Design and Analysis of Ecological Experiments. Chapman and Hall, New York, NY.

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Singer S.N., 1981. Evaluation of the Groundwater Responses Applied to the Bowmanville, Soper and Wilmot Creeks – IHD Representative Drainage Basin; Ministry of the Environment, Water resources Branch, Toronto.

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Singer S.N., 1974. A Hydrogeological Study along the North Shore of Lake Ontario in the Bowmanville–Newcastle Area. Water Resources Report 5d; Ministry of the Environment, Water Resources Branch, Toronto.

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Thurston, H.R. Williams, R.H. Sutcliffe and G.M. Stott. Ontario Geological Survey, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Special Volume 4, Part 2. pp. 1011-1088. Bowlby, J. 1995. Field Protocol for Juvenile Migratory Salmonid Index. Internal document Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Glenora, Ontario.

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Appendix A

126 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.1. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of brook trout for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.000 0 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.000 0.000 0 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.001 0.001 1 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.355 4 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.000 0.000 0 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.000 0.000 0 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.000 0.000 0 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.090 3 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.237 4 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.000 0.000 0 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.000 0.000 0 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.000 0.000 0 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.000 0 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.000 0 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.000 0 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.000 0 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.010 1 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.059 2 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.000 0 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.006 1 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.133 3 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.158 3 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.053 2 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.061 2 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.087 2 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.000 0 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.032 1 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.000 0 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.000 0 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0

127 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.303 0.107 4 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.000 0.000 0 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.000 0.000 0 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.194 3 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.000 0.000 0 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.000 0.000 0 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.029 1 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.000 0.000 0 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.000 0.000 0 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.000 0.000 0 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.329 4 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.000 0.001 1 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.000 0.000 0 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.206 4 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.039 2 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 1.111 4 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.000 0 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.000 0.000 0 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.000 0.000 0 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.000 0.000 0 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.101 0.143 3 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.000 0.000 0 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.024 1 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.310 4 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.193 3 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.072 2

128 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.2. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of brown trout for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.042 3 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.016 0.009 2 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.063 0.002 3 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.009 1 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.002 0.001 1 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.024 0.012 2 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.036 0.016 2 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.007 0.006 1 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.012 0.002 2 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.008 0.002 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.025 2 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.012 1 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.036 2 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.035 2 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.053 3 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.000 0 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.040 3 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.014 2 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.147 4 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.054 3 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.000 0 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.076 4 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.069 3 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.369 4 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.019 2 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.032 2 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.006 1 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.000 0 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.004 1 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.000 0 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.000 0 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.000 0 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0 GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.086 0.041 4

129 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.002 0.003 1 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.001 0.001 1 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.008 0.006 1 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.036 2 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.014 0.001 2 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.000 0.000 1 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.131 0.039 4 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.076 4 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.079 4 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.057 3 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.060 0.016 3 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.309 0.097 4 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.002 0.001 1 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.125 0.046 4 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.038 0.018 3 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.038 0.020 3 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.167 4 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.105 4 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.000 0 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.034 0.009 2 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.060 0.018 3 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.076 0.053 4 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.069 0.020 4 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.007 0.004 1 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.124 0.043 4 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.000 0.000 1 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.026 2 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.043 3

130 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.3. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of rainbow trout for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.000 0 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.000 0.000 0 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.000 0.000 0 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.068 0.024 2 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.000 0.000 0 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.000 0.000 0 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.320 0.083 4 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.099 0.013 2 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.140 0.042 3 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.266 4 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.154 3 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.237 4 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.000 0 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.259 4 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.000 0 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.032 1 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.027 1 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.000 0 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.138 3 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.098 2 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.194 4 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.148 3 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.000 0 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.474 4 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.004 1 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.018 1 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.000 0 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.226 4 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.026 1 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.105 2 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.029 1 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.195 4 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.174 3 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.072 2 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0

131 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.167 0.121 3 GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.112 0.075 2 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.032 0.025 2 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.268 0.202 4 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.079 2 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.293 0.073 4 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.019 0.012 1 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.063 0.040 2 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.006 1 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.019 1 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.027 1 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.147 0.060 3 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.105 0.133 2 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.142 0.051 3 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.121 0.100 3 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.000 0.000 0 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.000 0.000 0 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.000 0 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.176 4 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.161 0.021 3 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.000 0.000 0 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.173 0.047 3 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.038 0.066 2 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.026 0.005 1 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

