Black Warrior Waterdog (Necturus Alabamensis)

FINAL REPORT

Habitat Assessment of Known Occurrences Black Warrior Waterdog (Necturus alabamensis)

Sipsey Fork below AL Hwy 33 bridge (Winston County) and at Lewis Smith Dam (Walker/Cullman counties) Photos by M. Bailey

Order No. 1448-43910-99-M515

March 2000

Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

by Mark A. Bailey, Conservation Services Southeast

2040 Old Federal Road Shorter, AL 36075

(334) 727-2040 fax (334) 727-1005

Contents

Introduction...... 1 Background ...... 1 Historic Sites...... 3

Objectives ...... 5

Methods...... 5 Investigators...... 5 Determination of Site Condition and Status...... 6

Site Assessments...... 7

Summary and Conclusion ...... 19 Threats...... 19 Water Quality...... 19 Impoundments...... 21 Introduced Species...... 21 Local Extirpation and Habitat Fragmentation...... 21

References Cited...... 22

Appendix A. Quad Maps ...... inside binder pockets

Appendix B. Photographic Slides ...... vinyl slide storage pages

Introduction

This report summarizes activities associated with field investigations of current and historic localities for the Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) in Alabama. In June 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Jackson, MS Endangered Species Field Office contracted with Conservation Services Southeast (CSS) to conduct this work.

Background The Black Warrior waterdog is a large, gilled, aquatic salamander with a maximum recorded length of 248 mm (Bart et al., 1997). Larvae (28-48 mm total length) are dorsally dark brown or black with two light dorsolateral stripes beginning at the nostril, extending posteriorly through the eye, and terminating on the dorsal fin of the tail. Other Gulf drainage Necturus are not known to have striped larvae (Guttman et al., 1990). Subadults (40-100 mm total length) are not conspicuously marked, with little if any spotting, but a dark stripe extends from the nostril through the eye and to the gills. Adults are usually brown, may be spotted or unspotted, and retain the dark eye stripe. The largest specimen, a female from Mulberry Fork, was melanistic, with no trace of spotting or brown pigment. The ventral surface of all age classes is plain white. The striped pattern exhibited by the larvae closely resembles that of N. maculosus larvae (Hecht, 1958; Brode, 1969).

The Black Warrior waterdog's presumed range (Figure 1) lies entirely within the upper Black Warrior River system. Counties of potential occurrence are Blount, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marshall, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston. Where conditions are favorable, the Black Warrior waterdog probably inhabits larger streams (10 m wide or greater) throughout the upper Black Warrior River system. Many smaller tributaries in the region go dry in late summer due to little or no recharge from the surrounding Pottsville sandstone and shale. Originally described from the Black Warrior River at Tuscaloosa (Viosca 1937), the species has been recently reported from ten streams or major segments: the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River and Brushy Creek (a tributary to the Sipsey Fork) in Winston County, Locust Fork and the Blackburn Fork of the Little Warrior River in Blount County, Mulberry Fork, Lost Creek, and Blackwater Creek in Walker County, and Yellow Creek and North River in Tuscaloosa County (Viosca, 1937, Ashton and Peavey, 1985; Bailey, 1992; Bailey, 1995; Bart et al. ,1997; Guyer, 1997).

The Black Warrior waterdog may have similar hydrologic requirements to those of N. lewisi in North Carolina, which predominantly occurs in streams greater than 15 m wide and deeper than 100 cm, and is not found in streams where water flow ceases under normal summer dry weather conditions (Braswell and Ashton, 1985).

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Figure 1. Known Occurrences of the Black Warrior Waterdog.

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The Black Warrior waterdog can be expected to potentially inhabit the same streams as the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus), which is also restricted to permanent streams above the Fall Line in the Black Warrior River system (Mount, 1975). The historic range of these two species may have been virtually identical, and both may now be absent from large portions of formerly occupied habitat. Due largely to habitat degradation, the flattened musk turtle may currently maintain viable populations in only 142 of 947 stream miles in the upper Black Warrior system, a mere 15 percent of the formerly suitable habitat (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1990).

Basic life history information is virtually nonexistent for this species. Waterdogs are rarely encountered in the summer months, and appear to be more active after water temperatures drop and leaf beds begin to accumulate in late fall. Neill (1963), commenting on seasonal activity patterns of other Necturus species, noted that waterdogs are most often active on cold stormy nights or after heavy rains have swollen streams to near flooding, conditions under which predatory fishes are least likely to be actively foraging. Black Warrior waterdog larvae and adults have been collected from submerged leaf beds and adults have been electroshocked from beneath submerged ledges and flat rocks. Leaf beds are often rich in invertebrate life, and are probably used as both shelter and foraging habitat. Age at sexual maturity is unknown. Post-hatchling larvae have been collected in November and December, suggesting late spring or early summer nesting (Ashton and Peavy, 1986).

