Federal Aid Job Progress Report F-20-53 2017

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NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE STATEWIDE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

FEDERAL AID JOB PROGRESS REPORT

F-20-53 2017

LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT STUDY WESTERN REGION

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES DIVISION ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

Table of Contents

Content Page

SUMMARY ...... 1

BACKGROUND ...... 1

OBJECTIVES ...... 2

PROCEDURES ...... 3

FINDINGS ...... 7

MANAGEMENT REVIEW ...... 12

RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 188

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES DIVISION ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT

State: Nevada Project Title: Statewide Fisheries Program Job Title: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Study Period Covered: January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017

SUMMARY

Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT, Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) population monitoring surveys were completed in Trout Creek Mountains (Corral Canyon Creek, Line Canyon Creek, and Sage Creek), Jackson Mountains (Jackson Creek), and Santa Rosa Range (Threemile Creek and Falls Canyon Creek).

Riparian habitat assessments and livestock monitoring occurred in coordination with Bureau of Land Management, Winnemucca District and US Forest Service, Santa Rosa Ranger District regularly during the spring, summer, and fall grazing seasons. This monitoring and coordination effort occurred on both occupied LCT streams and recovery streams within historic habitat.

BACKGROUND

LCT is the only native trout occurring in the Lahontan Basin. LCT was distributed in the drainages of ancient Lake Lahontan and, as conditions became more arid during the last 5,000 to 12,000 years, it survived in small populations of isolated headwater streams throughout many mountain ranges in Nevada, Oregon, and California.

The settlement of the Great Basin brought livestock grazing, urban development, mining, water diversions, and introduction of non-native trout resulting in hybridization and competition that led to significant declines in the range and number of this unique cutthroat trout subspecies. In response to these declines, LCT was listed as endangered in 1970, but reclassified as threatened in 1975. In January 1995, the USFWS released a recovery plan for the Lahontan cutthroat trout.

LCT was historically common in the Quinn River, Black Rock, and Little Humboldt sub-basins of the Humboldt River system. The Black Rock drainages may have had as many as 46 streams occupied by LCT. Presently, LCT is thought to occupy only 15% of its historic stream habitat in the Quinn River-Black Rock drainages. Populations have suffered from habitat loss, hybridization with nonnative salmonids, and extended droughts. Recovery action in the Quinn River drainage is a priority in the 1995 USFWS Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan.

The final draft of the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Species Management Plan for the Quinn/Black Rock Basins and North Fork of the Little Humboldt River Sub-basin was completed in 1999. This plan, written under the umbrella of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife LCT Recovery Plan, contains management strategies and objectives that outline the processes that are used to guide activities. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Quinn-Blackrock Geographic Management Unit (GMU) Team have used this plan to guide recovery efforts since its signing.

OBJECTIVES

• Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other members of the NWGMU team during monthly meetings to identify actions needed to reestablish LCT into the McDermitt Creek system. • Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. • Conduct monitoring of LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 3.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), and South Fork Indian Creek, approximately 4 miles). • Collect fin clips from LCT populations, as available, and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. • Coordinate with staff from BLM Winnemucca District and USFS Santa Rosa Ranger District to complete regular monitoring on grazing allotments, which contain LCT recovery streams to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. • Complete a chemical treatment on the lower section of Falls Canyon Creek downstream of the waterfall fish barrier to remove nonnative brook trout. • Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate non-native fish in Wash O’Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. • Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin populations of LCT to use in recovery efforts. • Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. • Reintroduce LCT into Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. • Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream habitat surveys on Rock Creek (Sonoma Range), Jackson Creek (Jackson Mountains), Snow Creek (Pine Forest Range), Leonard Creek (Pine Forest Range), Chicken Creek (Pine Forest Range), Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Falls Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Horse Creek (Santa Rosa Range), McConnell Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range), and Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range). • Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream habitat surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. • Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. 2

• Collect LCT brood fish or fertilized eggs from a source LCT population to be determined through population and disease monitoring to provide eggs that will be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. • Augment the recent introduction of LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County) utilizing source stock from available LCT streams in cooperation with CDFW. • Collect five LCT from Catnip Creek with clinical signs of Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Coldwater disease) and preserve in formalin. Samples will be sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for disease diagnosis.

PROCEDURES

Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other members of the NWGMU team during monthly meetings to identify actions needed to reestablish LCT into the McDermitt Creek system. On January 18, 2017, NDOW attended a meeting with representatives from FWS, BLM, TU, and ODFW to discuss management strategies for LCT recovery within the McDermitt Creek system. As a follow-up to this meeting, NDOW also participated in a conference call on February 21, 2017. NDOW attended a Trout Creek Working Group Meeting hosted by ODFW on September 13, 2017 in McDermitt, NV where land management and wildlife management issues in the Trout Creek Mountains were discussed.

Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. Based on 2016 surveys completed on LCT occupied waters throughout the NWGMU, Battle Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, and Colman Creek were identified as potential source stocks for translocation and reintroduction efforts in Sage Creek. However, no LCT were moved into Sage Creek due to ODFW staff recommending reevaluating LCT recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system.

Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 3.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), and South Fork Indian Creek, approximately 4 miles). Single-pass electroshocking surveys with 30.5 m (100 ft) transects at established survey locations were completed on Corral Canyon Creek (July 6 and 7, 2017) and Line Canyon Creek (September 27, 2017). On Threemile Creek, spot shocking was completed along stream reaches that have held LCT over the last several years. For all LCT captured, total length was measured and UTM coordinates 3

of the capture location was recorded before releasing the fish unharmed back into the water where it was captured. Smith-Root LR-20B and ETS Model AbP-3 backpack electroshockers were used during the surveys. No electroshocking was completed when water temperatures reached or exceeded 18.3°C (65°F).

Collect fin clips from LCT populations, as available, and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. While completing fish population surveys and monitoring LCT occupied waters, a small fin clip was collected from the lower caudal fin of individual LCT. These samples were individually preserved in wax paper and placed in labelled envelopes marked with the location, size of fish, and date collected. All fin clip samples were sent to Dr. Mary Peacock at the University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis.

Coordinate with staff from BLM Winnemucca District and USFS Santa Rosa Ranger District to complete regular monitoring on grazing allotments, which contain LCT recovery streams to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Each month staff participated in monthly scheduled conference calls with BLM and FWS to provide updates on riparian monitoring results, monitoring needs, and observations from other field staff. On February 9, 2017, staff also attended a meeting with BLM and FWS to discuss results of the 2016 riparian monitoring and what adjustments and improvements could be made to improve conditions during the 2017 grazing season on allotments having LCT recovery streams.

On February 22 and 23, 2017, NDOW Fisheries and Habitat divisions participated in a Jordan Meadows Working Group coordination meeting. The working group is composed of members from BLM, FWS, land use permittees, Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the National Riparian Services Team. A list of action items for the 2017 grazing and field season was developed. NDOW was responsible for completing an inventory of the water gaps along Washburn and Riser creeks within the Jordan Meadows Allotment. Over several days of site visits in late May and early June, this action item was completed and reported to the working group.

On March 16, 2017, NDOW attended a meeting with USFS, FWS, and Trout Unlimited to discuss LCT management within the Santa Rosa Ranger District. During fall of 2017, the USFS monitored occupied LCT habitat on streams within the Santa Rosa Ranger District. NDOW did not participate in the monitoring due to scheduling.

In late August 2017, NDOW attended a multiday riparian grazing course taught by the National Riparian Service Team in Winnemucca, NV. The course covered a variety of topics including habitat-monitoring techniques, basic habitat requirements for aquatic wildlife species, livestock distribution and handling techniques, and multiple case studies from both federally and privately administered lands.

Complete a chemical treatment on the lower section of Falls Canyon Creek downstream of the waterfall fish barrier to remove nonnative brook trout. During NWGMU team meetings, it was agreed to move forward with planning and executing a chemical treatment using rotenone to eradicate brook trout on Falls Canyon Creek. Outreach included mailing letters to the two livestock grazing permittees within the drainage and regular correspondence via meetings and letters with FWS, USFS, BLM, and one of the permittees. Detailed information on the procedures for completing the chemical treatment is explained in the Falls Canyon Creek Treatment Project Sport Fisheries Management and Environmental Assessment. This project period began July 1, 2017 and will go through June 30, 2020. On June 19, 2017, NDOW provided an information update of the project to the Humboldt County Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife. The FWS in Reno issued a Biological Opinion dated August 11, 2017 for the Falls Canyon Creek treatment project. The BO stated the proposed management action of using rotenone to eradicate brook trout in lower Falls Canyon Creek is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of LCT. On October 23, 2017, NDOW provided an update on the status of the Falls Canyon Creek eradication project to the Humboldt County Commissioners. However, during fall of 2017, a decision was made to postpone the chemical treatment until 2018.

Throughout the summer and fall of 2017, there were multiple site visits to Falls Canyon Creek to monitor water flows and to salvage LCT. Using backpack electroshockers, the salvage occurred downstream of the waterfall. LCT captured were placed into aerated covered buckets for transport and relocated to predetermined release sites upstream of the waterfall. Site visits to Falls Canyon Creek to monitor water flow conditions and the extent of surface flow were completed on March 15, June 28, August 20, August 23, August 28, and September 14, 2017.

Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate non-native fish in Wash O’Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. A chemical treatment project on Wash O’Neil Creek was not pursued during 2017 due to other fisheries management projects taking priority. Additionally, due to recent low water conditions in donor streams, there was uncertainty in having an available source stock of LCT to reintroduce into Wash O’Neil Creek in the year following successful nonnative fish eradication. On June 19, 2017, fin clips were collected from randomly selected LCT captured using a backpack electroshocker.

Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin populations of LCT to use in recovery efforts. A survey on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge was not completed during 2016 due to work at other LCT recovery waters and monitoring of riparian habitats.

Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. On July 11 and 12, 2017, the upper one mile of Abel Creek in the Santa Rosa Range was intensively electroshocked. Block nets were placed at the lower extent of the reach where a 5

seasonal fish barrier existed and crews worked upstream removing all brook trout captured. The first fifty brook trout were measured. All captured LCT were measured and returned to the habitat in which they were caught. Extra care was taken not to injure sampled LCT. Smith-Root LR-20B and ETS Model AbP-3 backpack electroshockers were used during this removal effort. Finally, during 2017, efforts to reestablish LCT in the Nork Fork of Abel Creek were not pursued.

Reintroduce LCT into Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. No LCT reintroduction occurred in Happy Creek during 2017 due to inconsistent water flows.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on Rock Creek (Sonoma Range), Jackson Creek (Jackson Mountains), Snow Creek (Pine Forest Range), Leonard Creek (Pine Forest Range), Chicken Creek (Pine Forest Range), Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Falls Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Horse Creek (Santa Rosa Range), McConnell Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range), and Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range). General Aquatic Wildlife Survey Level III stream surveys (methodologies are outlined in the USFS Fisheries Habitat Surveys Handbook) were completed on Falls Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range) during June and July 2017 and Jackson Creek (Jackson Mountains) in July 2017.

In conjunction with habitat surveys, single pass electroshocking surveys were performed on both streams at each station. Sampling sites occurred approximately every half mile along the surveyed portion of the stream. Electroshocking transects were 100 feet long, using either a Smith-Root LR-20B or ETS model AbP-3 backpack electroshockers.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. No additional streams were identified for sampling in 2017.

BLM, and TU throughout 2017 to discuss management alternatives for reestablishing LCT.

Augment the recent introduction of LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County) utilizing source stock from available LCT streams in cooperation with CDFW. This objective was not completed due to the inability to get the needed approvals and resources from CDFW to transport fish into Nevada. However, population monitoring of Cottonwood Creek was conducted to monitor the successful establishment and distribution of LCT introduced into the creek in 2016. The results of this inventory are explained in detail in the June 28, 2017 Cottonwood Creek Field Trip Report.

Collect five LCT from Catnip Creek with clinical signs of Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Coldwater disease) and preserve in formalin. Samples will be sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for disease diagnosis. This management objective was not completed as no juvenile fish were observed in Catnip Creek during 2017.

FINDINGS

Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other members of the NWGMU team during monthly meetings to identify actions needed to reestablish LCT into the McDermitt Creek system. No surveys were completed on McDermitt Creek during 2017. During September stakeholder meetings, management alternatives were discussed on how to move forward with a chemical treatment to eradicate nonnative trout, though no final decision was made. To assist ODFW with analysis of the temporary fish passage barriers, three LCT were captured, PIT tagged, and released downstream of the Sage Creek barrier (in Nevada) on October 18, 2017.

Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. No LCT translocation occurred on Sage Creek during 2017. During this time, there was no management plan to guide LCT recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system.

Conduct population monitoring on LCT populations in Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 3.5 miles), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Sage Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 8 miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), and South Fork Indian Creek, approximately 4 miles). Population monitoring did not occur on Crowley Creek, 7

Washburn Creek, Riser Creek, North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, Colman Creek, Eightmile Creek, and South Fork Indian Creek.

On July 6 and 7, 2017, NDOW and FWS completed a fish population survey on Corral Canyon Creek at eight previously established stations. At each station, a 30.5 m (100 ft) transect was measured where a single-pass electroshocking survey using a Smith-Root backpack LR-20B electroshocker was completed.

During population monitoring on Corral Canyon Creek, LCT were observed at four (station numbers 405, 528, 621, and 718) of the eight stations. These stations were all located in the middle reaches in areas that were heavily impacted by the Holloway Fire. Livestock were found throughout the drainage in both the riparian and upland areas during sampling.

A total of seven LCT were captured within survey transects and an additional four were observed but not captured. An additional four LCT were captured during spot- shocking attempts in areas that appeared as if they would support LCT but outside of original transects. An additional four were observed but not captured outside. Of the eleven LCT captured, the average total length was approximately 149 mm (5.87 inches). Fin clips were collected from all LCT.