132 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.4. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of white sucker for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.012 2 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.024 0.008 3 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.020 0.007 3 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.017 0.018 3 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.075 0.026 4 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.094 0.030 4 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.023 0.024 3 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.018 0.012 3 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.009 0.006 2 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.008 1 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.088 4 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.000 0 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.000 0 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.137 4 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.035 4 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.000 0 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.008 1 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.000 0 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.000 0 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.000 0 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.000 0 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.118 4 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.006 1 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.000 0 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.000 0 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.010 2 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.002 1 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.006 1 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0

133 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.010 0.014 2 GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.005 0.007 1 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.017 0.018 3 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.002 0.002 1 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.016 0.022 2 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.010 0.012 2 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.011 0.013 2 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.001 0.002 1 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.058 0.038 4 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.028 0.021 3 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.000 0 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.026 3 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.021 0.018 3 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.029 0.017 4 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.003 0.002 1 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.009 0.008 2 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.015 0.019 2 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.000 0.000 0 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.030 0.025 4 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

134 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.5. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of blacknose dace for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.105 3 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.074 0.005 3 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.166 0.043 3 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.026 0.012 2 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.396 0.288 4 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.350 0.091 4 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.009 0.008 1 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.010 0.007 2 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.009 0.006 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.415 4 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 1.490 4 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.000 0 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.003 1 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 1.131 4 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 1.023 4 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.000 0 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.529 4 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.005 1 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.019 2 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.010 1 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.108 3 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.000 0 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.008 1 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.223 4 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.221 4 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.540 4 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.431 4 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.098 3 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.057 2 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.180 3 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.187 3 GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.001 0.002 1

135 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.005 0.015 1 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.101 0.071 3 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.059 0.028 2 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.012 0.010 2 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.015 0.014 2 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.000 0.000 0 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.043 0.022 2 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.000 0.000 0 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.170 0.110 3 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.175 0.086 3 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.006 1 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.097 3 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.003 0.001 1 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.050 0.012 2 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.014 0.007 2 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.033 0.015 2 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.010 0.006 1 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.000 0.000 0 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.039 0.029 2 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

136 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.6. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of longnose dace for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.163 4 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.040 0.055 2 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.164 0.034 4 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.049 0.047 3 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.022 0.019 2 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.099 0.058 3 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.013 0.008 2 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.004 0.005 1 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.004 0.004 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.288 4 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.138 4 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.007 2 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.008 2 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.000 0 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.217 4 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.000 0 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.000 0 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.000 0 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.000 0 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.000 0 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.000 0 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.000 0 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.031 2 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.004 1 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.000 0 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.005 1 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.002 1 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.042 3 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0 GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.000 0.002 1

137 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.295 0.125 4 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.109 0.034 4 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.028 0.020 2 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.038 0.044 2 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.000 0.001 1 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.055 0.029 3 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.000 0.000 0 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.036 0.022 2 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.175 0.036 4 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.000 0 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.088 3 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.002 0.001 1 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.108 0.036 3 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.119 0.049 4 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.106 0.050 3 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.007 0.004 1 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.000 0.000 0 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.051 0.045 3 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

138 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.7. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of creek chub for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.022 2 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.055 0.057 3 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.026 0.004 2 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.007 0.003 1 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.159 0.053 4 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.244 0.165 4 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.001 0.002 1 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.003 0.003 1 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.004 0.003 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.051 3 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.451 4 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.000 0 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.000 0 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.014 1 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 1.653 4 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.921 4 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.000 0 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.076 3 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.000 0 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.000 0 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.089 3 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.000 0 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.000 0 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.056 3 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.181 4 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.452 4 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.248 4 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.024 2 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.027 2 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.383 4 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.077 3

139 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.001 0.003 1 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.017 0.015 2 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.005 0.005 1 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.000 0.000 0 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.020 0.022 2 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.000 0.000 0 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.024 0.028 2 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.000 0.000 0 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.080 0.037 3 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.051 0.022 3 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.000 0 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.079 3 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.000 0.000 0 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.048 0.027 2 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.014 0.005 1 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.012 0.007 1 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.010 0.006 1 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.000 0.000 0 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.023 0.023 2 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