Historic Sites According to a summary of five sources (Ashton, in litt.; Ashton and Peavey, 1985; Bailey, 1992; Bailey, 1995; and Guyer, 1997) provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 13, 1999, and two additional sources (Viosca, 1937; Bart et al., 1997), Necturus alabamensis has been collected from the following sites:

BLOUNT COUNTY -- 2 (3?) sites

1. Locust Fork (several unspecified localities, dates probably 1984-85).

2. Blackburn Fork (=Blackburn "Branch") / Little Warrior River. At least two localities, some of which could not be relocated with certainty. • "North of Locust Fork." Two specimens, 1 January 1985; one specimen, 23 February 1985; four specimens, 16 March 1985. (Ambiguous locality data; could be any of 3 or 4 sites.) • Blackburn Fork at Co. Rd. 15 (T13S R1W Sec 13). Adults and larvae collected by Ashton (1989? See also 1984 and 1985 Ashton records below which are probably referable to this site). Not found by Bailey in 1991 and 1995, specimen(s) collected by Guyer in 1997. A. Little Warrior River 0.5 mi WSW of AL Hwy 79 Bridge. One specimen, 28 March 1985. R. Ashton. (Note: the Little Warrior is not to be found WSW of the bridge, and this is may be a transcription error. If "WSW" is replaced with "ESE," then it is the Co. Rd. 15 site.) B. Blackburn Branch [sic] 1 mi ESE AL Hwy 79. Six specimens, 9 December 1984. R. Ashton. (Note: this and the previous record are likely synonymous with the Co. Rd. 15 site).

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TUSCALOOSA COUNTY -- 3 sites

1. Black Warrior River "near Tuscaloosa." 22 January 1914. Collector unknown, reported by Viosca (1937). Holotype, USNM 102676. Viosca reports a second specimen from the same locality.

2. Yellow Creek, T20S R9W Sec. 2. 12 December 1991. M. Bailey. One striped subadult collected from a large leaf bed after about 30 minutes of sampling effort.

3. North River at Co. Rd. 83 (above Lake Tuscaloosa). 11 December 1991. M. Bailey. Two Necturus larvae, one striped (N. alabamensis form) and one unstriped (N. c.f beyeri form) collected from a small leaf bed after 30 minutes sampling effort.

WALKER COUNTY -- 4 sites

1. Lost Creek at Confluence with Guthrie Creek. 11 December 1991. M. Bailey. One adult collected from leaf beds at mouth of Guthrie Creek.

2. Mouth of Blackwater Creek at Mulberry Fork/Mouth of Little Blackwater Creek at Blackwater Creek (sites are ca. 1000 ft apart and herein considered as one). 1997. Specimen(s) reported by Guyer from mouth of Little Blackwater Creek. Bailey (1995) reports anecdotal evidence of several waterdogs being caught here by fishermen in 1994.

3. Mulberry Fork at Sipsey Fork, "Fork of Rivers" boat landing at Dilworth. 25 January 1995. L. Harp caught specimen on baited hook, gave to M. Bailey (a result of "wanted" posters distributed to bait shops in region).

4. Mulberry Fork "at Cordova." Late winter and spring, 1938. A large series (135 specimens) in the Tulane collection. Exact location and capture technique unknown. Source: Bart et al. 1997.

WINSTON COUNTY -- 3 sites (but the 2 Sipsey Fork sites should be treated as one)

1. Sipsey Fork at AL Hwy 33 bridge. Multiple records dating from the late 1960s (Brode, 1969); this is still the "best" locality for reliably collecting Black Warrior waterdogs. Collected successfully by Ashton, Bailey, Guyer, and others, and is the current site of a N. alabamensis study by Auburn graduate student Michelle Durflinger. Note: owned by Champion International, not U.S. Forest Service, as indicated in USFWS notes.

2. Sipsey Fork at old "low water bridge" site, upstream from Hwy 33 bridge. Within the Bankhead National Forest. Subadults and larvae found here by Bailey in April and November 1994. Note: Due to close proximity (<1 mile) to the Hwy 33 site, this should probably be treated as the same site.

4 3. Brushy Creek above confluence with Capsey Creek, T9S, R7W, Sec. 23. Bankhead National Forest. Multiple collections have been made here since 1997 by Guyer and students.

