Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Annual Research Highlights 2015

Volume IX, Nov. 2016

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Annual Research Highlights 2015

Volume IX, Nov. 2016

Our Mission: To conserve and enhance fish and wildlife resources and provide opportunity for hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and other wildlife related activities.

COVER: shocking at Taylorsville Lake / Obie WilliamsAnnual Research Highlights 2015 1 Foreword

Ultraviolet light examination of bat in Saltpeter Cave reveals wing damage caused by white-nose syndrome / Kevin Kelly

Research and monitoring are key vigilance in the conservation of the fish federal programs to fund the seven di- steps towards conserving and enhanc- and wildlife resources that we hold in visions within KDFWR. Nearly all of ing fish, wildlife, and habitat resources trust for the public. The 2015 KDFWR the projects included in this document throughout the Commonwealth. In Research Highlights document repre- are partially or fully funded by federal order to effectively manage a species it sents targeted efforts by KDFWR and programs including the Wildlife Res- is vital to fully understand its ecology partners to fulfill statewide conserva- toration Act (Pittman-Robertson), the and behavior along with its responses tion goals. Sport Fish Restoration Program (Ding- to management activities. As stewards ell-Johnson), the State Wildlife Grant of Kentucky’s fish and wildlife, it is our Funding Sources and Guide to Program (SWG), and the Cooperative job to ensure seasons and bag limits are Federal Programs Endangered Species Conservation Fund sustainable and to determine if man- KDFWR receives no general fund (Section 6). agement actions are achieving desired taxpayer dollars. As a result, the De- These federal programs serve a va- goals. The following project summa- partment relies on hunting and fishing riety of purposes; however, each has an ries serve as a testament to KDFWR’s license fees, boat registration fees, and underlying goal of fish, wildlife, and/

2 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources FOREWORD

Federal Funding Source Program Goal

Wildlife To restore, conserve, manage and Restoration Act enhance wild birds and mammals (Pittman-Robertson) and their habitats To fund fishery management Sport Fish Restoration projects, boating access, and aquatic (Dingell-Johnson) Program education

Cooperative To fund conservation projects Endangered Species for candidate, proposed, or listed

Conservation Fund species (Section 6) To develop and implement programs that benefit wildlife and State Wildlife Grant their habitats; specifically, species (SWG) Program and habitats of conservation concern Deer tissue being monitored for CWD / Obie Williams or habitat conservation. Brief descrip- KDFWR in 2015, while the sale of of Fish and Wildlife involvement are tions of each of these programs are as hunting and fishing licenses provided included in the Table of Contents. For follows: 27.4 million dollars, over half of KD- projects that have been completed These federal programs provided FWR’s budget (see Figure 1). For and not yet published, a detailed approximately 15.3 million dollars to reference, we have included the state summary will be included in the first and federal funding sources portion (“completed projects”) of the $674,270 $3,708,422 for each project; however, document. For projects that began in $933,792 these projects may be ad- 2015, a brief 1-page overview of the $3,477,219 ditionally supplemented by project is included in the second portion outside funding provided (“new projects”) of the document. For by non-profit organiza- select ongoing projects, brief status tions or universities. For updates are included in the last section each project summary, we (“project updates”) of this document. also identify the specific This will facilitate looking up detailed $28,872,082 goals addressed by either $15,699,579 summaries of completed projects in Kentucky’s Strategic Plan later years. A comprehensive project or Kentucky’s State Wild- reference guide lists all projects life Action Plan, the two included in Research Highlights guiding documents for our documents, beginning with publication agency. year 2007.

Wildlife How to Use This Hunting & Fishing Licenses Management Areas Document Please use the following Federal Reimbursement Camp Fees This document is divided citation when referencing this into four main sections: Boat Registration document: Other published research, Kentucky Department of Fish completed projects, new and Wildlife Resources Annual Re- projects, and project search Highlights, 2015. Volume Figure 1. Kentucky Department of Fish and updates. Citations for all IX. Publication of the Wildlife and Wildlife Resources Funding Sources 2015. published research with Fisheries Divisions. November, 2016, Total revenues for 2015 were $53,365,365. Kentucky Department 85 pp.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 3 Table of Contents

Published Research Contact Program Coordinator, Paul Wilkes Completed Projects ([email protected]) for reprints of these publications. and Monitoring Bird, W.M., P. Peak, and D.L. Baxley. 2015. Natural history and meristics of an allopatric population of red Summaries cornsnakes, Patherophis guttatus (Linnaeus, 1866) in central Kentucky, USA. Journal of North American Wildlife Herpetology 2015:6-11. Effects of Native Grassland Restoration on Raptor Brooke, J.M., D.C. Peters, A.M. Unger, E.P. Tanner, Habitat Use and Prey Abundance on Peabody Wildlife C.A. Harper, P.D. Keyser, J.D. Clark, and J.J. Morgan. Management Area 2015. Habitat manipulation influences northern bobwhite resource selection on a reclaimed surface mine. Journal of Wildlife Management 79:1264-1276. Fisheries Murphy, S.M., J.J. Cox, J.D. Clark, B.C. Augustine, J.T. Hast, D. Gibbs, M. Strunk, and S. Dobey. 2015. Rapid River Supplemental Stocking Survey- Markland growth and genetic diversity retention in an isolated and Meldahl Pools reintroduced black bear population in the Central Appalachians. Journal of Wildlife Management Preliminary Assessment of a Newly Established Blue 79:807-818. Catfish Population in Taylorsville Lake Near, T.J., and Thomas, M.R. 2015. A New Species from Buck Creek (Cumberland River Evaluation of Sauger Stockings in the Kentucky, Green, System), Kentucky (: : Barren, and Salt Rivers Catonotus: Oopareia). Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History 56(2):127-146. Surveys for the ( cincotta), an Endangered Species Known Historically from the Peters, D.C., J.M. Brooke, E.P. Tanner, A.M. Unger, P.D. Green River in Kentucky Keyser, C.A. Harper, J.D. Clark, and J.J. Morgan. 2015. Impact of experimental habitat manipulation Survey of the Fish Fauna of the Laurel River Drainage on northern bobwhite survival. Journal of Wildlife Management 79:605-617. with Emphasis on Species of Greatest Conservation Need Thomas, M.R. and S.L. Brandt. 2016. Surveys for the Diamond Darter (Crystallaria cincotta), an endangered species known historically from the Green River in Kentucky. Proceedings for Celebrating the Diversity of Research in the Mammoth Cave Region: New Projects th 11 Research Symposium at Mammoth Cave National These projects began in 2015 Park. April 18, 2016 50-58

Unger, A.M., E.P. Tanner, C.A. Harper, P.D. Keyser, Fisheries F.T. VanManen, J.J. Morgan, and D.L. Baxley. 2015. Northern bobwhite seasonal habitat selection on a Survey and Assessment of the Fish Fauna of the reclaimed surface coal mine in Kentucky. Journal Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall, of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife McCracken, and Graves Counties, Kentucky Agencies 2015: 235-246. Distribution and Status of the , Yeiser, J.M., D.L. Baxley, B.A. Robinson, J.J. parvipinne, in Kentucky Morgan, J.N. Stewart, and J.O. Barnard. 2015. A comparison of coal mine reclamation seed mixes in Evaluation of Stocking Original and Reciprocal Kentucky: Implications for grassland establishment Cross Hybrid Striped Bass in Three Kentucky in Appalachia. International Journal of Mining, Impoundments Reclamation, and Environment 2015:2-11. Status update of the Redside Dace in Kentucky

4 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources TABLE of CONTENTS

Project Updates Control and Removal of Asian Carp in the This section includes brief updates for selected projects that Monitoring and Response to Asian Carp in the Ohio began prior to 2015. River

Impacts of Asian Carp Harvest Program on Sportfish in FISHERIES Kentucky

Warm Water Stream Sport Fish Surveys

Assessment of Statewide Size and Creel Limits on WILDLIFE in Pool 6 of Green River Exploring Methods for Monitoring Bobcats in Kentucky Investigation of the Restoration of Native Walleye in the Upper Barren River Resource Selection, Movement Patterns, Survival, and Cause-specific Mortality of Adult Bull Elk in Evaluation of Muskellunge Stockings in the Kentucky Kentucky River Cause-Specific Mortality, Behavior, and Group Evaluation of New Commercial and Recreational Dynamics of Cow Elk in Kentucky Regulations on Catfish in the Ohio River Effects of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the Upper Cumberland Program on Grassland Birds in Kentucky River Drainage in Kentucky Population Dynamics of Adult Female White-tailed Deer Assessment of the Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the in Southeast Kentucky Cumberland River Survival of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) The Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) Program: Neonates in a Southeastern Kentucky Population Providing Fishing Opportunities to Residents in Cities across the Commonwealth Incorporating Disturbance Ecology into Native Hardwood Tree Seedling Restorations of the Kentucky Propagation and Reintroduction of the Kentucky Arrow Inner Bluegrass Savanna-Woodland Darter (Etheostoma spilotum) in the Upper Kentucky River Drainage

Propagation and Reintroduction of the (Etheostomoa susanae) in the Upper Cumberland River Drainage

Alligator Gar Propagation and Restoration in Western Kentucky Appendix This section includes references for projects from 2007- Status Assessment of Eight Fish Species of Greatest 2015...... 74 Conservation Need in the Red River, Lower Cumberland River Drainage, Kentucky

Using Telemetry to Monitor the Movements and KDFWR Contacts Distribution of Asian Carp in the Ohio River More information regarding the project summaries within this publication can be obtained by contacting the listed Asian Carp Demographics in Kentucky Lake KDFWR contacts ...... 85

Annual Research Highlights 2015 5 Wildlife

Early morning quail covey counts at Shaker Village / Kevin Kelly Completed Projects

6 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Effects of Native Grassland Restoration on Raptor Habitat Use and Prey Abundance on Peabody Wildlife Management Area

Kate Slankard, Danna Baxley has become more popular in recent the preference to nest in idle grasslands and Gary Sprandel years. (not recently managed) (Toland 1986, Kentucky Department of Fish The Northern Harrier (Circus Herkert et al 1999). cyaneus) is a species of conservation Recent research has proven that and Wildlife Resources concern throughout much of its range increasing available grassland habitat in North America, including Kentucky results in quick increases of wintering (KDFWR 2013). The consistent grassland raptors. These success stories nesting range of Northern Harriers in leave us to pose the question on where Introduction Kentucky is nearly limited to reclaimed we should focus monetary resources Grassland habitat is declining mine areas in the west-central part of for grassland raptors: the conversion at rapid pace in North America and the state, including Peabody Wildlife of land under other uses to grassland populations of many grassland birds Management Area (PWMA) (Palmer- habitat or the management of existing are plummeting along with it (Brennan Ball 2003). Much of PWMA has been grasslands, many of which contain non- and Kuvlesky 2005). Restoration and intensively managed for native grass, native vegetation. management of native grasslands is but little was known about how these The goal of this study was to cited as a top objective for grassland habitat management actions affect evaluate the relationships among raptor bird recovery and the Northern harriers and other grassland raptors at and small mammal communities where Bobwhite Conservation Initiative, the time we began this project. native grass restoration and other Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) The diet of most grassland raptor management activities were ongoing. and other multi-state programs have species is typically high in small We structured our study design in led to much effort and expense for mammals. Northern Harriers, in hopes to obtain a dataset with sufficient this purpose in recent years. Large, particular, are known to eat mostly sample size and standardization to look contiguous tracts of endemic grasslands voles and other small mammals at the relationships between raptor are hard to find, but reclaimed surface throughout their range and on PWMA habitat use, small mammal abundance mines can provide expansive areas (Stewart 2004, Vukovich and Ritchison and vegetation structure. Although we of grassland habitat in Kentucky and 2006). Variables influencing nest site were interested in all raptors that use elsewhere. Consequently, restoring selection for Northern Harriers have grassland habitat, we were particularly native grasses on reclaimed mine sites also been well documented, especially interested in the Northern Harrier since it is a species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) listed in Kentucky’s State Wildlife Action Plan (KDFWR 2013).

Methods Study Site Our study site was the KDFWR- owned portions of PWMA in Muhlen- berg and Ohio counties in western Kentucky. KDFWR has been restoring native warm season grass (NWSG) at PWMA since 1997. We conducted our study on 2 separate regions of PWMA. “The eastern units”- named Sinclair and Ken (9476 ha) - contained much area Northern harrier / David Roemer that was undergoing intensive manage-

Annual Research Highlights 2015 7 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Wildlife Wildlife Figure 1. Number of detections for all raptors, Northern Harrier (NOHA) and Red-Tailed Hawk (RTHA) surveyed at Peabody Wildlife Management Area 2009-2012. Annual density estimations (N/km2) are shown for all raptor species.

100 250 Small Mammal Trapping To obtain estimates of small mam- 90 0.40 mal relative abundance, we conducted 80 200 small mammal trapping, using snap-

70 traps. Trapping was conducted at six

60 150 grid locations for two consecutive trap All Raptors Summed nights in late winter and mid-summer 50 0.20 0.20 NOHA each year from 2009-2012. New grids 0.30 40 100 RTHA were sampled each year, leading to a 30 total of 24 grids sampled; 50% of grids N Detections All N Detections All Raptors N Detections RTHA, NOHA 20 50 sampled each season were within areas managed for NWSG and 50% were 10 in unmanaged areas. To minimize 0 0 the effects of weather, small-mammal 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year trapping did not occur when there was more than 3 cm of snow on the ground or on days/nights where there was sub- Figure 1. Number of detections for all raptors, Northern Harrier (NOHA) stantial rainfall or temperatures below andFigure Red-Tailed 2. Total number Hawk of captures (RTHA) for mice, surveyed voles, and at Peabodyall mammals Wildlife combined Management on Peabody Wildlife Management Area 2009-2012. -12°C. Area 2009-2012. Annual density estimations (N/km2) are shown for all raptor Random grid locations were species.300 generated for each habitat . At

250 each grid location, small mammal traps (laid within 1 m of each other in sets ment 200 for NWSG before and during the were not conducted on days with pre- of two) were set in 7 x 7 grids which study.150 “The western units”- Vogue and cipitation or fog,All when Mammals wind Summed speeds consisted of 49 double traps placed 10 River Queen (6415 ha) - served as the were greater thanMice 24 kph or snow depth m apart. Traps were baited with peanut N Captures 100 control since they contained unman- was greater thanVoles 3 cm. butter and oatmeal and set on the dirt aged, 50reclaimed mine land, planted in A distance sampling, roadside, by kicking up litter layer if necessary. non-native0 vegetation. PWMA was point count survey methodology was When traps were checked, captured identified as2009 a Kentucky2010 Quail Focus2011 employed2012 for replicability and the mammals were collected and placed Area in 2008 (KDFWR 2008)Year and a ability to calculate density estimates. in a bag which was labeled with the special grant to restore Northern Bob- Accessible roads at PWMA which grid number and date. Once brought white (Colinus virginianus) habitat was dissect grassland habitat were surveyed back from the field, the specimens the driving force behind most of the for raptors in a single day beginning at were assigned a unique specimen ID management activities on the eastern least ½ hr after sunrise and ending at number, identified, measured and, when units. KDFWR intensively managed least ½ hr before sunset. Twenty-nine possible, aged and sexed. the open areas on the eastern units, randomly placed points were sampled using herbicide, block disking, strip along the roads via a single-observer Quantitative Soil and Vegetation disking and prescribed fire. Most of the point count. Measurements. managed areas were planted in NWSG To minimize observer bias, all Vegetation measurements were at some point before or during the raptor data was collected by the taken at each small mammal trapping study. Detailed records were kept on same observer. At each point, the grid during mammal sampling periods management actions using a GPS in the observer got out of the vehicle and in both winter and summer. Soil com- field (often attached to the tractor) and watched for raptors for 3 min. For paction and four vegetation variables GIS software. each individual detected, the following were measured at each plot: vegeta- information was recorded: species, age, tion height, vegetation heterogeneity, Raptor Surveys sex, behavior, time and location. All vegetation density, and percent cover of Raptor surveys were conducted information recorded was based on the vegetation composition (at two levels). once each month from December 2008- first detection of the individual. The Vegetation composition was estimated July 2012. Months included in the sur- approximate location of each raptor within a 10 m radius of the plot cen- vey (December-July) targeted wintering was marked on a map with aerial ter from eye level looking down and and nesting birds. To minimize weath- imagery. The detection locations were from 20 m looking down (the bird’s er impacts on raptor behavior, surveys later digitized for analysis in ArcGIS. eye view). The observer estimated the

8 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife Wildlife / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

percentage of cover in each of the fol- Analysis of small mammal relative also higher in winter than the breeding lowing categories: trees, shrubs, bare abundance and analysis of vegetative season. Northern Harriers and Red- ground, forbs, NWSG, cool-season characteristics between managed and Tailed Hawks had highest densities grass and sericea. un-managed mammal trapping grids within survey areas categorized as Statistical Analysis. We compared rap- were conducted in JMP Statistical high-density availability of NWSG tor density data in Program Distance Software. (Northern Harrier 0.66/km2 compared (Laake et al. 1993, Buckland et al. to 0.18/km2 in low density areas). 2001). For broad seasonal analysis, we Northern Harrier, American considered December – February the Results Kestrel, and Red-tailed Hawk wintering season, while we considered Raptor Surveys observations were also significantly March- July to be the breeding season. We documented 516 detections of ten closer to areas that had been planted Although there were several observa- species during the 2008-2012 raptor in NWSG when compared to random tions for Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leuco- surveys. We calculated total raptor points. Northern Harrier, American cephalusFigure 1. ),Number Osprey of ( detectionsPandion haliaetusfor all raptors,), Northerndensities Harrier as well (NOHA) as annual and Reddensities-Tailed for Hawk Kestrel(RTHA) and Red-shouldered Hawk 2 andsurveyed at Peabody Kite Wildlife (Ictinia Management mississip- AreaRed-tailed 2009-2012. Hawk Annual (n density = 209, estimations total density (N/km detections) are shown were significantly closer to piensisfor all raptor), these species. species were removed = 0.31/km2) and Northern Harrier (n = strip disk/fire break areas than random

for the analysis since they are unlikely 131, total density = 0.25/km2). There points, and all species but Red-tailed 100 250 to respond to grassland habitat manage- were too few observations to calculate hawks were significantly closer to ment. 90 densities for Merlin (Falco columbar- burned areas than random points. 0.40 To80 evaluate density associations ius, n = 5), Cooper’s200 Hawk (Accipiter American Kestrel was the only species

of raptor use and NWSG, we used cooperii, n = 10) and Rough-legged found significantly closer to block 70 GIS to calculate the percentage of Hawk (Buteo lagopus, n = 4). disk than random points. A seasonal each survey60 area (within 500m of the Overall raptor150 detections were All Raptors Summedanalysis done especially for Northern survey50 point) that had been planted consistent in 2009, 2011 and 2012, Harriers revealed that they utilized all 0.20 0.20 NOHA in NWSG. Distance-based metrics but nearly0.30 doubled in 2010. Mammal managed areas more frequently than 40 100 were then used to assess habitat use capture was also highest in 2010,RTHA but expected during the breeding season. 30

relationships between raptor species not much more than 2009 N Detections All Raptors and 2012. During the winter, Northern Harriers N Detections RTHA, NOHA and management20 activities. In A mammal population50 crash occurred avoided strip disk areas and firebreaks. ArcGIS, we calculated the distance in 2011, which was also the year of between10 each raptor location and four lowest density estimation for raptors on Small Mammal Trapping different0 management classes: block Peabody WMA 0(Figures 1 and 2). During 2,352 trap-nights, we disk, prescribed2009 burn, NWSG2010 planting,2011 Density2012 estimates for all species captured 745 individuals representing and strip disk/fire break. We thenYear combined indicated highest densities ten species. Prairie vole (Microtus

created random points in ArcGIS to in the winter when compared to the ochrogaster, n = 318), house mouse characterize the PWMA landscape for breeding period. Northern Harrier (Mus musculus, n = 94) and prairie comparisons.Figure 2. Total number of captures for mice, voles,and and Red-tailed all mammals Hawk combined densities on Peabodywere Wildlifedeer mouse (n = 92) were the most fre- Management Area 2009-2012. quently captured species respectively, representing 68% of total captures. We 300 also captured Least Shrew (Cryptotis 250 parva, n = 55), Eastern Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys humulis, n = 49), 200 White-footed Mouse (n = 42), Pine 150 All Mammals Summed Vole (Microtus bavaricus, n = 38), Mice Southern Bog Lemming (Synaptomys N Captures 100 Voles cooperi, n = 32) Northern Short-tailed 50 Shrew (Blarina brevicauda, n = 8) and Meadow Vole (Microtus pennsylvani- 0 cus, n = 1). Although not statistically 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year significant, more mammals were cap- tured in summer (n = 498) than winter

(n = 247). Total captures of mammals Figure 2. Total number of captures for mice, voles, and all mammals was consistent in 2009-2010 and 2012; combined on Peabody Wildlife Management Area 2009-2012. however, mammal abundance was sig-

Annual Research Highlights 2015 9 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Wildlife Wildlife

nificantly lower in 2011 than in other existed with small mammals and important openings in the vegetation, years of the project (Figure 2). Voles habitat management or ground-level improving the sightability of prey. comprised most of the captures (67- vegetative characteristics at the study Block-disking has become a 70%) in 2009-2010, but mice provided plot level, larger scale associations popular management tool for Northern the greatest proportion of the captures between raptors and small mammals Bobwhite on PWMA and is known to (63-81%) in 2011-2012. The average were evident. At the study area increase food availability by increasing number of voles per trap grid was 26.7 (temporal) scale, small mammal coverage of bobwhite food plants and 28.7 in 2009 and 2010 respectively, relative abundance and raptor relative (Brooke 2015). Block-disking occurs and only 0.3 and 9.0 in 2011 and 2012, abundance were correlated, particularly during the fall and winter and American respectively. during the small mammal crash Kestrels were the only species that Overall capture totals for all documented in 2011. This indicates a showed a positive response to this mammals did not differ between grids clear relationship between raptors and management action for all seasons. We managed for NWSG and non-native small mammals at Peabody Wildlife did not document a positive all-season grids. Managed plots had slightly Management Area that is likely response from other raptor species higher small mammal diversity when influenced by landscape-level factors to block-disking and recommend compared to unmanaged plots, but like weather and cyclical mammal that this practice be used sparingly this difference was not statistically cycles, more so than small scale where high priority raptor species significant. Vole capture rates per vegetative or management factors. occur. Brooke (2015) found that quail trap grid were somewhat higher in Furthermore, our study reiterated were found closer to disked areas unmanaged versus managed grids, the link between grassland raptor regardless of shape (block or linear). though this difference was not populations and vole numbers. Despite Our results suggest that strip (linear) statistically significant.Peromyscus the rebound in overall small mammal disking may provide benefit to more maniculatus was captured significantly abundance in 2012, vole abundance species of grassland raptors, while more in unmanaged stands compared to remained relatively low and an increase also encouraging Northern Bobwhite. managed stands (P = 0.004). in mice accounted for most the general Northern Harriers were found closer upsurge that year (Figure 2). The lull than expected to strip-disked areas Vegetation Characteristics in vole numbers and increase in mice and firebreaks during the nesting Managed and unmanaged grids was countered by a modest increase season, but further than expected exhibited significant differences in in overall raptor density in 2012, and during the winter. This suggests the percent cover of NWSG (P= 0.0001) stagnant numbers of Red-tailed Hawk Northern Harrier avoids freshly disked and percent cover of cool-season grass and Northern Harrier (Figure 1). areas, while preferring vegetated (P = 0.001). No statistical differences Despite the fact that we linear disturbances. Perhaps disking existed for other fine-scale vegetation documented increased habitat use in firebreaks less often- only if needed for variables including: soil compaction, burned areas for most raptor species, an upcoming fire - may provide better percent forbs, percent shrubs, percent we found no significant differences harrier habitat. trees, percent bare ground, light pen- between the small-scale vegetation Conservation strategies for birds etration, and vegetation height. structure in managed vs. non-managed of prey often focus on increasing vegetation plots that might explain prey abundance. However, our study raptor preference for these areas. suggests that larger scale vegetative Discussion However, we also found increased structure may be more important than Except for documenting occurrence for all raptor species near prey abundance and likely affects the Peromyscus maniculatus’ preference linear disturbances (strip disk lanes and availability of prey to raptors. Preston for unmanaged areas, we were not firebreaks). Thus, our results suggest (1990) had similar results in , able to determine any effects on small that larger scale habitat variables, such noting no direct relationship between mammal communities by habitat as linear disturbances, may be driving raptor foraging distribution and prey management actions. It is possible raptor habitat use more than micro- biomass. The same study suggested that the dense nature of native warm habitat variables or prey abundance. that raptors were more responsive to a season grass plantings provided similar Firebreaks were concentrated in the complex combination of prey density vegetative structure to non-managed eastern units, managed for NWSG. and plant cover variables, than to either habitats; consequently, there were no Hence, while burning no doubt keeps factor alone. real differences in relative abundance these areas suitable grassland habitat, Our results show that habitat between habitat types. presence of firebreaks may be even management including NWSG Although no clear patterns more important because they create conversions, prescribed fire, and

10 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife Wildlife / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

installing firebreaks can improve Brooke, J.M. 2015. Influence of habitat Wild. Res. Unit, Colorado State habitat use for Northern Harriers and manipulations on Northern Bobwhite Univ., Fort Collins, CO U.S.A. other grassland species. However, resource we know from past studies that it is selection on a reclaimed surface Palmer-Ball, B.L., Jr. 2003. The important to leave some idle grassland mine. Master’s Thesis. University annotated Checklist of the Birds of for nesting harriers (Herkert et al. 1999, of , Knoxville. Kentucky. Gateway Press, Louisville, Toland 1986). Our study did not take KY. into account the locations of nests, Buckland, S.T., D.R. Anderson, K.P. but the increased harrier habitat use Burnham, J.L Laake, D.L. Borchers Preston, C.R. 1990. Distribution of we found in disturbed areas suggests and L. Thomas. 2001. Introduction raptor foraging in relation to prey that more recently managed habitats to distance sampling. Oxford biomass and habitat are preferred for hunting during the University Press, Oxford, UK. structure. Condor 92: 107-112. nesting season. Meanwhile, based on past research, we assume idle fields are Dechant, J.A., D.H. Sondreal, D.H. Sample, D. and M. Mossman. 1997. preferred for nesting. In the past, it has Johnson, L.D. Igl, C.M. Goldade, Managing Habitat for Grassland been recommended that no more than M.P. Nenneman and B.R. Euliss. Birds: A Guide for one-third of large areas (>40 hectares) 2003. Effects of management . Wisconsin Department of should be burned in a given year practices on grassland birds: Natural Resources: Madison, WI. (Sample and Mossman 1997) and that Northern Harrier. Northern treatment units be kept small (100-200 Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Stewart, J.N. 2004. Pellet Analysis ha) and in a mosaic to avoid disturbing Jamestown, ND. of Wintering Northern Harriers on too much nesting habitat in one area Reclaimed Strip Mines (Dechant et al. 2003). Our study seems Herkert, J.R., S.A. Simpson, R.L. in Western Kentucky. Undergraduate to reaffirm these recommendations, Westmeier, T.L. Esker, and J.W. Thesis. Eastern Kentucky while emphasizing the need for regular Walk. 1999. Response of Northern University. habitat management to maintain high Harriers and Short-eared Owls to quality foraging habitat for nesting grassland management in . Toland, B.R. 1986. Nesting ecology and wintering Northern Harriers and Journal of Wildlife Management of Northern Harriers in Southwest other grassland raptors on reclaimed 63(2):517-523. . Transactions of the mine grasslands. Furthermore, our Missouri Academy of Science. 20:49- study shows the compatibility of Kentucky Department of Fish and 57 native grass restoration with habitat Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). 2008. management for grassland raptors and Road to recovery: The blueprint for Vukovich, M. and Ritchison, G. 2006. most management actions for Northern restoring the Northern Bobwhite in Nesting success and behavior of Bobwhite. Kentucky. 2008. #1 Sportsman’s northern harriers on a reclaimed Lane, Frankfort, KY U.S.A. surface mine grassland in Kentucky. http://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Documents/ Journal of Raptor Research 40:210- quailplan08.pdf. (date updated April 216. Literature Cited 2008). Bildstein, K.L. 1987. Behavioral ecology of Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo Kentucky Department of Fish and jamaicensis), Rough-legged Hawks Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). 2013. Funding Source: State Wildlife Grants (Buteo lagopus), Northern Harriers Kentucky’s Comprehensive Wildlife (SWG) (Circus cyaneus) and American Conservation Strategy. #1 Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in south Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, KY KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1. central Ohio. Ohio Biological U.S.A. http://fw.ky.gov/WAP/Pages/ Strategic Objective 5. Survey. Notes 18. Default.aspx (date updated: 5 February 2013) Brennan, L.A. and Kuvlesky, W.P. 2005. North American grassland Laake, J.L., S.T. Buckland, D.R. birds: An unfolding conservation Anderson and K.P. Burnham. 1993. crisis? Journal of Wildlife DISTANCE user’s Management 69(1): 1-13. guide V2.0. Colorado Coop. Fish

Annual Research Highlights 2015 11 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Ohio River Supplemental Stocking Survey- Markland and Meldahl Pools

Jason Herrala, David Baker, in Kentucky. Hale et al. (1992) found in specific pools of the Ohio River in Nick Keeton, and Ryan Kausing, that 51.1% of anglers questioned in a an effort to identify causes for these Kentucky Department of Fish statewide survey fished regularly for declines. Survey results indicated black bass, and that 80.0% of anglers that Ohio River and Wildlife Resources considered black bass one of the top abundance was low but growth rates three species to fish for. Largemouth were fast (Xenakis 2005). Largemouth bass are traditionally lacustrine bass reproduction was found to be species, but nearly half of Kentucky negatively influenced by a number of Introduction anglers fished for them in the state’s variables including water levels, limited Black bass Micropterus salmoides large rivers (Hale et al. 1992). Angler spawning habitat, and heavy siltation in are among the most popular sport concerns over the decline in largemouth spawning areas. fishes pursued by recreational anglers bass in the Ohio River became apparent Management agencies have across the and make up in 1997. Research was initiated to stocked bass in an effort to populate an important part of the sport fishery document largemouth bass populations new water bodies, supplement existing