Several structures were present on Corral Canyon Creek that possibly acted as seasonal barriers to fish movement. These were primarily small waterfalls and cascades located near stations 528, 621, and 718. Due to LCT being found throughout the middle section of the stream, fish should be able to move around, at least seasonally, though no fish were observed upstream of the structure at station 718. No LCT was found at stations 813 and 901, but it is unclear if this was due to seasonal barriers to fish movement, a higher stream gradient in the upper two reaches, or if LCT did not colonized that far upstream since their reintroduction.

On September 27, 2017, a fish population survey was completed on Line Canyon Creek. There were six previously established stations, but only four transect where surveyed using a Smith-Root backpack LR-20B electroshocker. The uppermost two stations on Line Canyon Creek were not sampled due to such steep stream gradient. LCT were captured at stations 719, 364, and 249 and since LCT was found upstream and downstream of the Oregon border, they likely occur at stations 600 and 487 located within Oregon. It is also presumed LCT occupies reaches downstream of station 249 until it reaches the confluence of Sage Creek. A total of six LCT were captured at stations 719, 364, and 249, averaging approximately 94 mm in total length. Based on the aforementioned presumptions of LCT distribution, it is believed that a minimum of three miles of Line Canyon Creek is occupied with LCT. The LCT population is estimated to be 316 fish. Water flows ranged from 0.45 to 1.30 cfs, averaging 0.81 cfs during the survey.

On October 18, 2017, the lower section of Sage Creek, downstream of the temporary barrier to the BLM and private property boundary, was sampled with a backpack electroshocker. This effort assisted Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 8

with PIT tagging salmonids that may be present in order to track fish movement over the temporary barriers. A total of three LCT were captured, PIT tagged, and released back into Sage Creek.

Collect fin clips from LCT populations, as available, and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. A total of 71 fin clips were collected during sampling events in 2017. Samples were delivered to Dr. Mary Peacock’s lab at the University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. In summary, fins were collected from Wash O’Neil Creek (five samples on June 19, 2017), Threemile Creek (eleven samples on June 20, 2017), Corral Canyon Creek (eleven samples on July 6 and 7, 2017), Abel Creek (eight samples on July 11, 2017), Falls Canyon Creek (twelve samples on July 17 and 20, 2017), Jackson Creek (fifteen samples on July 25 and 26, 2017), Line Canyon Creek (six samples on September 27, 2017), and Sage Creek (three samples on October 18, 2017).

Coordinate with staff from BLM Winnemucca District and USFS Santa Rosa Ranger District to complete regular monitoring on grazing allotments which contain LCT recovery streams to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Based on their monitoring results from 2016, BLM, Winnemucca District shared that several allotments were in non-compliance during the February 9, 2017 LCT monitoring meeting. All of the allotments discussed during this meeting contained either LCT occupied streams or LCT recovery streams. NDOW, BLM, and FWS made management recommendations on how to improve riparian habitat conditions and strive for compliance with livestock grazing permits.

On February 22 and 23, 2017, NDOW participated in the Jordan Meadows collaborative working group meetings. The results of these two days included a list of action items that members of the working group were responsible for completing by the end of 2017. The National Riparian Service Team facilitated and provided guidance and management recommendations during the working group meeting. NDOW was tasked with completing an inventory of the water gaps along Riser Creek and Washburn Creek in the Montana Mountains. The results of this inventory are explained in detail in the June 19, 2017 Riser and Washburn Creeks Water Gap and Exclosure Inventories Field Trip Report. The six water gaps visited on Washburn Creek ranged in size from approximately 33 to 248 m (108 to 815 ft) of stream channel accessible to livestock. The six water gaps visited on Riser Creek ranged in length from approximately 39 to 367 m (129 to 1205 ft) of stream channel open to livestock access.

The riparian grazing course in August 2017 provided an opportunity for a variety of individuals from federal and state agencies, consultants in the private sector, and livestock operators to learn new management practices and share experiences with monitoring, managing livestock grazing, and managing wildlife resources in riparian habitats.

Complete a chemical treatment on the lower section of Falls Canyon Creek downstream of the waterfall fish barrier to remove nonnative brook trout. Based on discussions with FWS, BLM, USFS, and one land use permittee, and from monitoring stream flow conditions, a decision was made in fall 2017 to postpone the chemical treatment until 2018.

On August 22, 2017, NDOW salvaged LCT from lower Falls Canyon Creek below the waterfall. This effort was to relocate LCT in the lower reaches to above the waterfall, prior to applying rotenone. A total of seven LCT averaging 226 mm (8.9 in) TL were captured and relocated upstream above the waterfall. A follow-up effort below the falls did not locate any LCT.

Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate non-native fish in Wash O’Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. Genetic analysis results from trout collected in Wash O’Neil Creek were not available, therefore, efforts to pursue an eradication project were not pursued.

Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin populations of LCT to use in recovery efforts. Due to other priorities, this management objective was not completed in 2016. Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. On July 11 and 12, 2017 NDOW crews removed brook trout on Abel Creek. A total of 165 brook trout were removed using backpack electroshockers. During two sampling days, eight LCT were captured, fin clipped, and released unharmed back into Abel Creek. Brook trout averaged 162 mm (6.4 in) TL and LCT 181 mm (7.1 in) TL. The section of stream where brook trout removal occurred started at E444348 N4588551 and extended upstream to E442891 N4588116.

Due to other priorities, the possibility of reestablishing LCT in the North Fork was not evaluated.

Reintroduce LCT into Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. This management objective was not completed in 2017 due to inconsistent water conditions in Happy Creek.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on Rock Creek (Sonoma Range), Jackson Creek (Jackson Mountains), Snow Creek (Pine Forest Range), Leonard Creek (Pine Forest Range), Chicken Creek (Pine Forest Range), Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Falls Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Horse Creek (Santa Rosa Range), McConnell Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range), and Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range). GAWS surveys were completed on Falls Canyon Creek and Jackson Creek. Detailed information regarding 2017 GAWS 10

survey results on both streams are available in their respective 2018 stream survey reports.

The habitat condition index (HCI) is an average of the pool measure, pool structure, stream bottom substrate, bank cover, bank soil stability, and bank vegetation stability scores. HCI score for Falls Canyon Creek was 62% and 60.9% for Jackson Creek. During habitat surveys, fish population monitoring was also completed.

During the survey period on Falls Canyon Creek, electroshocking was not completed at three of the stations. At stations 018 and 108, the water temperature was too warm and at station 914, the vegetation was too thick for effectively operating the backpack electroshocker. There were no fish observed at stations 198, 500, 550, 660, 754, 834, and 142. LCT was only captured at station 420 and brook trout was only captured at station 310. A total of two LCT averaging 105 mm (4.1 in) were captured at station 420. A total of five brook trout averaging 155 mm (6.1 in) were captured at station 310.

In addition to fish population surveys completed at the established transects, spot shocking was also completed on likely looking locations that could support LCT. Through these efforts, an additional ten LCT were found on Falls Canyon Creek outside of the established survey transects. They averaged 223 mm (8.8 in). Fin clips from the lower caudal fin were taken for genetic analysis.

During the Jackson Creek survey period, seven of thirteen historical stations were sampled to determine species composition, abundance, and distribution. Stations JC165, JC412, JC492, JC555, JC695, and JC754 were not sampled to due to low water flows and/or poor water quality. Lahontan cutthroat trout were only observed at stations JC176, JC253, and JC328, but were captured at stations JC253 and JC328. At station JC253, one LCT measuring 60 mm (2.4 in) was captured, and at station JC328, two LCT measuring 165 and 164 mm (6.5 and 6.5 in) were captured.

While completing the stream survey, attempts were made to spot-shock what looked like LCT habitat outside of the established thirteen transects. This effort resulted in capturing an additional 12 LCT from downstream of station JC792 to the lower reaches. A waterfall was found below station JC792 and looked to be a natural barrier to fish movement upstream. A small fin clip was collected from the lower caudal fin on all LCT captured in addition to recording total length and coordinates of were each fish was caught. The fin clips were sent to Dr. Mary Peacock’s laboratory at the University of Nevada Reno.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. No additional GAWS stream surveys were identified during the reporting period.

since the proposed plan for LCT recovery in McDermitt Creek was still in the planning stage.

MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Coordinate with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and other members of the NWGMU team during monthly meetings to identify actions needed to reestablish LCT into the McDermitt Creek system. No surveys were completed on McDermitt Creek during 2017. Stakeholder meetings occurred regarding management alternatives for a chemical treatment to remove nonnative trout species. No final management decision was made. To assist ODFW staff with analysis of temporary fish passage barriers, three LCT were captured and PIT tagged downstream of the Sage Creek barrier on October 18, 2017. They were released and appeared to be unharmed.

Augment the Sage Creek population of LCT with a suitable LCT source stock that will be identified through population monitoring and genetic analysis. No translocation of LCT occurred on Sage Creek during 2017 due to no management plan to guide LCT recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek basin.

miles), Corral Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 4 miles), Line Canyon Creek (Trout Creek Mountains, approximately 3 miles), North Fork Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 2 miles), Battle Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 1 mile), Colman Creek (Black Rock Range, approximately 4 miles), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), Eightmile Creek (Santa Rosa Range, approximately 4 miles), and South Fork Indian Creek, approximately 4 miles). LCT in Corral Canyon Creek were reported in 2004 and 2011 GAWS survey reports, but the locations where they found were unclear in the reports. During the 2011 survey, the LCT density was approximately 6.6 fish per mile. During the July 6 and 7, 2017 survey, the LCT density was approximately 92.4 fish per mile and an estimated density of 135 for the section surveyed. With ongoing livestock grazing occurring in area, mid-season monitoring is essential to ensure grazing standards are not being exceeded. Site visits over the past several years have found livestock use extending into late July and August when the riparian is vulnerable to livestock use. Management efforts should minimize this impact during the summer months. Corral Canyon Creek will remain an important LCT occupied stream within the NWGMU and management actions should be directed for protecting and enhancing the riparian habitat and LCT populations.