Objectives According to the Scope of Work, each historic N. alabamensis locality was to be visited, habitat conditions assessed, and a report provided, including: 1) List of all historical records including latitude/longitude or township, range, and section. 2) 7.5-minute USGS quad maps with all historical records plotted (Appendix A). 3) Explanations for each record that could not be re-located. 4) Date each locality was visited. 5) Description of the habitat suitability for each locality, using a defined protocol, such as 1=excellent, 2=good, 3=moderate, 4=poor, 5=none (habitat destroyed). 6) Specific information on why habitat conditions have declined at any degraded sites. 7) Current and foreseeable threats to the continued existence of the species and its habitat. 8) Photographic slides to document habitat conditions at selected sites including slides to indicate each standard of habitat quality (Appendix B).

Methods

Investigators Mark A. Bailey and Karan A. Bailey of Conservation Services Southeast conducted the site visits. Mark Bailey has previously conducted range-wide surveys for N. alabamensis and has previously visited most of the sites (Bailey, 1991, 1995). Karan Bailey has had extensive experience in the watershed through her research on the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus), and she has assisted on other N. alabamensis surveys.

5 Determination of Site Condition and Status Assessments were based on subjective impressions of habitat suitability that could be gleaned from a brief visit, based on previous experience with the species. Parameters such as stream width and depth, apparent water quality, substrate, structure (crevices, logs, etc.), and invertebrate fauna were all considered, but the 5-tiered ranking categories suggested by the Scope of Work (see above) imply a level of precision that cannot be reasonably attained by such a subjective assessment. The fifth suggested category, for destroyed sites, does not apply to aquatic habitats that could potentially still be occupied (and impoundments may be occupied). Because more work is needed to determine the suitability of impounded sites for N. alabamensis, I placed all impounded sites into a separate category, " Impounded; Undetermined." Although habitat requirements are poorly understood, the following categories and criteria seem best suited to assessing N. alabamensis habitat:

Category General Criteria * Stream 10 m wide or greater, abundant mollusks, fish, and aquatic 1. Good to Excellent insects, substrate without heavy sediment and with abundant rock slabs or crevices, relatively intact watershed. Stream 10 m wide or greater, mollusks, fish, and aquatic insects 2. Moderate present, if not abundant, substrate moderately to heavily sedimented, rock slabs or crevices present, disturbed watershed. Stream less than 10 m wide, mollusks, fish, and aquatic insects may 3. Poor to Unsuitable be scarce, substrate sedimented, rock slabs or crevices scarce to absent, disturbed watershed. 4. Impounded; Undetermined Deep impoundments that cannot be easily sampled.

Stream character sometimes changes dramatically over a relatively short distance, so each assessment represents the site only, not the entire stream. No attempt was made to collect Necturus, since it can usually only be found during cooler months (Neill 1963).

6 Site Assessments

Site 1: Walker County, Lost Creek at confluence with Guthrie Creek.

Status: Poor to Unsuitable

Figure 2. Lost Creek at Guthrie Creek

Date: 11 July, 1999. Time: 10:45 - 11:15. Observer(s): M. Bailey, K.Bailey. Location: T15S R8W Sec 13, SW3 of NE3. PARRISH quadrangle. Stream width: 20-30 ft. Turbidity: Muddy. pH: 8.0. Water temp: 27° C. Substrate: Heavily sedimented. No exposed rock, but some woody debris. Other species: No mollusks seen; Notropis present.

Comments: Only one waterdog, an old adult, has ever been taken from this site, and conditions have NOT improved since my first visit here in 1991. The stream is heavily sedimented, and raw sewage is present. We trapped for flattened musk turtles about 2 miles upstream for several days following this visit, and caught none. This stream appears to have a depauperate fauna at this point. A large amount of earth had recently been bulldozed out into the creek below the county road bridge (Fig. 3). Figure 3. Bulldozed Banks, Lost Creek

7 Site 1 Continued

Guthrie Creek (Fig. 4), a much smaller tributary to Lost Creek, was also investigated a short distance. The 1991 specimen was taken from a leaf pack in the mouth of Guthrie Creek (Fig. 5), but the stream itself is probably too small to support Necturus. It had virtually no flow at the time of our visit, and was little more than a series of small shallow pools.

Figure 4. Guthrie Creek at Lost Creek Figure 5. Same location, 11 December, (background), 11 July, 1999. 1991. Necturus collection site at mouth.

8 Site 2: Walker County, Blackwater Creek at confluence with Mulberry Fork, including mouth of Little Blackwater Creek.

Status: Impoundment; Undetermined

Figure 5. Blackwater Creek at Mulberry Creek.