Ohio River bass stocking / Doug Henley

12 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

populations, and counter increased Kentucky portion of the Ohio River During fall sampling all largemouth fishing pressure. Several studies have is comprised of 8 high-lift dams and bass collected were measured (nearest indicated that stockings contribute 2 wicket dams that form a series of 0.1 in), weighed (nearest 0.01 lbs), very little to black bass fisheries pools and tailwaters along the river. and otoliths were removed from a (Loska 1982, Boxrucker 1986). The Markland Pool runs from Ohio subsample of fish through the 11.0 in However, Copeland and Noble (1994) River Mile (ORM) 436 to 531 (95 mi). class (age-0 fish). found stocking to be effective when Up to 16 embayments were stocked populations lacked sufficient nursery throughout the Markland Pool in both Age structure and stocked fish habitat and when recruitment was low. Kentucky and waters. Craig’s contribution In Kentucky, long-term stocking has Creek, Big Bone Creek, Paint Lick Fingerling largemouth bass were been shown to increase population Creek, Gunpowder Creek, Woolper marked with oxytetracycline (OTC) abundance (Buynak and Mitchell Creek, and the Licking River were at Minor Clark Fish Hatchery prior 1999). sampled from 2004 – 2010, and to stocking. Otoliths were removed Supplemental stocking in large Steele’s Creek replaced the Licking during spring and fall sampling to riverine systems has been shown to River for annual sampling from 2011 estimate age structure and checked for benefit largemouth bass population – 2014 due to concerns over water OTC marks to estimate the contribution levels; however, because the population quality. The Meldahl Pool runs from of stocked fish to the population. dynamics are complex, the exact ORM 341 to ORM 436 (95 mi). Six contribution of these fish depends upon embayments in the Meldahl Pool were Data analysis natural production, carrying capacity, sampled. Big Snag Creek, Big Locust All data was analyzed using and the relative survival of stocked Creek, Big Turtle Creek, and Bracken SAS v 9.2. Population parameters and naturally produced fish (Heitman Creek were sampled from 2003 – 2014 such as CPUE, CPUE by length and et al. 2006). Heitman et al. (2006) with Lee’s Creek and Lawrence Creek age group, and relative weight were stocked 2.0 in fingerling largemouth being added once stocking began in the calculated using KDFWR’s KFAS bass directly into the Arkansas River to Meldahl Pool in 2011. and KSLO software. All data was counter poor recruitment. They found checked for normality using the PROC that stocked fish did contribute to Stocking UNIVARIATE procedure in SAS. year-class strength at age-0 and age-1. Largemouth bass fingerlings were Catch rate distributions were found to Contributions of stocked young-of- spawned and reared to 2.0 in at Minor be non-normally distributed and have the-year (YOY) largemouth bass in the Clark Fish Hatchery in Morehead, KY. non-constant variance. Additionally, fall ranged between 15.0 and 20.0% of Largemouth bass were stocked into sample sizes were unbalanced for pre- age-0 fish sampled. By the following select embayments in the Markland stocking and post-stocking data. As spring, stocked largemouth bass made Pool from 2007 – 2014 and in the a result, nonparametric analysis of up 9.0 – 13.0% of the age-1 year-class. Meldahl Pool from 2011 – 2014 at variance (PROC NPAR1WAY) was The objectives of this study were various stocking rates. Stocking rates used to analyze much of the data. to: 1) determine if stocking 2.0 in were augmented in certain embayments This procedure was used to determine largemouth bass fingerlings could throughout the study to determine what if stocking 2.0 in largemouth bass significantly increase catch rate of stocking rate produced the best results. fingerlings could significantly increase age-0 fish, catch rate of age-1 fish the catch rate of YOY fish, catch rate of following spring, and catch rate of fish Sampling age-1 fish the following spring, and entering the fishery (12.0 in statewide Nocturnal, pulsed DC catch rate of fish entering the fishery minimum size limit), 2) compare electrofishing was used to monitor (12.0 in statewide minimum size limit), growth and catch rates of stocked largemouth bass populations in the as well as to compare growth and and natural largemouth bass, and 3) spring and fall of each year from 2004 catch rates of stocked versus natural determine factors responsible for good – 2014 in the Markland Pool and 2003 largemouth bass. Additionally, multiple year class survival of largemouth bass – 2014 in the Meldahl Pool when water linear regression was used to determine in the Ohio River. temperatures were 60.0 - 70.0°F. Up if environmental factors were related to six 10-minute transects were made to natural year-class production in the in each of the study embayments. Ohio River. All data pertaining to river Methods During spring sampling all largemouth conditions/environmental factors were The Ohio River extends along the bass collected were measured (nearest gathered from gauges maintained by entire northern border of Kentucky, 0.1 in), and otoliths were removed the U.S. Geological Survey. All tests and drains 39,210 mi2 of the state. The from a subsample of all fish collected. were conducted at α = 0.05.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 13 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Results The Meldahl Pool received 51.8 the study with a mean pre-stocking Stocking hr of effort in throughout the pool. A CPUE of 16.7 fish/hr and mean post- A total of 1,403,825 largemouth total of 1,175 largemouth bass were stocking CPUE of 26.4 fish/hr. Mean bass fingerlings were stocked in the collected for a total catch rate of pre-stocking CPUE of largemouth bass Markland Pool, and 134,218 fingerlings 15.9 fish/hr. Mean catch rate during 12.0 – 14.9 in was 6.0 fish/hr and mean were stocked in the Meldahl Pool pre-stocking years was 20.5 fish/hr, post-stocking CPUE was 11.2 fish/hr. throughout the course of this study. while mean catch rate in post-stocking Catch rates of the 12.0 – 14.9 in length Stocking rates in the Markland and years was 21.2 fish/hr. PSD and RSD group ranged from 4.7 fish/hr in 2004 Meldahl pools of the Ohio River showed no noticeable trends throughout to 22.0 fish/hr in 2014 for the entire occurred at various rates. Additionally, the study. Catch rates for four length study. CPUE of largemouth bass ≥15.0 rates within embayments changed groups were calculated each spring. in ranged from 1.2 fish/hr in 2013 on occasion due to evolving project CPUE of largemouth bass <8.0 in to 5.2 fish/hr in 2009 throughout the objectives. ranged from 0.3 fish/hr in 2007 to 15.9 study with a mean pre-stocking CPUE fish/hr in 2008 with a mean CPUE of of 2.3 fish/hr and mean post-stocking Spring sampling 4.2 fish/hr with a mean pre-stocking CPUE of 2.9 fish/hr. Relative weights The Markland Pool received 57.1 CPUE of 3.1 fish/hr and mean post- (Wr) were calculated each fall to see hr of effort in throughout the pool. A stocking CPUE of 6.2 fish/hr. Mean if stocking had any effect on condition total of 2,284 largemouth bass were CPUE of largemouth bass in the 8.0 – of largemouth bass. Overall Wr of collected for a total project catch rate 11.9 in length group was 8.4 fish/hr and largemouth bass in the Markland Pool of 32.0 fish/hr. Mean catch rate during ranged from 1.7 fish/hr in 2005 to 25.6 ranged from 92 in 2013 to 114 in 2005. pre-stocking years was 10.6 fish/hr, fish/hr in 2008. Mean pre-stocking Wr of four specific length groups were while mean catch rate in post-stocking CPUE of fish in the 8.0 – 11.9 in length examined. In nearly all years, both pre years was 44.2 fish/hr. Additionally, group was 8.4 fish/hr and mean post- and post-stocking, Wr of these groups PSD and RSD of largemouth bass were stocking CPUE was 7.9 fish/hr. Mean exceeded 100 indicating excellent calculated each spring, but showed pre- stocking CPUE of largemouth condition. Wr in 2013 was low for all no conclusive trends throughout the bass in the 12.0 – 14.9 in length group length groups and exhibited the lowest study. Catch rates were also calculated was 6.8 fish/hr and mean post-stocking total Wr of the study. for four specific length groups. CPUE CPUE was 5.5 fish/hr. CPUE of A total of 2,202 largemouth of largemouth bass <8.0 in ranged largemouth bass ≥15.0 in ranged from bass were collected in 49.2 hr of from 1.0 fish/hr in 2004 to 18.7 fish/ 0.3 fish/hr in 2004 to 9.0 fish/hr in 2008 electrofishing in the Meldahl Pool hr in 2012 throughout the study with a with a mean pre-stocking CPUE of 2.2 throughout the study for a mean CPUE mean pre-stocking CPUE of 1.1 fish/ fish/hr and mean post-stocking CPUE of 44.8 fish/hr. Mean pre-stocking hr and mean post-stocking CPUE of of 1.6 fish/hr. CPUE was 35.6 fish/hr, and mean 8.1 fish/hr. Mean pre-stocking CPUE post-stocking CPUE was 56.4 fish/ of largemouth bass in the 8.0 – 11.9 Fall sampling hr. Catch rates were calculated for in length group was 3.7 fish/hr, while A total of 3,128 largemouth four specific length groups. CPUE of mean post-stocking CPUE was 19.9 bass were collected in 54.6 hr of largemouth bass <8.0 in ranged from fish/hr. CPUE for the 8.0 – 11.9 in electrofishing in the Markland Pool 3.1 fish/hr in 2003 to 37.3 fish/hr in length group ranged from 1.7 fish/hr in throughout the study for a mean CPUE 2011 throughout the study with a mean 2005 to 40.7 fish/hr in 2012 throughout of 57.2 fish/hr. Mean pre-stocking pre-stocking CPUE of 10.1 fish/hr the study. Mean pre-stocking CPUE CPUE was 30.1 fish/hr, and mean post- and mean post-stocking CPUE of 23.7 of largemouth bass in the 12.0 – 14.9 stocking CPUE was 59.6 fish/hr. Catch fish/hr. CPUE of largemouth bass in in length group was 3.2 fish/hr, and rates were calculated for four specific the 8.0 – 11.9 in length group ranged mean post-stocking CPUE was 12.1 length groups. CPUE of largemouth from 5.3 fish/hr in 2010 to 31.0 fish/ fish/hr. CPUE of the 12.0 – 14.9 in bass <8.0 in ranged from 3.0 fish/hr hr in 2008 throughout the study with a length group ranged from 0.6 fish/hr in in 2004 to 38.4 fish/hr in 2012 with a mean pre-stocking CPUE of 14.1 fish/ 2005 to 21.3 fish/hr in 2012 and 2013. mean CPUE of 17.2 fish/hr throughout hr and mean post-stocking CPUE of CPUE of largemouth bass ≥15.0 in the study with a mean pre-stocking 21.2 fish/hr. Mean pre-stocking CPUE ranged from 1.3 fish/hr in 2006 to 7.6 CPUE of 5.1 fish/hr and mean post- of largemouth bass 12.0 – 14.9 in was fish/hr in 2012 throughout the study stocking CPUE of 19.1 fish/hr. CPUE 10.2 fish/hr and mean post-stocking with a mean pre-stocking CPUE of 2.6 of largemouth bass in the 8.0 – 11.9 in CPUE was 9.7 fish/hr. Catch rates of fish/hr and mean post-stocking CPUE length group ranged from 6.7 fish/hr in 12.0 – 14.9 in largemouth bass ranged of 4.1 fish/hr. 2004 to 54.3 fish/hr in 2012 throughout from 3.9 fish/hr in 2013 to 17.6 fish/

14 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

hr in 2007. CPUE of largemouth embayment were sacrificed, aged, and Growth and condition bass ≥15.0 in ranged from 0.7 fish/ checked for OTC marks. A total of 825 Wr of largemouth bass in the hr in 2004 to 2.9 fish/hr in 2007 and YOY largemouth bass were collected Markland (P=0.20) and Meldahl 2011 with a mean pre-stocking CPUE in the Markland Pool throughout the (P=0.23) pools was not affected by of 1.2 fish/hr and mean post-stocking study. Marked fish accounted for at stocking. Survival of natural YOY CPUE of 1.8 fish/hr.Relative weights least 38.6% of YOY largemouth bass largemouth bass was also not affected (Wr) were calculated each fall to see examined each year and on average by stocking in either the Markland if stocking had any effect on condition accounted for 56.0% of the sample. (P=0.10) or Meldahl (P=0.11) pools. of largemouth bass. Overall Wr of Based on OTC mark results, catch rates Growth rates of natural and stocked largemouth bass in the Meldahl Pool were estimated for both natural and YOY largemouth bass were not ranged from 92 in 2013 to 112 in 2014. stocked YOY largemouth bass. CPUE significantly different in the Markland Wr of four specific length groups were of natural YOY largemouth bass in the Pool (P=0.31), but stocked fish grew examined. In nearly all years, Wr of Markland Pool ranged from 0.9 fish/ significantly faster in the Meldahl Pool the 8.0 – 11.9 in and 12.0 – 14.9 in hr in 2013 to 20.9 fish/hr in 2014 with (P<0.01). length groups exceeded 100 indicating a mean CPUE of 12.2 fish/hr. Mean excellent condition. The ≥15.0 in CPUE of stocked YOY largemouth Environmental factors length group displayed relatively lower bass was 13.1 fish/hr, and ranged from Mean, minimum, and maximum Wr in the pre and post-stocking years, 0.9 fish/hr in 2013 to 30.4 fish/hr in April – June discharge, mean, but still displayed acceptable levels. 2007. minimum, and maximum April - June As was the case with the Markland A total of 208 YOY largemouth temperature, and mean, minimum, Pool, Wr in 2013 was low for all length bass were collected in the Meldahl and maximum April – June dissolved groups and the lowest total Wr of the Pool throughout the study. Marked fish oxygen were all regressed against fall study. accounted for at least 45.3% of YOY CPUE of natural YOY largemouth bass largemouth bass examined each year to determine if environmental factors Age 1+ spring subsample and on average accounted for 58.2% had any effect on natural year class Otoliths were removed from a of the sample. CPUE of natural YOY production in both the Markland and subsample of largemouth bass from largemouth bass in the Meldahl Pool Meldahl pools. Minimum April – June each embayment every spring except ranged from 0.9 fish/hr in 2013 to 18.7 discharge was the only environmental for 2011 when sampling occurred fish/hr in 2014 with a mean CPUE of factors that had any significant much later than normal due to high 11.5 fish/hr. Mean CPUE of stocked correlation with strong natural year water. Up to 10 fish per in class from YOY largemouth bass was 17.3 fish/hr, class production (P=0.05). each embayment were sacrificed, and ranged from 4.5 fish/hr in 2013 to aged, and checked for OTC marks. 26.2 fish/hr in 2011. A total of 765 largemouth bass were Discussion and Management aged and checked for OTC marks in Catch rate Implications the Markland Pool. Composition of Fall CPUE of YOY largemouth Fall catch rates of YOY stocked fish decreased each year after bass in both the Markland (P=0.04) largemouth bass in the Markland stocking, and stocked fish accounted and Meldahl (P<0.01) pools were and Meldahl pools of the Ohio River for 47.7% of largemouth bass collected significantly higher after stockings showed significant increases as a each spring. occurred than in pre-stocking years. result of stocking. Spring catch rates A total of 243 largemouth bass Spring CPUE of Age-1 largemouth bass of age-1 fish were significantly higher were aged and checked for OTC marks was significantly higher after stockings after stocking in the Markland Pool. in the Meldahl Pool during the study. in the Markland Pool (P=0.03), but This agrees with the earlier findings Stocked fish accounted 39.1% of the Meldahl Pool (P=0.12) showed of Buynak and Mitchell (1999), largemouth bass collected each spring, no significant changes in catch rates Heitman et al. (2006) and Colvin et but did not follow the same trends as as a result of stocking. Catch rates of al. (2008) that stocked fish can help the Markland Pool. largemouth bass entering the fishery supplement YOY and age-1 year (statewide 12.0 in minimum size classes. The Meldahl Pool did not Young-of-year fall subsample limit) significantly increased in both have increased spring catch rates of Otoliths were removed from a the spring (P=0.03) and fall (P=0.03) age-1 largemouth bass. Catch rates of subsample of YOY largemouth bass in the Markland Pool, but remained largemouth bass entering the fishery from each embayment each fall. Up indifferent in both the spring (P=0.74) (≥12.0 in) significantly increased in to 10 fish per in class from each and fall (P=0.97) in the Meldahl Pool. the spring and fall in the Markland

Annual Research Highlights 2015 15 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Pool, but not in the Meldahl Pool. discharge on the , and Lake, Kentucky. North American These differences in results between weaker year classes were associated Journal of Fisheries Management pools indicates that there are limiting with high flow events after spawning. 19:494-503. factors not directly related to stocking Conversely, Raibley et al. (2007) found affecting the survival of both stocked that an extended flood pulse provided Colvin, N.E., C.L. Racey, and S.E. and natural largemouth bass. Herrala stronger year classes on the Illinois Lochmann. 2008. Stocking (2013) indicated that high levels of River, and that spawning success was contribution and growth of siltation may likely be impacting associated with prolonged inundation largemouth bass stocked at 50 and survival of stocked and natural YOY of floodplain habitat that was more 100 mm into backwaters or the and age-1 largemouth bass in Ohio conducive to spawning. Inundation Arkansas River. North American River embayments. High siltation can of the floodplain in the Markland and Journal of Fisheries Management 28: negatively affect spawning success as Meldahl pools does not provide the 434-441. well as make foraging more difficult, habitat as described by Raibley et al. leading to poor survival of YOY and (2007) as indicated by Herrala (2013). Copeland, J. R. and R. L. Noble. 1994. age-1 largemouth bass (Kemp et al. Stocking YOY largemouth bass Movements by young-of–the-year 2011). fingerlings in the Markland and and yearling largemouth bass and Interactions between stocked and Meldahl pools of the Ohio River their implications for supplemental natural fish have important implications was successful. Catch rates of age- stocking. North American for stocking success. Terre et al. (1995) 0 fish have increased, while catch Journal of Fisheries Management found that stocked largemouth bass rates of ≥12.0 in fish have remained 14:119-124. were more successful in areas with stable providing a viable recreational weak natural year classes than in areas fishery for Ohio River anglers. It is Hale, R.S., M. Price, and E. Schneider. with strong natural year classes, likely evident that some of the same factors 1992. 1991 Kentucky angler survey. as a result of competition. Natural limiting survival of natural YOY Kentucky Department of Fish year classes in the both the Markland largemouth bass also affect stocked and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries and Meldahl pools are often weak, YOY largemouth bass (discharge, Division. Frankfort, Kentucky. 32p. and may have helped lead to strong extended flood pulse, etc.). Many of contributions to year classes. Stockings these factors limiting survival can be Heitman, N. E., C. L. Racey, and did not affect Wr in either the Markland combatted by fall stockings after high S. E. Lochmann. 2006. Stocking or Meldahl pools, and growth rates water has receded (Hoxmeier and Wahl contribution and growth of were not different between natural and 2002; Neal et al. 2002). largemouth bass in pools of the stocked YOY largemouth bass in the Arkansas River. North American Markland Pool. Journal of Fisheries Management Herrala (2013) found 26:175-179. environmental factors such as Literature Cited discharge, flood pulse length, siltation, Bettoli, P.W. and M.J. Maceina. Herrala, J.R. 2013. Final Report: and dissolved oxygen likely play a role 1998. Variation in largemouth bass Impacts of spawning habitat in the spawning success of largemouth recruitment in four mainstream manipulations on largemouth bass in the Ohio River, and suggested impoundments of the Tennessee bass year class production in that above average spring flows River. North American Journal of Meldahl Pool, Ohio River. Kentucky resulting in high levels of siltation were Fisheries Management 18:998-1003. Department of Fish and Wildlife associated with weak natural year class Resources, Fisheries, Frankfort, production. The current study found Boxrucker, J. 1986. Evaluation of Kentucky. that natural year class production was supplemental stocking of largemouth inversely related to minimum April – bass as a management tool in small Hoxmeier, R.J.H., and D.H. Wahl. June discharge in the Markland and impoundments. North American 2002. Evaluation of supplemental Meldahl pools, (i.e., low spring flows Journal of Fisheries Management stocking or largemouth bass across during the lead to successful 6:391 396. reservoirs: effects of predation, prey natural year class production). This availability, and natural recruitment. corroborates the findings of Bettoli Buynak, G. L. and B. Mitchell. 1999. Pages 639-647 in D.P. Philipp and Maceina (1998) who found that Contribution of stocked advanced- and M.S. Ridgway, editors. Black largemouth bass year class strength fingerling largemouth bass to the bass: ecology, conservation, and was inversely related to late spring population and fishery at Taylorsville management. American Fisheries

16 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Society, Symposium 31, Bethesda, Wildlife Agencies 47 (1993): Maryland. 622-632.

Kemp, P., D. Sear, A. Collins, P. Xenakis, S. 2005. Ohio River black Naden, and I. Jones. 2011. The bass investigations. Project Report: impacts of sediment on riverine fish. F1DR10; Federal Aid in Sport Hydrological Process 11:1800-1821. Fish Restoration Project F-69-P, Fish Management in Ohio; Ohio Loska, P. M. 1982. A literature review Department of Natural Resources, on the stocking of black basses Division of Wildlife, Columbus. (Micropterus spp.) in reservoirs and streams. Department of Natural Resources, Game and Fish Funding Source: Sport Fish Division, Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program (Dingell- Restoration Project SW-1, Final Johnson) Report, Atlanta. KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1. Mesing, C.L., R.L. Cailteuz, P.A. Strickland, E. A. Long, and M.W. Rogers. 2008. Stocking of advanced fingerling largemouth bass to supplement year-classes in Lake Talquin, Florida. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 28:1762-1774.

Neal, J.W., R.L. Nobles, and T.N. Churchill. 2002. Timing of largemouth bass supplemental stocking in a tropical reservoir: impacts on growth and survival. Page 691-701 in D.P. Philipp and M.S. Ridgway, editors. Black bass: ecology, conservation, and management. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 31, Bethesda, Maryland.

Raibley, P.T., T.M. O’Hara, K.S. Irons, K.D. Blodgett, and R.E. Sparks. 2007. Largemouth bass size distribution under varying hydrological regimes in the Illinois River. Transaction of the American Fisheries Society 126:850-856.

Terre, D.R., S.J. Magnelia, and M.J. Ryan. 1995. Year class contribution of genetically-marked Florida x northern largemouth bass stocked in three reservoirs. Proceedings of the Annual Conference Southeastern Association of Fish and

Annual Research Highlights 2015 17 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Preliminary Assessment of a Newly Established Blue Catfish Population in Taylorsville Lake

David Baker, Jason Herrala, Taylorsville Lake is a 3,050 acre boat shocking and an additional chase Ryan Kausing, and Nick Keeton, flood control lake completed in 1983 boat to aide in collecting fish. All fish Kentucky Department of Fish by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers collected were measured to the nearest (USACE). The Taylorsville Lake 0.1 in with that data used to determine and Wildlife Resources drainage covers 2,920 square miles and abundance and size structure of the 15 counties. The drainage is largely population. Otoliths were removed comprised of limestone soils and from 10 fish per inch class during agricultural operations which provide 2006, 2009, and 2013 to determine Introduction high levels of phosphorus input to and compare age, growth and estimate Blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus Taylorsville Lake. These conditions total mortality throughout the stocking are native to Kentucky, and are create a hyper-eutrophic environment period from 2007-2014. primarily found in larger river systems that benefits shad production and During the fall, DC, low-pulse (15 including the Mississippi, Ohio, lower growth rates; however, these conditions pulses/sec and 3-5 amps) electrofishing Cumberland, lower Tennessee, Green, also create water quality issues was conducted in effort to collect Licking and Kentucky rivers (Burr with low oxygen levels, increased fish for relative weight calculations. and Warren 1986). These fisheries abundance of blue-green algae and All fish collected were measured to provide valuable sport fish and reduced average life expectancy of fish. the nearest 0.1 in and weighed to commercial opportunities throughout In Kentucky, the utility of blue the nearest 0.01 lbs. Catch rate data the state (Graham 1999). In Kentucky, catfish stockings into public lakes was not collected at this time, rather catfish angling ranks second in and reservoirs for developing quality emphasis placed on collecting a popularity only behind largemouth fisheries with trophy potential is not representative sample of the population. bass, creating a demand for quality well known. The purpose of this An exploitation study was catfishing opportunities throughout study was to collect critical population conducted during 2008. During July the state (USDI 2001). The Kentucky statistics on the blue catfish stocked 2008, approximately 1,000 fish were Department of Fish and Wildlife into Taylorsville Lake to determine tagged using Carlin Dangler tags Resources (KDFWR) response has suitable management options for attached with stainless steel wire been to stock channel catfish into many obtaining a high quality and trophy posterior to the first dorsal spine of the Commonwealths lakes and fishery. and between the pterygiophores. reservoirs (Kinman 1995). In more Data collected from all tagged fish recent years, KDFWR has selected Methods included, length, weight, and area several lakes to stock with blue catfish Blue catfish stocking began in released. An award system was used due to their increasing popularity 2007 at a standardized rate of 7.7 fish/ to encourage anglers to remove and amongst anglers and for their trophy acre (23,500 total fish). Blue catfish report tagged fish during this 12 month potential. are stocked annually during August study. A corrected exploitation was Growth rates of blue catfish in after the completion of summer then calculated addressing tag loss, reservoirs are dependent on variables electrofishing to aide in the detection nonreporting and tagging mortality. such as length of growing season and of naturally spawned age-1 fish. Blue Tag loss estimate for Carlin Dangler water temperature (Graham 1999). catfish raised at the Peter W. Pfeiffer tags is reported from 0.0% (Graham Dynamics such as competition, lake Fish Hatchery in Frankfort, KY 1999; Travnichek 2004) up to 15.7% fertility and available forage may be were stocked at age 1+ and typically (Sullivan and Vining 2011) in catfish. the driving forces behind blue catfish averaged 7.0-14.0 inches. Nonreporting estimate ranged from growth in Kentucky. When adequate Summer sampling using DC, low- 8.0-33.3% (Balsman 2014; Dreves densities of forage are available pulse (15 pulses/sec) electrofishing 2009; Dreves 2010; Dreves 2011). the growth rates of blue catfish in equipment was completed each July. These values were based upon previous reservoirs can rival those found in the Six 15 minute transects were sampled exploitation studies conducted across large river systems (Jenkins 1956; in both the upper and lower portions several years, on multiple lakes and White and Lamprecht 1990). of the lake. Sampling consisted of one four different species in Kentucky.

18 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

These nonreporting estimates structure and winter relative weights. throughout this project. Fish were were from exploitation studies that Furthermore, the effectiveness of collected at 236.0 fish/hr, ranging from implemented the same reward system winter gill netting will be evaluated as the 9.0-28.0 in size class. During the as used at Taylorsville Lake and are a useful tool for providing additional next three years catch rates continually representative of the rate at which information on this fishery that will be decreased through 2011 when catch Kentucky’s anglers report tagged fish. beneficial for future management. rates dropped to 27.1 fish/hr. Due to Tagging mortality was reported from this dramatic drop in catch rates and 0.0% (Balsman 2014) up to 3.0% (Zack angler input, a new regulation went into Ford, personal communication). Results effect March 2011 that allowed anglers Gill nets were evaluated during Blue catfish have been stocked into to only keep 1 blue catfish ≥25.0 and winter 2014-2015 at selectively Taylorsville Lake since 2002 with the set a daily creel limit of 15 catfish (blue targeting blue catfish ≥30.0 in. Six- gill stocking rates varying from 5.5 fish/ and channel catfish combined). Since nets measuring 20’ x 200’ with 5 in bar acre to 29.0 fish/acre until 2007 when the implementation of this regulation, mesh were fished in both the upper and a standardize stocking rate was set at catch rates have improved. Catch rates lower sections of the lake for 24 hr sets. 7.7 fish/acre. Since 2002, 363,097 fish in 2012 rebounded to 104.0 fish/hr with All catfish collected were measured have been stocked that ranged from fish present up to the 39.0 in size class. to the nearest 0.1 in and weighed to 4.0-16.0. Catch rates fell to 60.0 fish/hr in 2013, the nearest 0.01 lbs. Data collected Summertime sampling during but increased to 167.1 fish/hr in 2014, provided catch rates, abundance, size 2007 recorded the highest catch rate making it the second highest catch rate

KDFWR biologists hold up two trophy blues from Taylorsville Lake / Nick Keeton

Annual Research Highlights 2015 19 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

recorded during this project. From good, averaging 93 from 2007-2014. size group Wr remained at 121. 2007-2014, except for 2013, catch Wr ranged from 89 (2007) to 97 rates on the lower half of the lake were (2013) indicating Taylorsville Lake is consistently higher than those observed adequately supporting this new fishery. Discussion and Management in the upper half of the lake. Relative weights were good across Implications Additional size class break downs all size groups, with the ≥30.0 in size Growth rates reported during this show the 12.0-19.9 in size class catch group being in excellent condition study were good when compared to rates followed the same pattern of averaging 102 throughout this project. other well-known blue catfish fisheries, the overall catch rates. However, the During the 12 month exploitation such as Santee-Cooper Reservoir 20.0-24.9 in size class catch rates post- study, 119 tagged blue catfish were in South Carolina, Lake Texoma in regulation have remained lower than reported with 81.5% of the reported and the Rappahannock the 8 year average of 10.0 fish/hr for tagged fish being harvested. Anglers River in . During 2009, blue three of the past four years. The reason reported harvesting blue catfish catfish at Taylorsville Lake average this size class has not rebounded is ≥12.0 in class however, 94.8% of the 30.0 in at age 10. This is better than probably due to the increased harvest harvested fish were ≥15.0 in class. Lake Texoma which averages 23.0 in this size range receives due to the new Blue catfish reported average 19.0 in, at age 10 (Boxrucker and Kuklinski regulation. Blue catfish catch rates of while fish harvested averaged 19.6 2005) and the Rappahannock River 25.0-29.9 in size class have remained in. Only 22 tagged blue catfish were in Virginia which averages 24.0 in at relatively stable from 2010-2014 released ranging from 10.0- 20.0 in age 10 (Greenlee 2011). Taylorsville remaining above the 8 year average size class that averaged 13.8 in. The Lake’s average growth is more similar of 3.2 fish/hr. Fish ≥30.0 in size class uncorrected 12 month exploitation was to Santee-Cooper Reservoir which have continued to increase each year 9.6%, however after compensating for reports 31.5 in average at age 10 with catch rates ranging from 0.0 fish/hr estimated tag loss, nonreporting and tag (Lamprechet and White 2006). As the in 2007 to 5.2 fish/hr in 2014. induced mortality, a corrected 12 month blue catfish population at Taylorsville Age and growth was collected in exploitation ranged from 8.6-14.0%. Lake ages, growth will need to be 2006, 2009, and 2013 from otoliths. Based on this range of exploitation, continually monitored along with During 2006, data was collected after fishing mortality comprised 25.3- abundance and size structure in effort stocking resulting in age 1 fish being 41.2% of total mortality while natural to maintain current growth rates. Both, present in the sample. However, in mortality comprised 58.8- 74.7% of Lake Texoma and Rappahannock the 2009 and 2013 samples, data was total mortality. River blue catfish populations have collected prior to stocking, resulting Gill netting was conducted during slow, undesirable growth rates while in no age 1 fish being present in January and February 2015 in the reporting extraordinarily high catch the sample, which indicates that no upper and lower portions of the lake to rates. Catch rates at Lake Texoma were reproduction is contributing to the targeting fish ≥30.0 in. A total of 42 approaching 700 fish/hr (Boxrucker and population at this time. In all three blue catfish were collected in the lower Kuklinski 2005) while Rappahannock samples blue catfish reached the 20.0 lake in 10 net nights ranging from 19.0- River catch rates were 4,698 fish/ in size class by age 5. According to 46.0 in. One hundred and thirty-three hr (Greenlee 2006). Electrofishing 2013 growth data, fish reach 25.0 in fish were collected in the upper lake catch rates at Taylorsville were the size class at age 7 and 30.0 in size class in 6 net nights ranging from 16.0-42.0 highest during 2007 at 236.0 fish/hr and at age 10. Average growth rates ranged in. Overall, 175 fish were collected densities should be manage so not to from 1.6 in/yr (2009) - 3.5 in/yr (2006). at a rate of 11.0 fish/nn. Seventy-six negatively impact growth and reduce In 2013, growth averaged 2.4 in/yr; percent of the sample consisted of fish the trophy potential of this population however, growth increased once the fish ≥30.0 in, with 23.4% of the sample as seen in Lake Texoma and the reached the 23.0 in size class. Growth consisting of fish ≥35.0 in (trophy Rappahannock River. from age 7 (23.2 in) - age 12 (36.5 in) size). Weights were recorded from all Age frequency data imported into averaged 3.3 in/yr compared to the 2.1 the blue catfish collected in gill nets in Fisheries Analysis and Simulation in/yr for age 2 (12.9 in) - age 6 (21.3 2015 to evaluate winter relative weight Tools (FAST) calculated the total in). Total annual mortality was 0.23 in values. Both the 20.0-29.9 in and annual mortality at Taylorsville Lake in 2006 increasing to 0.34 in 2014. ≥30.0 in size groups were in excellent 2014 at 34%. However, this estimate During the fall catfish were condition with Wr values of 121. The may be biased due to underestimation collected for relative weight (Wr) 20.0-29.9 in size group condition of large blue catfish collected in low- calculations. Overall, the condition improved from the Wr collected during frequency electrofishing samples as of the blue catfish population was the summer (95), while the ≥30.0 in reported in Virginia (Greenlee 2006).