140 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.8. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of Johnny darter for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.000 0 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.000 0.000 0 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.000 0.000 0 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.012 0.005 2 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.000 0.000 0 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.000 0.000 0 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.005 0.006 1 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.004 0.003 1 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.006 0.004 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.000 0 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.023 3 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.000 0 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.211 4 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.000 0 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.000 0 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.000 0 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.000 0 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.000 0 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.000 0 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.000 0 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.000 0 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.000 0 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.000 0 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.000 0 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.000 0 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.000 0 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.000 0 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.022 3 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.041 4 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.000 0 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.024 3 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.002 1 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.036 4 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.000 0

141 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.031 0.032 3 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.014 0.009 2 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.000 0.000 1 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.046 0.038 4 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.000 0.000 0 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.000 0 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.000 0 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.000 0.000 0 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.000 0.000 0 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.006 0.002 2 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.000 0.000 0 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.000 0.000 0 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.000 0.000 0 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.000 0 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.000 0 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.150 4 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.000 0.000 0 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.000 0.000 0 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.006 0.004 2 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.000 0.000 0 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.016 0.010 2 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

142 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix A.9. Summary of the mean density, standard deviation, and rank of sculpin for each sampling station

Sampling # Distance to Mean Standard Station Easting Northing Samples mouth (km) Density Error Rank 7C03 707774 4878998 1 19.7 0.000 0 7C06 707744 4879161 2 19.9 0.000 0.000 0 7C07 707744 4879236 2 20.0 0.000 0.000 0 8C03 692454 4878558 1 41.9 0.000 0 BLDR 713407 4874609 3 9.9 0.000 0.000 0 CHY2 710017 4876920 5 15.2 0.000 0.000 0 CHY5 710073 4876979 5 15.4 0.000 0.000 0 DELL 710694 4882602 1 27.4 0.000 0 DELLRD 696838 4881539 1 37.1 0.000 0 DRRG 707977 4876201 3 18.0 0.036 0.035 2 FFDN 707178 4876833 3 19.7 0.028 0.023 2 FFUP 706850 4876958 3 20.1 0.025 0.018 1 FS01 710599 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 FS02 710472 4876294 1 14.0 0.000 0 GAN0104 702503 4876622 1 28.1 0.266 4 GAN0204 703576 4876317 1 26.1 0.122 3 GAN0205 718111 4881375 1 18.4 0.000 0 GAN0304 701447 4877360 1 29.8 0.228 4 GAN0305 713465 4874356 1 9.8 0.000 0 GAN0404 699833 4877322 1 32.5 0.300 4 GAN0405 707890 4881372 1 23.0 0.000 0 GAN0504 697821 4877481 1 34.9 0.380 4 GAN0604 695945 4878086 1 37.6 0.253 4 GAN0904 697425 4878905 1 36.3 0.000 0 GAN1004 698980 4877758 1 33.7 0.033 2 GAN1104 700406 4878450 1 31.7 0.108 3 GAN1204 699117 4879552 1 33.8 0.006 1 GAN1304 703507 4877175 1 24.8 0.000 0 GAN1404 701759 4878082 1 27.1 0.000 0 GAN1504 700719 4879485 1 29.0 0.000 0 GAN1804 703199 4879038 1 26.7 0.243 4 GAN1904 702053 4880790 1 29.1 0.075 2 GAN2004 701223 4880923 1 30.1 0.121 3 GAN2104 711711 4881775 1 27.7 0.063 2 GAN2204 713589 4874721 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2304 713503 4877070 1 12.6 0.000 0 GAN2404 712960 4879230 1 16.5 0.000 0 GAN2504 713268 4878994 1 16.6 0.000 0 GAN2604 715767 4874832 1 7.5 0.024 1 GAN2704 714991 4876231 1 10.0 0.000 0 GAN2804 714869 4877712 1 12.0 0.012 1 GAN3004 716464 4879887 1 15.9 0.022 1 GN04 699833 4877322 10 32.5 0.175 0.091 3