Date: 13 July, 1999. Time: 15:30 - 15:50. Observer(s): M. Bailey, K.Bailey. Location: T14S R6W Sec 23, NE3 of NW3. CORDOVA quadrangle. Stream width: 40-50 ft. Turbidity: Moderate. pH: 7.9. Water temp: 27° C. Substrate: Some exposed rock along banks, but likely heavily sedimented on bottom (too deep to determine). Logs and other woody debris present. Invertebrates: No mollusks seen.

Comments: In 1995 I showed an older local fisherman a Necturus and he recognized it as a waterdog. He said he sometimes catches them, but only in winter and after rains muddy up the creeks. He had not caught any so far that season, but he said he caught "about five" the year before at the mouth of Blackwater Creek at Mulberry. He added that he cut their heads off. Guyer reported a Necturus from Little Blackwater Creek at Blackwater Creek (Fig. 6) in 1997. Because the mouth of Blackwater Creek at Mulberry Fork and the mouth of Little Blackwater Creek at Blackwater Creek are barely 1,000 feet apart, I am treating both as the same site. Although the water level here is deepened by the impounded Mulberry Fork, Blackwater Creek is free-flowing only a mile or so above this point, and it supports a good population of Sternotherus depressus. It is likely that Necturus occurs in the upper reaches of Blackwater Creek, and if the species is not in this lower portion year-round, individuals may exploit the seasonal leaf packs deposited here.

Figure 6. Little Blackwater Creek at Blackwater Creek

9 Site 3: Walker County, Mulberry Fork at confluence with Sipsey Fork.

Status: Impoundment; Undetermined

Figure 7. Mulberry Fork at Sipsey Fork

Date: 13 July, 1999. Time: 16:15 - 16:30. Observer(s): M. Bailey, K.Bailey. Location: T14S R5W Sec 22, NW3 of NW3. SIPSEY quadrangle. Stream width: 75 ft. Turbidity: Muddy. pH: 7.6. Water temp: 26° C. Substrate: Heavily sedimented. Difficult to assess due to depth (reportedly 18-20 ft). Other species: Not sampled due to depth.

Comments: This sluggish, muddy, impounded site is perhaps the least likely-looking of them all, but a local woman caught a large adult Necturus (which I examined) while fishing here on January 25, 1995. She told me it did not appear to be hooked, and it released its grip on the live nightcrawler after she lifted it over the bank. A longtime resident of the area told me that people used to catch waterdogs "all the time" here in the 1950s, before Smith Dam was completed several miles upstream, and he believed the cold water from the lake has hurt them. Another fisherman in his 70s told me that he had caught a waterdog in the Mulberry Fork the year before, and once caught them regularly, but he believed they were getting to be scarce.

On the July 12 1999 visit, we spoke with several locals playing dominoes at the boat ramp. One remembered the 1995 waterdog capture, but none knew of any waterdogs captured since then. It is difficult to determine whether conditions have improved or deteriorated since 1995. Stone riprap has been dumped along the banks, but that probably has little effect on Necturus. Deep water habitats such as this may occasionally produce adult fish-eating Necturus, but reproductive success is unknown. I speculate that animals found in such places may have originated from free-flowing streams that support a greater abundance of invertebrates.

10 Site 4: Winston County, Sipsey Fork at AL Hwy 33 Bridge.

Status: Good to Excellent

Figure 8. Sipsey Fork below AL Hwy 33 Bridge

Date: 28 July, 1999. Time: 10:00-10:30. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T9S R8W Sec 34, NE3 of SW3. HOUSTON quadrangle. Stream width: 60 ft. Turbidity: Clear. pH: 7.9. Water temp: 26° C. Substrate: Mostly bedrock with sand. Rock slabs and crevices abundant. Other species: Elimia snails, Corbicula mussels, darters, larval mayflies, stoneflies, dobsonflies.

Comments: This is the best site known for Necturus alabamensis, and it appears to have remained in the same good condition it was in when I first collected Necturus here in 1991. This is Champion International property, not Forest Service land, and a public canoe access has been added in recent years. The new concrete foot trail to the water probably has not had an adverse impact on waterdogs, but it may have increased the incidence of Sternotherus depressus collecting.

Because of the close proximity of this and site 5, they should probably be considered as one.

11 Site 5: Winston County, Sipsey Fork at old "low water bridge" site above Hwy 33.

Status: Good to Excellent

Figure 9. Sipsey Fork above old "low water bridge" site

Date: 28 July, 1999. Time: 10:30-11:20. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T9S R8W Sec 33, NE 3. HOUSTON quadrangle. Stream width: 50-60 ft. Turbidity: Clear. pH: 7.9. Water temp: 26° C. Substrate: Mixed bedrock with more sand than downstream at Hwy 33 (site 4). Rock slabs and crevices abundant. Other species: Elimia snails, Corbicula mussels, darters, larval mayflies, stoneflies, dobsonflies.