20 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Buckmeier and Schlechte (2009) Lake is currently managed with a 1 management of trophy fisheries. reported that blue catfish are only fish ≥25.0 in and a 15 fish daily creel Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. fully vulnerable to low-frequency (channel and blue catfish combined). Fish and Wildl. Agencies 62:149- electrofishing between 250- 855mm Other agencies have implemented 153. (9.8- 33.7 in). Based on these findings, blue catfish regulations that limit winter gill netting was conducted daily harvest, limit harvest of certain Buckmeier, D.L. and J.W. Schlechte. during 2014-2015 to determine if these size classes (slot limit), maximum 2009. Capture efficiency and size larger blue catfish were not represented size limits, no harvest and unlimited selectivity of channel catfish and in summer electrofishing data. Only harvest to meet the goals of the fishery. blue catfish sampling gears. North 8 blue catfish were collected ≥35.0 in Taylorsville Lake blue catfish is a new American Journal of Fisheries from 2007-2014 electrofishing data fishery that needs continued monitoring Management 29:404-416. with fish represented up to the 39.0 with the ability to change management in size class, while one year of winter strategies to meet the goals of Burr, B.M., and M.L. Warren Jr. 1986. gill netting resulted in 41 fish being providing a quality fishery with trophy A distributional atlas of Kentucky collected ≥35.0 in with fish present fish. fishes. Kentucky Nature Preserves up to 46.0 in size class. This revealed Blue catfish stocking at Commission Scientific and Technical the importance of implementing a Taylorsville Lake have been very Series 4. variety of sampling methods to capture successful at creating a put-grow-take a representative sample of the entire fishery. Size structure, abundance, Dreves, D. 2009. Statewide fisheries population in order to effectively growth rates, and relative weights investigation project. Subsection manage this fishery. have remained at acceptable levels I: Lake fisheries investigation. Corrected exploitation of blue throughout the study period. It appears Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife catfish ranged from 8.6-14.0% after that the current special regulation Resources. Annual Report 2009. accounting for tag loss, nonreporting implemented in March 2011 has and tag induced mortality. Exploitation created a balance of stabilizing the Dreves, D. 2010. Statewide fisheries at Taylorsville Lake is at a level fishery for consumptive anglers while investigation project. Subsection acceptable to fisheries managers. effectively protecting fish to maximize I: Lake fisheries investigation. Marshall et al. (2009) explains that the trophy potential of this fishery. It is Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife length limits made no differences in recommended that blue catfish stocking Resources. Annual Report 2010. yield when exploitation is less than at Taylorsville Lake continue at 7.7 7.0%; however, greater yields can be fish/acre (23,500 fish/year) and allow Dreves, D. 2011. Statewide fisheries achieved at exploitation rates of 10.0- time to evaluate the fisheries response investigation project. Subsection 20.0%. Managing exploitation can to the current regulations. Age and I: Lake fisheries investigation. be more important than length limits growth estimates are needed every 5 Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife at regulating length distribution, but years to ensure that growth rates remain Resources. Annual Report 2011. high maximum size limits will help at their current level, while creel survey maintain a greater portion of the large data is need to follow exploitation. Greenlee, B. 2006. Catfish blue catfish in the population. Daily These two parameters will be essential management activities: creel limits and maximum size limits for making future management Rappahannock River Bullets 2006. are a valuable tool since most catfish recommendations. Virginia Department of Game and anglers do not practice catch and Inland Fisheries. Williamsburg. release. Eighty-one percent of all blue catfish caught at Taylorsville Lake were Literature Cited Greenlee, B. 2011. Tidal river blue harvested, which is comparable to 87% Balsman, D. 2014. Statewide fisheries catfish 2011. Virginia Department of tagged fish that were harvested from investigation project. Subsection IV: of Game and Inland Fisheries. Lake Wilson (Marshall et al 2009). Urban fishing program. Kentucky Williamsburg. As this population continues Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. to age and more fish reach trophy Annual Report 2014. Graham, K. 1999. A review of the size, managers will need to evaluate biology and management of blue management strategies that will Boxrucker, J. and K. Kuklinski. 2005. catfish. Pages 37-49 in E.R. Irwin, focus on protecting size classes and Abundance, growth, and mortality W.A. Hubert, C.F. Rabeni, H.L manipulating overall abundance to of selected Oklahoma blue catfish Schramm, Jr., and T. Coon, eds. benefit this resource. Taylorsville populations: Implications for Catfish 2000: proceedings of the

Annual Research Highlights 2015 21 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

international ictalurid symposium. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, American Fisheries Society Washington D.C. Symposium 24. White, M.G., III, and S.D. Lamprecht. Jenkins, R.M. 1956. Growth of blue 1990. Fishing mortality of large catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) in Lake catfish in lakes Marion and Moultrie, Texoma. The Southwest Naturalist relative to type of fishing. South 1(4):166-173. Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department. South Kinman, B. 1995. Use of cultured fish Carolina Federal Aid to Fish for put-grow-and-take fisheries in Restoration, Project F-16-20. Kentucky Completion Report, Columbia. impoundments. Pages 518-526 in H.L. Schramm, Jr. and R.G. Piper, eds. Uses and effects of cultured fishes Funding Source: Sport Fish in aquatic ecosystems. American Restoration Program (Dingell- Fisheries Society, Symposium 15, Johnson) Bethesda, Maryland. KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1. Lamprechet, S.D. and M.G. White III. 2006. Fisheries investigations in lakes and streams. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Study Completion Report F63-1-4.

Marshall, M.D., M.P. Holley, and M.J. Maceina. 2009. Assessment of the flathead catfish population in a lightly exploited fishery in Lake Wilson, . North American Journal of Fisheries Management 29:869-875.

Sullivan, K.P. and I.W. Vining. 2011. Assessing angler exploitation of blue catfish and flathead catfish in a Missouri reservoir using reward tags. American Fisheries Society Symposium 77:199-207.

Travnichek, V.H. 2004. Movement of flathead catfish in the Missouri River: examining opportunities for managing river segments for different fishery goals. Fisheries Management and Ecology 11:89-96.

USDI. 2001. 2001 National survey of fishing, hunting, and wildlife- associated recreation: Kentucky. U.S. Department of the Interior,

22 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Evaluation of Sauger Stockings in the Kentucky, Green, Barren, and Salt Rivers

David Baker, Jason Herrala, Ryan Kausing, and Nick Keeton, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Introduction In Kentucky, sauger canadensis are found in the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and their major tributaries (Burr and Warren 1986). Sauger are a top-level predator that inhabit the main channel areas of large turbid rivers (Hesse 1994; Maceina et al. 1996; Amadio et al. 2005; Jaeger et al. 2005; Bellgraph et al. 2008; Kuhn et al. 2008). During the spring, sauger congregate below dams and near the mouth of creeks to spawn, creating an important seasonal fishery in many of Kentucky’s rivers. While recreational fishing for sauger is extremely popular and expanding (LaJeone et al. 1992), it is important to evaluate the success of natural reproduction and determine the appropriate level of sustainable harvest. Sauger year-class strength can be highly variable. Pitlo (1989) found that environmental factors govern reproductive success of sauger, ultimately relating to year-class strength. Populations may exhibit long- term declines due to high exploitation Kentucky sauger / David Baker (Hesse 1994; Pegg et al. 1997; Sullivan 2003), community changes (Bellgraph variable and less than desirable, supplemental stockings in select pools et al. 2008), or habitat loss (Hesse the population may be enhanced by of each system, most of which have 1994; Macenia et al. 1996; Pegg et supplemental fingerling stockings been isolated from the Ohio River due al. 1997; McMahon and Gardner (LaJeone et al. 1992). to lock and dam infrastructure resulting 2001). Loss of spawning habitat due In 2010, the Kentucky Department in the loss of this fishery. to channel alteration and barriers to of Fish and Wildlife Resources migration are cited as some of the (KDFWR) began stocking sauger most commonly identified factors fingerlings into the Green, Barren and Study Area contributing to the decline of sauger Salt rivers. The goal of this study was Green River populations (Graeb et al. 2009). In to evaluate the potential of establishing For this study, only Pools 5 and systems where reproduction is highly a self-sustaining sauger fishery through 6 were stocked with sauger. Pool 6

Annual Research Highlights 2015 23 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

extends from the tailwater of Green dam. Throughout this impounded each winter from the Ohio and River Lake downstream to Lock section, habitat complexity is poor Kentucky rivers and hauled to the Peter and Dam 6 located about 1.8 miles and is comprised of muddy banks and W. Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery in Frankfort, downstream of the confluence with the woody debris. Below the BGMU dam, KY to be spawned, and then stocked Nolin River. This pool is approximately habitat again returns to riffle-run-pool at 1.5-2.0 in at rate of 10 fish/acre. 125 mi in length offering a good habitat which continues downstream to Stocking success is contingent on many diversity of riffle-run-pool habitat and until it again becomes pooled due to the factors, most important of which may a diversity of aquatic vegetation and effects of Lock and Dam 1. Once again, be water quality at time of stocking substrate. Stream flow in this pool habitat diversity becomes limited and and food abundance (Paragamian is heavily impacted by releases from is dominated by muddy banks and bank 1992). Furthermore, stocking sites were Green River Lake. slips. selected when possible at tributary Pool 5 is approximately 13.5 miles Water levels and flows in this confluences and upper reaches of long and extends from Brownsville, KY study area are directly impacted by the study site in areas where sauger downstream to Lock and Dam 5. The the releases from Barren River Lake. would be expected to naturally spawn. entire reach of this pool is completely Barren River Lake lacks the ability to Sauger fingerlings were scheduled impounded and is dominated by manipulate the discharge temperature, to be stocked from 2010-2016 with muddy banks with woody debris and like Green River Lake, which each stocked year class receiving bank slips. There is little in the way of could negatively impact the aquatic oxytetracycline (OTC) marks to assist habitat diversity; however, some back communities. in detecting the presence of natural water areas are available in the three reproduction. Annual monitoring major tributaries in this pool. Stream Salt River was planned to continue until the flow in this pool is heavily impacted From Taylorsville Lake Tailwater, spring of 2020 to determine if the by releases from Green River Lake and the Salt River flows freely to its sauger stocking would produce a self- Nolin River Lake. confluence with the Ohio River at West sustaining population. Point, KY. Nocturnal spring sampling was Barren River The study area for stocking conducted when water temperatures From Barren River Lake, Barren sauger extended from the tailwater ranged from 45-50F. Four 15-minute River flows to Bowling Green, KY, of Taylorsville Lake downstream to transects, two on each shoreline, were where the Bowling Green Municipal Shepherdsville, KY. This section of conducted in each tailwater. All sauger Utilities (BGMU) have constructed a the Salt River is low gradient, full of observed were collected, measured to low-head dam near their water intakes woody debris and muddy banks. The the nearest 0.1 in and weighed to the in an effort to store water and keep Salt River typically remains turbid nearest 0.01 lb. Otoliths were removed their intakes submerged. This dam is and has issues with heavy siltation. from a minimum of 5 fish per inch class frequently inundated, therefore not This section of the Salt River is to estimate contribution of stocked fish creating an impassable fish barrier. heavily impacted by the outflows of to each year class and determine age Near the community of Greencastle, Taylorsville Lake, Brashears Creek and structure. CPUE data was used to index KY the USACE owns Lock and Dam Floyds Fork. A wide diversity of big abundance of stocked and natural year 1 which is currently in caretaker status. river fish species are present throughout classes. Lock and Dam 1 creates a fish barrier the study areas, with anecdotal In the fall, diurnal electrofishing that prevents fish from Green River and information from anglers of periodic surveys were completed in Green, the lower section of Barren River from sauger spawning runs upstream to Barren, and Salt rivers. Diurnal migrating upstream beyond this point. the Taylorsville Lake Tailwater when electrofishing surveys were warranted Extreme high water events are the only conditions are favorable. Migration of due to shallow water hazards that had time Lock and Dam 1 historically has stocked fish into and out of the study to be navigated to effectively sample been inundated. is a strong possibility since no physical each system. Sampling was conducted Sauger were stocked in the section barriers are present in this section of when water temperatures ranged from of Barren River from the tailwater of river, making Salt River unique when 65-700F. A minimum of six- 15 minute Barren River Lake downstream to Lock compared to Green and Barren rivers. transects were completed in the upper and Dam 1. From the Barren River and lower reaches of each stocked pool. Lake Tailwater downstream to the All sauger collected were measured to river has a complex of riffle-run-pool Methods the nearest 0.1 in and weighted to the habitat until it is impacted by BGMU Sauger broodstock were collected nearest 0.01 lb.

24 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Results size. The 12.0-14.9 in size group had an stocked during April 2010. Only sauger Green River average Wr value of 77 and the ≥15.0 fingerling stocked in 2012 and 2014 From 2010-2014, Pools 5 and 6 in size group averaged 75. were marked with OTC. of the Green River were stocked with Spring sampling during 2012 365,093 sauger fingerling that ranged in Barren River recorded the highest catch rate of size from 1.5-2.0 in. Only the 2012 and Barren River was stocked with sauger at 29.0 fish/hr with fish collected 2014 year classes were OTC marked. 101,612 sauger fingerlings that from the 7.0-11.0 in classes. Each Spring sampling began in 2012, and averaged 1.5- 2.0 in from 2010-2014. subsequent year, spring catch rates 14 sauger were collected from three Additionally, 600,000 surplus sauger dropped. In 2013, fish were collected tailwaters with an overall catch rate fry were stocked during April 2010. at 11.0 fish/hr and 1.0 fish/hr in 2014. of 4.7 fish/hr. Fish sampled ranged Only sauger fingerling stocked in 2012 Otoliths were collected from three from 6.0-14.0 in and represented and 2014 were marked with OTC. age-1 sauger during 2013 that were both stocked year classes. Catch rates Spring electrofishing surveys in the 9.0-10.0 in size class for OTC improved during spring 2013 to 12.0 were conducted from 2012-2014. verification. None of the otoliths fish/hr as the size structure continued Catch rates during this period ranged were marked indicating that these to show improvements. Catch rates from 0.3 fish/hr (2014) to 5.5 fish/hr were not stocked fish, but more than fell during 2014 to 3.0 fish/hr which (2013). The average spring catch rate likely migrants from the Ohio River was to lowest collected during this was 2.1 fish/hr with fish collected from population. project with no fish present <9.0 the 6.0-17.0 in size classes. Spring Fall electrofishing surveys in indicating possible failure of the catch rates during the 5-year stocking conducted from 2012-2014 also 2013 stocked year class. Overall, the period remained poor with little to resulted in poor catch rates. Catch rates tailwater of Lock and Dam 6 had the no improvement in size structure were the lowest during 2014 at 0.3 fish/ best catch rates of 7.7 fish/hr, followed or abundance. During spring 2013, hr and the highest in 2013 at 5.7 fish/ by and Lock and Dam 5 (6.3 fish/hr) otoliths were collected from six age-1 hr. During this period the average catch and Green River Lake (5.7 fish/hr) sauger ranging from the 7.0-11.0 in rate was 2.7 fish/hr with fish collected tailwaters. Spring catch rates continued size class. All otoliths had a visible from the 8.0-18.0 in size class. Overall, to remain lower than expected based OTC mark indicating that all these relative weight values were fairly on the number of year classes and fish were stocked and that no natural consistent ranging from 81 to 84. fish stocked. In spring 2012, otoliths reproduction was detected from this removed from a subsample of sauger sample. indicated that growth rates were Fall electrofishing conducted from Discussion and Management good. Sauger on average reached 8.7 2012-2014 yielded poor catch rates. Implications in at age-1 and 12.6 in at age-2. No Even with poor catch rates, CPUE data From 2010-2014 fingerling sauger additional age and growth data was slightly improved each year. During were stocked averaging 1.7 in at a collected during this project. During 2012, sauger were collected at 0.6 fish/ rate of 10.0 fish/acre. These stocking 2013, twelve age-1 sauger from the hr and improved to 0.8 fish/hr in 2013 rates and size fish were unsuccessful 5.0-9.0 in size classes were collected and 1.6 fish/hr in 2014. Overall, fall at establishing populations in any of for OTC verification. One of the twelve catch rates averaged 1.1 fish/hr with the study areas. In comparison, a five fish collected was not OTC marked, fish collected from the 9.0-17.0 in size year stocking program in the Kentucky indicating a possibility that low levels class. Relative weight values were the River, stocking 1.5-2.0 in fingerling at of reproductive success did occur. highest during 2012 at 84, followed by 10.0 fish/acre, was used to successfully Fall catch rates were low across 77 in 2014 and 76 in 2013. Fish were created a put-grow-take fishery (Herrala all years, 2012 recorded the best catch only collected during 2012 in the 8.0- 2014). Paragamian and Kingery (1992) rate of 4.2 fish/hr with 2013 and 2014 11.9 in size group with a Wr value of recommended that fingerling sauger being very comparable at 2.4 fish/hr 91. The 12.0-14.9 in size group average be stocked at 2.0 in noting survival and 2.9 fish/hr, respectively. Young Wr was poor at 76 and the ≥15.0 in size seemed less dependent on the size of the year (YOY) sauger were only group average Wr was poor at 78. of the fingerlings stocked and more present during the 2014 sample with dependent on environmental conditions a few fish collected below the 10.0 in Salt River such as water temperature and stream class. Relative weight (Wr) on average Salt River received 67,610, 1.5-2.0 flow. However, Paragamian and was fair in the 8.0-11.9 in size group in fingerling sauger from 2010-2014. Kingery (1992) did stock fingerlings (88) but decreased with an increase in Additionally, 563,000 sauger fry were from 1.8-5.5 in, averaging 3.3 in which

Annual Research Highlights 2015 25 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

resulted in increased densities in the stocking. However, another concern an additional recreational fishery at study areas. Increasing average size of was that Wr in the Green (80), Barren any of the study areas. Therefore, sauger stocked may have potentially (77), and Salt (79) rivers were lower sauger stocking in each of the Green, improved stocking success and negated than observed on the Kentucky River Barren and Salt rivers was concluded some of the post-stocking mortality. (83). Since the densities in the Green, without further attempt to reestablish Stream flows at stocking also play Barren, and Salt rivers were less than this species in all the study areas. At a crucial role in post-stocking survival. collected on the Kentucky River, this point, there are not foreseeable High, muddy water conditions make it it would have been expected to see alterations in habitat or water quality difficult for fingerlings to find food and higher Wr values of these fish if post that would improve the likelihood migrate to areas with suitable habitat stocking survival was the only issue. of successfully establishing or (Paragamian and Kingery 1992). There This is another indicator that the study enhancing sauger populations through is a need for flexibility of stocking areas did not adequately support this supplemental stocking in these river times so that stocking can occur when fishery at a comparable level as seen in reaches. river conditions are appropriate in an the Kentucky River. Even though this effort to increase survival. Stockings stocking rate did produce a fishery in Literature Cited in the Green, Barren and Salt rivers the Kentucky River, it may not have Amadio CJ, Hubert WA, Johnson K, commonly occurred during periods been appropriate for the study rivers. Oberlie D, Dufek D. 2005. Factors of high flows due to releases from LeJeone et. Al (1992) looked at three affecting the occurrence of saugers in USACE lakes, creating conditions fingerling stocking rates (4.4 fish/acre, small, high-elevation rivers near the that were not conducive to survival. 10.9 fish/acre, and 12.1 fish/acre) and western edge of the species’ natural These conditions probably negatively determined that 10.9-12.1 fish/acre was distribution. Transactions of the impacted two year classes stocked into the appropriate stocking rate to enhance American Fisheries Society 143: the Green River, three year classes in a low density population. Additional 160–171. Barren River, and one year class in Salt research is needed to better evaluate River. LeJeone et. al (1992) reported appropriate stocking rates and the Bellgraph BJ, Guy CS, Gardner WM, success with establishing stocking sites timing of stocking for reestablishing Leathe SA. 2008. Competition in the upper portions of each study area sauger populations in Kentucky’s Potential between Saugers and so that stocked fish were in areas with rivers. Walleyes in Nonnative Sympatry, habitat that are targeted for spawning Sauger typically inhabit large, Transactions of the American activities. Stocking sites in the Green, turbid rivers in Kentucky. Stockings in Fisheries Society, 137:3, 790-800. Barren and Salt rivers were moved the Kentucky River were likely more to tributaries in the upper sections of successful based on the large average Burr BM and Warren, Jr. ML. 1986. the study areas to avoid main river channel width, depth and turbidity. A distributional atlas of Kentucky stockings when possible. Green, Barren and Salt rivers have fishes. Kentucky Nature Preserves Kentucky River stockings resulted substantially narrower channels and Commission. Scientific and in catch rates of 0.0 fish/hr during year shallower average depths. The study Technical Series Number 4. 398p. one of stocking and by the fourth year areas are mainly comprised of riffle- of stocking, overall spring catch rates pool complex, compared to the long Graeb BDS, Willis DW, Spindler BD. improved to 54.3 fish/hr, ranging from deep pools of the Kentucky River. 2009. Shifts in sauger spawning 39.0-86.0 fish/hr (Herrala 2014). By Major tributaries are more readily locations after 40 years of the fourth year of stocking, the Green available throughout the Kentucky reservoir aging: influence of a novel (12.0 fish/hr), Barren (5.5 fish/hr) and River, providing fish refuge during high delta ecosystem in the Missouri Salt (11.0 fish/hr) river catch rates were water, when compared to the Green, River, USA. River Research and less than expected. Kentucky River Barren and Salt rivers. Small gizzard Applications 25:153–159. stocking resulted in a good distribution shad are primary prey for sauger which and density of fish from the 5.0-19.0 in, are abundant in the Kentucky River, but Herrala, Jason. 2014. Evaluation of with strong year classes resulting from present in significantly lower densities a Sauger Stocking Program on the stockings. Meanwhile, stockings in the in the Green, Barren and Salt rivers. Kentucky River. Sport Fish Green, Barren and Salt rivers resulted Sauger stocking in each of the Restoration Project F-40 “Statewide in low densities with good distribution three river systems have resulted in less Fisheries Research”. Kentucky of fish from 5.0-17.0 in. The low than desirable catch rates, year class Department of Fish and Wildlife densities may be due to poor year class strength and relative weight values. Resources. Fisheries Division. survival based on river conditions at Stocking has not resulted in creating Bulletin 110.

26 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Hesse LW. 1994. The status of Pegg MA, Bettoli PW, Layzer JB. Nebraska fishes in the Missouri 1997. Movement of saugers in the River. 6. Sauger (Percidae: lower Tennessee River determined Stizostedion canadense). by radio telemetry, and implications Transactions of the Nebraska for management. North American Academy of Sciences 21: 109 Journal of Fisheries Management 17: 121. 763–768.

Jaeger ME, Zale AV, McMahon Pitlo J Jr. 1989. Walleye spawning TE, Schmitz BJ. 2005. Seasonal habitat in pool 13 of the upper movements, habitat use, aggregation, . North American exploitation, and entrainment of Journal of Fisheries Management saugers in the lower Yellowstone 9:303–308. River: an empirical assessment of factors affecting population recovery. Sullivan MG. 2003. Active North American Journal of management of walleye fisheries in Fisheries Management 25: 1550– Alberta: dilemmas of managing 1568. recovering fisheries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management Kuhn KM, Hubert WA, Johnson K, 23:1343–1358. Oberlie D, Dufek D. 2008. Habitat Use and Movement Patterns by Adult Saugers from Fall to Summer in an Funding Source: Sport Fish Unimpounded Small-River System, Restoration Program (Dingell- North American Journal of Fisheries Johnson) Management, 28:2, 360-367. KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1. LeJeone LJ, Bowzer TW, Bergerhouse DL. 1992. Supplemental stocking of fingerling walleyes in the upper Mississippi River. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 12:307-312.

Maceina MJ, Bettoli PW, Finely SD, DiCenzo VJ. 1996. Recruitment, movement, and exploitation of sauger in the Alabama waters of the Tennessee River. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Final Report 40, Montgomery.

McMahon TE, Gardner WM. 2001. Status of sauger in Montana. Intermountain Journal of Science 7: 1–21.

Paragamian VL and Kingery RW. 1992. A comparison of walleye fry and fingerling stockings in three rivers in Iowa. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 12:323-320.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 27 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Figure 1: Live adult Diamond Darter from Elk River / WV. Conservation Fisheries, Inc.

Surveys for the Diamond Darter (Crystallaria cincotta), an Endangered Species Known Historically from the Green River in Kentucky

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie Darter population estimates are the past 30 years, the Diamond Darter Brandt, Kentucky Department of available and despite concerted has not been reported. However, sampling efforts, less than 50 conventional sampling gears such as Fish and Wildlife Resources individuals have been collected since seines and electrofishers have not been it was first discovered there in 1980 consistently effective at detecting this (Cincotta and Hoeft 1987, Welsh et al. species. Furthermore, fish sampling Introduction 2009, Ruble et al. 2014). The species is typically conducted during daytime The Diamond Darter is the second was federally listed as endangered due hours. In the Elk River, sampling at and most recently described member to its decline and continued threats to night has proven more effective in of the Crystallaria (Welsh and its existence (USFWS 2013). Because capturing the species because of its Wood 2008). It is a small, slender of its rarity, little is known about the apparently increased crepuscular and (maximum size 77mm [3inches]) life history and ecology of the Diamond nocturnal activity (Welsh and Wood, having a somewhat translucent yellow- Darter. 2008; Welsh et al. 2013). tan body marked with four wide brown In Kentucky, the Diamond Darter The upper Green River contains dorsal saddles and 12-14 mid-lateral is known only from six historic records, patches of habitat similar to that blotches (Figure 1). The species three of which are in the Green River occupied by the Diamond Darter in the once had a widespread but spotty (Table 1). It was last collected in the Elk River; these include deep riffles, distribution the Ohio River basin, but is Green River near Cave Island (now runs, and flowing pools over sand and now restricted to the lower 37 km (22 within Mammoth Cave National gravel. A 152.1 km (94.5 mi) section of mi) of the Elk River, Kanawha County, Park), Edmonson County, in 1929 the Green River from Roachville Ford West Virginia (Welsh et al. 2013, Ruble (Burr and Warren, 1986). Despite (River Mile 294.8) to the downstream et al. 2014). extensive sampling for fishes in the end of Cave Island (River Mile 200.3) In the Elk River, no Diamond middle and upper Green River during has been designated as a critical habitat

28 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

unit (CHU) for the Diamond Darter to those described for the Diamond retained and archived at Kentucky (USFWS 2013). The Green River Darter (Osier 2005, Welsh et al. 2013). Department of Fish and Wildlife CHU is being treated as unoccupied, Between 19 September 2012 and Resources (KDFWR), Frankfort, and pending a systematic survey using gear 22 September 2015, boat-assisted the biological collection maintained appropriate for capturing the species. trawling using an 8’ modified trawl by Mammoth Cave National Park This paper summarizes results of an (i.e., Mini-Missouri Trawl [Herzog (MCNP). At each site, stream width, intensive survey (2012-2015) for the et al. 2005]) was conducted during average depth, current velocity, water Diamond Darter within the Green River daylight hours at 38 sites. The trawl temperature, pH, and conductivity CHU. was pulled through pool and riffle/pool were recorded. Substrate composition, transition areas at depths ranging 0.2- riparian zone, and canopy coverage 2.0 m and current velocities ranging were estimated qualitatively. Methods 0.03-1.8 m·s-1. Multiple hauls were The study area includes the performed at each site; the number of section of the mainstem Green River hauls per site varied (1-5) depending on Results and Discussion designated as critical habitat for the amount of habitat present, stream A total of 106 species of fish have the Diamond Darter (Figure 2). A width and depth, and presence of been reported from the mainstem Green total of 41 fish sampling sites were obstructions (e.g., snags). In addition River within the Diamond Darter selected arbitrarily throughout the to trawling, we used a 15’ X 6’ (1/8” CHU (Table 2). This list is based CHU based on accessibility, depth, mesh) seine at six sites (1, 6, 7, 20, 36, mostly on vouchered collection records flow, and presence of sand and small and 40 [Figure 2]) after dusk (8:30- reviewed and compiled by Burr and gravel substrates. Special emphasis 12:30 p.m.) aided by headlamps and Warren (1986). We also reviewed and was placed on areas having extensive hand-held spotlights. Seining and included records from a large volume flowing pools, runs, and deep riffles. spotlight searches generally followed of post-1986 fish collections available These included locations where Shoal methods used in the Elk River by Osier in the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Chub ( hyostoma), (2005) and Welsh et al. (2013). Information System (KFWIS) database, Streamline Chub (Erimystax dissimilis), Most fish collected were which includes data from state and and Stargazing (Phenacobius identified on site, enumerated, photo- federal agencies, academic institutions uranops) have been collected; both documented, and released. A limited and private consultants. Terminology species have habitat preferences similar number of voucher specimens were in Table 2 follows Smith (1965) as used

Figure 2: Fish sampling sites in the Green River within the Diamond Darter CHU. Squares = historic localities for Diamond Darter. RM = river mile.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 29 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

by Burr and Warren (1986). “Generally occurrences. We captured 4 of 11 Minnow, but the former species was distributed” implies that suitable habitat species within the CHU that have a much more common and generally should be expected to yield specimens state conservation status (KSNPC 2012, distributed. Trawl sites: 7(2), 19(1), with a reasonably thorough search. KDFWR 2013) and 3 of 5 species 23(2), 38(2). Nocturnal sites: 6(6) and “Occasional” implies that suitable considered “at-risk” (i.e., have been 7(4). habitat may or may not yield specimens petitioned for federal listing, USFWS even after a prolonged search. 2012). Information on the distribution clara Jordan and “Sporadic” implies that encountering and habitat of these species within Meek. . Rare in specimens of a given taxon cannot be the CHU is briefly summarized in the Kentucky, having been known from predicted. following accounts. Collection site only three localities: upper Green Our sampling effort at 41 sites numbers (Figure 2) are presented for River, middle Cumberland River, and in the mainstem Green River within each species, followed by number of Big Sandy River drainages (Burr and the CHU produced 55 fish species specimens collected in parentheses. Warren 1986). In the Green River, representing 12 families (Table 2). it was known only from a single Approximately 60% of the species ariommus (Cope). Popeye 1890 collection record (Woolman captured were darters (family Percidae, Shiner. Sporadically distributed in 1892) until rediscovered in MCNP 18 species) and (family rock-bottomed riffles and flowing pools by Cicerello and Laudermilk (1996). , 15 species). These results from the upper Green River eastward Additional occurrences have been demonstrate the effectiveness of the (Burr and Warren 1986). Cicerello and documented between MCNP and Missouri trawl in capturing small- Hannan (1991) collected 33 specimens Munfordville during the past 20 bodied, benthic fishes in deeper riverine from 10 sites in MCNP and reported years. We consider the species to habitats, as described by Herzog et al. it to be uncommon and difficult to be occasional, particularly from the (2005). It did not effectively capture collect because it frequents deep water vicinity of Munfordville downstream to larger species and active swimmers habitats. We collected individuals in Green River Ferry (MCNP), where the (e.g., pelagic species). Despite our a long sand and gravel-bottomed run substrate has a higher preponderance of effort to resample historic localities and immediately below Cave Island during sand. Trawl sites: 23(12), 27(1), 32(6), additional sites with appropriate habitat the day with the trawl and at night with 33(1), 35(2), 37(12), 39(11), 40(7), using specialized gear during day and a seine. Trawl site: 40(4). Nocturnal 41(2). Nocturnal site: 40(2). night, the Diamond Darter was not site: 40(2). detected in the CHU. Etheostoma maculatum Kirtland. Most (89%) of the species Phenacobius uranops Cope. . Sporadic and we captured during our survey are Stargazing minnow. Occasional and uncommon in the state except for the considered occasional to generally locally common in the upper Green and mainstem Green River from Roachville distributed and often abundant in Barren River systems where it inhabits Ford to the downstream-most shoal in suitable habitat. A large portion (43%) clean pebble and gravel-bottomed MCNP, where it is relatively common of the 106 species known from the riffles and runs (Burr and Warren and evenly distributed (Cicerello CHU are sporadic, several of which 1986). The Streamline Chub was 2003). The Spotted Darter is found are rare and based on fewer than five always captured with the Stargazing predominantly in swift shoals or

Table 1: Historic collection records for Diamond Darter in Kentucky. UMMZ = University of Michigan Museum of . USNM = U.S. National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian Institution). FMNH = Field Museum of Natural History. OSUM = Ohio State University Museum of Zoology.

Locality Date Source Green River, 5 mi SW of Greensburg, Green Co. 7 August 1890 Woolman (1892), UMMZ 197713 (1) Green River, 0.5 mi E of Greensburg, Green Co. 8 August 1890 Woolman (1892), USNM 63786 (1) Green River, near Cave Island, Edmonson Co. 31 August 1929 Giovannoli, L., USNM 89467 (2) Cumberland River, at Kuttawa, Lyon Co. unknown FMNH 6825 (1) Ohio River, near Rising Sun, IN, Boone Co. 1887 Jordan (1899), USNM 39619 (1) Ohio River, at Russell, Greenup Co. 31 May 1899 OSUM 9688 (1)

30 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Table 2: Fishes recorded from the mainstem Green River within the Diamond Darter CHU during 1890-2015. Species collected in 2012-2015 and number of sites present are indicated. Distribution: G = generally distributed, O = occasional, S = sporadic (from Smith 1965). Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission (KSNPC) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) conservation status: E = endangered, T = threatened, S = special concern, Ex = presumed extirpated, P = petitioned species. * unsubstantiated; needs verification. ** likely extirpated from the CHU.