LCT were not documented upstream of station 600 during previous fish surveys in Line Canyon Creek. Several natural barriers possibly impeded fish passage, but seasonal flow variation, changes to the stream channel due to land disturbances and uses, or other factors may have changed the structure within the stream channel. The upper reaches in Line Canyon Creek are steep and may prevent LCT from occupying those reaches. The headwater areas are vital for their coolwater springs during the summer months. Additionally, fish surveys should be conducted to determine the upper limits of LCT in Line Canyon Creek. During the 2017 field season, heavy livestock use was documented in neighboring Corral Canyon Creek, which is also within the Zimmerman Allotment. Regular coordination and monitoring should continue to occur between NDOW, USFWS, BLM Vale District, ODFW, and the permittee to ensure livestock grazing is occurring as permitted and not negatively impacting LCT habitat.

It is encouraging to have found LCT existing in Sage Creek, Line Canyon Creek, and Corral Canyon Creek during 2017 surveys; further management actions will be focused on maintaining these populations and improving riparian habitat conditions to support robust LCT populations and improve their distribution throughout these streams. Continual LCT population monitoring is an important part in recovery. It assists in tracking fluctuations in population size, in identifying potential impacts from land uses, in categorizing population stability and size for repopulating treated or unoccupied streams, and examining population responses to changes in environmental conditions.

Collect fin clips from LCT populations, as available, and submit samples to University of Nevada, Reno for genetic analysis. Collecting genetic information form LCT provides verification that hybrids are not present WITHIN a stream system and for analyzing relationships among isolated LCT populations. It may also be used, moving forward with LCT recovery efforts, in determining the historic range of LCT populations.

The fin clips collected from 2017 have not yet been analyzed and they will continue to be collected at every chance within LCT recovery streams.

Coordinate with staff from BLM Winnemucca District and USFS Santa Rosa Ranger District to complete regular monitoring on grazing allotments, which contain LCT recovery streams to ensure land use practices are occurring as permitted. Throughout the NWGMU, livestock grazing occurs within the majority of drainages containing LCT or in unoccupied recovery streams. Regular coordination and communication with the BLM Winnemucca District has aided in developing riparian monitoring programs that provide data to make informed management decisions. One of the shortfalls of the current monitoring program is that a single monitoring location is used to determine the condition of an entire stream. Short-term annual monitoring locations are not randomized, which may create a bias in the results.

Currently, the riparian monitoring program on the Santa Rosa Ranger District only occurs on streams that support LCT populations. Habitat conditions on recovery streams within historic LCT ranges are not monitored, and may only be visited by USFS on a limited basis to complete compliance checks.

Due to the limited capacity of USFS, NDOW will continue to work closely with them to maximize monitoring efficiency and aid in LCT recovery. It is recommended that current monitoring sites be reevaluated regarding their importance and if they provide suitable LCT habitats. Since a limited number of monitoring locations can be visited annually, sites should reflect current habitat conditions and potential impacts from land uses.

At times, certain permitted land use activities can result in degradation of LCT habitats (i.e., livestock loafing along a LCT stream in August or exploration drilling within a recovery stream drainage). Management decisions should continue to consider these potential impacts and implement actions to minimize or eliminate negative impacts to riparian habitats.

Complete a chemical treatment on the lower section of Falls Canyon Creek downstream of the waterfall fish barrier to remove nonnative brook trout. The chemical treatment on lower Falls Canyon Creek was postponed during 2017 due to unsuitable environmental conditions and for addressing concerns of a land use permittee within the area. In order to prevent the need to neutralize the applied rotenone, the treatment will occur when surface flows in Falls Canyon Creek do not reach Horse Creek. During 2017, due to the higher snowpack in the Santa Rosa Range, water flow was not suitable during the timeframe when a treatment could be completed. Despite several meetings and letters by NDOW, BLM, and USFWS that were shared with the permittee, there was no consensus in reaching a need for chemical treatment or support for the project.