Comments: This is the site of an old concrete bridge that was removed (dynamited) by the Forest Service in the early 1990s, and little evidence of it remains. The site is heavily used by locals (apparently more than the Hwy 33 site), probably due to the attractive sandy "beach" banks. I found a 3-foot-high stone dam that had been built to create a swimming area (Fig. 10). It had raised the water level at least 18 inches. The dam may have raised water temperature and reduced dissolved oxygen, but this would be a highly localized impact. Upstream, I found a 20- hook trotline that had been left unattended. Overall, conditions have remained stable here.

Because of the close proximity of this and site 4, Figure 10. Low stone dam built to create they should probably be considered as one. swimming area

12 Site 6: Winston County, Brushy Creek above confluence with Capsey Creek.

Status: Good to Excellent

Figure 11. Brushy Creek upstream from Capsey Creek

Date: 28 July, 1999. Time: 12:20-13:15. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T9S R7W Sec 23, NW3. UPSHAW quadrangle. Stream width: 30 ft. Turbidity: Clear. pH: 8.3. Water temp: 27° C. Substrate: Mixed bedrock with sand. Rock slabs and crevices abundant. Other species: Sternotherus depressus, Elimia snails, Corbicula mussels, native mussels, darters, larval mayflies, stoneflies, dobsonflies.

Comments: Waterdogs were first reported from here by Guyer (1997). Brushy Creek has shown no obvious sign of degradation in several years. Although it is much smaller than Sipsey Fork at sites 4 and 5, it is a healthy and biologically diverse stream, and it may support a good Necturus population. While here, I observed a Sternotherus depressus crawling across the bottom of a pool.

13 Site 7: Tuscaloosa County, North River at Samantha (County Rd 83).

Status: Moderate (?)

Figure 12. North River, view to south from Co. Rd. 83

Date: 1 September, 1999. Time: 12:00-13:00. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T18S R10W Sec 17, SE3 of SE3. LAKE TUSCALOOSA NORTH quadrangle. Stream width: 40-50 ft. Turbidity: Clear. Substrate: Mostly bedrock and rock, with moderate sedimentation. Other species: Elimia snails, Corbicula mussels, native mussels (1 shell seen), darters, larval mayflies, dobsonflies.

Comments: Only one N. alabamensis, a striped larva, has been taken here (Bailey 1992), and sampling has not been very thorough. This could well be excellent habitat, but North River drains strip-mined areas, and until more surveys are conducted, I will consider this to be only moderately suitable. However, it is a beautiful stream with abundant rocky slab and crevice habitat. Elimia snails were particularly abundant. I estimated 30-40 per square foot on many rocks. Water level was unusually low, about 8 inches deep on average. It looks at least as good as when I first saw it in 1991, but it is difficult to compare summer and winter visits.

14 Site 8: Tuscaloosa County, Yellow Creek.

Status: Poor to Unsuitable

Figure 13. Yellow Creek 1991 Necturus collection site

Date: 1 September, 1999. Time: 13:45-14:10. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T20S R9W Sec 2, NW3 of NW3. LAKE NICOL quadrangle. Stream width: 12-15 ft. Turbidity: Clear (but seems tannin-stained). Substrate: Heavily sedimented, some sand and gravel. No exposed rock, but some woody debris. Other species: No mollusks seen.

Comments: I did not investigate the spot about 50 meters downstream where I found a striped larva in 1991 because the landowner was not present. Mr. Cecil Dunn has a small house beside the stream at this point. I spoke with a neighbor, Kenneth Williams, who told me the next house upstream is straight-piping sewage into the stream. This is a small, degraded stream, and although it looks superficially as it did in 1991, I believe it is suffering from development in the area.

15 Site 9: Blount County, Locust Fork at County Rd. 13.

Status: Moderate

Figure 14. Locust Fork shoals below Co. Rd. 13

Date: 20 September, 1999. Time: 11:10-12:30. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T12S R1W Sec 32, SE3 of SW3. NECTAR quadrangle. Stream width: 100 ft. Turbidity: Moderate (<1 meter). pH: 9.3. Water temp: 25° C. Substrate: Much exposed bedrock, sedimentation moderate. Other species: Graptemys geographica, Corbicula, one live native mussel. Inverts common.