143 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

GN05 701426 4878344 8 27.5 0.000 0.000 0 GN06 716764 4873606 10 5.6 0.001 0.004 1 GN07 709601 4875365 10 15.6 0.012 0.013 1 GN08 701234 4878608 1 27.9 0.000 0 GNMD 704971 4876374 3 24.0 0.085 0.049 3 GRCA 717380 4872918 3 4.2 0.000 0.000 0 HEND 700178 4878721 3 32.2 0.029 0.004 2 KANADA 694363 4878767 1 41.1 0.000 0 KEN902 697227 4877749 1 35.8 0.563 4 KEN904 697034 4877923 1 36.2 0.196 3 LADY 701360 4877563 3 30.0 0.075 0.040 3 LANG 699327 4879404 3 33.4 0.034 0.010 2 LEUT 712276 4874480 3 11.5 0.000 0.000 1 MCCR 700554 4878271 3 31.4 0.026 0.002 2 MCMILLIN 698667 4881944 1 32.9 0.000 0 NOM3 709513 4877522 5 16.5 0.000 0.000 0 NOM5 708501 4878177 5 18.1 0.000 0.000 0 OAKHILL 705996 4883243 1 26.7 0.000 0 ORM1 705842 4882767 1 26.1 0.122 3 ORM4 692426 4878567 1 41.9 0.691 4 ORM8 713577 4875795 1 10.7 0.000 0 PATH 703079 4876541 2 27.1 0.028 0.023 2 PIG3 708209 4878243 5 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG4 708197 4878253 4 18.5 0.000 0.000 0 PIG6 708189 4878271 4 18.6 0.000 0.000 0 SHAM 709357 4875334 3 15.9 0.006 0.004 1 SWMP 697940 4881168 3 36.0 0.216 0.114 4 THMY 716906 4873398 3 5.2 0.000 0.000 0 WALKERS 704108 4884738 1 29.1 0.000 0 WIGGINS 699638 4882561 1 32.7 0.000 0 WILSON 707699 4881989 1 23.7 0.000 0 WRIGHT 707473 4882576 1 24.1 0.000 0

144 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix B

145 Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

160

140

120

100

No of Observations No 60

0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200+ Total Length (mm)

Appendix B.1 Bar graph displays number of observations of individual brook trout by total length (mm) sampled in the Ganaraska River basin.

146 Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

250

200

150

100 No of Observations No

0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 Total Length (mm)

Appendix B.2. Number of brown trout sorted by total length (mm) from the Ganaraska River Watershed during all sampling efforts.

147 Ganaraska River Watershed Background Report

500 475 450 425 400 375 350 325 300 275 250 225 200 No of Observations No 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200+ Total Length (mm)

Appendix B.3. Number of observations of individual rainbow trout by total length (mm) sampled in the Ganaraska River Watershed

148 GANRASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix C

149 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix C.1. Mean density of the dominant species sampled in each catchment

Main Branch - Corbett's Dam to Canton Main Branch - Canton to Osaca Main Branch - Osaca to Jackson Dam Catchment 1 Catchment 2 Catchment 3 Sample # 4 14 5 5 20 5 12 13 10 Time Period 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 200 0s 1970s 1990s 2000s Brook Trout 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0005 0.0000 0.0000 0.0251 0.0000 0.0000 Brown Trout 0.0000 0.0007 0.0011 0.0043 0.0065 0.0128 0.6187 0.0455 0.0807 Rainbow Trout 0.0000 0.0367 0.0297 0.0051 0.1876 0.3090 0.0679 0.1596 0.2292 White Sucker 0.0088 0.0170 0.0005 0.0322 0.0174 0.0099 0.0109 0.0136 0.0004 Blacknose Dace 0.0200 0.0391 0.1403 0.0257 0.0231 0.0741 0.0151 0.0036 0.0007 Longnose Dace 0.0433 0.1281 0.3143 0.0367 0.0440 0.0920 0.0129 0.0071 0.0015 Creek Chub 0.0274 0.0190 0.0105 0.0042 0.0079 0.0034 0.0016 0.0000 0.0000 Johnny Darter 0.0051 0.0311 0.0197 0.0035 0.0089 0.0091 0.0000 0.0001 0.0023 Sculpin 0.0000 0.0000 0.0026 0.0031 0.0183 0.0079 0.0256 0.0938 0.2020