Mechanical removal of brook trout in Falls Canyon Creek has been suggested as a management alternative instead of completing a chemical treatment. However, 14

mechanical removal efforts using backpack electroshockers have proven in other streams to be extremely inefficient. In Falls Canyon Creek, from the waterfall downstream to approximately the USFS and BLM boundary, woody vegetation is dense enough that navigating the stream, electroshocking, and netting fish would be difficult to impossible. During mechanical removal efforts on nearby Abel Creek, removing brook trout by electroshocking worked temporarily. However, this methodology has never been able to remove all brook trout and they continue to spawn and repopulate the stream annually. Based on this and the difficult access in Falls Canyon Creek, applying rotenone remains the most effective option for removing brook trout.

Completing the chemical treatment on Falls Canyon Creek remains a management priority for LCT recovery efforts since existing LCT populations are currently limited within the NWGMU. The persistence of brook trout in proximity to a viable LCT population results in a constant threat from illegal movement of brook trout. Removing LCT threats will help create a secure LCT population.

Examine the feasibility of conducting a chemical treatment to eradicate non-native fish in Wash O’Neil Creek, and complete the treatment if favorable conditions permit. While a chemical treatment on Wash O’Neil Creek was not pursued in 2017, this stream does offer potential for LCT recovery and expanding the LCT population. Wash O’Neil Creek, along with other streams within the Little Humboldt River system such as Stonehouse and North Fork Abel Creek, provides suitable habitat for supporting and sustaining LCT located within their historic range. However, these streams are currently occupied with non-native trout. Eradicating these species will assist in achieving management goals of reestablishing LCT populations.

Survey waters on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge to determine suitability for establishing out-of-basin populations of LCT to use in recovery efforts. Due to workload constraints and other management activities taking priority, this objective was not completed. Future work program plans should continue to include surveying potential LCT water bodies for finding suitable habitat for establishing LCT populations that assist with recovery efforts in the NWGMU. Even though establishing LCT on the Sheldon NWR would be out-of-basin, they would have potential to function as a source stock for recovery actions within historic range.

Conduct mechanical eradication of nonnative brook trout on Abel Creek in the upper one mile of stream habitat, and examine the possibility of reestablishing Abel Creek LCT in the North Fork Abel Creek. The mechanical removal of brook trout continued to reduce competitive interaction with LCT in Abel Creek. Results of the 2017 mechanical removal showed a decreased in brook trout and LCT compared to the 2016 removal event. LCT captured in 2017 showed an increase in average size (181 mm, 7.13 in) compared to 23 LCT in 2016 that averaged 161 mm (6.34 in). Since brook trout ranged in size from 50 to 270 mm (1.97 to 10.63 in) and the average total length of those removed was 162 mm (6.38 in), this indicates that a variety of size classes were still represented and they successfully spawned each fall.

While a mechanical eradication effort to remove brook trout temporarily relieves stress on the LCT population, it is not a feasible, long-term solution to protect or to expand the Abel Creek LCT population. This is especially true in stream where the riparian vegetation is dense and limits the effectiveness of backpack electrofishing, such as in Abel Creek. To remove this threat, use rotenone is recommended. Prior to a treatment, LCT need to be captured and relocated to another area to reduce mortality.

Reintroduce LCT into Happy Creek in the Jackson Mountains. Though low water and inconsistent flow in Happy Creek prevented the reintroduction of LCT, this management objective still needs pursuing when water flows improve. Happy Creek flows through sections of privately owned lands, a safe harbor agreement would need to be established to assist in recovery efforts. Limited correspondence has occurred with the ranch manager and a baseline survey has yet to be completed.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on Rock Creek (Sonoma Range), Jackson Creek (Jackson Mountains), Snow Creek (Pine Forest Range), Leonard Creek (Pine Forest Range), Chicken Creek (Pine Forest Range), Crowley Creek (Montana Mountains), Riser Creek (Montana Mountains), Washburn Creek (Montana Mountains), Andorno Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Falls Canyon Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Horse Creek (Santa Rosa Range), McConnell Creek (Santa Rosa Range), Threemile Creek (Santa Rosa Range), and Indian Creek (Santa Rosa Range). The data collected from GAWS surveys can be used to assist in making land management recommendations and decisions, especially as the surveys occur regularly to track changes in habitat condition indices and riparian habitat conditions. During 2017, a wide range of GAWS surveys were identified based on recommendations from BLM about upcoming grazing permit renewals.

On Falls Canyon Creek, the limiting parameters for a higher HCI score were pool measure (PM), pool structure (PS), and percent stream bottom (SB). All stations sampled showed a lack of pools and most stations showed a lack of quality pools. Stations 550, 660, 754, and 834 had lower scores for desirable substrates due to a higher percentage of boulders present along the stream bottom. Station 754 also had a higher percentage of sand/silt than other stations. It is expected there would be a lower percentage of pools and a lack of quality pools in the diversion ditch since it is a manmade feature operated to move water and not provide habitat for trout.