Comments: Ray Ashton (pers. comm.) confirmed that this is one of his Necturus collection sites from the mid-1980s (Ashton and Peavey 1985). I sampled here in 1995, but found few leaf packs for dipnetting. Habitat looks very good, but a large golf course/planned community is being built within sight of the bridge, just upstream. This area is close enough to Birmingham that continued development can be expected. No rain had fallen for several days, yet visibility was less than 1 meter. Water quality appears to be suffering. If water quality is not too limiting, this may be excellent Necturus habitat. It also looks very good for Sternotherus, although none was seen.

16 Site 10: Blount County, Blackburn Fork at Hendrick Mill.

Status: Moderate

Figure 15. Blackburn Fork at Hendrick Mill

Date: 22 September, 1999. Time: 12:15-13:15. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T13S R1E Sec 30, NE3 of NW3. CLEVELAND quadrangle. Stream width: 40-50ft. Turbidity: Clear. pH: 8.8. Water temp: 26° C. Substrate: Mostly coarse sand, gravel, and small rock. Other species: Elimia snails common, Corbicula uncommon.

Comments: I have not confirmed that this is one of Ashton's 1984-85 sites, but it is just off Co. Rd. 15 (an unnumbered road crosses the stream), and it is likely it was sampled. I have tried on several occasions and was unable to collect Necturus here, although I believe it to be present, at least in the vicinity. The stream is pretty, but the absence of medium-sized rocks is puzzling. This site is easily accessed, and I suspect this stretch of stream has been "mined" of rock for fireplaces, stone walls, etc. Much deeper pools (and more rock) are present about a quarter mile downstream, and I would expect Necturus to be more common there. This is a known Sternotherus depressus site.

Blackburn Fork is impounded upstream to form Inland Lake, a drinking water source for Birmingham. Water quality has therefore been fairly good in the past, but I have the impression that conditions are deteriorating in this stream due to development in the watershed as the region changes from rural agricultural to residential. A large planned development, "Limestone Springs," is being built directly across County Rd. 15 from this site.

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Site 11: Blount County, Blackburn Fork above Locust Fork at Co. Rd. 15.

Status: Moderate

Figure 16. Blackburn Fork below Co. Rd. 15

Date: 22 September, 1999. Time: 13:30-13:40. Observer: M. Bailey. Location: T13S R1W Sec 13, NW3. CLEVELAND quadrangle. Stream width: 30 ft. Turbidity: Clear. pH: 8.8. Water temp: 26° C. Substrate: Mostly coarse sand, gravel, and small rock. Other species: No mollusks seen.

Comments: I stopped here only briefly, as a new gate on a side road made no safe parking available. This stream is far more sedimented than it is upstream at Hendrick Mill (site 10). The forest upstream has recently been cleared, and cows are in the creek. It is definitely in worse shape than it was when I last visited. In the shallow water beneath the bridge were several large rotting fish that had been dumped. I am calling it "moderate," but it's borderline "poor".

This area (including site 10) is undergoing a rash of development. Big homes and at least one golf course are coming into what was formerly forest and farm land.

18 Summary and Conclusion

Of the eleven sites visited, I considered three to be good to excellent. All of these are Winston County streams draining the Bankhead National Forest. There was no noticeable improvement at any of the sites, but some have become degraded in recent years. Streams that I considered to be in worse shape than when I previously visited include Blackburn Fork (Blount County), Lost Creek (Walker County), and Yellow Creek (Tuscaloosa County). The table below summarizes the categories I assigned to each site.

Category Site 4 Sipsey Fork at AL Hwy 33, Winston Co. 1. Good to Excellent 5 Sipsey Fork at old low water bridge, Winston Co. 6 Brushy Creek above Capsey Creek, Winston Co. 7 North River at Samantha, Tuscaloosa Co. 9 Locust Fork at Co. Rd. 13, Blount Co. 2. Moderate 10 Blackburn Fork at Hendrick Mill, Blount Co. 11 Blackburn Fork at Co. Rd. 15, Blount Co. 1 Lost Creek at Guthrie Creek, Walker Co. 3. Poor to Unsuitable 8 Yellow Creek, Tuscaloosa Co. 2 Blackwater Creek at Mulberry Fork, Walker Co. 4. Impounded; Undetermined 3 Mulberry Fork at Sipsey Fork, Walker Co.

Threats Much of the range of the Black Warrior waterdog is underlain by the Warrior Coal Field, and mining as well as silviculture are major land use activities that may alter water chemistry and increase sedimentation (Knight and Newton, 1977; Harkins et al., 1980; Dyer, 1982; Tolson, 1985). In recent years, I have observed a marked increase in suburban sprawl from Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, and Cullman, which no doubt is affecting much of the watershed. These factors make this an area of conservation concern because of potential impacts these activities can exert on its unique fauna. I summarized specific threats to the Black Warrior waterdog previously (Bailey, 1995), and I present them, with revision, here.