Distribution No. of sites: Status Scientific Name Common Name in CHU 2012-2015 KSNPC USFWS Ichthyomyzon bdellium Ohio Lamprey S 2 Ichthyomyzon greeleyi Mountain Brook Lamprey S T Lampetra aepyptera Least Brook Lamprey S Lampetra appendix American Brook Lamprey S T Lepisosteus oculatus * Spotted Gar * S Lepisosteus osseus Longnose Gar O 3 Amia calva * Bowfin * S Hiodon tergisus Mooneye O Anguilla rostrata American Eel S P Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard Shad G Campostoma oligolepis Largescale Stoneroller G 15 Carassius auratus * Goldfish * S Cyprinella spiloptera Spotfin Shiner G 10 Cyprinella whipplei Steelcolor Shiner S Cyprinus carpio Common Carp O Erimystax dissimilis Streamline Chub G 20 Erimystax x- punctatus ** Gravel Chub ** S Ex Hybognathus nuchalis ** Mississippi Silvery Minnow ** S amblops Bigeye Chub G 15 Hybopsis amnis ** Pallid Shiner ** S E Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Silver Carp S Luxilus chrysocephalus Striped Shiner G 5 Lythrurus fasciolaris Scarlet Shiner G 1 Macrhybopsis hyostoma Shoal Chub S Macrhybopsis storeriana ** Silver Chub ** S effusus Redtail Chub S Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden Shiner S Notropis ariommus Popeye Shiner S 1 P Notropis atherinoides Emerald Shiner O 1 Notropis boops ** Bigeye Shiner ** S Notropis buchanani Ghost Shiner S Notropis micropteryx Highland Shiner G 22 Notropis photogenis Silver Shiner G 11 Notropis volucellus Mimic Shiner G 22 Opsopoeodus emiliae ** Pugnose Minnow ** S Phenacobius uranops Stargazing Minnow O 5 S Pimephales notatus Bluntnose Minnow G 14 Pimephales promelas * Fathead Minnow * S

Annual Research Highlights 2015 31 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Table 2: Continued

Distribution No. of sites: Status Scientific Name Common Name in CHU 2012-2015 KSNPC USFWS Pimephales vigilax Bullhead Minnow O 1 Creek Chub S 2 Carpiodes carpio* River Carpsucker * S Carpiodes cyprinus * Quillback * S Carpiodes velifer * Highfin Carpsucker * S Hypentelium nigricans Northern Hog Sucker G 30 Ictiobus bubalus Smallmouth Buffalo O Minytrema melanops Spotted Sucker O Moxostoma anisurum Silver Redhorse S Moxostoma breviceps Smallmouth Redhorse O 2 Moxostoma carinatum River Redhorse O 1 Moxostoma duquesnei Black Redhorse O 4 Moxostoma erythrurum Golden Redhorse G 7 Ameiurus melas Black Bullhead S Ameiurus natalis Yellow Bullhead S Ictalurus punctatus Channel Catfish G 12 Noturus elegans Elegant O 3 Noturus eleutherus Mountain Madtom G 9 ** Slender Madtom ** S E Noturus flavus ** Stonecat ** S Noturus miurus Brindled Madtom G 17 Noturus nocturnus Freckled Madtom S Noturus stigmosus ** Northern Madtom ** S S Pylodictis olivaris Flathead Catfish O 1 Esox masquinongy Muskellunge S Labidesthes sicculus Brook Silverside G 3 catenatus Northern Studfish G 5 Fundulus notatus Blackstripe Topminnow S affinis Western Mosquitofish G 2 Cottus carolinae Banded Sculpin G 26 Morone chrysops White Bass O Ambloplites rupestris Rock Bass G 8 Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish S Lepomis gulosus Warmouth S Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill G 1 Lepomis megalotis Longear Sunfish G 11 Micropterus dolomieu Smallmouth Bass G 17 Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Bass G 6 Micropterus salmoides Largemouth Bass G

32 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Table 2: Continued

Distribution No. of sites: Status Scientific Name Common Name in CHU 2012-2015 KSNPC USFWS Pomoxis annularis White Crappie O Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black Crappie S Ammocrypta clara Western Sand Darter O 9 E Ammocrypta pellucida ** ** S Crystallaria cincotta ** Diamond Darter ** S Ex E Etheostoma bellum G 28 Etheostoma blennioides G 25 Etheostoma caeruleum G 14 Etheostoma flabellare O 6 Etheostoma jimmycarter Bluegrass Darter G 29 Etheostoma kennicotti O 6 Etheostoma lawrencei Headwater Darter S Etheostoma maculatum Spotted Darter G 22 T Etheostoma nigrum S 1 Etheostoma rafinesquei Kentucky Darter O 1 Etheostoma tippecanoe G 18 P Banded Darter G 36 caprodes Logperch G 8 Percina copelandi G 17 Percina evides G 25 Longhead Darter S 2 E P Blackside Darter S 1 Slenderhead Darter O 1 Percina sciera O ** River Darter ** S Percina stictogaster ** ** S Sander canadensis Sauger G Sander vitreus Walleye G Aplodinotus grunniens G 1 Total species 106 55 11 5

riffles with large cobble, slabs, and 3(4), 4(2), 5(1), 7(2), 8(4), 11(7), 12(8), and generally uncommon (Burr and boulders. Although our effort did not 13(4), 18(5), 21(2), 22(2), 23(117), Warren 1986). It was listed as a focus on shoals or riffles, we captured 25(5), 27(3), 29(6), 30(3), 33(1), species of special concern by the the species throughout the CHU at 38(65), 41(1). Nocturnal sites: 7(2), Kentucky Academy of Science and 22 of 41 sites and it was among the 36(1). the Kentucky State Nature Preserves top 75% most abundant species in Commission (Warren et al. 1986) but our trawl samples. Most specimens Etheostoma tippecanoe Jordan and was later delisted (KSNPC 1997). were young-of-year or immature (<40 Evermann. Tippecanoe Darter. Occurs The Tippecanoe Darter was present mm total length) captured in riffle/ in the upper Green River, South Fork throughout the CHU at 18 of 41 sites. pool transitional areas and runs with Cumberland River, upper Kentucky It was frequently captured with the substrates of gravel, cobble, and River, and Licking River drainages, Spotted Darter as both species occupy organic debris. Trawl sites: 1(3), 2(1), where it has been considered sporadic similar habitat. Trawl sites: 1(4),

Annual Research Highlights 2015 33 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

3(1), 7(1), 16(2), 17(7), 18(6), 19(10), Darter populations and are the main Konrad 2010) should be continued in 21(11), 22(1), 23(22), 25(7), 27(4), threat to its continued persistence conjunction with long-term biological 28(11), 30(3), 34(2), 37(2), 38(15), (Welsh et al. 2009). How the large monitoring. 41(1). Nocturnal sites: none. reservoir and series of locks and dams on the Green River have impacted the Percina macrocephala (Cope). Diamond Darter is uncertain; however, Literature Cited Longhead Darter. Sporadically one of the reasons the species may Burr, B. M. and M. L. Warren. 1986. distributed and rare in the upper Green have been able to persist in the Elk A distributional atlas of Kentucky and Barren rivers and Kinniconick River is because it remains largely fishes. Kentucky Nature Preserves Creek (Burr and Warren 1986). The unimpounded except for a single dam Commission Scientific and Technical species is locally common in the upper approximately 100 miles upstream of Series Number 4. 398 pp. Barren River and Kinniconick Creek its confluence (Strager 2008). (Cicerello 2003, Eisenhour et al. Sites that appeared most promising Cicerello, R. R. 2003. Distribution 2011). Cicerello (2003) identified three for rediscovering the Diamond Darter and status of the eastern sand darter populations in the Green River basin, were near Greensburg (site 6), mouth (Ammocrypta pellucida), crystal one of which occurs in a 25-mile reach of Russell Creek (site 7), Sims Bend darter (Crystallaria asprella), spotted of the Green River from the vicinity northeast of Munfordville (site 23), darter (Etheostoma maculatum), of Green River Dam downstream to at and in MCNP (sites 37-41). These and longhead darter (Percina least Russell Creek and in the lower sites offered the best potential in macrocephala) in the Green River portion of Russell Creek. We collected terms of high species richness and basin, Kentucky. Unpublished individuals in the trawl in flowing pools habitat diversity, including large Report; submitted by the Kentucky (<1.5 m deep) over cobble and gravel expanses of clean sand and gravel. State Nature Preserves Commission, immediately downstream of the mouth Sites near Greensburg and in MCNP Frankfort, KY to the U.S. Fish and of Russell Creek and approximately 3 were locations where the species had Wildlife Service, Asheville, NC, 31 miles downstream of Russell Creek. been collected historically (Table pp. Trawl sites: 7(1), 8(7). Nocturnal sites: 1). Species with habitat requirements none. similar to the Diamond Darter such Cicerello, R. R., and R. R. Hannan. as Streamline Chub and Stargazing 1991. Survey and review of the fishes Minnow were present in all four areas. of Mammoth Cave National Park, Conclusions and Management The substrate becomes noticeably more Kentucky. Kentucky State Nature Recommendations sandy from the vicinity of Munfordville Preserves Commission. Frankfort, The Diamond Darter is one of downstream, which coincides with the Kentucky. 13 species that may be extirpated presence of Western Sand Darter. from the Green River within the CHU Protection of existing free-flowing Cicerello, R. R. and E. L. Laudermilk. (Table 2). These species have not riffle-pool-run habitat in the Green 1996. Rediscovery of the western been collected in the CHU in over River is highly important to maintain sand darter (Ammocrypta clara). 50 years and are known from fewer the diverse array of fishes and other Naturally Kentucky 18:6. than five occurrence records. This aquatic organisms that occur there. suggests that they may have been This could only serve to benefit the Cincotta, D. A. and M. E. Hoeft. 1987. uncommon in the upper Green River Diamond Darter, if it still exists, and Rediscovery of the , historically. Regarding the Diamond would be necessary for any attempt to Ammocrypta asprella, in the Ohio Darter in the Green River, Woolman re-establish the species in the Green River Basin. Brimleyana 13:133-136. (1892) noted that it was “[n]ot widely River through captive propagation and distributed, nor common anywhere”. reintroduction. The proposed removal Eisenhour, D. A., A. M. Richter, The ability to ascribe Diamond Darter of Lock and Dam No. 6 at the western and J. M. Schiering. 2011. extirpation to potential threats is edge of MCNP, if implemented, would Conservation status of the Longhead hampered by insufficient quantification restore the natural flow regime to Darter, Percina macrocephala, of populations (Grandmaison et al. an estimated six miles of the Green in Kinniconick Creek, Kentucky. 2003). Habitat degradation from River (Stantec Consulting Services, Southeastern Fishes Council impoundment, excessive siltation, and Inc. 2015). Ongoing efforts to restore Proceedings 53:13-20. stream flow modification are main natural flow and temperature regimes factors believed to be responsible for through reoperation of Green River Grandmaison, D., J. Mayasich, and the widespread extirpation of Diamond Dam (i.e., Sustainable Rivers Project, D. Etnier.2003. Crystal darter status

34 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

assessment report. NRRI Technical Darter (Crystallaria cincotta). Welsh S. A. and R. M. Wood. 2008. Report No. NRRI/TR-2003/19. American Midland Naturalist Crystallaria cincotta, a new species U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort 172:107-118. of darter (Teleostei: Percidae) from Snelling, . the Elk River of the Ohio River Smith, P. W. 1965. A preliminary drainage, West Virginia. Zootaxa Herzog, D. P., V. A. Barko, J. S. annotated list of the lampreys and 1680:62–68. Scheibe, R. A. Hrabik, and D. E. fishes of Illinois. Illinois Natural Ostendorf. 2005. Efficacy of a History Survey Biological Notes Welsh, S. A., R. M. Wood, and T. L. benthic trawl for sampling small- 54:1-12. King. 2009. Crystallaria cincotta— bodied fishes in large river systems. Diamond Darter. Page 15 in B. R. North American Journal of Fisheries Strager, J. M. 2008. Diamond darter Kuhajda, A. L. George, and J. D. Management. 25:594-603. (Crystallaria cincotta) status Williams. The Desperate Dozen: review – threats assessment data Southeastern Freshwater Fishes Kentucky’s Comprehensive Wildlife development, final report for U.S. on the Brink. Southeastern Fishes Conservation Strategy. 2013. Fish and Wildlife Service, West Council Proceedings 51:10-30. Kentucky Department of Fish and Virginia Field Office, Elkins, 39 pp. Wildlife Resources, #1 Sportsman’s + appendices. Welsh, S. A., D. M. Smith, and N. Lane, Frankfort, KY. http://fw.ky.gov/ D. Taylor. 2013. Microhabitat use kfwis/stwg/ (Date updated 2/5/2013). Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. of the diamond darter. Ecology of 2015. Green River Lock and Dam Freshwater Fish 22:587-595. Kentucky State Nature Preserves 6. Dam Removal Feasibility Report. Commission. 1997. Rare and Lexington, Kentucky. Woolman A. J. 1892. Report of extirpated plants and of an examination of the rivers of Kentucky: 1997 update. Transactions U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Kentucky, with lists of the fishes of the Kentucky Academy of Science (USFWS). 2012. Kentucky – Species obtained. Bulletin of the United 58:96-99. listed under the Endangered Species States Fish Commission 10:249-288. Act and pending evaluations of Kentucky State Nature Preserves other species. Available online at: Commission (KSNPC). 2012. Rare http://www.fws.gov/frankfort/pdf/ Funding Sources: Kentucky Aquatic and extirpated biota of Kentucky. SpeciesChartKentucky.pdf Resources Fund (KARF) (pdf file available at:http://www. naturepreserves.ky.gov/inforesources/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports_pubs.htm). (USFWS). 2013. Federal register: KDFWR Strategic Plan. Endangered and Threatened Goal 1. Strategic Objective Konrad C. P. 2010. Monitoring and Wildlife and Plants; Endangered 5. Comprehensive Wildlife evaluation of environmental flow Species Status for Diamond Darter Conservation Strategy: Appendix prescriptions for five demonstration (Crystallaria cincotta). Available 3.9; Class and sites of the Sustainable Rivers online at: https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific Project. US Geological Survey Open- pkg/FR-2013-07-26/html/2013- project. File Report 2010-1065. 17938.htm

Osier, E. A. 2005. Distribution and Warren, M. L., Jr., W. H. Davis, R. R. habitat use of the crystal darter Hannan, M. Evans, D. L. Batch, B. (Crystallaria asprella) and spotted D. Anderson, B. Palmer-Ball Jr., J. darter (Etheostoma maculatum) in R. MacGregor, R. R. Cicerello, R. the Elk River, West Virginia. Masters Athey, B. A. Branson, G. J. Fallo, Thesis, West Virginia University, B. M. Burr, M. E. Medley, and Morgantown, WV. 74 pages. J. M. Baskin. 1986. Endangered, threatened, and rare plants and Ruble, C. L., P. L. Rakes, J. R. Shute, animals of Kentucky. Transactions of and S. A. Welsh. 2014. Captive the Kentucky Academy of Science propagation, reproductive biology, 47:83-98. and early life history of the Diamond

Annual Research Highlights 2015 35 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Survey of the Fish Fauna of the Laurel River Drainage with Emphasis on Species of Greatest Conservation Need

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie None of these species has been seen the Mississippian Plateau (Woods et al. Brandt, Kentucky Department of in the Laurel River drainage in over 2002). Fish and Wildlife Resources 35 years. Collecting effort at historic Upstream (east) of Laurel River localities for these species has been Lake in the upper watershed, the sparse and the distribution of sampling mainstem Laurel River is formed by within the Laurel River system has three major tributaries; Little Laurel been limited. River to the north, Robinson Creek Introduction The objectives of this project are: to the east, and Lynn Camp Creek to The Laurel River is a fifth-order 1) provide an inventory of the fish the south. The upper watershed is on tributary of the Cumberland River species at sites chosen systematically the Cumberland Plateau Ecoregion, (Lake Cumberland) in southeastern throughout the Laurel River drainage, which consists of low hills, rolling Kentucky. Fish collections from including sites with prior fish collection uplands, and tributary valleys that the Laurel River drainage have been data as well as new locations; and 2) open into level, expansive floodplains sparse and limited to a few locations. document distributional status, relative (Woods et al. 2002). This area is less Early collections made by Jordan abundance, and habitat conditions for rugged, dissected, and forested than the and Brayton (1878) were followed fish SGCN. This study will provide lower watershed around Laurel River much later by pre-impoundment information essential to developing Lake. The Laurel River in the upper surveys by Carter and Jones (1969), effective conservation policies and watershed is a low-gradient stream with and assessments of aquatic organisms management practices aimed at steep, muddy banks, long, deep pools, and water quality (Harker et al. 1979, the recovery of fish SGCN and the and relatively few riffle areas. Pools 1980). Fish distribution records for restoration of their habitats. are laden with logs, detritus, and silt. the Laurel River drainage obtained Riffles contain mostly pebble, cobble through these efforts were compiled, Methods and rubble, often imbedded by silt. reviewed, and presented in Burr Study Area Two small impoundments, Dorothae (1980) and Burr and Warren (1986). The Laurel River originates in Lake and Corbin City Reservoir, Since the publication of Burr and eastern Laurel County near the Clay- located upstream of Laurel River Lake Warren (1986), fishes were collected Knox County line and flows to the are used as water supply reservoirs for at six locations in 1993-1994 by the southwest through the Cumberland Corbin and the surrounding area. Kentucky State Nature Preserves Plateau entering Laurel River Recent estimation of land use Commission (KSNPC) to document the Lake, which impounds 19.2 miles for the upper watershed is 35-40% location and status of rare, threatened, of the lower Laurel River before it agriculture, 35% natural hardwood or endangered species (Laudermilk and confluences the Cumberland River forest, and 30% housing and Cicerello 1998); additional sampling (Figure 1). Most of the watershed is development (KDOW 2002b; Third was conducted at nine locations in Laurel County, but it also drains Rock Consultants, Inc. 2007). The between 1996 and 2010 by the U.S. northern portions of Whitley and lower watershed, including Laurel Forest Service and Kentucky Division Knox counties to the south. The lower River Lake and its tributaries, is of Water (KDOW) for fish community watershed, which is mostly impounded, mostly forested and within the Daniel assessment. lies within the Cumberland Plateau Boone National Forest. Agriculture, Historical records for three fish Escarpment where the terrain is well- although still prevalent in much of species of greatest conservation dissected with narrow ridges, cliffs, the upper watershed, has declined in need (SGCN) are available for the and gorges. Streams in this area have recent decades; however, large Laurel River drainage: Chrosomus steep gradients, riffles, pools, and feeding operations are common along cumberlandensis (), boulder or bedrock substrates. The the Laurel River and Little Laurel River Hemitremia flammea (Flame Chub), escarpment is a transitional zone in Laurel County (KDOW 2002b). A and Percina squamata ( Darter). between the Cumberland Plateau and large portion of the upper watershed is

36 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Corbin City Reservoir, and in 2011, the City of London began implementation of the plan. The Laurel River has been identified as a remediation priority watershed due to impacts from nutrients, pathogens, siltation, habitat alteration, low dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH caused by construction and development, silviculture, mining, and agriculture (KDOW 2002b; Carey 2009).

Data Acquisition and Field Methods Sample localities were established throughout the Laurel River drainage based, in part, on previous fish collection records by Jordan and Brayton (1878), Carter and Jones (1969), Harker et al. (1979; 1980), Laudermilk and Cicerello (1998), and fish community sampling by U.S. Forest Service and KDOW. Additional sites were chosen arbitrarily based on accessibility and ability to sample all available habitats effectively within a measured section of stream (Figure 1). Field sampling was conducted between March and September 2014 following wadeable stream sampling protocols (KDOW 2002a). Fishes were collected using a backpack electrofisher, dip nets, and 6 X 10’ or 6 X 15’ (1/8” mesh) seines. At each site, all habitats within a 100-200m reach were worked thoroughly to ensure a representative sample. Additional emphasis was Figure 1. Sites sampled for fishes in the Laurel River drainage during 2014. placed on specific habitats known to support targeted SGCN. Each site was electrofished for 500-2000 seconds, sandwiched between the urban areas A total of 63.9 miles of streams depending on the size of the stream and of London (north) and Corbin (south). in the Laurel River drainage does available habitat. In larger streams, A dense network of roads crosses the not support or only partially supports electrofishing was followed by 10-20 drainage, including Interstate 75, US designated uses for warm-water aquatic seine hauls/sets to effectively work the 25, and KY 80. According to the U.S. habitat, fish consumption, primary same area and available habitat. Deep Census Bureau, Laurel County is one contact recreation, or secondary contact channel and impounded sections of of the most rapidly growing counties in recreation. Corbin City Reservoir, a the lower mainstem Laurel River and Kentucky, with a population of nearly 139 acre impoundment in the Little Lynn Camp Creek were sampled using 56,000 in 2004. As development and Laurel River watershed is impaired boat electrofishing. Most fish collected population density increases in this from organic enrichment (sewage) were identified on site, enumerated, area, pressures on the streams and (KDOW 2012). In 2004, Third Rock and released. A limited number of reservoirs will intensify (Third Rock Consultants was contracted by KDOW representative specimens were retained Consultants, Inc. 2007). to develop a watershed plan for the as vouchers that were fixed in 10%

Annual Research Highlights 2015 37 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

of the species present in our samples. Only two species, Chrosomus erythrogaster (Southern Redbelly Dace) and Cyprinella galactura (Whitetail Shiner) are classified as intolerant to pollution and habitat disturbance (Compton et al. 2003). Both species (Figure 2) were found to be uncommon in the Laurel River drainage, with C. erythrogaster present at three sites and C. galactura present at only one site. Of the remaining species collected, 12 are classified as tolerant to pollution and disturbance (Compton et al. 2003) and all are considered common and generally distributed over a large geographic area. No species of fish are endemic to the Laurel River drainage; however, preliminary analysis of genetic and morphological data suggests that the Laurel River population of Etheostoma kennicotti (Stripetail Darter, Figure 2) is a unique lineage within the Stripetail Darter complex and may warrant distinct species recognition in the future (T. Near, Yale University, pers. comm.). Although darter species richness was strikingly low within the Laurel River drainage compared with other tributaries of the middle Figure 2. Whitetail Shiner (top), Southern Redbelly Dace (middle), Stripetail Cumberland River sub-basin, E. Darter (bottom)/ Matt Thomas kennicotti was the fourth most common species in our survey, and was present at 25 of 36 (69%) sites sampled. This formalin, then transferred to 70% occurred infrequently and at relatively species, as well as the other three ethanol. These specimens will be few locations within the drainage. darters collected (Table 1), are not as archived at KDFWR. For each SGCN Our sampling effort combined with dependent on riffle habitat as are most collected, gender (when possible), other records revealed 45 species of the other darters belonging to the total lengths (when >20 individuals), in 10 families in the Laurel River subfamily Etheostomatinae (Harker et and habitat conditions were recorded. drainage (Table 1). This represents al. 1979; pers. obs.). Most streams in Digital photographs were also taken approximately 31% of the 144 species the upper watershed are low-gradient to document species and habitats at all known from the combined middle and with little or no riffle development sample sites. upper Cumberland River basins in (see description of Study Area, above), Kentucky (Burr and Warren 1986). which may explain the relatively low Results and Discussion In spring and summer 2014, diversity (and abundance) of benthic Composition, Abundance, and Distri- we sampled 44 sites in 30 streams fishes, particularly darters. bution of Fishes distributed throughout the drainage A single record of Etheostoma Harker et al. (1980) remarked and collected a total of 37 species spectabile () that the fish fauna of the Laurel River representing eight families. Minnows was originally reported by Distler had been relatively neglected. Since (Cyprinidae) and sunfish and bass (1968) as a dot on a distribution map that time, additional fish sampling has (Centrarchidae) accounted for 61% located on the Little Laurel River;

38 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

however, other details of this record and habitat comments are based on KSNPC, pers. comm.). Whitman could not be ascertained. Ceas and Burr and Warren (1986) and our field Branch was also surveyed on 5 May Burr (2002) described Orangethroat observations. 1994, but no Blackside Dace were Darter populations in the middle reported (Laudermilk and Cicerello Cumberland River drainage, including 1998). On 2 April 2014, we sampled the Rockcastle River, as E. lawrencei Chrosomus cumberlandensis (Starnes Whitman Branch from approximately (Headwater Darter); however the and Starnes). Blackside Dace.—Feder- 0.4-1.2 km upstream from the Laurel Laurel River drainage was not ally listed as Threatened, this species River confluence. No Blackside Dace included in the range of E. lawrencei. is endemic to the upper Cumberland were encountered; however, Southern Certain species occurring in large River drainage in Kentucky and Ten- Redbelly Dace were abundant (n = river and reservoir habitats that were nessee. The species currently occupies 61). The Whitman Branch watershed is not encountered during our survey about 110 named streams across its completely forested with dense stands (e.g., buffalofishes, carpsuckers, range, while numerous populations of hemlock and rhododendron. Stream and redhorses) likely enter the short have been extirpated since its discovery habitat consisted of long bedrock section of the mainstem Laurel River in the late 1970s (M. Floyd, USFWS, glides with occasional shallow pools below Laurel River Lake dam from pers. comm.). with some marginal woody debris and the impounded headwaters of Lake The presence of this species in the patches of pebble, cobble, and boulder. Cumberland. Laurel River drainage was reported by Both Craig Creek and Whitman Conspicuously absent from the Harker et al. (1980) based on a single Branch have been isolated by Laurel River drainage are numerous specimen (WCS 1163-01) collected impoundment. Craig Creek drains species occurring in neighboring in Craig Creek at the KY 312 bridge into an arm of Laurel River Lake, Cumberland River tributary watersheds on 9 October 1979 (Starnes 1981). while Whitman Branch confluences (e.g., Rockcastle River and other Despite other repeated attempts at the Laurel River tailwater before smaller drainages) below Cumberland this location (Starnes 1981; O’Bara it confluences the impounded Falls. It is possible that many of these 1985; Laudermilk and Cicerello Cumberland River. Based on the species occurred historically in the 1998), it was never collected again. two collection records, it appears deeply entrenched lower portion of On 20 March 2014, we sampled four that Blackside Dace had a tenuous the Laurel River and some of its larger locations in Craig Creek and did not existence in the Laurel River drainage tributaries (e.g., Spruce Creek) prior encounter Blackside Dace. Although and it is doubtful that either population to impoundment. Carter and Jones conductivity levels were low (34-42 continues to exist. (1969) documented fishes collected at µS/cm), suitable habitat conditions two sites as part of a pre-impoundment in this stream appeared to be limited. sport fishery survey; however both sites Forested riparian corridors were patchy Hemitremia flammea (Jordan and were located in the upper watershed. and residential development was Gilbert). Flame Chub.—This minnow The only pre-impoundment records scattered throughout the drainage. Only was presumed extirpated in Kentucky available from the lower Laurel River the lowermost site (#39, Figure 1) had because there had been no reported oc- were from a single collection made by moderately deep pools with boulder currences anywhere in the state since W. Turner (KDFWR) in 1961 at the and large woody debris interspersed the late 1880s (Burr and Warren 1986). mouth of Spruce Creek (see below). by shallow gravel/cobble riffles. The Its status changed in 2011 when a new The exact location visited by Jordan three sites located further upstream population was discovered in Spring and Brayton (1878) is uncertain. (#s 36-38) had pools that were more Creek, a small spring-fed tributary Unfortunately, the composition and shallow and over bedrock with overall of the upper Red River in the lower quality of the historical stream fish less habitat diversity. Wooded riparian Cumberland River drainage, Simpson community of the lower Laurel River corridor development was most County (Thomas and Brandt 2011). It is a matter of speculation (Harker et al. extensive downstream of site #38, but was reported to be abundant in Big 1980). as O’Bara (1985) indicated, stream size Laurel River, Laurel County by Jordan in this lower reach is larger than what and Brayton (1878), but the exact lo- Blackside Dace typically inhabit. cation of their collection is uncertain. Species of Greatest Conservation Need A second population was reported Brooks Burr examined a single speci- The following accounts discuss the from Whitman Branch, based on four men (USNM) labeled as this species historical distribution and current status individuals captured and released on from Jordan’s Big Laurel River site; of fish SGCN known from the Laurel 19 June 1996 during fish surveys by however, the specimen was desiccated River drainage. General distribution the U.S. Forest Service (M. Compton, making positive identification impos-

Annual Research Highlights 2015 39 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Fisheries

Table 1. Fish species reported from the Laurel River drainage based on historic collections (Jordan and Brayton 1878; Carter and Jones 1969; Harker et al. 1979, 1980; Burr and Warren 1986), collections made by KSNPC, KDOW, and USFS (1993- 2010), and the present study (2014). Number of localities from which each species was collected is indicated. Species of greatest conservation need are in bold print.

Historic Recent Current Scientific name Common name (pre-1986) (1993-2010) (2014) Dorosoma cepedianum Gizzard Shad 1 3 Dorosoma petenense Threadfin Shad 3 Campostoma oligolepis Largescale Stoneroller 1 3 5 Chrosomus cumberlandensis Blackside Dace 2 1 Chrosomus erythrogaster Southern Redbelly Dace 2 3 3 Cyprinella galactura Whitetail Shiner 2 1 Cyprinus carpio Common Carp 1 1 2 Hemitremia flammea Flame Chub 1 Luxilus chrysocephalus Striped Shiner 1 Lythrurus fasciolaris Scarlet Shiner 2 4 4 Notropis buccatus Silverjaw Minnow 1 1 1 Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden Shiner 1 Pimephales notatus Bluntnose Minnow 4 4 24 Pimephales promelas Fathead Minnow 2 1 Semotilus atromaculatus Creek Chub 4 10 31 Catostomus commersonii White Sucker 3 5 11 Hypentelium nigricans Northern Hog Sucker 2 6 12 Moxostoma erythrurum Golden Redhorse 2 Ameiurus melas Black Bullhead 3 Ameiurus natalis Yellow Bullhead 1 1 4 Ictalurus punctatus Channel Catfish 1 Pylodictus olivarus Flathead Catfish 1 2 Gambusia affinis Western Mosquitofish 1 1 Labidesthes sicculus Brook Silverside 3 Morone chrysops White Bass 1 Ambloplites rupestris Rock Bass 3 8 Lepomis auritus Redbreast Sunfish 1 7 Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish 5 5 34 Lepomis gulosus Warmouth 1 2 14 Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill 5 9 33 Lepomis megalotis Longear Sunfish 1 6 17 Lepomis microlophus Redear Sunfish 1 2 Micropterus dolomieu Smallmouth Bass 3 1 2 Micropterus punctulatus Spotted Bass 3 4 6 Micropterus salmoides Largemouth Bass 4 5 14 Pomoxis annularis White Crappie 2 1 Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black Crappie 1 Etheostoma blennioides Greenside Darter 2 3 8 Etheostoma kennicotti Stripetail Darter 6 9 25 Etheostoma spectabile Orangethroat Darter 1

40 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Fisheries / COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES

Table 1. Continued

Historic Recent Current Scientific name Common name (pre-1986) (1993-2010) (2014) Percina caprodes Logperch 1 2 5 Percina maculata Blackside Darter 3 2 2 Percina squamata 1 Sander vitreus Walleye 1 Aplodinotus grunniens Freshwater Drum 1 Number of species: 45 (total) 33 27 37 Number of sampling sites: 17 15 44

sible. Jordan and Swain (1883) also re- fles. This habitat would have only been banks, long, deep pools, and relatively ported collecting the species from Clear present in the lower Laurel River along few riffle areas, while nearly 20 miles Fork and Wolf Creek, Whitley County. the Pottsville Escarpment of the Cum- of the lower watershed is impounded Because Jordan and his co-workers col- berland Plateau before impoundment. to form Laurel River Lake. Stream lected Flame Chubs from other locali- Currently, only short sections of this habitat at most sites was moderately to ties, many of which were verified, the habitat can be found in lower Spruce severely degraded. A few short free- early Kentucky records were accepted Creek before it becomes embayed by flowing sections of the Laurel River as valid (Burr and Warren 1986). The Laurel River Lake and in the Laurel had an abundance of available cover species was not encountered anywhere River between the confluences of Ad- and varied current regimes, but low in the Laurel River drainage in 2014; ams Branch and Little Laurel River. fish diversity and abundance. These therefore, the early record by Jordan Sites 42 (Spruce Creek) and 31 (Laurel sections were isolated by dams, both and Brayton (1878) remains unsubstan- River at Adams Branch confluence) upstream and downstream, which may tiated. did not produce Olive Darters in 2014. severely limit immigration of fishes Harker et al. (1980) observed that de- into the area. This could explain the Percina squamata (Gilbert and Swain spite having an abundance of available absence or scarcity of many benthic 1887). Olive Darter.—In Kentucky, cover and varied current regimes, these species, particularly darters, found this species is sporadic and rare, with a short free-flowing sections are isolated elsewhere in the middle Cumberland limited distribution in the Cumberland by dams, which may severely limit im- River drainage. River drainage below Cumberland migration of stream fishes into the area. As development and human Falls. Burr and Warren (1986) reported population density increases in Laurel this species only from the Rockcastle Conclusions and Management County, pressures on the streams and River and Big South Fork Cumberland Recommendations reservoirs will intensify. Watershed River; however, during a pre-impound- Fish community sampling at 44 monitoring programs aimed at ment survey, a single specimen (KD- sites in the Laurel River drainage from identifying main sources of water FWR 1513) was collected by W. Turner March to September 2014 detected a pollutants, then developing and on 23 August 1961 in the Laurel River total of 37 species. Eleven of these implementing solutions to improve at the mouth of Spruce Creek, which species (30%) are classified as tolerant, water quality should be a top priority. is now inundated by Laurel River while only two (5%) are intolerant of In addition to remediation solutions Lake. This is the only location where pollution and habitat disturbance. All to reduce urban impacts on streams, vouchered specimens represent a record species in our samples are common and such as those developed by Third Rock of the historic fish community of the generally distributed in the region; the Consultants, effort should be made to lower Laurel River before impound- Laurel River drainage has no endemic protect any remaining forested riparian ment. During preparation of the fish at- fishes. Three fish SGCN, Blackside zones within the upper watershed. las (Burr and Warren 1986), the authors Dace, Flame Chub, and Olive Darter, were unaware of the KDFWR speci- historically present in the Laurel River men (B. Burr, pers. comm.). The Olive drainage were not detected in our Literature Cited Darter requires free-flowing riverine samples and are likely extirpated from Burr, B.M. 1980. A Distributional conditions; it occupies main channels the drainage. The upper watershed has Checklist of the Fishes of Kentucky. and deep cobble and boulder-strewn rif- low-gradient streams with steep, muddy Brimleyana. 3:53-84.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 41 COMPLETED PROJECTS AND MONITORING SUMMARIES / Fisheries Mollusks