Main Branch - Headwater Quay's Branch North Ganaraska – Canton Dam to 7thConc Catchment 4 Catchment 5 Catchment 6 Sample # 5 4 3 1 1 2 2 40 0 Time Period 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 2000s Brook Trout 0.1156 0.3667 0.0131 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0001 Brown Trout 0.0475 0.0627 0.0922 0.0101 0.0000 0.0018 0.0034 0.0449 Rainbow Trout 0.0000 0.0116 0.0215 0.0000 0.1760 0.1259 0.0000 0.0000 White Sucker 0.0013 0.0000 0.0000 0.0202 0.0264 0.0031 0.0131 0.0415 Blacknose Dace 0.0013 0.0000 0.0000 0.5847 0.0968 0.2222 0.0489 0.2097 Longnose Dace 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.1915 0.0880 0.0173 0.0308 0.1026 Creek Chub 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.2016 0.0792 0.1183 0.0369 0.0925 Johnny Darter 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0605 0.1496 0.0311 0.0000 0.0000 Sculpin 0.0844 0.3626 0.2108 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000

150 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

North Ganaraska - above Garden Hill Dam North Ganaraska - above Fudge Mill Cold Springs Creek Catchment 7 Catchment 8 Catchment 9 and 11 Sample # 6 1 4 2 0 3 9 5 9 Time Period 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 2000s Brook Trout 0.2773 0.0386 0.1239 0.0112 0.0590 0.0415 0.3198 0.1826 Brown Trout 0.0897 0.1671 0.0174 0.0000 0.0047 0.0216 0.0000 0.0112 Rainbow Trout 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0860 0.1412 0.1204 White Sucker 0.0030 0.0000 0.0000 0.1297 0.0510 0.0743 0.0000 0.0000 Blacknose Dace 0.0711 0.0064 0.0000 0.0056 0.3436 0.2307 0.0084 0.0152 Longnose Dace 0.0859 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0724 0.0154 0.0000 0.0000 Creek Chub 0.0178 0.0000 0.0000 0.0595 0.3071 0.0361 0.0000 0.0107 Johnny Darter 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0097 0.0000 0.0000 Sculpin 0.0613 0.1221 0.0000 0.1570 0.0210 0.1950 0.0000 0.0270

Little Ganaraska - above Elizabethville dam Soper Creek Burnham Branch Catchment 10 Catchment 12 Catchment 13 Sample # 2 0 3 6 12 3 1 0 1 Time Period 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990s 2000s 1970s 1990 s 2000s Brook Trout 0.1062 0.1411 0.0365 0.0252 0.0789 0.1651 0.0588 Brown Trout 0.0000 0.0020 0.1261 0.1723 0.1460 0.0000 0.0000 Rainbow Trout 0.0000 0.0075 0.1081 0.0818 0.0328 0.0000 0.0000 White Sucker 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0003 0.0000 0.0000 0.0084 Blacknose Dace 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.4481 0.5294 Longnose Dace 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 Creek Chub 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0756 Johnny Darter 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 Sculpin 0.1933 0.0653 0.0259 0.0762 0.0380 0.0708 0.0000

151 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix C.1. Mann-Whitney U test of the rank sum and mean calculated from the mean density of the dominant species for each of the sampling stations within each catchment.

Catchment 1 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-90s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 38.0 133.0 28.0 20.0 25.0 10.0 140.0 50.0 35.0 Brown Trout 20.0 151.0 10.0 14.0 31.0 4.0 135.0 55.0 30.0 Rainbow Trout 10.0 161.0 0.0 10.0 35.0 0.0 144.0 46.0 31.0 White Sucker 36.0 135.0 26.0 30.0 15.0 0.0 171.0 19.0 4.0 Blacknose Dace 31.0 140.0 21.0 10.0 35.0 0.0 108.0 82.0 3.0 Longnose Dace 29.0 142.0 19.0 10.0 35.0 0.0 117.0 73.0 12.0 Creek Chub 41.0 130.0 25.0 23.0 22.0 7.0 144.0 46.0 31.0 Johnny Darter 14.0 157.0 4.0 10.0 35.0 0.0 143.0 47.0 32.0 Sculpin 38.0 133.0 28.0 16.0 29.0 6.0 126.0 64.0 21.0