Jackson Creek flows through two sections of private property. These are located between stations JC328 and JC412 and stations JC492 and JC754. The uppermost private section also covers the confluence of the North Fork Jackson Creek and the main stem. It is likely LCT inhabit the private sections since they also occur in areas up- and downstream. These areas are crucial since LCT need to move freely throughout the system for reaching spawning habitats, deep pools to over-winter, cool spring outflows for surviving the summer, and reaching other seasonal and year-round habitats as required for survival.

Regular riparian habitat monitoring and assessments are needed to evaluate the impacts of land uses. Monitoring results will assist land managers on making informed decisions to improve wildlife habitat.

Conduct General Aquatic Wildlife Surveys (GAWS) Level III stream surveys on streams as needed and identified to assist in LCT recovery efforts. During 2017, no additional streams were identified for GAWS surveys. Results from the GAWS surveys assist in LCT recovery efforts and for making land management decisions.

Capture LCT from North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek to assist in recovery efforts within the McDermitt Creek system by augmenting existing LCT populations or reestablishing LCT populations in streams within the McDermitt Creek watershed. North Fork Battle Creek, Battle Creek, and Colman Creek have been identified as potential donor LCT streams for reintroduction into other waters including, but not limited to, the McDermitt Basin. LCT populations in these streams originated from Washburn Creek, which is a tributary to the Quinn River downstream of the confluence with McDermitt Creek. Multiple size classes of LCT were observed in all three streams during 2016 fish population surveys. Regular coordination occurred between NDOW and BLM Black Rock Field Office to monitor permitted land uses and to provide strategies that are minimizing negative impacts to riparian habitat

Collect LCT brood fish or fertilized eggs from a source LCT population to be determined through population and disease monitoring to provide eggs that will be hatched and raised in a controlled hatchery environment and later stocked as fingerling sized trout in waters within the McDermitt Creek system. While this management objective was not completed in 2017, utilizing a controlled hatchery environment to hatch and rear fingerling LCT remains a management alternative to assist with LCT recovery efforts in the McDermitt Basin and possibly elsewhere within the NWGMU. Due to numerous streams and their large size within the McDermitt Creek system, having an adequate number of LCT available will be essential for a successful reintroduction project.

Augment the recent introduction of LCT into Cottonwood Creek in the Wassuk Mountain Range, Mount Grant (Mineral County) utilizing source stock from available LCT streams in cooperation with CDFW. While this management objective was not completed in 2017, NDOW will continue to coordinate with CDFW to secure additional LCT from suitable donor streams in California for augmentation of the Cottonwood Creek population. Population monitoring of this population will continue annually to monitor distribution and document reproduction.

Collect five LCT from Catnip Creek with clinical signs of Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Coldwater disease) and preserve in formalin. Samples will be sent to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for disease diagnosis. Low water conditions on Catnip Creek have prevented this management objective from being completed since it was first included in the work program in 2011. The purpose of this management objective was to determine if there were any disease 17

issues that would prevent consideration of Catnip Reservoir/Creek as a potential site for establishment of a wild LCT broodstock for the Quinn River/Blackrock strain for recovery purposes. In order to establish a wild broodstock, the fish must be able to sustain a viable population in Catnip Reservoir and Catnip Creek. Low water conditions and the absence of any recruitment over the past 7 years is demonstrating that maintaining a wild broodstock in Catnip Creek may not be feasible. Stream conditions and recruitment of LCT in Catnip Creek should continue to be monitored annually and included in the Catnip Reservoir sportfish work program; however, the need to identify the presence of coldwater disease in the population is probably not necessary unless there is a renewed interest by the NWGMU Team to consider Catnip Reservoir for broodstock development. Until that time, this management objective can be discontinued.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Coordinate with ODFW to complete LCT recovery efforts in the McDermitt Creek Basin. • Complete fish population surveys and riparian habitat monitoring on Washburn Creek, Riser Creek, Crowley Creek, Threemile Creek, Eightmile Creek, Long Canyon Creek, and South Fork Indian Creek. • Conduct mechanical removal of brook trout in the upper one mile of Abel Creek. • Coordinate with BLM and USFS to examine that permitted land uses are not negatively impacting LCT habitats and populations. • Collect genetic samples from LCT populations throughout the Quinn-Black Rock GMU. • Reestablish LCT populations in streams across the NW GMU as opportunities arise. • Complete a chemical eradication of non-native brook trout in lower Falls Canyon Creek. • Complete fish population surveys on Cottonwood Creek and augment the population utilizing LCT from suitable donor streams in California if possible.

Prepared by: Cody Byrne Fisheries Biologist

Date: February 23, 2018