Burr, B. M. and M. L. Warren, Jr. 1986. Jordan, D. S. and A. W. Brayton. 1878. Wildlife Service. Asheville, North A Distributional Atlas of Kentucky Contributions to North American Carolina. Fishes. Kentucky State Nature ichthyology. No. 3. A. On the Preserves Commission Scientific and distribution of the fishes of the Third Rock Consultants, Inc. 2007. Technical Series Vol. 4. Alleghany region of South Carolina, RAILL: Restoration Action Initiative Georgia, and Tennessee, with in the Little Laurel. Webpage: http:// Carey, D. I. 2009. Upper Cumberland descriptions of new or little known www.raill.org/index.html River Basin in Kentucky. Kentucky species. Bulletin of the United States Geological Survey Map and Chart National Museum 12:7-95. Starnes, W. C. 1981. Listing package Series MCS_190_12. for the blackside dace Phoxinus Jordan, D.S. and J. Swain. 1883. List cumberlandensis. Unpublished Carter, J. P. and A. R. Jones. 1969. of fishes collected in the Clear Fork report prepared for the U.S. Fish & Inventory and classification of of the Cumberland, Whitley County, Wildlife Service. Asheville, North streams in the upper Cumberland Kentucky, with descriptions of three Carolina. River drainage of Kentucky. new species. Proceedings of the Kentucky Department of Fish United States National Museum Thomas, M. R. and S. L. Brandt. and Wildlife Resources, Fisheries 6:248-251. 2011. Rediscovery of the Flame Bulletin 52:1-70. Chub (Hemitremia flammea) in KY Division of Water (KDOW). 2002a. Kentucky. Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Ceas, P. A. and B. M. Burr. 2002. Methods for assessing biological Commissioner’s Newsletter 6(12):6. Etheostoma lawrencei, a new species integrity of surface waters. KY of darter in the E. spectabile species Department for Environmental Woods, A.J., Omernik, J.M., Martin, complex (Percidae: subgenus Protection, Division of Water, W.H., Pond, G.J., Andrews, W.M., Oligocephalus), from Kentucky Frankfort, KY. 182 pp. Call, S.M, Comstock, J.A., and and Tennessee. Ichthyological Taylor, D.D., 2002, Ecoregions of Exploration of Freshwaters, KY Division of Water (KDOW). Kentucky (color poster with map, 33(3):203-216. 2002b. Upper Cumberland Region descriptive text, summary tables, Priority Watersheds: Rationale, and photographs): Reston, VA., Compton, M. C., G. J. Pond, and J. 2002. Document available at: http:// U.S. Geological Survey (map scale F. Brumley. 2003. Development water.ky.gov/watershed/Pages/ 1:1,000,000). and application of the Kentucky UpperCumberlandRiverBasin.aspx index of biotic integrity. Kentucky Department for Environmental KY Division of Water (KDOW). 2012. Funding source: State Wildlife Grant Protection. Frankfort, KY. Final 2012 integrated report to Program (SWG) Congress on the condition of water Harker, D. F., Jr., S. M. Call, M. L. resources in Kentucky. Volume 2: KDFWR Strategic Plan. Warren, Jr., K. E. Camburn, and 303(d) list of surface waters. KY Goal 1. Strategic Objective 5. P. Wigley. 1979. Aquatic biota Department for Environmental Comprehensive Wildlife and water quality survey of the Protection, Division of Water, Conservation Strategy: Appendix Appalachian Province, eastern Frankfort, KY. 669 pp. 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and Kentucky. Kentucky Nature Cephalaspidomorphi. Preserves Commission Technical Laudermilk, E. L. and R. R. Cicerello. Report, Frankfort, Kentucky. 1152 1998. Upper Cumberland River pages. drainage, Kentucky fish collection catalog (1982–1994). Unpublished Harker, D. F., Jr., M. L. Warren, Jr., report prepared for Kentucky State K. E. Camburn, S. M. Call, G. J. Nature Preserves Commission. Fallo, and P. Wigley. 1980. Aquatic Frankfort, Kentucky. biota and water quality of the upper Cumberland River basin. Kentucky O’Bara, C. J. 1985. Status survey Nature Preserves Commission of the blackside dace (Phoxinus Technical Report, Frankfort, cumberlandensis). Unpublished Kentucky. 683 pages. report prepared for the U. S. Fish and

42 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries Mollusks

Stringer of hybrids and white bass in the headwaters of Taylorsville Lake / Obie Williams New Projects NEW PROJECTS / Fisheries

Survey and Assessment of the Fish Fauna of the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, Kentucky

(NWR). Striped Shiner, Red Shiner, Grass Prior fish collection Carp, and Silver Carp. The Striped data from the Clarks Shiner was previously unknown from River drainage the Clarks River drainage. Five state- were compiled and listed (at-risk) species were present reviewed to produce a within the study area: Taillight Shiner comprehensive list of (1 site), Black Buffalo (2 sites), species by watershed Central Mudminnow (2 sites), Dollar unit. We accept Sunfish (5 sites), and records as valid for 106 (5 sites). Multiple new occurrence species in the entire localities were documented for Central drainage. This diversity Mudminnow, Dollar Sunfish, and is distributed among Cypress Darter. Three exotic species the lower mainstem were collected: Common Carp, Grass Blizzard Pond drainage canal (above); Western Creek (52 species), Clarks Carp, and Silver Carp. Multiple new Chubsucker, (lower left); Bowfin, (lower right) River including East occurrence localities were documented /Matt Thomas and Middle forks (84 for Grass Carp and Silver Carp. High species), and West densities of young-of-year observed at Fork (52 species). No multiple locations indicate successful Matthew Thomas and Stephanie federally listed fish species are present reproduction in both species within Brandt, Kentucky Department of in the Clarks River drainage, but 15 the Clarks River and West Fork Clarks Fish and Wildlife Resources are considered rare or of conservation River drainages. concern at the state level. Five exotic Field work is about 80% complete. species occur or have occurred in the We plan to make a final trip to the drainage. Clarks River drainage during spring he Clarks River drainage, a major Between 3 August and 17 (April-May) 2016 when water Ttributary system in the lower September 2015, fish collections were conditions are favorable for fish Tennessee River basin, occupies nearly made from 23 sites in the Clarks River sampling. Our final field effort will a quarter of the Jackson Purchase and West Fork Clarks River drainages include at least one additional Riverine Region in western Kentucky. It is within the Clarks River NWR and site and four Palustrine sites. A final a low-gradient system consisting of proposed expansion area boundary. report will be completed by September two major forks that meander through Sites were distributed in Riverine 30, 2016. a broad floodplain containing areas and Palustrine Systems to include all of contiguous bottomland hardwood aquatic habitat types and representative forest, wetland complexes, overflow fish species. Our sampling effort Funding Source: U.S. Fish and ponds, and meander cut-offs formed produced a total of 77 species in 18 Wildlife Service National Wildlife by the Clarks River. In 2015, we families, representing 72% of the Refuge Inventories and Monitoring began fish surveys to determine species known from the entire Clarks Program species composition, abundance, and River drainage and 38% of the lower distributions to establish a credible Tennessee River basin fish fauna. The KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal species list, assess historical and recent Clarks River upstream of the West Fork 1. Comprehensive Wildlife changes to the fauna, and provide had the highest diversity (63 species), Conservation Strategy: Appendix recommendations for future monitoring followed by the West Fork (57 species) 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and of the fish community within the and lower mainstem (32 species). Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge We report new occurrences for project.

44 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / NEW PROJECTS

Distribution and Status of the Goldstripe Darter, Etheostoma parvipinne, in Kentucky

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie of endangered on the current List of composition with emphasis on other Brandt, Kentucky Department of Rare and Extirpated Biota of Kentucky fish SGCN in small stream and wetland Fish and Wildlife Resources (Kentucky State Nature Preserves habitats supporting populations of Commission) and is a Species of Goldstripe Darter. Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Between 15 April 2014 and the Kentucky Wildlife Action Plan. 11 June 2015, fish sampling was he Goldstripe Darter (Etheostoma Although the Goldstripe Darter conducted at 37 sites in the lower Tparvipinne) belongs to a unique has an extensive range in the lower Tennessee River and Terrapin Creek and diverse community of aquatic Mississippi River and Gulf Coastal drainages for the Goldstripe Darter and species inhabiting wetlands, springs, drainages, occurrences in western other fish SGCN. We recorded a total and spring runs in the Coastal Plain Kentucky represent peripheral of 36 species of fish, including three of western Kentucky. Many of these populations. Such populations may be SGCN: Central Mudminnow (Umbra habitats have been lost or degraded and somewhat or entirely separated from limi), Cypress Darter (Etheostoma the species is known to exist at only the rest of their taxon and subject to proeliare), and Goldstripe Darter. The four locations: Terrapin and Powell different evolutionary or ecological Goldstripe Darter was known to exist creeks, Graves County, and Sugar forces; therefore, they can contain in only four streams in Graves and Creek and Billie Branch, Calloway unique genetic structure and have an Calloway counties; we documented County. Available collection records important role in the evolutionary it for the first time in Blood River for Goldstripe Darter in western potential of the species. Monitoring Bottoms Wildlife Management Area Kentucky are sparse (fewer than 20), peripheral species, such as Goldstripe (WMA). The Cypress Darter has a taken from 1978-2002. It has a status Darter (and several others in Kentucky) sporadic existence in small creeks and is necessary to achieve the sloughs of western Kentucky. Prior to larger goal of sustaining our survey, it was last reported in the genetic variability. Also, Blood River 30 years ago at only two shifts in the distributional locations. The Central Mudminnow boundaries of these only occurs in Coastal Plain spring- species and changes in fed wetlands in the Jackson Purchase, abundance trends may including a few locations in the Blood also reflect changing River floodplain south of the WMA. environmental conditions, Individuals captured in the Blood ranging from local habitat River Bottoms represent a new locality loss or disturbance to record. Surveys for fish SGCN in the pervasive effects of small, lowland stream and wetland climate change. habitats in the lower Tennessee River The objectives of this drainage and northern tributaries of the project are: 1) determine Obion River will continue in 2016. the current distribution and abundance of the Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant Goldstripe Darter in Program (SWG) western Kentucky; 2) assess spawning activity, KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal general habitat usage, and 1. Comprehensive Wildlife current habitat conditions Conservation Strategy: Appendix Goldstripe Darter habitat in Blood River Bottoms within the known range 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and WMA (top), Goldstripe Darter breeding male of the species; and 3) Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific observed May 7, 2014 (bottom)/ Matt Thomas document fish community project.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 45 NEW PROJECTS / Fisheries

Evaluation of Stocking Original and Reciprocal Cross Hybrid Striped Bass in Three Kentucky Impoundments

Dane Balsman, Jason McDowell striped bass will be marked with and Bobby Widener, Kentucky oxytetracycline (OTC) as fingerlings before being stocked. Reciprocal Department of Fish and Wildlife cross hybrid striped bass will not be Resources marked with OTC. Both crosses of hybrid striped bass will be stocked for three years, 2015-2017 at three he Kentucky Department of Fish stocking sites at each lake. Stocking Tand Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and hauling mortality will be calculated began stocking hybrid striped bass in by placing approximately 100 fish in 1979. The original cross of hybrid 30-gallon holding drums with fine Morone spp. consists of crossing the mesh panels floated at the stocking male white bass Morone chrysops sites for 24 hours. Each lake will have with the female striped bass Morone three holding drums for each cross of saxatilis, while the reciprocal cross hybrid striped bass. At the end of the consists of using a female white holding period, fish will be counted and Angler with hybrid striped bass bass and male striped bass. Over the mortality rates calculated. / Randall Hardin past three decades both original and Monofilament gill nets will be reciprocal crosses of hybrid striped used to sample hybrid striped bass bass have been stocked in Kentucky age 1+-3+ fish as they recruit to the populations in the three study lakes reservoirs. However, since the mid 15-inch size class. This study is not in late October-November when 1990’s KDFWR has been stocking designed to determine maximum age water temperatures are 55-60°F and almost entirely reciprocal cross hybrids. or maximum size, due to study length, after destratification has occurred. Little is known on the differences in but a future study may be warranted to A minimum of 18-net nights or growth, recruitment or maximum age examine if one cross is longer lived or 250 hybrid bass > 12 inches will be and size of original versus reciprocal reaches a larger maximum size. required for each lake. Hybrid striped cross hybrid striped bass in reservoirs. Currently, fall gillnet samples are bass lengths to the nearest 0.1 inch The objective of this study is to capturing low numbers of reciprocal and weights to the nearest 0.01 pound determine which cross of hybrid striped hybrid striped bass older than age-3 will be taken on all captured fish. bass performs better in three Kentucky and low numbers of fish larger than 22 Otoliths will be removed from up to impoundments (Rough River Lake, inches at Taylorsville and Herrington 30 hybrid striped bass per inch class > Herrington Lake, and Taylorsville Lakes. Conversely, Rough River Lake 12 inches collected each sampling year Lake). This will be determined by seems to have a stable population of to determine cross and age and growth comparing growth, recruitment to age- reciprocal hybrid striped bass with information. To determine if there 1+, 2+, and 3+, condition, and relative maximum age of 10 years old being are differential growth rates between abundance of the two crosses of hybrid observed. However, despite being sexes and crosses of hybrid striped bass striped bass. We will not be examining long lived, very few of the reciprocal sex will be determined by dissection age-0 fish due to concerns raised over hybrids in Rough River Lake exceed 22 and examination of sexual organs in a misidentification with cohabiting inches. Creel surveys from the lakes in laboratory setting for those fish having white bass in the study reservoirs, and recent years have also documented low otoliths removed for aging. because hybrids seem to be recruiting angler catch of fish over 22 inches. to age-1 without issue in all three During the first two weeks in June, Funding Source: Sport Fish impoundments. At age-1+ we have 10 fish/acre of each of the reciprocal Restoration Program (Dingell- a high confidence in differentiating and original cross hybrid striped bass Johnson) between white bass and hybrids. This will be stocked annually in the three study is most interested in examining study impoundments. Original hybrid KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1.

46 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / NEW PROJECTS

Status Survey of the Redside Dace, Clinostomus elongatus, in Kentucky

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie Kentucky may reflect successful local localities in the Red River drainage Brandt, Kentucky Department of adaption and long-term persistence in and White Oak Creek, Kentucky River Fish and Wildlife Resources high quality forested watersheds that drainage. Redside Dace were present remain mostly within the Daniel Boone in 11 of 27 streams sampled, including National Forest. White Oak Creek, which is outside of Since 1986, additional Redside the known range in the Kentucky River he Redside Dace (Clinostomus Dace occurrence records have been drainage. Sampling will continue in Telongatus) has a discontinuous reported by different collectors from 2016 and will focus on tributaries of the distribution in the northeastern United the Licking and Red River drainages; North Fork Licking River and Beaver States and Southern Canada. The however, a concerted effort to sample Creek (Licking River). species is generally rare and reaches all historic localities and other streams the southern limit of its range on potentially supporting undiscovered Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant the Western Allegheny Plateau of populations has not been done. Program (SWG) northeastern Kentucky. It was first Currently available data suggest that reported from Kentucky in 1940 from populations are small and isolated, KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal Lick Fork, a tributary of the North Fork which makes them vulnerable to 1. Comprehensive Wildlife Licking River in Rowan County. A habitat loss and degradation. Updated Conservation Strategy: Appendix second collection was made in 1982 information on distribution, abundance, 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and from Edwards Branch, a tributary of and habitat conditions is needed to Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific the Red River in Menifee County. assess the overall stability of these project. The most recent and comprehensive populations. assessment of the Redside Dace in The objectives Kentucky was conducted during of this project are: 1984-1986, when it was found to 1) determine the be occasional to locally common in current distribution several tributaries of the North Fork and abundance of Licking River, Beaver Creek, and Red the Redside Dace River. in northeastern The Redside Dace is a Species of Kentucky; 2) Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) assess spawning in the Kentucky Wildlife Action Plan. activity, general Population declines throughout much habitat usage, and of the range have been attributed to current habitat urbanization and various land use conditions within activities resulting in water quality the known range deterioration and excessive siltation. of the species; Streams supporting Redside Dace in and 3) document Kentucky are cool and clear, have fish community near neutral pH, and are in forested composition with watersheds with canopy cover. Recent emphasis on other phylogeographic analyses indicated fish SGCN in small high genetic diversity levels within stream habitats the Red and Licking River drainage supporting Redside populations relative to other Ohio Dace populations. River basin populations. Such high We began fish Redside Dace habitat in Haunted Cave Branch, Menifee levels of diversity within these isolated sampling historic County (top), Redside Dace breeding male observed May southern peripheral populations in and additional 19, 2015 (bottom)/ Matt Thomas

Annual Research Highlights 2015 47 KDFWR biologist inspects juvenile lake sturgeon before release into the Cumberland River Project Updates Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Warm Water Stream Sport Fish Surveys

David Baker, Jason Herrala, Fork Kentucky River, and Stoner bass and rock bass populations in the Ryan Kausing, and Nick Keeton, Creek. Information was collected South Fork Licking River continue to Kentucky Department of Fish from these systems in effort to gain remain stable with assessment ratings a better understanding of sport fish and Wildlife Resources of “excellent” and “good”, respectively. composition, size structure, relative Largemouth bass numbers in Salt River abundance and condition. These sites have improved as a result of stocking were selected based on public input during 2014. Nine species of sport fish received primarily from Fisheries were collected from Tygarts Creek with here are countless miles of rivers District Offices. New sites are this sample mainly comprised of rock Tand streams that flow throughout continually being added with streams bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, Kentucky making stream fishing scheduled to be sampling on a 3-5 spotted bass, and muskellunge. Trophy accessible to all of Kentucky’s anglers. year rotation in effort to develop trend size rock bass (≥10.0 in) and channel Anglers have taken notice to the data. The purpose of collecting this catfish (≥28.0 in) were collected in resource and realize how valuable data is to help KDFWR make informed Barren River. Catch rates of rock bass and productive stream fishing can be management decisions in effort to have improved while smallmouth bass throughout the state. With all this further promote stream fishing in catch rates have been on the decline attention the Kentucky Department of Kentucky, inventory current access since 2007. Drakes Creek sample Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) sites and identify new areas that could was mainly comprised of rock bass, has taken note that more information benefit from future management. spotted bass, bluegill, and smallmouth is needed to better inform the public of Many of the streams sampled had bass. Based on catch rates, the three these opportunities while making sure “excellent” and “good” populations of most abundant species collected in that these resources are being managed a variety of sportfish species. In Pool both Pool 3 and 5 of the Green River in a way that not only protects these 6 of the Green River, both smallmouth where spotted bass, largemouth bass fisheries but maximizes the fisheries bass and rock bass received an and bluegill. Sport fish densities in potential. “excellent” population assessment Pool 6 and 7 of the Kentucky River During 2015, general sport fish rating with trophy (≥20.0 in) size were relatively low. Spotted bass surveys were completed in the Green smallmouth bass present. Smallmouth were the most sampled species with River, Barren River, Kentucky River, bass, largemouth bass and rock bass fish collected from the 2.0-13.0 in Salt River, South Fork Licking River, all received a “good” assessment size classes. Flathead catfish were the Tygart’s Creek, Drake’s Creek, North rating in the Salt River. Smallmouth second most abundant species collected with fish collected from the 8.0-17.0 in size classes. Channel catfish, spotted bass and smallmouth bass dominated the sample in the North Fork Kentucky River. Trophy size (≥28.0 in) channel catfish were collected, with spotted bass up to the 14.0 in size class and smallmouth bass up to the 18.0 in size class. Muskellunge were also present up to the 44.0 in size class. Bluegill and largemouth bass comprised most of the sample in Stoner Creek.

Funding Source: Sport Fish Restoration Program (Dingell- Johnson)

Healthy stream smallmouth / David Baker KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 49 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

majority of this pool is unimpounded and provides free flowing habitat to support a quality smallmouth bass fishery. Public boat ramps and canoe carry-down sites are located throughout this pool, Mammoth Cave National Park reports that recreational canoeing, kayaking and boating has increased 18.8% from 2003-2012 in Pool 6 of Green River. During May 2015, black bass sampling was completed at four sites in Pool 6. Smallmouth bass were collected at 31.8 fish/hr and ranged from the 2.0-20.0 in size class. Twenty-two percent of the sample was above quality size (≥12.0 in) while trophy size (≥20.0 in) fish have been present in the spring sample each year since 2012. The smallmouth bass fishery received an assessment score of 18, representing an “excellent” rating. Fall electrofishing was conducted during October 2014 at three sites in Pool 6 of the Green River for black bass. Smallmouth bass were collected at 22.8 fish/hr with fish ranging from Green River trophy smallmouth / Ryan Kausing the 2.0-18.0 in size class. Twenty- three percent of the sample consisted of quality size fish (≥12.0 in) and no Assessment of Statewide Size and trophy size (≥20.0 in) smallmouth bass collected. Relative weight of Creel Limits on Smallmouth Bass smallmouth bass was 77—the lowest in Pool 6 of Green River since 2013. Otoliths were collected from additional smallmouth bass to supplement the sample collected David Baker, Jason Herrala, throughout the eastern two-thirds of the in 2014 to improve the age/growth Nick Keeton, and Ryan Kausing, state. Smallmouth bass are a popular data set. With this additional data, Kentucky Department of Fish sport fish among both Kentucky smallmouth bass were represented anglers and anglers across the country. from age-1 through age-11 and the and Wildlife Resources As a result of high angler interest, 2.0-20.0 in size classes. Mean length management agencies are beginning to at age indicated good growth, with implement stream specific strategies smallmouth bass, on average, reaching to improve and enhance stream the 12.0 in minimum statewide size arm water stream fisheries smallmouth bass fisheries. limit at age-4+, 13.8 in at age-5 and Ware a valued resource in the Pool 6 of the Green River (125 16.4 in at age-6. southeastern United States. These miles in length) is part of the Blue streams provide excellent sport Water Trails Adventure Tourism Funding Source: Sport Fish fishing opportunities for many Initiative and is located from Restoration Program (Dingell- species including smallmouth bass. immediately below Green River Lake Johnson) In Kentucky, smallmouth bass are downstream to lock and dam 6 near generally distributed in upland streams Mammoth Cave National Park. The KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1.

50 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources / PROJECT UPDATES

Investigation of the Restoration of Native Walleye in the Upper Barren River

Dave Dreves, David Baker, not survive in the river environment acre or about 600 fingerlings/mile. Jason Herrala, and Bobby or were ultimately confined to lake In 2008, we began marking stocked Widener, Kentucky Department systems. Another walleye stocking fingerlings with oxytetracycline (OTC) attempt in the Barren River occurred to determine recruitment of stocked of Fish and Wildlife Resources in 1966, in response to low population fish. Beginning in 2013, small walleye numbers, shortly after the river was were sacrificed to examine otoliths for impounded in OTC marks. Good electrofishing catch 1964. A lack of rates of adult walleye in 2014 led to recent reports the recommendation to cease stocking of walleye from and begin the natural recruitment the Barren monitoring phase. River or Barren A total of 22 walleye were River Lake, collected during 10.0 hrs of indicates that the electrofishing (2.2 fish/hr) during “northern” strain March 2015. Fish ranged from the fry stockings in 7.0-29.0 in size classes with majority 1917 and 1966 of the sample comprised of the 7.0-9.0 were not likely in size classes. Catch rates in Barren successful and the River are relatively low with catch rates native population averaging 3.6 fish/hr from 2010-2015. in the river has Catch rates in 2015 were similar to been lost. those collected in 2014 for the <10.0 There is in size group, while catch rates in the Upper Barren River walleye / Dave Dreves approximately 10.0-14.9 in and 15.0-19.9 in size 31 miles of groups were the lowest collected since unimpounded 2010. No fish were collected from the mainstem of 20.0-24.9 in size group, while catch alleye is a freshwater fish the Barren River above Barren River rates of fish in the ≥25.0 in size group Wnative to most of the major Lake. The broad goal of this project were similar to collected in 2013. watersheds in Kentucky, including is to establish a reproducing native Overall, catch rates remain low the Barren River. Growing concern “southern” strain walleye population and it appears that there has yet to for declining fisheries prompted the to this section of the Barren River. be any one particular year class with stocking of Kentucky rivers and lakes An established population of native superior survival. Otoliths removed by the U.S. Fish Commission and the walleye in the Barren River will from walleye collected in spring Kentucky Game and Fish Commission. serve as potential broodstock source 2015 indicated that 11.8% of those In 1912, and from 1914-1917, these and provide an additional fishing fish were naturally produced fish— agencies stocked walleye fry in opportunity. Beginning in 2007, native the first documentation of natural various rivers and streams throughout strain walleye were collected from reproduction since the onset of the Kentucky, including the Barren River. Wood Creek Lake and the Rockcastle project. Sampling/natural recruitment Unfortunately, it was not yet known River in the spring and transported monitoring is will continue through that the Lake Erie strain walleye used to Minor Clark Hatchery to be used 2019. in the stocking efforts are adapted to as broodfish. Walleye were spawned lentic (lake) environments, unlike the and the resulting fry were reared Funding Source: Sport Fish native Kentucky walleye which are to fingerling size (1.5 in.) and then Restoration Program (Dingell- adapted to lotic (river) environments. stocked in the Barren River in late Johnson) It is believed that the majority of May or early June. The stocking rate these stocked northern walleye could was a minimum of 50 fingerlings/ KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 51 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Evaluation of Muskellunge Stockings in the Kentucky River

Jason Herrala, David Baker, offers a diverse forage base for the not receive any stockings. Nick Keeton, and Ryan Kausing, stocked muskelluge as it supports a Spring electrofishing sampling Kentucky Department of Fish large population of rough fish such as was conducted in March 2015. Eight common carp, drum, and redhorse. 15-min transects were completed in and Wildlife Resources In 2014, stocking rates were each pool. Musky were collected in all augmented in pools 2 and 3, and initial pools; however, only 4 fish total were sampling began to monitor the impacts collected. Catch rates of musky ranged of these stockings and document any from 0.5 fish/hr in pools 2 and 4 to 1.0 he Kentucky River has been natural reproduction. Before being fish/hr in Pool 3, with a total CPUE of stocked for many years with T stocked all fish were fin clipped to 0.7 fish/hr. All musky collected were multiple species including largemouth distinguish between stocked year relatively large and lengths ranged from bass, blue and channel catfish, walleye, classes. Additionally, all 13.0 in musky 37.6 – 48.3 in with a mean length of sauger, white and hybrid striped bass, received a microwire tag to identify 44.7 in. and muskellunge. Electrofishing stocking size. Pools 2 and 3 received A second sample was conducted studies along various pools of the a total of 298 fingerlings (50% 9.0 in in October 2015 following the same river have shown that the return on fingerlings and 50% 13.0 in fingerlings) protocol as spring sampling. A total stocked fish is often low and some at a rate of 9.0 fish/mi. in 2014 and of 3 musky were collected during fall species can only be maintained through 2015. Pool 4 was a control site and did sampling, one from each pool. Catch stocking. Of particular interest is rates were 0.5 fish/hr in the muskellunge. While stockings each pool. Fish ranged in of this species do occur, they are in length from 38.3 – 41.0 in low numbers (up to 50 fish/per pool with a mean length of 39.5 for pools 4-9) and infrequent—only in. No age-0 or age-1 fish occurring when hatcheries have excess from last year’s stockings production. Despite low-density were observed. Relative and infrequent stockings, routine weights (Wr) were low, electrofishing surveys conducted by ranging from 75 in Pool the Kentucky Department of Fish and 2 to 79 in Pool 4, and Wildlife (KDFWR) on the Kentucky all pools were below Wr River during late winter and fall values observed in 2014. regularly yield low but consistent Initial sampling numbers and sightings of muskellunge. efforts have been Low stockings with noticeable returns successful in targeting are one indicator that the stocking large adults, however, fish of muskellunge is likely effective in < 35 in are not routinely bolstering population numbers in the captured. Sampling Kentucky River. efforts will continue While limited habitat and prey in the coming years to base could be negatively affecting the evaluate the success of the survival of other stocked sport fish stockings. that have not seen elevated success in the Kentucky River, this may not be Funding Source: Sport true for muskellunge. Studies have Fish Restoration Program shown that the preferred habitat of (Dingell-Johnson) musky is submerged woody debris, which is common in the Kentucky KDFWR Strategic Plan: River. Additionally, the river also Kentucky River muskie / Jason Herrala Goal 1.

52 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Evaluation of New Commercial and Recreational Regulations on Catfish in the Ohio River

Jason Herrala, David Baker, historical average hoop net catch (1.3 Nick Keeton, and Ryan Kausing, fish/net-night). Overall trophy catfish Kentucky Department of Fish accounted for 5.6% of the total catfish and Wildlife Resources catch in hoop nets (up from 4.3% in 2014). Electrofishing was conducted in June 2015. A total of 24.0 hr of ommercial fishing for catfish in electrofishing effort was conducted Cthe Ohio River has recently shifted across all pools resulting in a total from primarily harvest for flesh to catch of 455 blue catfish, 225 channel harvesting trophy-sized fish for pay catfish, and 902 flathead catfish. CPUE lakes. A high quality, recreational catch of blue catfish was 19.0 fish/hr, similar and release trophy catfish fishery also to 2014 (19.3 fish/hr), but was well exists in the Ohio River. This has led above the historical average of 10.3 to conflict between the two groups. fish/hr. CPUE of channel catfish was On December 1, 2014 the following 9.4 fish/hr (up from 8.8 fish/hr in 2014) regulation was implemented: but was similar to the historical average catch rate (9.6 fish/hr). Flathead catfish Recreational fishermen on CPUE was 37.6 fish/hr. Only 2.8% of the main-stem Ohio River will all catfish sampled were trophy size. be allowed 1 blue catfish ≥ 35.0 Ohio River blues / Derek Rodgers Nine tournaments were attended in, 1flathead catfish ≥35.0 in, and with 694 boats weighing in catfish. one channel catfish ≥28.0 in. The Catfish tournament anglers weighed in majority of commercial fishermen trotline and electrofishing samples, 1,009 blue catfish, 378 channel catfish, fishing in the Ohio River and its ride-alongs with commercial fishermen, and 162 flathead catfish, with a total tributaries where commercial and monitoring of recreational catfish CPUE of 2.2 fish/boat (down slightly fishing is allowed will be allowed tournaments. Trotlines were used from 2.5 fish/boat in 2014). Of catfish 1 blue catfish ≥35.0 in, 1 flathead to sample catfish, and catch per-unit weighed in, 10.8% were trophy catfish catfish ≥35.0 in, and one channel effort (CPUE) of all species of catfish as defined above. Blue catfish had a catfish ≥28.0 in per day. However, increased from 2014; however, blue mean CPUE of 1.5 fish/boat, channel 50 commercial will be allowed catfish and channel catfish catch rates catfish a mean CPUE of 0.5 fish/boat, to harvest 4 (in aggregate) blue were still lower than their historical and flathead catfish a mean of CPUE of and flathead catfish ≥40.0 in and averages (3.0 fish/line and 1.4 fish/line, 0.2 fish/boat. Catch rates of blue catfish channel catfish ≥30.0 inches in respectively). Trophy catfish accounted and flathead catfish increased from Kentucky’s portion of the Ohio for 4.8% of the total catfish catch (up 2014 levels, and mean lengths of all River and its tributaries open from 4.5% in 2014 and 1.2% in 2013). species of tournament catfish increased to commercial fishing below Ride-alongs with commercial from 2014 to 2015. Cannelton Lock and Dam. Harvest hoop net fishermen and Department Monitoring efforts will continue of fish below their respective hoop netting was also conducted to in 2016 to evaluate the success of the length limits will not be regulated gather data. Blue catfish mean CPUE regulation. for recreational or commercial was <0.1 fish/net-night and was below anglers. historical average hoop net catch (0.3 Funding Source: Sport Fish fish/net-night). Flathead catfish CPUE Restoration Program (Dingell- In order to continue to monitor decreased from 2.6 fish/net-night in Johnson) catfish populations in the Ohio River 2013 to 0.9 fish/net-night in 2014 to 0.5 population data will be gained through fish/net-night in 2015 and was below KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 53 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the Upper Cumberland River Drainage in Kentucky

stream to Cum- by sequentially removing two adjacent berland Falls, scutes in the lateral series to distinguish including major year classes: right anterior scutes 2-3 tributaries such for 2007, left anterior scutes 2-3 for as Rockcastle 2008, right anterior scutes 3-4 for River and Big 2009, left anterior scutes 3-4 for 2010, South Fork Cum- right anterior scutes 5-6 for 2011, left berland River. To anterior scutes 7–8 for 2014, and right date, a total of anterior scutes 7-8 for 2015. Stocking 29,839 fish have did not occur in 2012 or 2013. Local been stocked into print media (Times Tribune, Corbin, the Cumberland KY) and Corbin High School students River above have been present at the Lake Sturgeon Lake Cumber- release events each year. Kentucky land. Afield television, magazine, and radio Since have also featured the reintroduction 2007, fertilized and sampling efforts for this rare eggs have s p e c i e s i n t h e C u m b e r l a n d R i v e r . been obtained Thirty six reports of Lake annually from Sturgeon captured by anglers were the Wisconsin received in 2009-2015. Most fish were Dept. of Natural captured from various locations in the 2014 Lake Sturgeon trotline sampling on Cumberland River Resources taken impounded portion of the river (Lake near mouth of Laurel River from upper Cumberland) and below Wolfe Creek Mississippi basin Dam. The individuals below the dam stock (Wisconsin either passed through the turbines of Stephanie Brandt, Matt River and Yellow River). These eggs Wolf Creek Dam from the reservoir Thomas, Steve Marple, and are hatched at the KDFWR Pfeiffer or migrated upstream from Tennessee. Fish Hatchery in Frankfort and the The size range of fish captured was Josh Pennington, Kentucky young are reared to an approximate 13-15 inches weighing 1 lb or less (11 Department of Fish and Wildlife average of 7.5-10.2 inches total reports) and 20-30 inches weighing 2-5 Resources length. Since spring 2008, young lbs. (13 reports). A variety of sampling Lake Sturgeon have been released techniques are being evaluated to annually at two locations in the upper determine survival, habitat use, and Cumberland River drainage. The movement patterns of stocked fish and he Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulve- Cumberland River at the mouth of will continue in 2016. Tscens) is considered critically im- Laurel River received 959 fish in 2008, periled in Kentucky, where it currently 2,004 fish in 2009, 4,539 fish in 2010, limited to the Ohio and Mississippi 2,150 in 2011, 2,964 fish in 2014, and Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant rivers. In 2007, Kentucky Dept. of Fish 3,860 (ranging 5.5-10.4 inches) in Program (SWG) and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) ini- 2015. The Big South Fork Cumberland tiated a long-term (20+ years) project River at the Alum Creek access area KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal to restore a self-sustaining population received 716 fish in 2008, 1,973 fish 1. Comprehensive Wildlife of Lake Sturgeon to the upper Cumber- in 2009, 4,063 fish in 2010, 2,766 fish Conservation Strategy: Appendix land River drainage, where the species in 2014, and 3,845 (ranging 4.5-8.5 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and occurred historically. The project area inches) in 2015. Prior to release, young Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific extends from Wolf Creek Dam, up- Lake Sturgeon are differentially marked project.