Catchment 2 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-90s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 75.0 250.0 40.0 30.0 25.0 10.0 260.0 65.0 50.0 Brown Trout 45.0 280.0 30.0 19.0 36.0 4.0 230.0 95.0 20.0 Rainbow Trout 15.0 310.0 0.0 15.0 40.0 0.0 252.0 73.0 42.0 White Sucker 41.0 259.0 31.0 21.5 23.5 8.5 281.0 44.0 29.0 Blacknose Dace 58.0 242.0 32.0 11.0 34.0 1.0 217.0 108.0 7.0 Longnose Dace 57.0 243.0 33.0 11.0 34.0 1.0 231.0 94.0 21.0 Creek Chub 42.0 258.0 32.0 21.0 24.0 9.0 274.0 51.0 36.0 Johnny Darter 30.0 270.0 20.0 14.0 31.0 4.0 256.0 69.0 46.0 Sculpin 25.0 275.0 15.0 15.0 30.0 5.0 272.0 53.0 38.0

152 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 3 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-90s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 195.0 130.0 39.0 168.0 85.0 30.0 156.0 120.0 65.0 Brown Trout 138.0 187.0 60.0 121.0 132.0 43.0 121.0 155.0 30.0 Rainbow Trout 100.0 225.0 22.0 88.0 165.0 10.0 123.0 153.0 32.0 White Sucker 23.0 130.0 13.0 33.5 71.5 16.5 215.0 61.0 6.0 Blacknose Dace 55.0 98.0 7.0 49.0 56.0 1.0 175.0 101.0 46.0 Longnose Dace 37.0 116.0 25.0 36.0 69.0 14.0 177.0 99.0 44.0 Creek Chub 49.0 104.0 13.0 40.0 65.0 10.0 156.0 120.0 65.0 Johnny Darter 32.0 121.0 22.0 28.0 77.0 18.0 158.5 117.5 62.5 Sculpin 17.0 136.0 7.0 11.0 94.0 1.0 114.0 162.0 23.0

Catchment 4 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-90s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 23.0 22.0 8.0 25.0 11.0 5.0 17.0 11.0 5.0 Brown Trout 21.0 24.0 6.0 19.0 17.0 4.0 15.0 13.0 5.0 Rainbow Trout 20.0 25.0 5.0 15.0 21.0 0.0 13.0 15.0 3.0 White Sucker 14.0 14.0 4.0 12.0 9.0 3.0 16.0 12.0 6.0 Blacknose Dace 14.0 14.0 4.0 12.0 9.0 3.0 16.0 12.0 6.0 Longnose Dace 12.0 16.0 6.0 10.5 10.5 4.5 16.0 12.0 6.0 Creek Chub 12.0 16.0 6.0 10.5 10.5 4.5 16.0 12.0 6.0 Johnny Darter 12.0 16.0 6.0 10.5 10.5 4.5 16.0 12.0 6.0 Sculpin 9.5 18.5 3.5 8.5 12.5 2.5 17.5 10.5 4.5

153 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Catchment 6 Catchment 7 Catchment 8 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 70s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 41.0 862.0 38.0 38.0 17.0 7.0 4.5 10.5 1.5 Brown Trout 3.0 900.0 0.0 39.0 16.0 6.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 Rainbow Trout White Sucker 25.0 878.0 22.0 9.0 12.0 2.0 7.0 8.0 2.0 Blacknose Dace 22.0 881.0 19.0 9.0 12.0 2.0 5.5 9.5 2.5 Longnose Dace 20.0 883.0 17.0 9.0 12.0 2.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 Creek Chub 33.0 870.0 30.0 9.0 12.0 2.0 7.0 8.0 2.0 Johnny Darter 43.0 860.0 40.0 7.0 14.0 4.0 6.0 9.0 3.0 Sculpin 43.0 860.0 40.0 9.0 12.0 2.0 7.0 8.0 2.0

Catchment 9 and 11 Time Period 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-90s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 48.0 57.0 3.0 59.0 112.0 14.0 52.0 53.0 8.0 Brown Trout 82.5 22.5 7.5 93.0 78.0 33.0 25.0 80.0 10.0 Rainbow Trout 58.0 47.0 13.0 79.0 92.0 34.0 44.0 61.0 16.0 White Sucker 40.0 15.0 0.0 60.0 45.0 0.0 37.5 67.5 22.5 Blacknose Dace 37.0 18.0 3.0 55.0 50.0 5.0 35.0 70.0 20.0 Longnose Dace 35.0 20.0 5.0 51.0 54.0 9.0 37.5 67.5 22.5 Creek Chub 35.0 20.0 5.0 47.0 58.0 13.0 32.5 72.5 17.5 Johnny Darter 30.0 25.0 10.0 42.0 63.0 18.0 37.5 67.5 22.5 Sculpin 37.5 17.5 2.5 52.0 53.0 8.0 35.0 70.0 20.0