Water Quality The Black Warrior waterdog is dependent for survival on the quality of the chemical and physical environment of the streams of the upper Black Warrior River system, and habitat degradation may have resulted in its reduction or extirpation over much of its historic range. With the large population centers of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Jasper, the watershed contains more industrial and residential land area than any other river basin in the state. Sources of point and nonpoint pollution are numerous and widespread, and the chemical

19 quality of surface waters within the Black Warrior River system has had a significant effect on the distribution of certain fishes, resulting in local extirpations of some species (Mettee et al. 1989). According to a water quality management plan developed by the Alabama Water Improvement Commission in 1976, waters of the Black Warrior River system, particularly those in the Jefferson County area, constituted Alabama's most severe water pollution problem. Surface mines, agricultural feed lots, sewage treatment plants, and other sources of pollution are numerous.

Although surface mining has declined in recent years, it probably represents the greatest threat to the biological integrity of streams of the Black Warrior River system, and has almost certainly affected the distribution of the Black Warrior waterdog. Strip mining for coal results in many hydrologic problems that affect aquatic organisms. Erosion and sedimentation, decline in groundwater levels, and general degradation of water quality are all consequences of surface mining activity. Average annual sediment yields can increase dramatically in surface mined areas; compare 20 tons per square mile from areas unaffected by mining to 300,000 tons per square mile from mined areas (Harkins et al. 1980). Mining activities typically consist of removal of vegetation, excavation, and creation of large volumes of unconsolidated spoil, providing opportunities for erosion and increased sediment yield. Runoff from coal surface mining represents a major source of stream pollution throughout the upper Black Warrior basin, with the resulting acidification, increased mineralization, and sediment loading having a significant effect on fish communities (Mettee et al. 1989). The future of aquatic communities in the watershed is far from bright. According to Alabama Geological Survey information quoted by Mount (1981), the total area disturbed by mining in the seven major counties in the upper Black Warrior River system in 1975 was 117 square miles. The projected area of disturbance by the year 2020 is 288 square miles, with an estimated 158 square miles to be disturbed after 1990, representing a 150 percent increase over the level of disturbance in 1975.

Dodd, et al. (1988), after an intensive study, concluded that sedimentation in the upper Black Warrior River system appears to have seriously affected the flattened musk turtle by: (1) reduction of mollusks and other invertebrates used as food; (2) physical alteration of rocky habitats where the animals forage and take cover, and (3) developing a substrate in which chemicals toxic to the animals and their food sources may accumulate and persist. Black Warrior waterdogs spend virtually all of their lives at the stream bottom and are therefore in almost constant contact with any toxic sediments that may be present.

Streams draining the Birmingham/Jefferson County area, particularly Village, Valley, and Five Mile creeks, have historically had serious water quality problems. Mettee et al. (1989) noted the conspicuous absence of at least nine fish species, otherwise abundant and easily collected in the lower Sipsey, Mulberry, and Locust Forks, from streams draining the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Most of the streams I sampled in 1991 and 1995 showed evidence of degradation, often from agricultural and/or mining runoff, and many appeared biologically depauperate. The apparent scarcity or absence of the Black Warrior waterdog at a number of sites that were

20 thoroughly sampled may reflect actual rarity or absence over much of the presumed historic range.

Impoundments Large impoundments within the range of the Black Warrior waterdog include Lake Lewis Smith (21,200 acres), Lake Tuscaloosa (5,885 acres), and Inland Lake (1,540 acres). Another impoundment, the Tom Bevill Reservoir, is under construction on the North River in Fayette County. In addition, there are plans to impound the Duck River, a tributary to Mulberry Fork, in Cullman County. The status and/or occurrence of waterdogs in impoundments has not been fully assessed. Due to the relative abundance of predatory fish in managed lakes, large reservoirs are likely marginal or unsuitable habitat for the Black Warrior waterdog.

Introduced Species Presence and abundance of waterdogs in portions of the range may have been influenced to some extent in recent years by non-native fish stocking efforts of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Since the early 1970's, white bass/striped bass hybrids (Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis) and Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) have been stocked below most locks and dams and in Lake Tuscaloosa. Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) were stocked in Lake Tuscaloosa from 1975 through 1985 (Mettee et al. 1989).

Local Extirpation and Habitat Fragmentation Because populations occurring in low densities may be missed by seemingly thorough sampling, local extirpations will likely escape detection for years, possibly decades. Fragmentation of populations throughout the Warrior basin is likely, and may parallel fragmentation patterns of the flattened musk turtle (Dodd 1990).