54 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Cumberland River sturgeon / Matt Thomas

Assessment of the Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the Cumberland River

Jason Herrala, David Baker, success of reintroduction programs is to Cumberland River is encouraging, Matt Thomas, Stephanie Brandt, assess the survival of stocked sturgeon. however future sampling efforts and Trotline sampling occurred in the documented reproduction are needed Nick Keeton, and Ryan Kausing, Big South Fork of the Cumberland to declare the restoration a success Kentucky Department of Fish River in December 2015 and January Trotlining will continue to occur and Wildlife Resources 2016. A total of 18 trotlines were set annually for the foreseeable future and retrieved during each sampling on an alternating schedule between season. Sampling in Winter 2014/2015 the Cumberland River and Big South on the main stem of the Cumberland Fork to evaluate the success of the River yielded a catch rate of 2.6 fish/ restoration efforts. n Kentucky, lake sturgeon were once line (54 total fish collected). No Inative to the Mississippi, Ohio, and lake sturgeon were collected during Cumberland River drainage, but since sampling in the Winter of 2015/2016 on Funding Source: Sport Fish the 1950’s lake sturgeon have been the Big South Fork Restoration Program (Dingell- extirpated from the Cumberland River. Although river, weather conditions, Johnson) State Wildlife Grant Program In 2008, KDFWR began reintroducing and habitat were similar on both the (SWG) lake sturgeon back into the Cumberland Big South Fork and the main stem River and committed to a 20 year res- of the Cumberland River sampling KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal toration effort. Since 2007, a total of efforts there is currently no conclusive 1. Comprehensive Wildlife 22,134 lake sturgeon fingerlings have evidence that indicates why there was Conservation Strategy; Appendix been stocked; 12,616 in the Cumber- such a vast difference between catch 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and land River and 9,518 in the Big South rates at the two sites. Preliminary Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa Specific Fork. One major component to the sampling data on the main stem Project.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 55 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

The Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) Program: Providing Fishing Opportunities to Residents in Cities across the Commonwealth

Dane Balsman, Jason McDowell the FINs lakes. The catfish stockings period, as well as daily and seasonal and Bobby Widener, Kentucky were a combination of channel and blue trends. This data will aid in assessing if Department of Fish and Wildlife catfish as well as channel-blue catfish current stocking strategies are adequate hybrids. These routine fish stockings for the amount, and timing of angling Resources of “keeper-size” fish provide angling effort. opportunities to a diverse group of An angler attitude survey anglers. In the past, many of these conducted in 2012 at 27 FINs lakes lakes were overfished due to their size indicated that the FINs program is and location. Lakes are stocked up to attracting families as 29% of anglers four times annually with catchable-size fishing at FINs lakes are < 15 years catfish (12 – 20 inch) and three times old. The program is also recruiting and annually in the cool months (October retaining license buyers with 12% of – March) with rainbow trout (8 – 12 anglers reporting they had never bought inch). Bass and sunfish populations a license and 28% reporting they had are routinely sampled to ensure natural not bought a license the previous year. reproduction is meeting the needs of Minorities were also well represented the anglers. In 2015, 29,950 (5 – 8 at FINs lakes with a higher proportion Fishing at a FINs lake / Lexington Park inch) hybrid sunfish were stocked in observed fishing at the lakes than and Recreation June at lakes that had poor sunfish expected when compared with the numbers, heavy fishing pressure, or Kentucky general population in the fishing events. A standard set of creel 2010 U.S. Census. The overwhelming n an effort to boost license sales limits is in place at all FINs lakes to majority (94%) of anglers traveled < Iand increase fishing opportunities, help spread out fish harvest and ensure 30 minutes to get to the lake. Angler the Kentucky Department of Fish and fishing opportunities can be enjoyed satisfaction was extremely high at Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) initiated by as many people as possible. Daily the FINs lakes with 85% of anglers the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) limits for each angler fishing a FINs reporting their overall trip as “good” or program in 2006. The FINs program lake includes five rainbow trout, four “excellent.” currently provides quality fishing op- catfish, one largemouth bass over 15 Information kiosks are present portunities at 40 lakes in 25 counties inches, and 15 bluegill or other sunfish. at the majority of the FINs lakes. around the Commonwealth. Many Since 2010, creel surveys have Informational posters designed by of these lakes are located near large been conducted at five FINs lakes KDFWR inform the public about fish population centers, where fishing op- and fish tagging studies to determine stockings, license requirements, fish portunities would otherwise be lack- exploitation were conducted at four identification, poacher hotline, basic ing. Anglers do not have to travel far lakes. These studies have shown knot typing instructions, rod loaner from home to find good fishing at a angling effort and utilization of stocked equipment and the mission statement of FINs lake. The FINs program thrives fish to be high. However, these studies the FINs program. on partnerships between KDFWR and were costly to administer and time local municipalities. As part of a coop- consuming. Additionally, the study Funding Source: Sport Fish erative agreement, lake owners provide lakes were all located in the central part Restoration Program (Dingell-Johnson, 25% in-kind match of services to main- of the state. To assess angling pressure In-kind match provided by lake owners tain and promote fishing access at these at FINs lakes statewide, 30 remote lakes. This in-kind match helps cover cameras were mounted at 20 FINs KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal the cost of fish stockings. lakes in 2015. These remote cameras 2, Strategic Objective 1. Goal 3, In 2015, 135,500 rainbow trout will capture angling effort through Strategic Objective 1. Goal 4, and 112,131 catfish were stocked in time lapse photography for a 12-month Strategic Objective 1.

56 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Propagation and Reintroduction of the Kentucky (Etheostoma spilotum) in the Upper Kentucky River Drainage

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie County was chosen as the reintroduc- Brandt, Kentucky Department of tion stream because: 1) it is within the Fish and Wildlife Resources historic range of the species; 2) habitat conditions are suitable; 3) there is some level of protection (i.e., within the Dan- Patrick Rakes, J.R. Shute, iel Boone National Forest); and 4) it Crystal Ruble, Missy Petty, and contained no pre-existing population of Meredith Hayes, Conservation E. spilotum based on previous surveys. Long Fork, Clay County, Kentucky Fisheries, Inc. Brood stock was collected in March 2015 from Big Double Creek, Darters have been observed through a tributary of the Red Bird River in 2015. Monitoring efforts so far have the Daniel Boone National Forest, confirmed the survival of taggedE. he (Ethe- Clay County. At least five of the new spilotum released into Long Fork for Tostoma spilotum) has a limited wild-caught females and all of the periods exceeding two years. This distribution in the upper Kentucky males were used in this year’s effort in result, combined with an increasing River drainage, where it inhabits head- addition to five captively conditioned trend in numbers of untagged st nd water (mostly 1 and 2 order) streams. (2014) wild females and one captively individuals in 2013-2015, suggests The Kentucky Department of Fish and conditioned (2012) wild female. All dispersal of stocked fish in the stream Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) indenti- males were separated from females due followed by successful reproduction fied the Kentucky Arrow Darter as a to aggression, held individually in 75 L and recruitment. Although natural Species of Greatest Conservation Need tanks, and only introduced singly into reproduction in these propagated fish in its State Wildlife Action Plan to ad- the separate breeding tanks for a few has been evident, it would be premature dress research and survey needs for the days at a time. March spawning was at this point to suggest that the project species. A variety of human activities, observed in aquaria at CFI’s hatchery has been successful (Thomas and including coal mining, logging, agri- facility when temperatures briefly Brandt 2013). Previous non-game culture, gas/oil exploration, and land exceeded 13°C. Spawning activity fish restoration attempts have shown it development have contributed to the quickly declined in late April and on takes several years to document success species’ decline. Based on its decline 10 May the chiller was removed and when stocking relatively limited and the magnitude and imminence of water temperatures were allowed to rise numbers of individuals, particularly its threats, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife above 19°C. small species that are short-lived and Service determined that the Kentucky On 28 July 2015, the young cryptic (Shute et al. 2005). Arrow Darter warrants listing under (n=376) were tagged with visible the Endangered Species Act. It is cur- implant elastomer tags and released rently a Candidate for Federal Listing into Long Fork at multiple sites Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant based on its inclusion in the USFWS spanning the reach from midpoint Program (SWG) In-kind matching Candidate Notice of Review published of the stream to the Long Fork Road funds provided by Conservation in the Federal Register (Nov. 10, 2010; crossing. A total of 1,823 Kentucky Fisheries provided by Conservation Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 217). Arrow Darters have been stocked in Fisheries, Inc. In 2008, the KDFWR partnered with Long Fork since 2012. Periodic surveys Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI) to were conducted in 2012-2015 in Long KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal develop successful spawning protocols Fork by CFI biologists and KDFWR 1. Comprehensive Wildlife and produce the offspring needed to re- by performing a combination of visual Conservation Strategy: Appendix establish extirpated populations within surveys and seine hauls. A total of 448 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and the species’ historic range. Long Fork tagged (propagated) and 54 untagged Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific (Red Bird River drainage) in Clay (wild-spawned) Kentucky Arrow project.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 57 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Propagation and Reintroduction of the Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma susanae) in the Upper Cumberland River Drainage

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie within the Daniel Boone National Brandt, Kentucky Department of Forest; and 4) it contained to pre- existing population of E. susanae based Fish and Wildlife Resources on previous surveys. Left to right, clockwise: Cogur Fork, Crystal Ruble, Patrick Rakes, A total of seventeen Cumberland McCreary Co., KY.; CFI and KDFWR Melissa Petty, and J. R. Shute, Darters were collected in March 2015 and staff hiking in brood stock; CFI Conservation Fisheries, Inc. from Barren Fork, McCreary County. and KDFWR staff conducting follow Following observations of darkly up monitoring surveys; CFI staff pigmented males (heads and fins) conducting visual surveys. he Cumberland Darter defending cavities under slabs, weekly T(Etheostoma susanae) has a checks for eggs were initiated on 8 number of untagged individuals limited range in the upper Cumberland April 2015, at which time the first nest collected during 2013-2015 monitoring River drainage, most of which is in was collected. By 1 May all eggs from may indicate the beginning of a Kentucky. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife the first clutch had hatched and the naturally reproducing population in Service published a final rule (Sept. 8, water temperature was ~17°C. The last Cogur Fork. However, it would be 2011; Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. nest (~10 nests total) was collected on premature at this point to suggest 153) listing the species as endangered 22 April, by which point temperatures that the project has been successful throughout its range because of recent were ~19°C. Approximately 789 larvae in restoring a wild population. A range curtailment and fragmentation were reared successfully to juveniles collection of much larger numbers resulting from habitat degradation. In yielding ~61% overall survivorship. of untagged individuals over several 2008, the Kentucky Department of In September 2015, a total of 786 years, or untagged fish collected Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) propagated juveniles and 43 brood after stocking ceases are benchmarks partnered with Conservation Fisheries, stock tagged with visible implant needed to support any strong argument Inc. (CFI) to develop successful elastomer tags were released into three for successful establishment of a spawning protocols for the Cumberland nearly adjacent reaches in lower Cogur reproducing population. Non-game Darter and produce the offspring Fork. fish restoration attempts have shown it needed to re-establish extirpated A total of 4,945 Cumberland takes several years to document success populations within its historic range. Darters have been stocked in Cogur when stocking relatively limited Because of the apparent rarity of Fork since 2009. Periodic surveys numbers of individuals, particularly this species, captive propagation were conducted in 2010-2015 in Cogur small species that are short-lived and and reintroduction is considered an Fork by CFI biologists and KDFWR cryptic (Shute et al. 2005). Field appropriate tool for its recovery and by performing a combination of visual monitoring will continue in 2016. eventual delisting. To avoid mixing surveys and seine hauls. Access to potentially unique evolutionary the Cogur Fork is extremely limited Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant lineages artificially propagated which, in turn, has limitedmonitoring Program (SWG) In-kind matching individuals are being released within and stockings to the lower reaches of funds provided by Conservation the watershed from which brood stock the watershed. Continued monitoring Fisheries, Inc. are taken. Cogur Fork (Indian Creek- in 2016 will include remote upper upper Cumberland River drainage) in sections of Cogur Fork to help gauge KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal McCreary County was chosen as the the success of this project. Monitoring 1. . Comprehensive Wildlife reintroduction stream because: 1) it is efforts have confirmed the survival of Conservation Strategy: Appendix within the historic range of the species; tagged Etheostoma susanae released 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and 2) habitat conditions are suitable; 3) into Cogur Fork for periods exceeding Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific there is some level of protection (i.e., one year. The steadily increasing project.

58 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Alligator Gar Propagation and Restoration in Western Kentucky

Stephanie Brandt, Matt bayous, and brackish waters. The Service (USFWS), the KDFWR has Thomas, Steve Marple, and Alligator Gar is the most salt tolerant committed to a long-term restoration effort of this species. Annually, the Josh Pennington Kentucky of all the gar species. In Kentucky, the Alligator Gar historically occupied KDFWR will receive Alligator Gar Department of Fish and Wildlife sluggish pools, backwaters, and fry from the Wisconsin Department Resources embayments of big rivers and larger of Natural Resources. These fry reservoirs in the western portion of will be reared at both the Pfeiffer the state. Alligator Gar records have Fish Hatchery and Minor Clark Fish been confirmed from five locations in Hatchery prior to being released into he Alligator Gar (Atractosteus Kentucky: 1) Cumberland River, 3 the wild. Stocking sites are areas that Tspatula) is the largest of the living miles below Dycusburg, Crittenden have historically contained Alligator gars and one of the largest freshwater County (1925); 2) Ohio River at Gar and which still provide suitable fishes in North America. These fish are Shawnee Steam Plant, McCracken habitat for optimal survival. capable of reaching lengths of over 9 County (1975); 3) mouth of the Ohio From 2009-2015, a total of 33,462 feet and weights of over 300 lbs. The River, Ballard/Carlisle County (1966); Alligator Gar were stocked by the largest reported specimen was 9 feet, 8 4) mouth of Bayou du Chein, Fulton KDFWR. Size at stocking ranged inches with an approximate weight of County (1974); and 5) Kentucky Lake from 7.3 to 14.5 inches. Alligator Gar 302 lbs. Females tend to grow larger at Cypress Creek embayment, Henry were stocked in the following areas: than males and reach sexual maturity at County, TN (1976). Alligator Gar (1) Clarks River; (2) Phelps Creek; (3) 11 years and live in excess of 50 years. have not been reported in Kentucky Bayou Creek; (4) Tradewater River; Males reach sexual maturity at 6 years since 1977, despite numerous surveys. (5) Deer Creek; (6) Obion Creek; (7) and live up to 26 years. Currently, the Alligator Gar is listed Massac Creek; (8) Bayou de Chein; (9) Its native range once occurred as endangered by the Kentucky State Mayfield Creek; (10)Ballard WMA; from the Florida panhandle west into Nature Preserves Commission and (11) Barlow Bottoms WMA; and (12) the Gulf Coastal Plain to Veracruz, is listed as a Species of Greatest Doug Travis WMA. Mexico and throughout the Mississippi Conservation Need by the Kentucky River Basin, including the lowermost Department of Fish and Wildlife Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. Resources Wildlife Action Plan. Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant In Kentucky, the Alligator Gar is In an effort to restore this Program (SWG) native to the Ohio, Mississippi, lower species back to the waters of the Cumberland and lower Tennessee River Commonwealth, the Kentucky KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal systems. Department of Fish and Wildlife 1. Comprehensive Wildlife Little is known about the biology Resources (KDFWR) implemented Conservation Strategy: Appendix and habitat of this species in Kentucky.. a captive propagation and stocking 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and In its southern range, the Alligator Gar program in 2009. In partnership with Cephalaspidomorphi: Taxa specific typically inhibits big rivers, swamps, the United States Fish and Wildlife project.

Alligator Gar illustration / Rick Hill

Annual Research Highlights 2015 59 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Status Assessment of Eight Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Red River, Lower Cumberland River Drainage, Kentucky

Matthew Thomas and Stephanie mainstem Red River sites Brandt, Kentucky Department of produced large numbers of Fish and Wildlife Resources Blotched Chub (Erimystax insignis) and Smallscale Darter (Etheostoma microlepidum). The consistent presence of Blotched Chub and Smallscale pecies of Greatest Conservation Darter in collections made SNeed (SGCN) are recognized in by Kentucky State Nature the Kentucky Wildlife Action Plan Preserves Commission, State based on levels of endemism, lack of Nature Preserves Commision?, knowledge of current population status, KDFWR, and Kentucky distribution, life history characteristics, Division Of Water personnel and potential importance as hosts to during the last 15 years rare mussel species. Of the state’s 244 suggests that populations are native fish species, the Plan identifies stable in this portion of the Red 68 in need of conservation action. River in Logan County. The The Cumberland River drainage Red River appears to be the supports one of the most diverse last stronghold for the Blotched and unusual assemblage of fishes in Chub in Kentucky, as it has not Kentucky, including 28 (41%) of 68 been collected at other known fish SGCN. In 2011, we began an Red River at KY/TN state line, Logan localities in more than 25 years. assessment of the fish fauna of the County (top), Blotched Chub (middle), The only known populations Kentucky portion of the Red River to and Slender Madtom (bottom)/ Matt of Smallscale Darter in the state are in obtain more complete and up-to-date Thomas the Little River (lower Tennessee River information on the distributions and drainage),Trigg County, and Red River population status of rare or imperiled drainage, Logan County. fishes. The Red River, a tributary of flammea (Flame Chub). In 2016 we will continue fish the lower Cumberland River located Fish community sampling in the community sampling needed to in south-central Kentucky and north- Red River began in 2011 to assess complete the basin-wide ichthyofaunal central Tennessee is known to support the status of SGCN based on historic assessment for the Red River drainage eight fish SGCN based on historical occurrences and obtain baseline in Kentucky. This project will provide records: 1) Ichthyomyzon castaneus data for species lacking complete information necessary to facilitate (Chestnut Lamprey; one site); 2) distributional information. As of 31 appropriate conservation actions that Erimystax insignis (Blotched Chub; December 2015, fish community data would benefit fish SGCN in the Red 7 sites); 3) Noturus exilis (Slender were obtained from a total of 68 sites, River and its tributary watersheds. Madtom; 5 sites); 4) Forbesichthys 5 of which were added last year. A total agassizii (Spring Cavefish; 5 sites); of 60 species have been recorded to Funding Source: State Wildlife Grant 5) Etheostoma derivativum (Stone date, including six of eight fish SGCN Program (SWG) Darter; 4 sites) ; 6) E. maydeni (Redlips known from the drainage. In 2015, we Darter; 1 site); and 7) E. microlepidum collected Slender Madtom (Noturus KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1. (Smallscale Darter; 4 sites). Our exilis) at one site in the mainstem Red Comprehensive Wildlife sampling efforts to date have confirmed River, Logan County, which is Conservation Strategy: Appendix the presence of five of these species and the first record of this species from the 3.9; Class Actinopterygii and new occurrence records for Hemitremia drainage since 1961. Two additional Cephalaspidomorphi.

60 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Using Telemetry to Monitor the Movements and Distribution of Asian Carp in the Ohio River

Chris Hickey, Neal Jackson, after their importation, the Asian of 55 receivers throughout 7 pools of Andrew Stump and Chris carp were found to have escaped the Ohio River. In 2015 additional Bowers, Kentucky Department of into the Mississippi River basin and receivers were deployed to fill in subsequently became established. gaps between stations and with the Fish and Wildlife Resources; Since then Asian Carp populations cooperation of the US Army Corps Jeff Stewart, United States Fish have expanded exponentially and of Engineers (USACE) deployed in a and Wildlife Service continue to increase their range as they number of lock chambers at several continue to move up the Ohio River Lock and Dam facilities. The efforts in basin. The objective of this study is 2015 were able to expand the array to to identify the movement, distribution, 124 receivers that were spread out over n stark contrast to the current war and range expansion of Asian carp on 8 pools for a total length of 442 miles. Ibeing waged against invasive the Ohio River. The data gathered will Preliminary analysis of the Asian carp populations all over the assist fisheries biologist with ongoing telemetry data from 2015 showed Mississippi River Basin, these fish were efforts to stop the Asian carp from their that there were 1.6 million detections once eagerly imported into the US as continued range expansion. coming from 98 of the possible 192 part of an aquaculture program that was Although the Asian Carp tagged fish (51.0%), all of which were developed in the 1970’s. Asian carp, Telemetry study did not officially begin found on only 54% of the study’s like the Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys until 2015, the first tagging efforts were receivers. Additionally, 70% (n = nobilis) and Silver carp (H. molitrix), initiated as early as 2013. Biologists 69) of all fish represented in the 2015 were originally imported to control used a combination of gillnets and data were detected by receivers in the microscopic organisms that thrived in DC electrofishing to sample the Asian McAlpine Pool in which the majority hypereutrophic conditions in intensive carp from the McAlpine, Markland (72.3%) of the project’s fish were fish production ponds and wastewater and Meldahl pools of the Ohio River. originally collected. As in previous treatment facilities. However, soon The carp were surgically implanted years, project biologists have plans with a transmitter in 2016 to increase the numbers of that broadcasted an receivers and tagged carp found identifiable signal within this stretch of the Ohio River. every 40 sec for up to Consideration is being given to extend 5 years. In 2015, 37 efforts even further downriver to carp were implanted include the upper half of the Cannelton with transmitters Pool and also to determine if multiple which, in addition to receivers can be deployed in tributaries the 155 tagged fish to identify direction movement of from 2013 and 2014, tagged carp. However, the ultimate bring the 3-year total goal for this project continues to be of tagged Asian Carp the identification of aspects of their to 192. The transmitter movements and distribution that will locations are picked up assist in the ongoing efforts to stop the by an extensive array range expansion of Asian carp. of stationary ultrasonic receivers which are Funding Sources: Water Resources manually downloaded Reform and Development Act of 2014 monthly. By the end and United States Fish and Wildlife of 2014, the project Service had a functioning 370 mile array created KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1. Surgery to implant tag in Silver carp / Taylor Nagle via the deployment Strategic Objective 2.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 61 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Asian Carp Demographics in Kentucky Lake

outside of this project, suggesting that spawning is occurring above Kentucky Dam. To assess additional population parameters, length, weight, sex, and gonad weights were recorded from 220 silver carp collected from commercial processors monthly from April 2015 – January 2016. Pectoral fin rays were also removed for aging. Additional samples were collected by MSU students and combined in this data set. Population parameters revealed that the silver carp in Kentucky Lake have shown little impact from current levels Commercial fishing for asian carp / Paul Rister of harvest. Most silver carp captured within the commercial fishery in Kentucky Lake are large (x = 853mm: Allison DeRose and Tim Spier, factors that are important in managing 750-1150mm: N=292). Length-weight Murray State University Asian carp in Kentucky Lake including relationships (N=271), showed fish the source of fish in the population, that were relatively heavy at a given growth rates, mortality rates, and the length when compared with silver carp Neal Jackson and Jessica frequency and timing of spawning from other populations. The number Morris, Kentucky Department of events. of males (117) to females (103) was Fish and Wildlife Resources Future projects aimed at reducing approximately even suggesting little the negative impacts of Asian carp selectivity in harvest. Silver carp aged require information about the source using cross sections of pectoral fin of Asian carp within a river system. rays (N = 101) ranged from 3-9 years dult Asian carp (Silver carp and Asian carp in their early life stages of age, and showed dominant year ABighead carp) invaded Kentucky have not been captured in Kentucky classes (3 and 4-year-olds: 88.1%), Lake and Lake Barkley as early as Lake in previous years, leading to similar to silver carp populations in 2004. As populations increased, uncertainty of the source of fish in this other basins. Annual mortality rates commercial markets developed leading population. In order to compare gear were in the low end of the range for to an increase in the harvest of Asian types for capturing juvenile Asian carp silver carp populations (50.9%). Silver carp. To further encourage harvest of in Kentucky Lake, Asian carp were carp showed two peaks in spawning in Asian carp, the Kentucky Department targeted at early life stages. Light traps April and October suggesting multiple of Fish and Wildlife Resources were first used in the spring when spawning events in a given year. These (KDFWR) created an Asian Carp water temperatures reached 18oC. As data provide a baseline for future Harvest Program (ACHP) that allows temperatures warmed into the summer, assessment of Asian carp harvest in commercial fishermen targeting Asian juvenile Asian carp were targeted with Kentucky Lake. carp to fish in otherwise closed waters electrofishing, cast nets, and fyke nets. under close supervision. This program These four gears yielded a combined Funding Source: Sport fish creates a platform for monitoring total of 1,903 fish comprised of 34 Restoration (DJ) and United States the population dynamics of Asian species. Electrofishing produced the Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic carp and provides a tool to assess the only juvenile Asian carp captured in Nuisance Species funding effectiveness of commercial removal Kentucky Lake through this project. efforts. The objective of this project Juvenile Asian carp were also captured KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1, is to identify and quantify biological in Kentucky Lake with cast nets Strategic Objective 2.

62 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Control and Removal of Asian Carp in the Ohio River

Neal Jackson, Andrew Stump, Chris Hickey, and Chris Bowers, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Katherine Zipfel, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Jeff Stewart, United States Fish and Wildlife Service

n recent years Asian Carp have objectives of this project are to 1) Iexpanded their range from the remove Asian carp from Ohio River Mississippi River into the Ohio River pools above McAlpine Dam; 2) Basin. Eradication of invasive species compile information on Asian carp after establishment is difficult and population dynamics as a tool for often limited by available resources. assessing success of removal efforts; Prevention and rapid response are the and 3) encourage commercial removal best tools for limiting establishment of Asian carp in the Upper Ohio River Silver Carp in livewell / Jason Curry of costly invasive species. With by providing information to current and Asian Carp numbers already rapidly potential Asian carp processors. expanding physical removal in the Electrofishing and gill netting electrofishing while bighead carp were Ohio River basin may be an effective were conducted for 8 weeks from more effectively caught using gill nets. tool to slow their upstream expansion. August- October 2015. Sampling sites This removal project is a continuation Recent studies on Asian carp harvest focused on tributaries and embayments and expansion of the removal efforts programs in the Illinois River show that in each pool below Greenup Locks from 2013 and 2014. It is the first the collapse of silver and bighead carp and Dam where densities of Asian attempt to comprehensively track and populations is possible if all fish sizes carp are highest and fish are easiest total the numbers of carp removed from are targeted. Diverse and consistent to capture. A total of 47.19 hours Ohio River pools in the upper ranges of removal efforts in the portion of the were spent electrofishing and 2,566 Asian carp expansion. Ohio River where Asian carp are yards of gill nets were used in the In addition, state agencies in established may disrupt distribution Ohio River and its tributaries between Kentucky are working with the of Asian carp, decrease pressure on Cannelton and Greenup locks and commercial fishing industry in the defined barriers, and reduce numbers dams to capture more than 4,054lbs of western portion of the state to promote of Asian carp in sensitive areas to Asian carp. Of the three targeted Asian the harvest of Asian carp and identify protect species of conservation need carps, Silver carp and grass carp were ways to encourage the developing and important sport fisheries. The the most susceptible species to boat industry. The intent is to facilitate the commercial removal of Asian carp and provide a platform for data collection within the industry. In 2016 we plan to work directly with the commercial industry to experiment with fishing techniques that will increase fishing efficiencies and yield. While this market is currently small, partnering with industry may result in more cost- effective management of Asian carp numbers now and in the future.

Funding Sources: Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 and United States Fish and Wildlife Service

KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1, Commercial fisherman of the Asian Carp Harvest Program / Neal Jackson Strategic Objective 2.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 63 PROJECT UPDATES / Fisheries

Monitoring and Response to Asian Carp in the Ohio River

Neal Jackson, Andrew Stump, recent information suggests Chris Hickey, Chris Bowers, that the specific type of gill and Jason Curry, Kentucky nets used can have an impact on the resulting catch. In 2016 Department of Fish and Wildlife gill net specifications will be Resources explored to improve catch rates. As expected, the low- Katherine Zipfel, West Virginia ermost pool, McAlpine pool, Division of Natural Resources had a higher density of inva- sive carps than the three pools above it. Jeff Stewart, Sam Finney, and Sampling results from this Rob Simmonds, United States project were combined with Fish and Wildlife Service those from an adjacent proj- ect for analysis of population parameters such as age and growth, mortality, and length- weight relationships (N = 183). he bigheaded carps (Silver carp, The dominant age classes of THypophthalmicthys molitrix, Big- silver carp populations in the head carp, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, Cannelton and McAlpine pools and Grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon were 4 and 5 years, respec- idella), commonly referred to as Asian tively. The majority of silver carp, have successfully expanded their carp captured in these areas are range throughout the Mississippi River large (<30”). Length-Weight Basin, including the Ohio River Basin. relationships, a measure of Silver carp and Bighead carp are gre- overall condition, showed sil- garious planktivores capable of produc- ver carp in these pools to be of ing many offspring. As such, they may Measuring a Silver Carp / Chris Hickey similar condition to those on affect aquatic food webs, competing the leading edge of invasion with native fish. In 2015, the Kentucky (180.62 fish/hour). Fall electrofish- fronts in other river systems. Mortal- Department of fish and Wildlife Re- ing yielded 5 silver carp with a total ity rates for each pool were below 50% sources (KDFWR) initiated a study on catch of 6,290 fishes composed of 48 which is on the low end of the range the distribution, abundance, and popu- different species (296.65 fish/hour). shown in other river systems, sugges- lation dynamics of Asian carp in the All silver carp sampled came from the tive of a population that has very little Ohio River to provide an assessment McAlpine pool. exploitation. Tracking population dy- tool that informs Asian carp prevention, Summer gill netting (10,733 yards namics over time will allow assessment removal, and response efforts. of net) yielded 78 fishes comprised of of removal efforts and barrier projects KDFWR biologists monitored 10 different species. One bighead carp that aim to reduce the impacts of Asian Asian carp over two periods (summer was captured in the McAlpine pool carp . and fall) in each of four pools of the while two bighead carp were caught Ohio River along the leading edge of in the Meldahl pool. Fall gill netting Funding Sources: United States Fish invasion (McAlpine pool thru Greenup (3,475 yards) yielded 66 total fish com- and Wildlife Service, Water Resources pool) using gill nets and electrofish- prised of 10 different species. Four Reform and Development Act of 2014 ing. Spring electrofishing yielded 55 silver carp were captured in McAlpine silver carp and a total catch of 10,648 pool. Gill netting was not effective KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1, fishes composed of 56 different species for capturing Asian carps in 2015, but Strategic Objective 2.