154 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Zone10 Zone 12 Time Period 70s vs 00s 70s vs 90s 70s vs 00s 90s vs 00s Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-70s Rank-90s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Rank-70s Rank-00s Mean Brook Trout 5.0 10.0 2.0 66.0 124.0 33.0 29.0 16.0 8.0 107.0 29.0 16.0 Brown Trout 5.0 10.0 2.0 58.0 132.0 37.0 30.5 14.5 8.5 118.0 18.0 12.0 Rainbow Trout 4.0 11.0 1.0 62.0 128.0 37.0 36.0 9.0 3.0 121.0 15.0 9.0 White Sucker 14.0 106.0 11.0 6.0 9.0 3.0 113.5 22.5 16.5 Blacknose Dace Longnose Dace Creek Chub Johnny Darter Sculpin 9.0 6.0 0.0 12.0 108.0 9.0 5.5 9.5 2.5 121.0 15.0 9.0

C.2. Technical Steering Committee Members Dan Taillon OMNR Peterborough District District Fisheries Biologist Marc Desjardins Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Fisheries Biologist Jim Bowlby Lake Ontario Management Unit Assessment Biologist Stephen Haayen Department of Fisheries and Oceans Fish Habitat Biologist Jason Borwick OMNR Aurora District District Fisheries Biologist Janice Szwarz Municipality of Clarington Senior Planning Director Vannitha Chanthavong Municipality of Durham Planner Brent Barnes Township of Hamilton Director of Planning Mark Phillips Ontario Ministry of Environment Surface Water Scientist

155 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix D

156 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

Appendix D.1. All Fish data sites from the 1970s to the 2000s, names, locations, and time periods for each catchment Catchment Site ID Year Easting Northing 1 BLDR (1993-1999) 713407 4874609 1 GAN0273 (1973-1978) 717145 4872598 1 GAN0373 (1973-1978) 716280 4873836 1 GAN0473 (1973-1978) 714128 4874167 1 GAN0573 (1973-1978) 713443 4874670 1 GN06 (1993-1999) 716764 4873606 1 GN06 (2000-2005) 716764 4873606 1 GRCA (1993-1999) 717380 4872918 1 THMY (1993-1999) 716906 4873398 1 GAN0173 (1973-1979) 716882 4871786 1 GAN1873 (1973-1978) 712286 4875281 2 DRRG (1993-1999) 707977 4876201 2 FFDN (1993-1999) 707178 4876833 2 FFUP (1993-1999) 706850 4876958 2 GAN0673 (1973-1978) 711434 4874729 2 GAN0773 (1973-1978) 709386 4875343 2 GAN0873 (1973-1978) 707294 4876636 2 GAN0973 (1973-1978) 705343 4877039 2 GN07 (1993-1999) 709601 4875365 2 GN07 (2000-2005) 709601 4875365 2 LEUT (1993-1999) 712276 4874480 2 SHAM (1993-1999) 709357 4875334 3 GAN0104 (2000-2005) 702503 4876622 3 GAN0204 (2000-2005) 703576 4876317 3 GAN0304 (2000-2005) 701447 4877360 3 GAN0404 (2000-2005) 699833 4877322 3 GAN1004 (2000-2005) 698980 4877758 3 GAN1073 (1973-1978) 705352 4876730 3 GAN1173 (1973-1978) 701583 4876830 3 GAN1273 (1973-1978) 700646 4877605 3 GAN1373 (1973-1978) 698137 4877282 3 GN04 (1993-1999) 699833 4877322 3 GN04 (2000-2005) 699833 4877322 3 GNMD (1993-1999) 704971 4876374 3 LADY (1993-1999) 701360 4877563 3 PATH (1993-1999) 703079 4876541 4 8CO3 (1993-1999) 692454 4878558 4 GAN0504 (2000-2005) 697821 4877481 4 GAN0604 (2000-2005) 695945 4878086 4 GAN1473 (1973-1978) 696736 4877950 4 GAN1573 (1973-1978) 692463 4878565 4 GAN1673 (1973-1978) 694949 4879009 4 KANADA (2000-2005) 694363 4878767 4 KEN902 (1993-1999) 697227 4877749 4 KEN904 (1993-1999) 697034 4877923