To better address fragmentation concerns, future survey efforts should probably be focused on the main channels of the Sipsey, Mulberry, and Locust forks and their major tributaries. The 1995 discovery of the species in the reservoir-influenced Mulberry Fork raises the possibility that it may exist elsewhere in the impoundments of the Black Warrior Basin. Lewis Smith Lake, Bankhead Lake, Holt Lake, Inland Lake, and Lake Tuscaloosa should be further investigated, especially at the mouths of larger tributaries.

21 References Cited

Ashton, R.E., Jr., and J. Peavy. 1985. Tenn-Tom Waterway Necturus project. Unpublished report submitted to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. 15 pp.

Bailey, M.A. 1992. Black Warrior waterdog status survey. Unpublished Alabama Natural Heritage Program report submitted to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. 27 pp.

Bailey, M.A. 1995. Performance report, Black Warrior waterdog survey 1994-95. Unpublished Alabama Natural Heritage Program report submitted to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. 27 pp.

Bart, H.L., Jr., M.A. Bailey, R.E. Ashton, Jr., and P.E. Moler. 1977. Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Status of the Upper Black Warrior River Waterdog. Journal of Herpetology 31(2): 192-201.

Braswell, A.L. and R.E. Ashton. 1985. Distribution, ecology, and feeding habits of Necturus lewisi (Brimley). Brimleyana 10:13-35.

Brode, W.E. 1969. A systematic study of the genus Necturus Rafinesque. Ph.D. Dissertation. University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg. 137 pp.

Dodd, C.K., Jr., K.M. Enge, and J.N. Stuart. 1988. Aspects of the biology of the flattened musk turtle, Sternotherus depressus, in northern Alabama. Bull. Florida State Mus., Biol. Sci. 34(1):1-64.

Dodd, C.K., Jr.. 1990. Effects of habitat fragmentation on a stream-dwelling species, the flattened musk turtle Sternotherus depressus. Biological Conservation 54:33-45.

Dyer, K. L. 1982. Stream water quality in the coal region of Alabama and Georgia. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Expt Sta General Technical Report NE-73. 109 pp.

Harkins, J. R. and others. 1980. Hydrologic assessment, eastern coal province area 23, Alabama. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations 80-683, 76 pp.

Knight, A. L. and J. G. Newton. 1977. Water and related problems in coal-mine areas of Alabama. U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations 76-130:1-51.

Tolson, J. S. 1985. Alabama coal data for 1984. Alabama Geol.Survey Information Series 58F, 1- 120.

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Guttman, S.I., L.A. Weigt, P.E. Moler, R.E. Ashton, Jr., B.W. Mansell, and J. Peavy. 1990. An electrophoretic analysis of Necturus from the southeastern United States. J. Herpetology 24(2):163-175.

Guyer, 1997. A status survey of the Black Warrior waterdog (Necturus alabamensis). Unpublished report submitted to Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, AL. 16 pp + figures and appendix.

Harkins, J.R., and others. 1980. Hydrologic assessment, eastern coal province Area 23, Alabama. U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations 80-683.

Hecht, M.K. 1958. A synopsis of the mud puppies of eastern North America. Proc. Staten Island Inst. Arts and Sci., 21:1-38.

Maxson, L.R., P.E. Moler, and B.W. Mansell. 1988. Albumin evolution in salamanders of the genus Necturus. J. Herpetology 22(2):235-236.

Mettee, M.F., P.E. O'Neill, J.M. Pierson, and R.D. Suttkus. 1989. Fishes of the Black Warrior River system in Alabama. Geological Survey of Alabama Bulletin 133.

Mount, R.H. 1975. The Reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. Alabama AgriculturalExperiment Station, Auburn, Alabama. 347 pp.

Mount, R.H. 1981. The status of the flattened musk turtle, Sternotherus minor depressus Tinkle and Webb. Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, Mississippi.

Neill, W.T. 1963. Notes on the Alabama waterdog, Necturus alabamensis Viosca. Herpetologica 19(3):166-174.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. Flattened musk turtle recovery plan. Jackson, Mississippi. 15 pp.

Viosca, P., Jr. 1937. A tentative revision of the genus Necturus with descriptions of three new species from the southern Gulf drainage area. Copeia 1937 (2):120-138.

23

Two appendices are included with the 3-ring binder in which the original report is submitted.

Appendix A. Quad Maps

Nine USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles with historic records plotted are folded and tucked inside binder pouches of the original report:

• Cleveland • Cordova • Houston • Lake Nicol • Lake Tuscaloosa North • Nectar • Parrish • Sipsey • Upshaw

Appendix B. Photographic Slides

30 labeled photographic slides documenting habitat conditions at sites are enclosed in vinyl slide pages bound with the original report.

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