64 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Fisheries / PROJECT UPDATES

Impacts of Asian Carp Harvest Program on Sportfish in Kentucky

The ACHP allows captured as bycatch, of which 15% commercial fishing were sportfishes. The survival rate of access in areas sportfish was greatest in the Ohio River that are popular at 100% and lowest in Lake Barkley sportfisheries such at 86.3% with the overall survival rate as below dams and being 89.52%. The most common in reservoirs, and species of sportfish in the bycatch sportfish anglers was blue catfish (N=65) followed by often hold the belief channel catfish (N=25) and flathead that commercial catfish (N=20). Excluding catfish, the fishing with gillnets number of sportfish in the bycatch was negatively impacts very low (2%). No crappie and very sportfisheries. few temperate or black bass species The objective (N=14) were observed in commercial of this study is nets during ride alongs. Paddlefish to obtain daily were the most common bycatch species reports from and making up 46% of all bycatch. Survival Livewell during Silver carp removal / Chris Hickey observe commercial rate of paddlefish during ride alongs fishers to assess was 56.79% but varied between water direct impacts of bodies and time of year. Other species Neal Jackson, Jessica Morris, commercial fishing on sportfish in of fish that were commonly observed Clint Cunningham, and Kentucky waters. as bycatch included skipjack herring Brad Richardson, Kentucky Since the implementation of (12%), smallmouth buffalo (8%), and the Asian Carp Harvest Program, Department of Fish and Wildlife freshwater drum (8%). commercial fishers in Kentucky have As concerns grow over the impacts Resources harvested a total of 1,590,188 lbs of of Asian carp to native ecosystems, Asian carp(1,555,473lbs silver carp, management agencies scramble to find 34,715lbs bighead carp). The number solutions. Commercial fishing is one entucky is the home to fertile of commercial fishers using the ACHP of the only tools currently available Kwaters including the intersection has doubled since 2013 resulting in an to limit those impacts. Some fish and of some of the nation’s largest rivers an expected increase in effort as well wildlife agencies are reluctant to allow which have long supported rich (7,666 yards fished in the 2013-2014 commercial fishing with gillnets due to fisheries and a tradition of commercial season over 74 trips, and 105,700 a negative public perception and lack fishing. These fertile waters are now yards fished in 2015 over 239 trips). of information on the potential impacts. being exploited by the highly invasive KDFWR conducted 32 ride alongs with This study shows that the common gear Asian carp and as carp numbers commercial fishers fishing under the types used in Asian carp commercial increase, commercial markets follow. ACHP during May-December 2015. fisheries in Kentucky pose no threat to The Asian Carp Harvest Program During ride alongs 38,483 yards of gill sportfish in our waters. (ACHP) was created in 2013 to net were fished and 72,224 lbs of Asian increase commercial harvest of Asian carp were harvested. The most common Funding Sources: Sport Fish carp in Kentucky waters to assist in gear types were 4-5” gill nets. Most Restoration (DJ) and United States the control of their rapidly expanding fishing effort was in Lake Barkley and Fish and Wildlife Service State/ population. In 2015, the Kentucky Kentucky Lake. Fifty-six percent of Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Department of Fish and Wildlife Asian carp harvested during ride alongs Funding Program (SIANSMP) (KDFWR) initiated a 5 cent/lb subsidy were from Lake Barkley and 24% came to incentivize the harvest of Asian carp from Kentucky Lake. KDFWR Strategic Plan. : Goal 1, from Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. There were 785 individual fish Strategic Objective 2.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 65 PROJECT UPDATES / Wildlife

Stalking bobcat / Dave Baker

Exploring Methods for Monitoring low number of captures, we are using telemetry data on marked individuals Bobcats in Kentucky to supplement the estimation of movement parameters. Since 2012, a total of 59 Laura Palmer, Danna Baxley, levels. (32M:27F) bobcats have been Brian Gray, Gary Sprandel, and We are exploring various equipped with VHF or GPS-enabled John Hast, Kentucky Department techniques for detecting and monitoring radio collars. Twenty one mortalities bobcats to aid in determining the status of Fish and Wildlife Resources (11M:10F) have been documented. of bobcat populations in Kentucky. Sources of mortality include hunting, These methods include camera surveys, trapping, road-kill, trauma, and John Yeiser, University of trapping and radio-collaring bobcats to potential poaching. Annual or seasonal Georgia determine home range characteristics home range locations have been and survival, and tooth sample collected for 23 (10M:13F) bobcats. collection to determine age structure. Equipment failure has prevented data A camera survey was conducted on retrieval from several GPS collared s the bobcat has naturally the Green River Wildlife Management bobcats. Arecovered and increased Area and surrounding private land Approximately 650 bobcat teeth significantly in abundance throughout in Taylor and Adair counties during have been collected from harvested its native range, this furbearer has June 2012 through April 2013. We bobcats through voluntary donations become valued in fur and taxidermy are currently exploring the use of a from hunters and trappers since 2012. markets and by recreational predator spatial-mark resight model to estimate Resulting age data, combined with hunters. Conversely, others view bobcat density. Marks were established harvester effort and survival data, will bobcats as exploiters of small game via foothold and cage trapping efforts be used to determine the feasibility of and promote intensive control measures and bobcats were resighted (or sighted) statistical population reconstruction to reduce populations. With various using camera traps. These models rely techniques. groups pursuing harvest of bobcats on capture histories of both marked and requesting increased bag limits, and unmarked animals at each camera it is necessary for wildlife managers trap to inform animal locations and Funding Source: Wildlife Restoration to identify methods to monitor bobcat movement capabilities, which in turn, Act (Pittman Robertson) populations that will provide harvest informs abundance estimates within a opportunity while sustaining population given area. Because of the relatively KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1.

66 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife / PROJECT UPDATES

Resource Selection, Movement Patterns, Survival, and Cause-specific Mortality of Adult Bull Elk in Kentucky

John Hast, John J. Cox and managers have to rely upon. As such, were attributed to P. tenuis (brain Brittany Slabach, University of local research projects such as this must worm), 12% were random mortalities Kentucky be used to tailor management actions, (ie. fence kill, road kill, etc.) and 2% taking into consideration the dynamics were unknown mortalities. When of this growing herd and hunter goals specifically investigating mortality R. Daniel Crank, Will Bowling, that change over time. We had a unique events in a time period overlapping Joe McDermott, and Gabriel chance to evaluate bull mortality and the fall bull hunting season (August Jenkins, Kentucky Department of survival when the old system of elk 1 to February 1) we noted that the Fish and Wildlife Resources hunting units (EHU) was changed to middle age classes of bulls (4.5 to 5.5 the current limited entry areas (LEA) years old) were taking the brunt of the and at-large areas for the 2013 hunting harvest pressure. In the fall of 2012, Kristina Johannsen, Georgia season. These LEAs became necessary bull elk 4.5 and 5.5 years old had a Department of Natural because hunters were killing too many 41% and 35% chance of surviving Resources elk in a couple of specific areas, due to the hunting season, respectively. there being a lot of public land and a Following the change in elk hunting lot of hunter access on adjacent private regulations mentioned in the opening lands. It is our goal to provide as much paragraph and a 1/3rd reduction in tags he Kentucky bull elk project is in elk hunting opportunity as possible, in the Hazard LEA, there was only a Tits fourth year and plans to answer while continuing to maintain high slight increase in 4.5 and 5.5 year old a number of objectives concerning hunter satisfaction with the overall bull survival. the ecology of bull elk. A key set of hunting experience. Given the lottery system of elk tag questions we intend to answer is how To examine the question of bull elk allocation that the state of Kentucky long do bulls live (survival), how many survival and cause specific mortality, employs, most elk hunters each year are die each year (mortality), and what we chemically immobilized 176 adult first time hunters. Our data suggests causes them to die (cause-specific bull elk between 2011 and 2013 and that most hunters choose to harvest a mortality). The management of elk equipped them with radio tracking middle aged bull thus bottlenecking in the Eastern United States lacks the collars. Additionally, we took a variety bull numbers as they grow out of the decades of research that western elk of other samples such as blood, tissue, 5.5 year old age class. The recent fecal, and body measurements while installation of the three new LEAs the elk was immobilized. Elk were occurred in response to the localized monitored once weekly via radio overharvest of bull elk in areas with telemetry from the ground or air large areas of public land and ease outside of the general hunting season of hunter access. With a reduced and multiple times per week during the number of tags in these areas, we hunting season. Elk were immediately should continue to see good numbers of investigated upon the confirmation of harvestable bulls while allowing more a mortality signal and a necropsy was to grow into the trophy age classes (9.5 performed once the expired elk was years old and above). located. Any hunter harvested elk were examined and an additional set of Funding Source: Wildlife Restoration samples were taken post-harvest. Program (Pittman Robertson), At this point in the study, 117 of University of Kentucky, and the Rocky the 176 (66.4%) captured elk have Mountain Elk Foundation Bull elk establishing dominance experienced a mortality event of / John Hast which 76% were hunter related, 10% KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 67 PROJECT UPDATES / Wildlife

Cause-Specific Mortality, Behavior, and Group Dynamics of Cow Elk in Kentucky

Brittany L. Slabach, John T. Mortality is monitored weekly and analyzed to test the hypothesis that Hast, P.H. Crowley, and John behavioral observations occur during family groups compose the subgroups J. Cox. University of Kentucky three biological time periods (winter of the resident herds (e.g., individuals herd, nursery herds, and rut harems). within subgroups are more related to Departments of Forestry and Associations for 69 marked each other than the rest of the herd). Biology individuals have been quantified since A total of 46 marked individuals 2013, including individuals marked were on the landscape at the start of R. Daniel Crank, Will Bowling, in 2013 that survived the 2013-2014 the 2015 hunting season. A mortality and Gabriel Jenkins, Kentucky hunting season (N = 6), and individuals rate of 28% was observed (N= 13; 2 captured in 2014 that survived the archery; 10 modern gun; 1 wounding Department of Fish and Wildlife 2014-2015 hunting season (N = 27). loss); which is comparable to the Resources Resident herds remained cohesive 2013 and 2014 hunting season. An across the study area for both 2013 analysis of probability of mortality Dr. Tina Johannsen, Georgia (E-I = -0.76, p < 0.05) and 2014 (E-I and herd membership is currently Department of Natural = -0.71, p < 0.05). A few individuals being conducted. Preliminary moved between resident herds after survival analysis suggests that age Resources calving each year. A total of 26 effects position in the dominance overlapping subgroups (e.g., groups hierarchy and dominance status effects that compose the resident herd) were probability of mortality due to human identified by hierarchical cluster harvest. The effect of selective take analysis based on herd co-membership, of key individuals (e.g., dominants) roup dynamics - associations and where resident herds differed in the on herd association patterns and Grelationships between individuals number of overlapping subgroups persistence over time is currently being - are a key, yet often uninvestigated, that occurred (level > 6.0; Site 1, N analyzed. Continued investigation into parameter important to understanding = 8; Site 2, N = 17). Subgroups were how these populations are structured population structure and persistence. more significantly spatially cohesive and influenced by human factors will Factors, such as selective take, have across years (avg. = 3.14, med = 1, help aid management of this state been shown to have differential effects N = 253) compared to overall group resource. on recruitment and fecundity, as well spatial proximity (avg. = 7.80, med = as connectedness and membership of 8.5, N = 390, p < 0.005); suggesting Funding Sources: Rocky Mountain groups. Yet short and long-term effects that socially mediated subgroups are Elk Foundation and the University of of these factors on group dynamics are the first social-tier in this population. Kentucky not understood. Using standard very Genetic relatedness, using 16 high frequency (VHF) radio collars microsatellite loci, is currently being KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1. and behavioral observations, we have been exploring group dynamics and the effects of human disturbance in cow elk. A total of 94 cow elk have been outfitted with VHF collars and ear tags for individual identification (2013, N = 40; 2014, N = 54) since 2013. No additional animals were captured during the 2016 field season. Physiological parameters such as age, body condition, and morphological measurements were taken upon capture. Elk herd in summer / Brittany Slabach

68 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife / PROJECT UPDATES

Effects of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program on Grassland Birds in Kentucky

expect that this is not the case: fields can be managed differently (i.e., mowed vs sprayed), can have varying planting success, and are subject to variation in how quickly succession happens. Currently, we are using ground- truthed information and satellite images of CREP field statuses in 2016 to predict what fields looked like from 2010—2015. This way, we can more accurately depict the Preparing CREP fields influence CREP has had on the landscape and bird populations. John Yeiser and James Martin, Green River Basin. CREP practices Preliminary analysis indicates University of Georgia have been shown to benefit grassland that increasing the amount of CREP at bird populations at the field scale; landscape scales increases the number however, less is known about the of some species (e.g., bobwhite), but John Morgan, Danna Baxley, benefits of the CREP at the landscape not others (e.g., eastern meadowlark, Ben Robinson, Gary Sprandal, scale. Therefore, we have designed at Sturnella magna). Further analysis Keith Richardson, KDFWR study to investigate how the density of will uncover the relative importance CREP across agricultural landscapes of the amount of CREP on the influences the number birds in local landscape, the management of CREP areas with little to no CREP. fields, and the pattern of land features ative grasslands are one of the This study focuses on agricultural in predicting how birds respond to Nrarest habitats in the eastern areas within the Green River basin. broad-scale conservation. Our main United States, and northern bobwhite Sampling points across the study goal is to produce a final ‘landscape (Colinus virginianus; hereafter area were chosen based on different management plan’ depicting best bobwhite) have been declining for combinations of CREP densities at both practices for producing high numbers several decades. Habitat loss has been a landscape (3000 m radius) and local of bobwhite and other grassland birds major factor behind bobwhite declines (510 m radius) scales. The amount over a large area. We hope that this and converting agricultural lands to of CREP habitat was allowed to vary research guides habitat management native grasslands has been a central at the landscape scale but was kept for early successional species in the tool of bobwhite restoration. These relatively low (<6%) and constant at state of Kentucky and beyond, and that grasslands benefit other avian species local scales. Kentucky Department of it serves to inform future conservation of concern as well. Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) decisions. The Conservation Reserve biologists collected bird data from Enhancement Program (CREP) 2010—2015. Funding Source: Wildlife Restoration is a federally funded private- Often in similar studies, the Program (Pittman Robertson) and the land conservation initiative that’s statuses of fields are ignored, or in University of Georgia established 100,000 acres of native other words, it is assumed that all grassland and riparian habitat in the CREP areas are good bird habitat. We KDFWR Strategic Plan: Goal 1.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 69 PROJECT UPDATES / Wildlife

Population Dynamics of Adult Female White-tailed Deer in Southeast Kentucky

Caleb Haymes, Joe McDermott, 90 years, 50 of which contained active using ultrasonography. Vaginal and John Cox, University restoration efforts, the deer herd implant transmitters (VIT) used in now exceeds 750,000 individuals, of Kentucky Department of pregnant does have facilitated location statewide. Although most of the state of birth-site locations and fawns for Forestry contains healthy numbers of deer, many an additional deer study. Adult does counties in southeastern Kentucky are have been monitored twice weekly for Gabriel Jenkins, Will Bowling, thought to have stable, yet low density mortality for 18-24 months. We are John Hast, and Kyle Sams, p o p u l a t i o n s . currently monitoring over 70 does to Our research continues to Kentucky Department of Fish assess above-mentioned population focus on adult does in Clay County, parameters. These data should inform and Wildlife Resources KY, in efforts to identify survival, state wildlife managers about regional cause-specific mortality, fecundity, deer population dynamics that can be and natality of this important helpful for refinement of population reproductive demographic group in models and the overall management of he white-tailed deer (Odocoileus an area of relatively low deer density. this important game species. Tvirginianus) is a highly regarded Adult does continue to be captured game species throughout North and immobilized using clover traps, Funding Source: Wildlife Restoration America. Early in the 20th century, drop-nets, and free-range darting, Program (Pittman Robertson) and the the deer population in the state of then fitted with a very high frequency University of Kentucky Kentucky was believed to number (VHF) radio collar. Pregnancy status around 2,600 individuals. After almost and number of fetuses are determined KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1.

Deer immobilized for research / John Cox

70 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Wildlife / PROJECT UPDATES

Survival of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Neonates in a Southeastern Kentucky Population

the southeastern portion of the state are hope to end the 2016 fawning season not growing at a rate we would expect with a three year sample size of ≥100 to observe under the Zone 4 designation collared fawns. Upon completion of the (very conservative harvest regulations). upcoming field season, we will have To better understand these growth a better understanding of what factors trends, it is critical to understand the are influencing fawn mortality, as well factors that influence summer mortality as how many fawns are surviving into and survival in fawns; when combined, the fall hunting season. The results the two rates will provide a measure of of this project will support future fall recruitment, or number of animals decisions regarding deer management added to the huntable population each in southeastern Kentucky. year. 66 fawns have been captured and Funding Source: Wildlife Restoration collared over the previous two years Program (Pittman Robertson) and the of the study, primarily through the University of Kentucky use of vaginal implant transmitters (VITs) inserted into radio collared KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1. females captured in a concomitant Newborn fawn / Casey Maggard study. Fawns were also captured by utilizing thermal Joe McDermott, Caleb Haymes, imaging (FLIR) and John Cox, University of cameras at night Kentucky and by searching probable fawning habitats during the Gabriel Jenkins, Will Bowling, daylight hours. Once John Hast, and Kyle Sams, captured, fawns Kentucky Dept. of Fish and were fitted with an Wildlife Resources expandable neonate collar that allows us to monitor the Tina Johannsen - Georgia animals until death Department of Natural or until the collar Resources releases at around nine months of age. 20 adult does were inserted with DFWR and University of VITs during the KKentucky researchers are entering 2016 winter trapping the final field season of a three year season. With the use research project examining deer fawn of these VITs, and survival in a southeastern Kentucky through continued population. Recent harvest trend data ground searches and have suggested that deer populations in thermal scans, we Researchers weigh a fawn / Kyle Sams

Annual Research Highlights 2015 71 PROJECT UPDATES / Wildlife

Incorporating disturbance ecology into native hardwood tree seedling restorations of the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Savanna-Woodland

James D. Shaffer, Scott K. Gleeson, John J. Cox, University of Kentucky, Department of Biology, Department of Forestry

Derek Beard, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

avanna systems are maintained by Sa particularly interesting balance KDFWR burn crew of competition and disturbance. Historical evidence suggests the Woodland remnant in KY) to research included the collaborative effort of UK Inner Bluegrass Region of Central the ecological factors that influence tree researchers and KDFWR personnel Kentucky was formerly typified by a seedling regeneration. Experimental to implement the initial five year Savanna-Woodland plant community, treatments of competition reduction, prescribed fire treatment (conducted on potentially maintained by periodic fires herbivore inhibition, and prescribed fire March 7, 2016). To properly quantify and herbivory impacts of mammals. have been implemented to understand seedling responses, we have measured Since the time of European pioneer how these ecological filters influence temperatures experienced by seedlings settlement in the region (c.1750), seedling performance (i.e. growth and during the fire, fire scarring on seedling fires have been suppressed and survival) and functional traits (i.e. trunks, top-killed and re-sprouting mammal populations have either been leaf production, photosynthetic rates). seedlings, soil nutrient inputs in burned extirpated (American bison, Bison This experiment is also revealing versus control blocks, and overall bison; Eastern elk, Cervus canadensis information about native herbivore seedling growth in burned versus canadensis) or fluctuated drastically browsing preferences and initial trends control blocks. Additionally, remote (White-tailed deer, Odocoileus indicate species specific responses to sensing data using aerial drone flyovers virginianus; Eastern cottontail rabbit, herbivory, with preferences by deer for and infrared thermal imaging will Sylvilagus floridanus; multiple small White Ash (Fraxinus americana) and be used to construct a predictive fire rodent species). Land clearing and Mulberry (Morus sp.), and preferences behavior model. The ultimate goal of urbanization have eliminated over by rabbit for Hickory (Carya sp.), this research is to inform conservation 99% of native Kentucky Bluegrass Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus and restoration efforts towards Savanna-Woodlands, emphasizing the dioicus) and Sugar Maple (Acer remnant Kentucky Bluegrass Savanna- need to conduct research and institute saccharum). Competitive effects of Woodlands while also elucidating basic restoration efforts for this imperiled surrounding vegetation suppress many biological and ecological information ecosystem. species’ growth, while competition on this guild of understudied tree In March 2011, fourteen species reductions through mowing favor species. of native hardwood tree seedlings were increased above ground growth by planted into a long-term, large-scale Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) and Funding Source: University of restoration ecology experiment at White Ash. Kentucky Griffith Woods Wildlife Management Most recently, experimental Area (the best preserved Savanna- work at Griffith Woods WMA has KDFWR Strategic Plan. Goal 1.

72 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources Human DimensionsWildlife

Least tern chick / John Brunjes

Annual Research Highlights 2015 73 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

Published Research Elliott, C.L. and T. Edwards. 2012. Evaluation of tooth-wear and replacement method for aging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on the Blue Grass Army Depot, Madison County, Barding, E.E., and M.J. Lacki. 2012. Winter diet of river otters in Kentucky. Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science 73:73-76. Kentucky. Northeastern Naturalist 19:157-164. Evans, K.O., L.W. Burger Jr., S.K. Riffell, M.D. Smith, D.J. Twedt, Barding, E.E., M.J. Lacki, and L.L. Patton. 2010. Recovery of the R.R. Wilson, S. Vorisek, C. Rideout, and K. Heyden. 2014. Avian river otter to Kentucky. Proc. Annu. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Fish and response to conservation buffers in agricultural landscapes during Wildlife Agencies (In press). winter. Wildlife Society Bulletin 38:257-264. Barding, E.E., and M. J. Lacki. 2014. Demographic and reproductive Frary, V.J., J. Duchamp, D.S. Maehr, and J.L. Larkin. 2011. Density characteristics of reintroduced northern river otters in Kentucky: and distribution of a colonizing front of the American black bear implications for population growth. The American Midland Ursus americanus. Wildlife Biology 17:404-416. Naturalist 172:338-347. Griggs, A., M.K. Keel, K. Castle and D. Wong. 2012. Enhanced Baxley, D.L., J.O. Barnard, and H. Venter. 2012. Chelydra serpentina surveillance for white-nose syndrome in bats. Emerging Infectious (Common Snapping Turtle) growth rates. Herpetological Review Diseases 18:530-532. 43: 126-127. Harris, D., C. Elliott, R. Frederick, and T. Edwards. 2009. Habitat Baxley, D.L., J.O. Barnard, and H. Venter. 2014. A survey of alligator characteristics associated with American woodcock (Scolopax snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in western Kentucky. minor Gmelin) nests in central Kentucky. The Journal of the Southeastern Naturalist 13:337-346. Kentucky Academy of Sciences 70(2):114-144. Bird, W.M., P. Peak, and D.L. Baxley. 2015. Natural history and meristics of an allopatric population of red cornsnakes, Hartman, P.J., D.S. Maehr, and J.L. Larkin. 2009. Habitat selection Patherophis guttatus (Linnaeus, 1866) in central Kentucky, USA. by cerulean warblers in Eastern Kentucky. The Wilson Journal of Journal of North American Herpetology 2015:6-11. Ornithology 121(3):469-475.

Britzke, E.R., B.A. Slack, M.P. Armstrong, and S.C. Loeb. Effects of Heyden, K.G. 2010. 2010 Barn Owl (Tyto alba) inventory and current orientation and weatherproofing on the detection of bat echolocation management for the species in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler calls. 2010. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 1(2):136-141. 86(4): 79-85.

Brooke, J.M., D.C. Peters, A.M. Unger, E.P. Tanner, C.A. Harper, P.D. Heyden, K. G. 2010. Current status of nesting Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus Keyser, J.D. Clark, and J.J. Morgan. 2015. Habitat manipulation leucocephalus) in Kentucky. The Kentucky Warbler 86(4):85-89. influences northern bobwhite resource selection on a reclaimed surface mine. Journal of Wildlife Management 79:1264-1276. Hopkins, R.L. 2009. Use of landscape pattern metrics and multiscale data in aquatic species distribution models: a case study of a Corn, J.L., M.E. Cartwright, K.J. Alexy, T.E. Cornish, E.J.B. Manning, freshwater mussel. Landscape Ecology 29:943-955. A.N. Cartoceti, and J.R. Fischer. 2010. Surveys for disease agents in introduced elk in Arkansas and Kentucky. Journal of Wildlife Hopkins, R.L., M.D. Burns, B. Burr, and L.J. Hopman. 2008. Building Diseases 46(1):186-194. a centralized database for Kentucky fishes: Progress and future applications. Journal of the Kentucky Academy of Science 69 (2): Culp, J.J., A.C. Shepard, and M.A. McGregor. 2009. Fish hosts 164-169. and conglutinates of the pyramid pigtoe (Pleurobema rubrum). Southeastern Naturalist 8(1):19-22. Hopkins, R.L. and B.M. Burr. 2009. Modeling freshwater fish distributions using multiscale landscape data: A case study of six Culp, J.J., W.R. Haag, D.A. Arrington, and T.B. Kennedy. 2011. narrow range endemics. Ecological Modeling 220:2024-2034. Seasonal and species-specific patterns in abundance offreshwater mussel glochidia in stream drift. Journal of the North American Johnson, J.S., J.N. Kropczynski, M.J. Lacki, and G.D. Langlois. 2012. Benthological Society 30:436-445. Social networks of Rafinesque’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) in bottomland hardwood forests. Journal of Dzialak, M.R., K.M. Carter, M.J. Lacki, D.F. Westneat, and K. Mammalogy 93:1545-1558. Anderson. 2009. Activity of post-fledgingperegrine falcons in different rearing and habitat conditions. Southeastern Naturalist Johnson, J.S., and M.J. Lacki. 2013. Habitat associations of 8(1):93-106. Rafinesque’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and their lepidopteran prey in bottomland hardwood forests. Canadian Edmonds, S. T., D. C. Evers, D. A. Cristol, C. Mettke-Hofmann, L. Journal of Zoology 91:94-101. L. Powell, A. J. McGann, J. W. Armiger, O. P. Lane, D. F. Tessler, P. Newell, K. Heyden, and N. J. O’Driscoll. 2010. Geographic Johnson, J.S., and M.J. Lacki. 2013. Summer heterothermy in and seasonal variation in mercury exposure of the declining Rusty Rafinesque’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) roosting Blackbird. The Condor 112(4):789-799. in tree cavities in bottomland hardwood forests. Journal of Comparative Physiology 183:709-721. Eisenhour, D.J., A.M. Richter, and J.M. Schiering. 2011. Conservation status of the longhead darter, Percina macrocephala, in Johnson, J.S., and M.J. Lacki. 2014. Effects of reproductive condition, Kinniconick Creek, Kentucky. Southeastern Fishes Council roost microclimate, and weather patterns on summer torpor use by a Proceedings 53:13-20. Vespertilionid bat. Ecology and Evolution 4:157-166.

74 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 2007-2015 PROJECT REFERENCES

Larkin, J.L., D.S. Maehr, J.J. Krupa, J.J. Cox, K. Alexy, D.E. Unger, Ruder, M.G., A.B. Allison, D.L. Miller, and M.K. Keel. 2010. and C. Barton. 2008. Small mammal response to vegetation and Pathology in practice. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical spoil conditions on a reclaimed surface mine in eastern Kentucky. Association 237(7):783-785. Southeastern Naturalist 7(3):401-112. Sheehan, J., P.B. Wood, D.A. Buehler, P.D. Keyser and J.L. Larkin. Lynch, W.L., and C.N. Moreira. 2008. Nest arrival vocalizations of 2013. Avian response to timber harvesting applied experimentally to the Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura (Cathartidae: Falconiformes). manage Cerulean Warbler breeding populations. Forest Ecology Vulture News 59:3-6. and Management 321:5-18.

Morgan, J.J., G. Sprandel, B.A. Robinson and K. Wethington. 2012. A Shock, B.C., S.M. Murphy, L.L. Patton, P.M. Shock, C.Olfenbuttel, J. county-based northern bobwhite habitat prioritization model for Beringer, S. Prange, D.M. Grove, M. Peek, J.W. Butfiloski, D.W. Kentucky. Proceedings of the National Quail Symposium 7:281- Hughes, J.M. Lockhart, S.N. Bevins, S. VandeWoude, K.R. Crooks, 287. V.F. Nettles, H.M. Brown, D.S. Peterson and M.J. Yabsley. 2011. Distribution and prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis in bobcats (Lynx Murphy, S.M., J.J. Cox, J.D. Clark, B.C. Augustine, J.T. Hast, rufus), the natural reservoir, and other wild felids in thirteen states. D. Gibbs, M. Strunk, and S. Dobey. 2015. Rapid growth and Veterinary Parasitology 175:325-330. genetic diversity retention in an isolated reintroduced black bear population in the Central Appalachians. Journal of Wildlife Silvis, A., W.M. Ford, E.R. Britzke, and J.B. Johnson. 2014. Management 79:807-818. Association, roost use, and simulated disruption of Myotis Near, T.J., and Thomas, M.R. 2015. A New Barcheek Darter Species septentrionalis maternity colonies. Behavioral Processes 103:283- from Buck Creek (Cumberland River System), Kentucky (Percidae: 290. Etheostomatinae: Catonotus: Oopareia). Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History 56(2):127-146. Steen, D.A., C.J.W. McClure, L.L. Smith, B.J. Halstead, C.K. Dodd, W.B. Sutton, J.R. Lee, D.L. Baxley, W.J. Humphries, and C. Guyer. Niemiller, M.L., B.M. Fitzpatrick, P. Shah, L. Schmitz, and T.J. Near. 2013. The effect of coachwhip presence on body size of North 2012. Evidence for repeated loss of selective constraint in rhodopsin American racers suggests competition between these sympatric of amblyopsid cavefishes (teleostei: amblyopsidae). Evolution snakes. Journal of Zoology 289:86-93. 67:732-748. Steen, D.A., L.L. Smith, J. Brock, J.B. Pierce, J.R. Lee, D. Baxley, J. Niemiller, M.L., G.O. Graening, D.B. Fenolio, J.C. Godwin, J.R. Humphries, B. Sutton, D. Stevenson, C. Guyer, and B. Gregory. Cooley, W.D. Pearson, B.M. Fitzpatrick and T.J. Near. 2013. 2012. Multi-scale occupancy modeling of forest-associated snakes Doomed before they are described? The need for conservation within the southeastern United States. Ecological Applications assessments of cryptic species complexes using an amblyopsid 22:1084-1097. cavefish (Amblyopsidae: Typhlichthys) as a case study. Biodiversity Conservation 22:1799-1820. Steen, D.A., C.J.W. McClure, W.B. Sutton, D.C. Rudolph, J.B. Pierce, J.R. Lee, L.L. Smith, B.B. Gregory, D.L. Baxley, D.J. Stevenson, Niemiller, M.L., J.R. McCandless, R.G. Reynolds, J. Caddle, T.J. Near, and C. Guyer. 2014. Copperheads are common when kingsnakes C.R. Tillquist W.D. Pearson, and B.M. Fitzpatrick. 2012. Effects are not: relationships between the abundances of a predator and one of climatic and geological processes during the Pleistocene on the of their prey. Herpetologica 70:69-76. evolutionary history of the northern cavefish, Ablyopsis spelaea. Evolution 67: 1011-1025. Steen, D.A, C.J.W. McClure, J.C. Brock, D.C. Rudolph, J.B. Pierce, J.R. Lee, W.J. Humphries, B.B. Gregory, W.B. Sutton, L.L. Smith, Owen C.T., J.E. Alexander, Jr., and M.A. McGregor. 2010. Control of D.L. Baxley, D.J. Stevenson, and C. Guyer. 2014. Snake co- microbial contamination during in vitro culture of larval unionid occurrence patterns are best explained by habitat and hypothesized mussels. Invertebrate Reproduction and Development. 54 (4):187- effects of interspecific interactions. Journal of Animal Ecology 193 83:286-295.

Owen, C.T., M.A. McGregor, G.A. Cobbs, and J.E. Alexander Jr. Tanner, E. P., A. M. Unger, P. D. Keyser, C. A. Harper, J. D. Clark, 2010. Muskrat predation on a diverse unionid mussel community: J. J. Morgan. 2012. Survival of radio-marked versus leg-banded Impacts of prey species composition, size and shape. Freshwater northern bobwhite in Kentucky. Proceedings of the National Biology 56(3): 554-564. Quail Symposium 7:212-216.

Patton, L.L, D.S. Maehr, J.E. Duchamp, S. Fei, J.W. Gassett and J.L. Thackston, R.E., D.C. Sisson, T.L. Crouch, D.L. Baxley, and B.A. Larkin. 2010. Do the golden-winged warbler and blue-winged Robinson. 2012. Hunter harvest of pen-reared northern bobwhites warbler exhibit species-specific differences in their breeding released from the surrogator. Proceedings of the National Quail habitat use? Avian Conservation and Ecology 5(2). Symposium 7:72-76.

Peters, D.C., J.M. Brooke, E.P. Tanner, A.M. Unger, P.D. Keyser, C.A. Thoma, R.F., Z.J. Loughman, and J.W. Fetzner Jr. 2014. Cambarus Harper, J.D. Clark, and J.J. Morgan. 2015. Impact of experimental (Puncticambarus) callainus, a new species of crayfish (Decapoda: habitat manipulation on northern bobwhite survival. Journal of Cambaridae) from the Big Sandy River basin in Kentucky, Virginia, Wildlife Management 79:605-617. and West Virginia, USA. Zootaxa 4:541-554.

Reidy, J.L., F.R. Thompson III, and J.W. Bailey. 2011. Comparison Tripp, S., R. Brooks, D. Herzog, and J. Garvey. 2014. Patterns of of methods for estimating density of forest songbirds from point fish passage in the upper Mississippi river. River Research and counts. Journal of Wildlife Management 75:558-568. Applications 30:1056-1064.