157 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

4 ORM4 (1993-1999) 692426 4878567 5 GAN1773 (1973-1978) 713642 4874878 5 GAN2204 (2000-2005) 713589 4874721 5 GAN2304 (2000-2005) 713503 4877070 5 GAN2404 (2000-2005) 712960 4879230 5 GAN2504 (2000-2005) 713268 4878994 5 ORM8 (1993-1999) 713577 4875795 6 7CO3 (1993-1999) 707774 4878998 6 7CO6 (1993-1999) 707744 4879161 6 7CO7 (1993-1999) 707744 4879236 6 CHY2 (1993-1999) 710017 4876920 6 CHY5 (1993-1999) 710073 4876979 6 FS01 (1993-1999) 710599 4876294 6 FS02 (1993-1999) 710472 4876294 6 GAN2273 (1973-1978) 710804 4876315 6 GAN2373 (1973-1978) 707772 4879153 6 NOM3 (1993-1999) 709513 4877522 6 NOM5 (1993-1999) 708501 4878177 6 PIG3 (1993-1999) 708197 4878253 6 PIG4 (1993-1999) 708197 4878253 6 PIG6 (1993-1999) 708189 4878271 7 GAN2473 (1973-1978) 707400 4881766 7 GAN3473 (1973-1978) 705480 4883374 7 OAKHILL (2000-2005) 705996 4883243 7 ORM1 (1993-1999) 705842 4882767 7 WALKERS (2000-2005) 704108 4884738 7 WILSON (2000-2005) 707699 4881989 7 WRIGHT (2000-2005) 707473 4882576 8 DELL (2000-2005) 710694 4882602 8 GAN0405 (2000-2005) 707890 4881372 8 GAN2104 (2000-2005) 711711 4881775 8 GAN2573 (1973-1978) 711550 4881558 8 GAN2673 (1973-1978) 712971 4882376 10 GAN1904 (2000-2005) 702053 4880790 10 GAN2004 (2000-2005) 701223 4880923 10 GAN2973 (1973-1978) 701072 4881169 10 GAN3073 (1973-1978) 699807 4883230 10 WIGGINS (2000-2005) 699638 4882561 12 DELLRD (2000-2005) 696838 4881539 12 GAN1104 (2000-2005) 700406 4878450 12 GAN1204 (2000-2005) 699117 4879552 12 GAN2073 (1973-1978) 700396 4878492 12 GAN3373 (1973-1978) 696487 4881803 12 HEND (1993-1999) 700178 4878721 12 LANG (1993-1999) 699327 4879404 12 MCCR (1993-1999) 700554 4878271 12 SWMP (1993-1999) 697940 4881168 13 GAN0904 (2000-2005) 697425 4878905 13 GAN2173 (1973-1978) 697674 4878627

158 GANARASKA RIVER WATERSHED BACKGROUND REPORT

14 GAN0205 (2000-2005) 718111 4881375 14 GAN2604 (2000-2005) 715767 4874832 14 GAN2704 (2000-2005) 714991 4876231 14 GAN2804 (2000-2005) 714869 4877712 14 GAN3004 (2000-2005) 716464 4879887 16 GAN0305 (2000-2005) 713465 4874356 9 and 11 GAN1973 (1973-1978) 705233 4876973 9 and 11 GAN1304 (2000-2005) 703507 4877175 9 and 11 GAN1404 (2000-2005) 701759 4878082 9 and 11 GAN1504 (2000-2005) 700719 4879485 9 and 11 GAN1804 (2000-2005) 703199 4879038 9 and 11 GAN2773 (1973-1978) 704241 4877344 9 and 11 GAN2873 (1973-1978) 703099 4879687 9 and 11 GAN3173 (1973-1978) 704267 4877221 9 and 11 GAN3273 (1973-1978) 700811 4879493 9 and 11 GN05 (1993-1999) 701426 4878344 9 and 11 GN05 (2000-2005) 701426 4878344 9 and 11 GN08 (2000-2005) 701234 4878608 9 and 11 MCMILLIN (2000-2005) 698667 4881944

159 Appendix D.2. Fisheries data sites from the 1970 to the 2000s, including site names, locations, and the number of sampling events for each catchment (the number of sampling events appear in brackets following the site name).