Annual Research Highlights 2015 75 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

Unger, A. M., E. P. Tanner, C. A. Harper, P. D. Keyser, J.J. Morgan. Hunters’ use of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife 2012. Northern bobwhite survival related to movement on a Resources’ Telecheck System reclaimed surface coal mine. Proceedings of the National Quail Volume II ...... 7 Symposium 7:223-228. Kentucky Residents’ Awareness of and Opinions on Elk Restoration Unger, A.M., E.P. Tanner, C.A. Harper, P.D. Keyser, F.T. VanManen, and Management Efforts J.J. Morgan, and D.L. Baxley. 2015. Northern bobwhite seasonal Volume V ...... 16 habitat selection on a reclaimed surface coal mine in Kentucky. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Maternal Antibody Transfer and Meningeal Worm Infection in Agencies 2015: 235-246. Kentucky Elk Volume II ...... 13 Vukovich, M. and G. Ritchison. 2008. Foraging behavior of Short- Eared Owls and Northern Harriers on a reclaimed surface mine Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) Infection Rate and in Kentucky. Southeastern Effects on Survival of Reintroduced Elk (Cervus elaphus nelsonii) Naturalist 1(1):1-10. in Kentucky Volume I ...... 22 West, A.S., P.D. Keyser, and J.J. Morgan. 2012. Northern bobwhite survival, nest success, and habitat use in Kentucky during the Population Dynamics of Adult Female White-tailed Deer in Southeast breeding season. Proceedings of the National Quail Symposium Kentucky 7:217-222. Volume VII ...... 38 Volume VIII...... 58 Yeiser, J. M., D. L. Baxley, B. A. Robinson, and J. J. Morgan. 2014. Volume IX ...... 70 Using prescribed fire and herbicide to manage rank native warm season grass for northern bobwhite. The Journal of Wildlife Prevalence of Select Parasites of Elk in Southeastern Kentucky Management 79:69-76. Volume V ...... 104 Yeiser, J.M., D.L. Baxley, B.A. Robinson, J.J. Morgan, J.N. Stewart, Resource Selection, Movement Patterns, Survival, and Cause-Specific and J.O. Barnard. 2015. A comparison of coal mine reclamation seed mixes in Kentucky: Implications for grassland establishment Mortality of Adult Bull Elk in Kentucky in Appalachia. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation, and Volume IV ...... 61 Environment 2015:2-11. Volume V ...... 129 Volume VI ...... 89 Volume VII ...... 48 Volume IX ...... 67 Big Game Survival, Cause-Specific Mortality, and Recruitment of White-tailed (Elk and Deer) Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Neonates in Southeastern Kentucky .. Volume VII ...... 37 Assessment of Reproductive Output for White Tailed Deer in Kentucky Volume IX ...... 71 Volume I ...... 26 Using FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared Radiography) To Estimate Elk Can Body Condition and Select Physiological Indicators Predict Density and Distribution in Eastern Kentucky Survival of Elk Post-Translocation? Volume I ...... 10 Volume V ...... 103 Volume II ...... 9 Volume VI ...... 90

Cause Specific Mortality and Survival of White-tailed deer (Cause- Specific Mortality and Survival of White-tailed Deer Odocoileus( virginianus) Neonates in a Southeastern Kentucky Population Small Game Volume VIII...... 59 (Quail, Squirrels, Rabbits)

Cause-Specific Mortality, Behavior, and Group Dynamics of Cow Elk Ability of Hunters to Encounter Northern Bobwhite on Peabody in Kentucky Wildlife Management Area Volume VI ...... 48 Volume VII ...... 36 Volume VII ...... 49 Volume VIII...... 60 A New Approach to Mast Surveys in Kentucky Volume IX ...... 68 Volume I ...... 35

Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance in Kentucky Assessment of Habitat Value for Recovering Disturbed Warm-Season Volume I ...... 27 Grass Using Multi-Cover Habitat Assessment Model for the Northern Bobwhite Genetic Characteristics of Restored Elk Populations in Kentucky Volume II ...... 25 Volume II ...... 62 Volume III ...... 112 Avian Response to Production Stands of Native Warm-Season Grasses . Volume IV ...... 95 Volume III ...... 77 Volume V ...... 130 Volume V ...... 59

76 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 2007-2015 PROJECT REFERENCES

Breeding Season Thermal Environment Assessment for Northern Geographic Distribution and Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis in Wild Bobwhite on Peabody WMA Felids Volume VIII...... 49 Volume II ...... 63

Bobwhite Focal Area Activity and Monitoring in KY Volume III ...... 79 Volume IV ...... 79 Bear Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Landscape Bias in GPS Telemetry Studies: A Case Study Using Black Bears in Monitoring Initiative Southeastern Kentucky Volume IV ...... 34 Volume III ...... 38 Effects of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program on Black Bear Resource Selection, Demographics, and Movement Patterns Grassland Birds in Kentucky in Kentucky Volume IX ...... 69 Volume I ...... 11 Volume II ...... 60 Efficacy of Surrogate PropagationTM As a Quail Restoration Technique Volume IV ...... 99 in Central Kentucky Volume V ...... 132 Volume III ...... 80 Volume IV ...... 34 Colonization of the Black Bear in Eastern Kentucky: Conflict and Tolerance Between People and Wildlife Habitat Management Influences Northern Bobwhite Survival and Volume I ...... 13 Resource Selection on a Reclaimed Mine in Western Kentucky Volume V ...... 45 Volume VIII...... 18 Estimating Black Bear Populations in Kentucky Monitoring Efforts for Northern Bobwhite Populations in Kentucky Volume I ...... 21 Volume I ...... 36 Volume II ...... 17 Northern Bobwhite Population Ecology on Reclaimed Mined Land Genetic Diversity, Structuring, and Recolonization Patterns of Black Volume III ...... 78 Bears in Eastern Kentucky Volume IV ...... 97 Volume II ...... 61 Volume V ...... 131 Volume III ...... 33 Volume VI ...... 29 Volume IV ...... 98 Volume VII ...... 50 Population Size and Density of Black Bears in McCreary County, Population Ecology and Habitat use of Northern Bobwhite on a Kentucky Reclaimed Surface Coal Mine in Kentucky Volume IV ...... 62 Volume VI ...... 91 Volume V ...... 36 Volume VI ...... 92

Turkey

Wild Turkey Reproduction in Kentucky Birds Volume I ...... 38 (Songbirds and Raptors)

An Evaluation Tool for Avian Monitoring Programs Volume II ...... 55

Furbearers Assessing Avian use of land enrolled in Conservation Practice 33 (CP33), Conservation Reserve Program Bobcat space use in the Paul Van Booven Wildlife Management Area, Volume I ...... 42 Southeastern KY Volume II ...... 70 Volume V ...... 22

Assessing Raptor Populations of Peabody Wildlife Management Area Distribution, Population Status and Habitat Characteristics of the River and Throughout Kentucky Otter (Lontra canadensis) in Kentucky Volume I ...... 43 Volume I ...... 18

Volume III ...... 113 Bald Eagle Tracking in Kentucky Expands to Collect Information on Volume V ...... 26 Adult Home Range Volume VI ...... 95 Exploring Methods for Monitoring Bobcats in Kentucky Volume V ...... 105 Barn Owl Management and Inventory Volume VI ...... 94 Volume IV ...... 64 Volume IX ...... 66 Volume VII ...... 51

Annual Research Highlights 2015 77 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

The Common Raven in Cliff Habitat: Detectability and Occupancy Statewide Osprey Nesting Survey – 2014 Update Volume II ...... 54 Volume VIII...... 57 Volume V ...... 64 Studying the Movements of Two Young Bald Eagles Cerulean Warbler and Associated Species Response to Silvicultural Volume IV ...... 65 Prescriptions in the Central Appalachian Region Volume VIII...... 15 Turkey and Black Vulture Invertebrate Nest Association Volume IV ...... 66 Cooperative Cerulean Warbler Forest Management Project Volume I ...... 44 Update on Long-term Monitoring for Peregrine Falcons in Kentucky Volume VI ...... 96 Ecological and Behavioral Interactions Between Golden-Winged and Blue- Winged Warblers in Eastern Kentucky Vocalizations of adult Turkey Vultures as they Arrive at Nest Sites Volume I ...... 20 during the Nesting Season Volume I ...... 48 Effects of Native Grassland Restoration on Raptor Habitat Use and Prey Abundance On Peabody Wildlife Management Area Volume IX ...... 7

Estimating Abundance of Species of Concern in the Central Hardwoods (Migratory Shorebirds and Colonial Nesting Region Waterbirds) Volume II ...... 56 American Woodcock Nocturnal Field Usage during Spring Migration Evaluating the Effects of Grassland Management on Nesting and in Central Kentucky Migrating Songbirds at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Volume III ...... 73 Volume III ...... 70 Volume IV ...... 101 Volume V ...... 52 Evaluating the Effects of Grassland Management on Raptor Habitat Use at Peabody WMA Avian Influenza Monitoring throughout Kentucky Volume III ...... 69 Volume I ...... 28 Volume II ...... 71 G o l d e n E a g l e C a m e r a Tr a p p i n g S u r v e y – 2 0 1 4 U p d a t e Volume VIII...... 56 Capture and Marking of Adult Interior Least Terns Volume VIII...... 48 Golden-Winged Warbler Monitoring Volume II ...... 58 Daily Energy Needs and Habitat Use of Eastern Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes in Central Kentucky Grassland Songbird Survey Volume VIII...... 9 Volume II ...... 59 Marsh Bird Monitoring in Kentucky Investigating Local Declines of Rusty Blackbirds in Kentucky Volume III ...... 74 Volume III ...... 68 Migratory Shorebirds, Colonial Water Bird, and Woodcock Monitoring Priority Songbird Populations Investigations Volume I ...... 45 Volume I ...... 29 Volume II ...... 72 Monitoring the Effects of WMA Forest Stand Improvements on Songbirds Monitoring and Management of Kentucky’s Waterfowl Volume III ...... 71 Volume I ...... 30 Volume II ...... 73 Population Status and Reproductive Success of the Bald Eagle in Kentucky Monitoring Giant Canada Goose Populations in Kentucky Volume I ...... 46 Volume I ...... 31 Volume II ...... 74 Population Status and Reproductive Success of the Peregrine Falcon in Kentucky Monitoring, Migrating, and Wintering Sandhill Cranes in Cecilia, Volume I ...... 47 Kentucky Volume V ...... 106 Sharp-shinned Hawks in Kentucky: Detection, Abundance, Nest-Site Selection, and Breeding Success Mourning Dove Banding in Kentucky Volume III ...... 72 Volume I ...... 32 Volume IV ...... 30 Post-Season Banding of American Black Ducks in Kentucky Statewide Osprey Nesting Survey Volume III ...... 75 Volume V ...... 133

78 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 2007-2015 PROJECT REFERENCES

Proactive Wood Duck Management in Kentucky Life History and Population Assessment of the Western Cottonmouth in Volume I ...... 34 Western Kentucky Volume II ...... 50 Reproductive Success of the Interior Least Tern in Kentucky Volume I ...... 33 Status Assessment and Conservation of the Eastern Hellbender Volume II ...... 53 Volume II ...... 51 Volume III ...... 112 Status Survey of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Machrochelys Retention Times of Hard Metal Bands Compared to Aluminum Bands temminckii) in Kentucky in Wood Ducks Volume III ...... 66 Volume VIII ...... 50 Volume VI ...... 40

Bats Mollusks

Cave Protection and Monitoring of Federally Listed Bat Species in Artificial Culture of Freshwater Mussels using Advanced in vitro Kentucky Culture Methods at the Center for Mollusk Conservation Volume I ...... 40 Volume VI ...... 98

Determination of Bat Species Within Interior Forested Areas Using Advances in the Propagation of Rare and Endangered Mussel Species... Anabat II Systems and Mist-Netting in Daniel Boone National Volume II ...... 46 Forest Volume I ...... 15 Augmentation of the Cumberland Bean, Villosa trabalis and its host fish, the , Etheostoma virgatum in Sinking Creek, Effects of Orientation and Weatherproofing on the Detection of Kentucky Echolocation Calls in the Eastern United States. Volume III ...... 62 Volume II ...... 34 Augmentation of the Slippershell Mussel, Alasmidonta viridis in Foraging and Roosting Ecology of Rafinesque’s Big-eared bat in Guist Creek, Kentucky Augmentation of the Snuffbox, Epioblasma Kentucky triquetra in the Rolling Fork River, Kentucky Volume III ...... 81 Volume III ...... 58 Volume IV ...... 102 Volume III ...... 59 Volume VI ...... 34 Community Changes in a Freshwater Mussel Bed from 2004 to 2014 in Identifying and Protecting Hibernation Roosts for Endangered Bats in the Green River, Kentucky. Kentucky Volume VIII...... 44 Volume I ...... 41 Volume II ...... 37 Culture and Propagation of the Black Sandshell, Ligumia recta, and the Endangered Pink Mucket, Lampsilis abrupta, for Restoration in the Surveillance and Monitoring of Cave Roosts for Abnormal Emergence Green River, KY Behavior By Rare and Endangered Bats in Kentucky Volume VI ...... 100 Volume III ...... 82 Development of a Bivalve Diet for Use in Early Stage Juvenile Freshwater Mussel Culture Volume I ...... 17

Reptiles and Amphibians Development of In Vitro (artificial) Laboratory Culture Methods for Rearing Juvenile Freshwater Mussels Effects of Phragmites Removal on Species of Greatest Conservation Volume I ...... 49 Need at Clear Creek WMA Volume III ...... 111 Volume III ...... 67 Volume IV ...... 106 Volume IV ...... 104 Volume V ...... 70 Volume V ...... 84 Endangered Species Recovery in Kentucky: Restoring the Freshwater Inventory, Monitoring, and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles Mussel via Population Augmentation in Kentucky Volume I ...... 50 Volume I ...... 39

Volume II ...... 52 Evaluating the Present Status of Mussel Resources in Kentucky: Volume III ...... 114 Quantitative and Qualitative Survey and Monitoring Efforts Volume IV ...... 103 Volume I ...... 51 Volume V ...... 134 Volume VI ...... 97 Fanshell, Cyprogenia stegaria augmentation in Ohio and West Virginia Volume VII ...... 52 Volume IV ...... 56

Annual Research Highlights 2015 79 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

Fish host determined for the Kentucky Creekshell, Villosa ortmanni Fishes and a new fish host found for the Cumberland Combshell, Epioblasma brevidens Alligator Gar Telemetry Project Volume IV ...... 58 Volume VI ...... 84

Five Year Quantitative Monitoring at Thomas Bend on the Green River, Alligator Gar Propagation and Restoration in Western Kentucky Kentucky Volume III ...... 54 Volume III ...... 60 Volume IV ...... 88 Volume VI ...... 83r Freshwater Mollusk Monitoring in the South Fork Kentucky River Volume VII ...... 77 System Volume VIII...... 71 Volume II ...... 49 Volume IX ...... 59 Volume IV ...... 40 Analysis of the Environmental Requirements for Etheostoma cinereum Long-term Monitoring of Mussel Populations in Kentucky: Trends in and Percina squamata in the Rockcastle River Diversity and Densities in the Licking River, KY Volume II ...... 41 Volume VI ...... 102 Volume III ...... 109 Volume IV ...... 22 Propagation and Culture of Freshwater Mussels at the Center for Volume VI ...... 14 Mollusk Conservation in Kentucky in 2012 Volume VI ...... 105 Assessment of the Lake Sturgeon Reintroduction in the Cumberland River Propagation and Culture of the Endangered Catspaw Mussel, Volume IX ...... 55 Epioblasma obliquata obliquata (Raf., 1820) Volume VIII...... 39 Assessment of Statewide Size and Creel Limits on Smallmouth Bass in Pool 6 of Green River Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Freshwater Mussel Volume VIII...... 52 Population in Sinking Creek (Rockcastle River System), Kentucky Volume IX ...... 50 Volume VIII ...... 41 Asian Carp Demographics in Kentucky Lake Research with the Endangered Fat Pocketbook, Potamilus capax Volume IX ...... 62 Volume VI ...... 101 A Survey of Fishes in Terrapin Creek, Kentucky Rockcastle River Mussel Survey Volume I ...... 56 Volume IV ...... 59 Volume III ...... 115

Successful Reintroduction of Two Endangered and Two Candidate Black Bass Tournament Results in Kentucky Mussel Species to the Big South Fork Cumberland River, Kentucky Volume III ...... 103 Volume II ...... 47 Volume IV ...... 86 Volume V ...... 110 Successful Augmentation of the Fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea, in Volume VI ...... 56 the Elkhorn Creek, Kentucky Volume VII ...... 56 Volume II ...... 48 Captive Propagation and Reintroduction of the Cumberland Darter and Kentucky Arrow Darter in Southeastern Kentucky Volume II ...... 42 Crayfish Volume III ...... 107 Volume IV ...... 91,92 The Conservation Status of Cambarus veteranus (Big Sandy Crayfish) Volume VI ...... 85,86 in Kentucky Volume VII ...... 79 Volume III ...... 63 Volume V ...... 76 Conservation Status and Habitat of the Longhead Darter in Kinniconick Creek, Lewis County Kentucky The Conservation Status of Cambarus parvoculus (Mountain Midget Volume I ...... 57 Crayfish) in KY Volume II ...... 69 Volume III ...... 64 Volume III ...... 21 Volume V ...... 76 Control and Removal of Asian Carp in the Ohio River Response of Crayfish Populations to Restored Stream Habitats in Volume IX ...... 63 Disturbed Portions of East Fork Little Sandy River basin, Lawrence & Boyd Counties, Kentucky Databasing and Geo-Referencing Fish Collection for Kentucky Volume III ...... 65 Volume I ...... 58 Volume V ...... 80

80 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 2007-2015 PROJECT REFERENCES

Description and Geography of Restricted Range Kentucky Fish Evaluation of a Seasonal Rainbow Trout Fishery in Cedar Creek Lake Endemics Volume VI ...... 46 Volume III ...... 57 Volume VII ...... 69 Volume IV ...... 90 Volume VIII...... 63

Description and Geography of Two Unique Populations of the Evaluation of a Smallmouth Bass Stocking Program at Paintsville Lake Stonecat, Noturus favus (Siluriformes: ) Volume V ...... 101 Volume VI ...... 22 Volume VI ...... 64

Distribution and Ecology of the Blackfin Sucker Thoburnia( atripinnis) Evaluation of a Supplemental White Crappie Stocking Program at Four in the Upper Barren River, Kentucky Kentucky Reservoirs Volume III ...... 55 Volume IV ...... 55 Volume IV ...... 9 Volume V ...... 109 Volume VI ...... 62 Distribution and Status of the Goldstripe Darter, Etheostoma Volume VII ...... 58 parvipinne, in Kentucky Volume IX ...... 45 Evaluation of Kentucky’s Largemouth Bass Stocking Initiative Volume I ...... 63 Distribution and Status of the Sheltowee Darter, a Species Endemic to Volume III ...... 96 the Dix River Drainage, Kentucky Volume IV ...... 79 Volume VII ...... 42 Volume V ...... 112 Volume VI ...... 54 Distribution, Habitat, and Conservation Status of Icthyofaunal Species Volume VII ...... 55 of Greatest Conservation Need Volume I ...... 59 Evaluation of Muskellunge Stockings in the Kentucky River Volume VIII...... 51 Distribution, Habitat, and Conservation Status of Rare Fishes in Volume IX ...... 52 Kentucky Volume III ...... 110 Evaluation of New Commercial and Recreational Regulations on Volume IV ...... 89 Catfish in the Ohio River Volume VI ...... 59 Volume IX ...... 53

Evaluation of a 12.0-in Minimum Size Limit on Channel Catfish in Evaluation of the Growth of Two Different Stocking Sizes of Blue Kentucky’s Small Impoundments Catfish Stocked into Three North Central Kentucky Small Volume I ...... 60 Impoundments Volume III ...... 95 Volume I ...... 64 Volume IV ...... 78 Volume III ...... 98 Volume V ...... 115 Volume IV ...... 81 Volume VI ...... 52 Volume V ...... 114 Volume VII ...... 54 Volume VI ...... 60

Evaluation of a 15-inch Minimum Size Limit and Reduced Daily Creel Evaluation of Sauger Stockings in the Kentucky, Green, Barren, and Limit on Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass in Floyds Fork Salt Rivers Volume VII ...... 39 Volume VIII...... 69 Volume IX ...... 23 Evaluation of a 15-20 Inch Protective Slot Limit and 5 Fish Creel Limit on Rainbow Trout in the Lake Cumberland Tailwater Evaluation of Stocking Original and Reciprocal Cross Hybrid Striped Volume I ...... 61 Bass in Three Kentucky Impoundments Volume III ...... 90 Volume IX ...... 46 Volume IV ...... 73 Volume VI ...... 72 Evaluation of Trophy Brown Trout Regulations and Stocking Strategies in the Lake Cumberland Tailwater Evaluation of a 36-in Minimum Length Limit on Muskellunge at Three Volume I ...... 65 Kentucky Reservoirs Volume III ...... 87 Volume IV ...... 54 Volume IV ...... 16 Volume V ...... 121 Volume VI ...... 71 Evaluation of White Bass Stocking to Enhance Existing Reservoir Volume VII ...... 65 Populations Volume VIII...... 62 Volume I ...... 66 Volume III ...... 89 Evaluation of a 40-Inch Muskellunge Minimum Length Limit at Volume IV ...... 72 Buckhorn Lake Volume V ...... 124 Volume I ...... 62 Volume VIII...... 34 Volume III ...... 93

Annual Research Highlights 2015 81 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

Exploitation Rates of Stocked Channel Catfish and Rainbow Trout in Volume IV ...... 94 Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) Lakes Volume VI ...... 82 Volume V ...... 99 Volume VII ...... 76 Volume VI ...... 68 Volume VII ...... 62 Lake Sturgeon Telemetry in the Cumberland River Volume V ...... 100 Fishes of the Dix River Drainage, with Emphasis on Distribution Volume VI ...... 81 and Status of the Endemic Sheltowee Darter (Etheostoma sp. Cf. Volume VII ...... 75 spectabile) Volume VIII...... 75 Volume VIII...... 26 Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the Upper Cumberland River Drainage in The Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINS) Program: Providing Fishing Kentucky Opportunities to Residents in Cities across the Commonwealth Volume VIII...... 66 Volume V ...... 116 Volume IX ...... 54 Volume VI ...... 66 Volume VII ...... 60 Life History and Population Characteristics of Moxostoma poecilurum, Volume VIII...... 76 the Blacktail Redhorse, in Terrrapin Creek, Graves County, Kentucky Impacts of Asian Carp Harvest Program on Sportfish in Kentucky Volume I ...... 71 Volume IX ...... 65 Volume II ...... 27

Impacts of Spawning Habitat Manipulations on Largemouth Bass Year- Monitoring and Management of Ohio River Sport Fisheries (Meldahl Class Production in Meldahl Pool, Ohio River Pool) Volume I ...... 67 Volume I ...... 72 Volume III ...... 99 Volume III ...... 100 Volume IV ...... 82 Volume IV ...... 83 Volume V ...... 128 Volume V ...... 126 Volume VI ...... 78 Investigation of the restoration of Native Walleye in the Upper Levisa Volume VII ...... 72 Fork Volume V ...... 102 Monitoring and Response to Asian Carp in the Ohio River Volume VI ...... 69 Volume IX ...... 64 Volume VII ...... 63 Monitoring Trends in Black Bass Fisheries Investigation of the Restoration of Native Walleye in the Upper Barren Volume I ...... 73 River Volume I ...... 68 Ohio River Largemouth Bass Supplemental Stocking Study (Markland Volume III ...... 92 Pool) Volume IV ...... 75 Volume I ...... 74 Volume V ...... 122 Volume III ...... 102 Volume VI ...... 78 Volume IV ...... 85 Volume VII ...... 67 Volume V ...... 127 Volume VIII...... 64 Volume VI ...... 77 Volume IX ...... 51 Volume VII ...... 71

Investigation of the Walleye Population in the Rockcastle River and Ohio River Supplemental Stocking Survey – Markland and Meldahl Evaluation of Supplemental Stocking of Native Strain Walleye Pools Volume I ...... 69 Volume IX ...... 12 Volume III ...... 88 Volume IV ...... 71 Ohio River Supplemental Stocking Survey-Markland Pool Volume V ...... 123 Volume VIII...... 67 Volume VI ...... 70 Volume VII ...... 64 Ohio River Supplemental Stocking Survey-Meldahl Pool Volume VIII...... 68 Kentucky Fishing, Attitudes and Opinions: 2015 Angler Survey Volume VIII...... 77 Palezone Shiner Status Survey and Habitat Delineation Volume I ...... 24 Kentucky Trout Fishing, Attitudes and Opinions: 2013 Trout Angler Survey Preliminary Assessment of a Newly Established Blue Catfish Volume VI ...... 47 Population in Taylorsville Lake Volume VII ...... 68 Volume I ...... 75 Volume VIII...... 78 Volume III ...... 97 Volume IV ...... 80 Lake Sturgeon Restoration in the Upper Cumberland River System ...... Volume V ...... 113 Volume I ...... 70 Volume VI ...... 58 Volume III ...... 108 Volume VII ...... 57

82 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources 2007-2015 PROJECT REFERENCES

Volume VIII...... 61 Status Survey of the Northern Madtom, Noturus stigmosus, in the Volume IX ...... 18 Lower Ohio River Volume II ...... 45 Preliminary Assessment of Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Populations in Volume III ...... 28 Small Impoundments Volume I ...... 76 Status Survey of the Redside Dace, Clinostomus elongates, in Volume III ...... 91 Kentucky Volume IV ...... 74 Volume IX ...... 47 Volume V ...... 118 Survey and Assessment of the Fish Fauna of the Clarks River National Propagation and Reintroduction of the Cumberland Darter (Etheostoma Wildlife Refuge in Marshall, McCracken, and Graves Counties, susanae) in the Upper Cumberland River Drainage Kentucky Volume VIII...... 73 Volume IX ...... 44 Volume IX ...... 58 A Survey of Fishes of Rock Creek, Kentucky, with Emphasis on the Propagation and Reintroduction of the Kentucky Arrow Darter Impact of Stocking Rainbow Trout on Native Fishes (Etheostoma sagitta spilotum) in the Upper Kentucky River Drainage Volume II ...... 43 Volume VIII...... 72 Volume III ...... 9 Volume IX ...... 57 Survey of the Fish Fauna of the Laurel River Drainage with Emphasis Relationships Between Primary Productivity and creation of a Trophy on Species of Greatest Conservation Need Largemouth Bass Fishery: Monitoring and Management of Cedar Volume IX ...... 36 Creek Lake Volume I ...... 77 Surveys for the Diamond Darter, an Endangered Species Known Volume III ...... 94 Historically from the Green River Volume IV ...... 77 Volume VII ...... 40 Volume V ...... 111 Volume VIII...... 74 Volume VI ...... 50 Volume IX ...... 28 Volume VII ...... 53 Taxonomic Resolution, Life History, and Conservation Status of the Relative Survival, Growth and Susceptibility to Angling of Two Strains Undescribed “Sawfin” Shiner and Kentucky Arrow Darter of Brown Trout in the Lake Cumberland tailwater Volume I ...... 78 Volume III ...... 104 Volume IV ...... 70 The Use of Flathead Catfish to Reduce Stunted Fish Populations in a Volume V ...... 119 Small Kentucky Impoundment Volume VI ...... 74 Volume I ...... 79 Volume VII ...... 66 Volume III ...... 86 Volume IV ...... 69 River Sport Fish Surveys – Kentucky River Volume V ...... 117 Volume III ...... 101 Volume VI ...... 67 Volume IV ...... 84 Volume VII ...... 61 Volume V ...... 125 Volume VI ...... 75 The Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINS) Program: Providing Fishing Opportunities to Residents in Cities Across the Commonwealth River Sport Fish Surveys- Ohio River Volume IX ...... 56 Volume V ...... 126 Volume VI ...... 76 Urban Fishing Program in Kentucky Volume VII ...... 70 Volume I ...... 80 Volume VIII...... 65 Volume III ...... 85 Volume IV ...... 68 Sauger Stocking Evaluation in the Kentucky, Green, Barren, and Salt Volume V ...... 116 Rivers Volume VI ...... 80 Use of Catfish to Reduce Fish Populations in a Small Kentucky Volume VII ...... 74 Improvement Volume VIII...... 22 Status Assessment of Eight Fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Red River, Lower Cumberland River Drainage, Kentucky Using GIS-based Technology for Aquatic Conservation in the Upper Volume VII ...... 80 Green River Drainage, Kentucky Volume IX ...... 60 Volume I ...... 81

Status, Life History, and Phylogenetics of the Amblyopsid Cavefishes Using Telemetry to Monitor the Movements and Distribution of Asian in Kentucky Carp in the Ohio River Volume II ...... 44 Volume IX ...... 61 Volume III ...... 105 Volume IV ...... 87 Volume V ...... 9

Annual Research Highlights 2015 83 PROJECT REFERENCES 2007-2015

Warm Water Stream Sport Fish Surveys Maximizing Wildlife Habitat and Cattle Production on T.N. Sullivan Volume VI ...... 79 Wildlife Management Area Volume VII ...... 73 Volume I ...... 86 Volume VIII...... 70 Volume IX ...... 49 Mill Branch Stream Restoration Project, Knox County, Kentucky Volume I ...... 87 West Creek Fish Barrier Removal – Harrison County, Kentucky Volume III ...... 56 Minimizing Cost and Maximizing Native Shrub Establishment using Tree Shelters on Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Volume VII ...... 44

Native Warm Season Grass Suppression Treatments in Harrison County Habitat Restoration / Management Volume I ...... 88

An Investigation of Herbicide Treatments to Eradicate Autumn Olive Natural Grassland Survey of the Original Barrens-Prairie Region of on Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management Area Kentucky Volume I ...... 52 Volume II ...... 67 Volume IV ...... 107 Bottomland Hardwood and Riparian Restoration in Obion Creek/ Volume V ...... 92 Bayou de Chien Watersheds Volume II ...... 64 Quail Unlimited Warm Season Grass Test Plot Project on Kentucky Volume III ...... 115 River Wildlife Management Area Volume I ...... 89 Direct Seeding of Shrubs/Brambles on Reclaimed Mine Ground on Peabody Wildlife Management Area Restoration of Bur Oak on the Clay Wildlife Management Area by Volume I ...... 82 Means of Direct Seeding Volume II ...... 78 Volume II ...... 65

Ecological Factors Influencing Native Hardwood Seedling Sericea Lespedeza Control on Peabody Wildlife Management Area Establishment in the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Blue Ash-Oak Volume I ...... 53 Savanna-Woodland Volume VII ...... 45 Shorebird Management Unit Creation and Invasive Willow Control Volume I ...... 90 Effects of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program on Bird Populations at Local and Landscape Scales in Kentucky Use of Rodeo Herbicide to Control Phragmites australis on Peabody Volume VIII...... 54 Wildlife Management Area Wild Turkey / Dave Baker Volume I ...... 54 Evaluation of Warm Season Grass Thinning Treatments on Green River Wildlife Management Area: Spring Disking, Glyphosate, and Select Use of Temporary Electric Fencing to Eliminate Deer damage to Herbicides Sunflower Plantings on the Blue Grass Army Depot Volume I ...... 83 Volume I ...... 91

Grassland Management and Restoration in Kentucky Using Forest Stand Improvement Techniques to Enhance Oak Volume I ...... 84 Regeneration and Mast Yields on Yatesville Wildlife Management Area Impacts of Herbicide Application Following a Late Summer Burn, Volume VII ...... 43 KDFWR Headquarters Volume I ...... 85 Using Varying Frequencies of Prescribed Fire in Combination With Volume II ...... 77 Herbicide Applications to control Sericea Lespedeza on Peabody Wildlife Management Area The Impacts of Imazapic on Garlic Mustard and Non-Target Forest Volume I ...... 55 Floor Vegetation in Central Kentucky’s Hardwood Forest Volume VII ...... 45

Implementation of Habitat Restoration and Improvement Practices on Kentucky Wildlife Management Areas in the Bluegrass Region Volume III ...... 83

Incorporating Disturbance Ecology into Native Hardwood Tree Seedling Restorations Of the Kentucky Inner Bluegrass Savanna- Woodland Volume IX ...... 72

Managing Rank Native Warm Season Grass Stands in Kentucky Volume V ...... 107

84 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources KDFWR Contacts

ore information regarding David Baker [email protected] the project summaries within M Dane Balsman [email protected] this publication can be obtained by contacting the KDFWR authors or Derek Beard [email protected] contacts listed below. Will Bowling [email protected] Stephanie Brandt [email protected] General questions can be directed to: Dan Crank [email protected] The Kentucky Department of Dave Dreves [email protected] Fish and Wildlife Resources Brian Gray [email protected] # 1 Sportsman’s Lane John Hast [email protected] Frankfort, KY 40601 Jason Herrala [email protected] 1-800-858-1549 Gabriel Jenkins [email protected] [email protected] Ryan Kausing [email protected] Nick Keeton [email protected] Joe McDermott [email protected] Jason McDowell [email protected] John Morgan [email protected] Laura Palmer [email protected] Ben Robinson [email protected] Jason Russell [email protected] Kyle Sams [email protected] Kate Slankard [email protected] Gary Sprandel [email protected] Matthew Thomas [email protected] Bobby Widener [email protected] Wild Turkey / Dave Baker